New York Knicks are weak in one key area claims Jeff Teague, ‘they need a backup’ to compete in the playoffs

Towns secured another impressive double-double finishing the game with 31 points and 21 rebounds, something that impressed former NBA star Kendrick Perkins.

Scoring 119 points without Jalen Brunson is no easy task but the 27 points from Mikal Bridges as well as 22 from OG Anunoby helped lighten the load on Towns.

Despite the impressive display and excellent run of form, Teague is still worried about one area holding the team back later in the season.

Bench depth worries Teague

While it is very hard to argue the quality of the Knicks starting five, especially when Brunson is playing, it does appear they have a clear drop-off on the bench.

That being said Tyler Kolek impressed against the Jazz and has potentially put his name forward as a game-changer for the side from the sideline.

Despite the impressive shared scoring from the staring players as well as a triple-double that was secured by Josh Hart the impact from the bench remained quite low, something that Teague is worried about going forward.

Speaking on the ‘Club 520 Podcast’, Teague said: “I’m nervous about their bench, I don’t think they’ve got a bench. I mean Precious Achiuwa has moments where he good but I don’t know in the playoffs they’re gonna need somebody who can come off that bench and give you a spark.

“I know Cam Payne had big moments off the bench during his Suns run, maybe he can bring something but I don’t know if they got that super X-factor off the bench.”

Knicks need Towns back-up

Towns is currently putting down numbers for the ages and he’s being mentioned for a shot as this year’s MVP.

The 29-year-old currently averages 24.9 points, 13.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists this season, as well as having the second-most average rebounds in the league only trailing Sacramento King’s Domantas Sabonis.

While Towns is in the form of his life Teague explained why he believes the Knicks need a backup to their 7-foot star.

He said: “I think they need a backup big because KAT gonna get in foul trouble, I promise you. I wish they’d kept Hartenstein [Isaiah Hartenstein] and then this team would be perfect. That team would have been crazy but they need another big that can be effective on offense.”

The Knicks may well look to strengthen before the end of the trade window but for now, they will be more than happy with what their roster is producing.

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