The New York Knicks entered Monday, Feb. 26 with a need for optimism. The organization lost its franchise player mere days before the 2018 NBA trade deadline, and in the weeks that have followed, the absence of Kristaps Porzingis has sent shockwaves throughout the organization.
While most expected Monday’s game against the Golden State Warriors to add to New York’s misery, it actually provided a new reason for optimism: Emmanuel Mudiay.
The Knicks acquired Mudiay on the day of the 2018 NBA trade deadline. It was a generally applauded move, as New York traded Doug McDermott‘s expiring contract and a future second-round draft pick for a former lottery choice.