The New York Knicks continued their impressive season on Monday night, defeating the Atlanta Hawks 119-110 at Madison Square Garden. With the victory, the Knicks improved to 28-16, solidifying their position as the third seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite their strong play, Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley believes the team still needs to make a move to bolster its bench ahead of the trade deadline.
Barkley’s take: A trade for depth is key
Speaking on NBA on TNT, Barkley shared his thoughts on the Knicks’ roster:
“I do think the Knicks need to make a trade to get stronger on the bench,” Barkley said. “I know they’re getting Mitchell Robinson back… I do think they need to make one trade.”
Barkley’s comments highlight the importance of depth for a team with postseason aspirations. While the Knicks have been dominant so far, adding more firepower off the bench could strengthen their chances of making a deep playoff run.
Knicks’ recent activity and Robinson’s return
The Knicks have already been one of the most active teams in the NBA over the past six months, landing stars Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns before the season began. These moves have transformed the Knicks into one of the league’s best teams, but Barkley’s suggestion points to a need for continued improvement.
One key factor that could impact the team is the return of Mitchell Robinson, who has yet to play this season. Robinson, 26, is a defensive anchor and a strong presence on the boards. Last season, he averaged 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 57.5% from the field in 31 games.
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, Robinson appears to be in excellent shape as he works toward his season debut:
“Saw Knicks center Mitchell Robinson in the locker room. He looks slim. Robinson said recently in a video on social media that he was at 268 lbs. He’s shed a couple pounds since then.”
Robinson’s return will feel like an indirect addition to the roster, providing interior defense and rebounding that the team has missed.
Why a trade might still be necessary
While Robinson’s return is promising, Barkley’s point about bench depth remains valid. The Knicks’ starting lineup, anchored by Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, Bridges, and Towns, is one of the league’s best. However, a stronger second unit could help alleviate the burden on the starters and keep the team competitive during tough stretches.
The road ahead for the Knicks
With a month remaining before the trade deadline, the Knicks have an opportunity to evaluate their roster and address any weaknesses. Whether they pursue a bench scorer, a playmaker, or additional size, a strategic move could push this already strong team to the next level.
For now, the Knicks are riding high as one of the Eastern Conference’s elite, but as Barkley suggested, staying proactive could be the key to postseason success.
