NBA Notes: Knicks, DeMar DeRozan, Nuggets, Nikola Jokic, Hornets

Knicks

DeMar DeRozan‘s name has been connected to the Knicks. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right fit.

Kento Kato of SI.com argued that while DeRozan would give New York another proven shot creator off the bench, his game doesn’t align with the identity that helped the Knicks win the NBA championship.

Kato pointed to DeRozan’s lack of three-point shooting, rebounding and defense as concerns for a team built around those strengths. He also questioned whether the 17-year veteran would be comfortable in an inconsistent bench role, where playing time could fluctuate from night to night.

The talent isn’t in question. The fit might be.

For a defending champion, Kato believes preserving chemistry could be more important than adding another big name.

Nuggets

Nikola Jokic says he wants to spend the rest of his career in Denver.

Now the Nuggets have to make sure there’s every reason for him to do exactly that.

Logan Struck of SI.com wrote that while Jokic’s latest comments should reassure Denver fans, waiting until next summer to sign a new contract also puts pressure on the organization to continue building a championship-caliber roster.

Jokic has already made his intentions clear.

“My desire is to play the rest of my life in Denver,” he recently said.

Struck questioned whether Denver has done enough this offseason after a first-round playoff exit, noting the Nuggets’ additions have been relatively modest.

The message is simple: Keeping Jokic probably won’t come down to words. It will come down to winning.

Hornets

The Hornets have officially wrapped up another busy stretch of their offseason.

Schuyler Callihan of SI.com noted that Charlotte finalized its trade with Houston for veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith and three future second-round picks, while also making Coby White‘s new contract official.

White signed a three-year, $74 million deal after arriving from Chicago and is expected to step into the starting point guard role following the LaMelo Ball trade.

Charlotte also officially signed first-round picks Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson Jr. to their rookie contracts.

The Hornets still have a couple of major trades waiting to become official. Once those are complete, the organization’s offseason overhaul could be nearly finished.

MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position