Mikal Bridges was traded to the New York Knicks for the price of five first-rounders and Bojan Bogdanovic, which isn’t much in the eyes of New York.

They don’t need the picks, and while Bogdanovic was great to have, he was very much replaceable when a player like Bridges could land. I say all this to say that General Manager Gersson Rosas hit the jackpot, which sets them up for many years of potential championship runs.

In today’s article, I will be breaking down why Bridges is an excellent fit for New York, why the Knicks are now a legitimized threat in the East, and how their starting five can take on the reigning champs – the Boston Celtics.

What does the 27-year-old add to this franchise?

First of all, here is the official trade for anyone that is curious:

Knicks traded Bojan Bogdanovic, Shake Milton, Mamadi Diakite, five first-rounders, a first-round pick swap, and a future second-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Bridges, Keita Bates-Diop, and a future second-round pick in exchange.

I wanted to clarify this trade. Critics call this move the best move this offseason because it truly is a steal. We can talk about his lack of a resume from his time with the Phoenix Suns to now, but that isn’t his fault.

Who is Mikal Bridges? He is an underrated two-way player who elevates a team’s defense with the ability to score an efficient 20 points per game; plus, his skill as a shot creator and space creator is another reason why so many teams wanted Bridges on their team. Pay attention to teams like the Houston Rockets.

But how does this positively impact the Knicks?

Jalen Brunson is the primary scorer, has been, and always will be, so don’t think Bridges will come in here and disrupt that in any shape, form, or fashion. It will be the complete opposite. Bridges is a full-on team player. He will complement and benefit Brunson as a secondary creator who will take pressure off Brunson.

Beyond his offensive aspect, let’s talk about his defense. When Bridges was with Phoenix, nobody knew he had the capability to score in high volumes. Statistically, he averaged roughly 12 points during his time with the Suns. What people did talk about was his defensive presence, intensity, and how much of a nightmare he was covering pretty much anyone (within reason).

Also, let’s be fair to Bridges: his offensive game came in the final season with Phoenix due to injuries and other factors, as that’s when his potential scoring was revealed to the world. It then exploded when he arrived in Brooklyn. So, this tells his story, and his style is even better.

However, back to defense. Bridges is a pivotal piece due to him being a scrappy player who will always fight for loose balls, rebounds, try to get steals/blocks, and stuff that doesn’t get recorded.

Plus, his style of basketball is very intriguing, especially since he can play multiple positions. Bridges is essentially the “glue” on any team he is on. This is why front offices and head coaches value him and hold him in such high regard; his overall play in this game is beyond exceptional.

Everything I have listed offensively and defensively positively impacts New York because this is everything they wanted in a player and value. Now, there is one more factor that sealed the deal in this whole transaction.

The Nova Knicks have the greatest chemistry ever

Since their time at Villanova, Brunson, Bridges, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo have been teammates or friends. Now, they’ve all rejoined each other to create the “Nova Knicks,” which has become popular since the trade before day one of the 2024 NBA draft.

Teams worry about putting players together and seeing how they build chemistry, react, roles, and egos, and how that all translates to winning basketball games. It’s hit-or-miss; sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. The Knicks, however, don’t have to worry about that.

First, most of this team doesn’t have impeding egos that ruin franchises. I don’t think of anyone who does. Second, when you have high-level athletes and players connected for years, that is going to make the integration process very easy and winning games even easier.

With the preexisting chemistry between those four players and the ones already being constructed through the entire roster, this team will be locked in for game one of the next season.

This team being dangerous is no longer a what-if but a reality

The chatter of New York is a team that can’t get out of the second round, striking no fear into the hearts of their opponents, and being the same old failing Knicks is no longer here. It shouldn’t be, as this team has changed and has improved drastically through a couple of moves in the draft and overall offseason.

Sticking with Bridges, though, their starting five is beyond dangerous. They’ll be starting Brunson (PG), Bridges (SG), OG Anunoby (SF), Julius Randle (PF), and Mitchell Robinson (C). Many teams can’t compete with, as that is one heck of a starting lineup.

Who in the East can beat them outside of Boston? New York was the second seed last season; they won 50 games. Now, they’ve made improvements by adding Bridges, and they didn’t have to unload their roster like Phoenix did for a big-name player.

If these teams couldn’t drag them down last year, what makes anyone think it will be different this season? Yes, teams did make moves. However, they did lose pieces. While New York did lose Isaiah Hartenstein, they still have Mitchell Robinson. Robinson is a solid center who, when healthy, is a double-double machine that is an incredible rim protector.

My point is this: New York didn’t clear the house to land a solid piece. Not only did they stay as a 50-win team, but by getting Bridges, Leon Rose has increased their games of winning by at least five. New York could see themselves as a 55-60 win team next season, not even exaggerating.

The addition of Bridges only made them scarier; there was no need to take a step back. This was a strategic move to keep them contending without sacrificing a known name. Given who Mikal is and who the Knicks were last season, this should frighten teams and fanbases heading into next season.

Can the Knicks beat the Celtics?

I love talking about the Knicks and their chances of winning a championship, but their number one enemy in the East is the Boston Celtics. While I would want to ride the hype train longer, we need to be ultra-realistic.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s Celtics are the reigning champs; Boston has one of the most impressive groups the NBA has seen in a while. Like other teams, they aren’t going anywhere, as the Knicks are building up their team to dethrone the champs.

Personally, I am not going to take the Knicks over the Celtics. There are several reasons, but nobody can stop Boston. Not the Mavericks, Nuggets, 76ers, Suns, Bucks, Timberwolves, absolutely nobody can. Boston could make a dynasty out of this, or at least a two-three championship run.

So, for right now, I’m taking Boston over New York. Let’s wait to get ahead of ourselves until we see them go head-to-head next season. It’s not diminishing the Knicks, but nobody can beat the Celtics.

Conclusion: The Knicks are title contenders

While I said they can’t beat the Celtics, I never said they couldn’t win a ring or compete for one. Even though nobody can beat the Celtics, few teams can match up against New York.

The Knicks made the East grueling during the regular season, which won’t change. If they can stay healthy, which looks very good, they can be number two in their conference again. Opposing teams will have to get through New York, which’ll be a struggle.

Even teams in the West have to watch out for New York. New York is a growing threat, doing everything perfectly in the offseason and trying to replicate their success from last season. Fans will be witnessing prime New York years; it will start next season, as this team has all the makings to win a championship.

Randle and Anunoby are going to be healthy, and Brunson will continue to be healthy. Bridges is Iron Man; nothing stops that man. Robinson will be a productive center, boosting the Knicks in many ways. Hart will continue his high-minute, high-production nights. The entire team will be functioning in a high capacity.

There is no better time to be a Knicks fan than right now; I’m excited, as this year will be a fun ride.

2024 Mock NBA Draft (Lottery Picks)

This is CourtSideHeat’s official mock draft featuring this year’s lottery teams; big names like Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Stephon Castle, Devin Carter, and so many others will be drafted within the first fourteen spots.

In today’s article, I’ll predict where each player will go and why they are the right fit for their respective team. The draft begins at 8 PM Eastern.

First overall pick: Atlanta Hawks

When Atlanta won the first pick, many thought Alex Sarr would be selected by the franchise. The going belief was pairing him with either Trae Young or Dejounte Murray, depending on how that situation unfolds.

However, reports are now speculating that Risacher will be going first to Atlanta. Beyond the rumors and reports, CourtSideHeat believes Zaccharie Risacher will be the first selection in this year’s draft.

Even though he needs to improve his jump shot, or lack thereof, he is still a solid defenseman who can shoot the three-ball. He’s shown glimpses of being able to play professional ball at the next level, as his quick decision-making and ability to help their frontcourt are major bonuses within the organization.

The upside is very real, and he should go number one.

Second overall pick: Washington Wizards

Washington will select Alex Sarr, as Sarr is easily the team’s number-one pick. Either Sarr or Risacher could be the first player selected, but if Sarr falls to second, don’t be shocked if the Wizards select the skilled big man.

While he doesn’t have a consistent long-range shot, his inside game on both ends of the floor is deeply intriguing. It’s so intriguing that Washington will pass up on getting a high-quality point guard. His potential as a stretch big should not be ruled out; even beyond that, his defensive skills as a shot blocker are an unfair advantage for whoever drafts him.

If you want a player who can play defense and has a legit perimeter skill set, look no further than the 19-year-old Frenchman.

Third overall pick: Houston Rockets

Let’s assume Houston decides not to trade the pick, which is up in the air due to recent reports, they should draft a high-value combo guard that can sit behind Fred VanVleet and learn a lot from the former championship-winning veteran.

That is why Houston’s front office should select Reed Sheppard. The upside is ridiculous, as CourtSideHeat has him as the best point guard and combo guard in this year’s draft class. Besides him being able to play either backcourt position, he is a very skilled guard who has the potential be an elite offensive player in this league.

Sheppard is an outstanding dribbler, passer, space creator, and shot creator. What he can do for himself and for his teammates is beyond comprehension. Houston’s bench, and soon their starting lineup, would love him.

This is all predicated on the ideology of them keeping their pick.

Fourth overall pick: San Antonio Spurs

Will the Spurs be controversial? Who knows, as many do want them to take Matas Buzelis. However, CourtSideHeat is projecting San Antonio to land Stephon Castle. Don’t be taken aback when this happens; why? Because he is a cornerstone point guard who can compliment Victor Wembanyama.

He has very strong playmaking skills and the ability to play incredibly versatile defense, which should not go unnoticed. While the stats aren’t popping out, he’s seen as an underrated player who led UConn to a championship.

While shot making is questionable, how he’ll be able to get his teammates involved and be an offensive facilitator for this team will be more impactful than anything. Gregg Popovich will be happy to have him paired with Wemby.

Fifth overall pick: Detroit Pistons

This selection is tough, as people can make the case for either Buzelis or Donovan Clingan. Personally, I believe Donovan Clingan will be selected by the Detroit Pistons. To pass up on the additional rim protection and having the best center from this draft class would be criminally insane.

A frontcourt featuring him and Jalen Duren would be unstoppable, plus it would speed up their rebuilding phase. A big 3 centered around him, Duren, and Cade Cunningham (when healthy) would be a league-wide threat.

Despite his shot-making and mobility is questionable, he’s an interior beast on both ends of the court. In many people’s eyes, Clingan has been seen as a first-overall pick, but if he falls, he will go straight to Detroit.

Sixth overall pick: Charlotte Hornets

Matas Buzelis will be selected with the sixth pick in this year’s NBA draft, as the Hornets can do so many great things with him. Pairing him alongside Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball would be great for their young, talented unit.

He’s regarded as a point-forward player who communicates with teammates to keep the offense humming, has a decent shot (three-ball a little iffy), has a great touch around the rim, and can play fantastic defense. His game is not really limited, as the areas he lacks in, he makes up with in the ones he excels and punishes teams with.

Buzelis is highly talented and deserves to be a top-ten prospect.

Seventh overall pick: Portland Trail Blazers

Cody Williams is projected to be selected by Portland unless Donovan Clingan is still somehow available. However, assuming he’s gone, Williams should be the newest addition to a rebuilding Blazers.

How reliable he is as a shooter is concerning; inconsistency and reluctance are the two best words to describe his shooting game. It is definitely something that needs to be addressed, but he is a dynamic finisher and a solid playmaker.

Jalen Williams’ brother has been regarded as a top-5 pick and as a surefire lottery pick. He can play tremendous defense, foul-bait, and penetrate the defense. CourtSideHeat has him as a top-10 pick with real potential to grow and to flourish under Chauncey Billups.

Eighth overall pick: San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio is one lucky team in recent draft memory, as they have two lottery picks. While this class isn’t regarded as the best, it is still monumental to have two lottery picks that allow a brighter future for an obviously rebuilding team.

That’s why they’ll be drafting Ron Holland, who is an eye-drawing wing player. Want to talk about an athletic, two-way player that is gritty-gutty? Then let’s talk about the player coming out of the G League Ignite.

The very young player is perfect for improvement and will serve to be a fantastic starting player; he can get paired with both Wemby and newly drafted Castle. Holland will create waves in the NBA.

Ninth overall pick: Memphis Grizzlies

Devin Carter should be selected by a young, rebuilding Memphis franchise – if going off of the premise they are going to take the best guard at that pick. Could it be Dalton Knecht? Yes, but older is not always better.

Plus, with Carter, he is a high volume scorer and rebounder. The level he plays with on both ends of the court is something the Grizzlies love as a characteristic in their players. Just like in college, expect to see him play defense and generate steals and blocks.

Tenth overall pick: Utah Jazz

Dalton Knecht will provide great shooting for Utah, as they are a team that needs a wing player and another shooter like Knecht. Despite him being 23-years-old, he’s an excellent movement and pull-up shooter.

Knecht can easily take his college experiences and translate them to the National Basketball Association; he plays a little gritty-gutty, will play solid defense, and drive to the hole or hit a quick three. Something the Jazz desperately need, as they aren’t rebuilding but also aren’t playoff contending.

Not only can he do it all as a shooter, but he can catch fire, and once he catches fire, it is over for everyone. Expect Knecht be gone before pick eleven.

Eleventh overall pick: Chicago Bulls

Chicago needs to replace Alex Caruso, despite adding Josh Giddey, and the perfect player would Rob Dillingham. He is a very skilled, agile point guard who plays it exceptionally well on both ends of the court.

The 19-year-old is the best option for the Bulls, as not only is his skillset an extreme positive, it provides more stability to their backcourt. Something they’ve been wanting since dealing with the Lonzo Ball fiasco.

Him and Coby White would be a top duo in this league, which could make or break their odds of going to the Play-In Tournament or first round. Also, Zach LaVine is most likely gone. So, management will be looking for a potential solution. Dillingham could be that solution.

Twelfth overall pick: Oklahoma City Thunder

Like what the Bulls did, the Thunder need to replace the hole Josh Giddey left. Despite the new plans for Giddey was to come off the bench, his production will be greatly missed. With that being said, Nikola Topic should be selected by Oklahoma City.

Now, I understand the hesitancy with selecting him this high into the draft. The 18-year-old is coming off a tore ACL, which is a horrific injury suffered way too early in someone’s career, however, Sam Presti can take the gamble.

To replace a bench player, he would be a great addition. Topic is a solid playmaker with a good shot, plus he’s a crafty shooter that can turn his game into something deadly. This point forward can play on both sides of the court pretty efficiently, which allows for better bench defense and can turn into starter-like minutes.

Thirteenth overall pick: Sacramento Kings

His stock has risen considerably since taking Purdue to the championship game and what scouts have been able to see of him, which is why Sacramento should be selecting Zach Edey in the lottery. Could this be a risk? Yes, but it is one willing to take.

Edey’s stock has been in the range of either mid-to-late first round, but it has skyrocketed the closer the draft comes. The 22-year-old is coming off an impressive 25 points and 12 rebounds per game season; something that has many teams interested.

The center position is lacking for the Kings, so it would make incredible sense for them to get an impactful player like Edey. He’s an interior player that is hard to stop on both ends of the floor, which is great for easy buckets or contesting/blocking shots.

He can play good defense, get teammates open through setting screens and causing traffic jams, and a good low-scoring package. CourtSideHeat believes Edey will go in the lottery without question.

Fourteenth overall pick: Portland Trail Blazers

Just like the Spurs, the Trail Blazers have two picks in this year’s lottery. That is why CourtSideHeat is projecting them to go all-in on remodeling their frontcourt through the draft; Portland already selected Cody Williams, now they’ll be picking Tristan da Silva.

The biggest concerns facing him would be his lack of athleticism and ability to be effective on both ends; that by far has caused the most panic amongst teams selecting him in the lottery; however, I’m pretty confident he’ll be selected in the later stages of the lottery.

For Portland, it would make sense to draft him. Da Silva has great shooting versatility, especially as a player who specializes in playing either forward position. He’s able to knock down any shot on the court, with his three-ball being a highlight of his game.

I don’t see his lack of athletic abilities being a deterrent for him being selected high in the draft; his basketball IQ is very good, he is able to shoot the ball from anywhere, can pass well, defensively solid, and controls the rim.

Portland should run the “risk” on choosing da Silva.

Conclusion:

This is the end of CourtSideHeat’s official mock draft. The draft is a two-day event starting on Wednesday and concluding on Thursday. First round is Wednesday, second round is Thursday.

All these picks are very good picks for teams that are ready to push themselves into a deeper postseason run, like the Thunder, and for teams who are continually building weapons around a franchise player, like the Spurs.

Notable names that could go in the lottery, if things were to be shaken up, would be Kel’el Ware, Tidjane Salaun, Ja’Kobe Walter, and even Tyler Kolek. However, I’m pretty certain and confident in the fourteen players who were selected in my mock draft.

However, time will tell, as we are quickly approaching this year’s NBA draft.

RANT: Draymond Green Has DESTROYED The Dynasty

I’m not a diehard fan of the Golden State Warriors, but I love and respect what this organization has done through its illustrious dynasty. So, imagine this: If I were angry and emotional about Draymond Green ruining their culture and dynasty, could you possibly fathom how diehards are feeling?

Let me preface this quickly: This is not a hit piece on Green. It is simply a passionate rant about how and why Green would do this to his own team of a decade. It appears that since Jordan Poole got clocked by Green, fans have suffered through his outbursts.

Sadly, for everyone involved, his level of play and positive impactfulness on the court have declined significantly; before, he could act like a clown and get away with it, as he was providing his services to benefit the Warriors; now, he is just killing the Warriors and making everyone hate him.

Let’s jump right into this rant, shall we?

Draymond Green is the master of cheap-shots

This needs to be stated as clearly as humanly possible; what Green is being accused of is not merely predictions or trying to diminish his character. Video, historical, and statistical facts are what has killed him. I am simply bringing this all to light.

We all made jokes about him destroying Steven Adams’s bloodline, but do you know all his incidents after that moment?

• Kicking James Harden (2016)
• The NBA Finals groin shot to LeBron James (suspended, 2016)
• Taking a shot at James Harden’s throat (2018)
• The Anthony Davis altercation (2018)
• Performing a flying knee to Austin Rivers’ body (2021)
• The Grant Williams altercation (2022)
• Chasing down and tackling Kevin Porter Jr. (2022)
• Trying to punt kick (channeling his inner Randy Orton) Herb Jones (2023)
• Stomping Domantas Sabonis’ chest (2023)
• Swinging at Jusuf Nurkic’s head (2023)
• Rudy Gobert being choked out (2023)
• Yanked Patty Mills to the floor by his throat (2024)
• Kicking Grant Williams in the groin, then shoving him (2024)

We have a problem!

Besides, Green has had 21 ejections in his career, which is the second-highest in the history of the NBA.

Does anybody else find this to be an issue? Funny enough, people blame Draymond for costing the Warriors the 2016 championship due to his idiotic suspension; plus, that only made LeBron angry go Terminator on everyone.

I only mentioned the biggest offenses he has committed against people. Could you imagine if his entire history was put into an article? All I’m saying is that this man loves taking shots at people; he does this more than he worships LeBron. I’m not even kidding; look it up for yourself if you don’t believe me.

How many cheapshots can one player inflict on the entire league before everyone, including the team, realizes there is a serious issue at hand? It’s not even benefiting the Warriors.

Let’s talk Jordan Poole real quick…

Poole is who Poole is, but I think Draymond broke him. How is it that he could be great one season, supposedly the future of Golden State, then become an abject bum who can’t shoot or produce effectively?

The locker room can be a dangerous game to play, especially if two people got beef brewing and one of them just snaps constantly. Since nobody involved with the Warriors hands out damaging punishments to Green, it is easy for him to bully and walk over players.

Instead of being a confident, future player, Poole got turned into a joke and probably called out a lot, to the point where nobody was sticking up for him, and he lost all ability to play. Draymond has done this to players in the past.

After Poole got punched, it probably made the locker room very divided. It probably got ugly regarding how hostile, emotional, and no longer thinking purely of basketball. The Jordan Poole punch not only affected both of them, but the team.

The team’s reputation was tarnished, leadership was criticized, and Golden State looked really bad. This probably led to higher tensions and the team drifting apart in chemistry.

This group has been through so much in their dynasty, so if something like this happened, and it did, it would cause fractures and tears within the group mentally moving forward. If you don’t think it doesn’t have effects on a team, then you are missing it.

He has advantages!

Draymond revealed he has more advantages and favoritism in the locker room, which probably rubbed guys the wrong way and tore them even more. It happens when a team doesn’t discipline a national bully and clown.

It kills chemistry, leads to more outbursts, less trust, little to no accountability or responsibility, and the inability to work problems out (which will lead to dysfunctionality within a group).

If it doesn’t explode in the moment, then it will build up and mound into a huge problem come the future.

Why the Draymond issue still exists

The main reason is lack of accountability on Draymond’s end, but it also deals with the team. If Steve Kerr, former GM Bob Myers, or even current GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. can’t handle the reaction of them giving discipline to an acting out player (Draymond Green), then that’s reason why things have turned ugly.

Nobody likes dealing with problems in the moment, they rather procrastinate or avoid all together, but, speaking of the Warriors, we have now gotten to a point where it has derailed them completely as he continues to act out.

People around the basketball community thought his lengthy suspension handed to him by the league would have solved the issue, but it made things worse. I don’t even know how that is possible.

After his suspension, we’ve seen him more hostile in his words and actions. He has been seen lashing out on people, referees, and having uncomfortable bench moments. It has gotten so bad that during their most recent win against the Orlando Magic, Green was booted from the game in the first four minutes of regulation.

Stephen Curry was on the verge of crying, Steve Kerr looked like a disappointed father, and the rest of the team looked like innocent bystanders wondering when this will all end.

Whether it was that time or another, there is a level of admittance where people know what he is doing is wrong, that they need him out on the court more than the bench or locker room, and he’s becoming Draymond The Menace.

His acts aren’t basketball acts; they are violent acts that show a great demonstration of how disgusting and mentally unstable he is as a human being playing basketball.

How Draymond Green has DESTROYED their dynasty

Everything the Warriors have built from Mark Jackson to Steve Kerr to Stephen Curry has been torn down because of some psychopath that needs to act out for whatever insane reason.

The identity of this team has been scrambled, their culture has been flipped on it’s head, and everything they have built is crumbling like sand. We take all his moments, everything he has cost them, and let it pile up, then we are going to get results like the ones we are seeing with our very own eyes.

His actions has spewed over this team, which is very evident when watching their games. Why do you think the players have no energy, coaches don’t coach, and everyone is ready for games to be over? Green’s actions, verbally and physically, has caused this team to distrust him and divide their attention and locker room of this mess.

There is so much more happening in the locker room than what is portrayed on live television; absolutely insane when thinking about it.

Draymond Green’s actions have caused anger, sadness, frustration, and little-to-no happiness for this organization. They used to have this level of connective-ness that made them dangerously unstoppable, but it is dwindled. No, age and injuries does not that make this outcome happen.

Same with the younger talent, which is catastrophic for the Warriors’ future. Everyone is mentally checked out and burnt out.

Conclusion:

Green spends more time jawing at people on the court, social media, and his podcast than actually playing the game of basketball.

Not giving discipline to this clown has caused these issues, as he believes this is normal behavior. Everything back then, from 2016-2021, was justifible because of his play. However, that is defintely gone. He is essenially worthless to this organization and to himself, which is demoralizing to see as a basketball fan.

A team’s culture and morale can only take so much until the darkness creeps in and overtakes what good they had instilled into their organization; you can call me crazy, but it is true. It is too true, sadly.

This affects everyone mentally and sometimes can’t recover from this, and, guess what, this is the time they can’t recover.

Like I said before: all good things must come to an end, even if it doesn’t ride off into the sunset positively.