The New York Knicks just had their best season in eight years. They made the playoffs for the first time since 2013, when Carmelo Anthony used to torch opposing teams night in and night out. After the Julius Randle-led squad ended the playoff drought at Madison Square Garden, unfortunately, they got bounced by Trae Young's Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs.

Knicks fans have a lot of excitement in them heading into the offseason. Adding key pieces in free agency will help them make a deeper run in the playoffs next season. One free agent who absolutely makes perfect sense for the Knicks to sign is Kelly Oubre Jr. The swingman averaged 15.4 points and 6.0 rebounds to along with a steal per game for the Golden State Warriors in 2020-21.

Here are five reasons why Kelly Oubre Jr. and the New York Knicks are a match made in heaven.

His personality fits the New York culture

New Yorkers are known to be tough and resilient, and the same goes with the players who play for the Knicks. Kelly Oubre Jr. is known to be a hard-nosed defender and a pest for opposing teams. He is a hard worker, a tough competitor, and a player whose energy is contagious because he gives his all on every play of the game.

Oubre's flamboyant personality would surely be welcome in the bright lights of New York. The fans would absolutely love how much influence he can give to the team. Oubre's fire and passion would certainly win the attention of the fan base.

Fortify Knicks defense

The Knicks hired head coach Tom Thibodeau for a reason, and it's because defense wins championships. The Knicks were one of the best defensive teams in the NBA this season. While the offense let them down in the playoffs, their defense was still solid. Kelly Oubre Jr. would certainly fortify Thibs' Knicks defense, which is already a problem for opposing teams.

Plug and play type of player

The Knicks have a budding star in RJ Barrett, and he will need all the touches he can get to develop and tap into his potential. Kelly Oubre Jr. is a 3-and-D type of player who will not take away the touches that Barrett and Randle need. The swingman can play multiple positions and either start or come off the bench.

Tom Thibs' Luol Deng role

We all remember Luol Deng, right? Luol Deng was one of the anchors of the Bulls' defense under Thibs and was a secondary scorer behind Derrick Rose. Deng was a workhorse who guarded the best perimeter player of the opposing team, with Thibs really utilizing Deng's size and wingspan. Kelly Oubre Jr. isn't quite as good as Deng was, but he's a somewhat similar player who can do some of the same things.

Fits the timeline

The core of Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, and Mitchell Robinson has an average age of 23. Kelly Oubre Jr. is 25 and perfectly fits the timeline of the young core and their development. Oubre would be viewed as a long-term piece for the Knicks. He is the perfect piece because he can impact the team now and produce immediately. Speaking of the long-term situation, Oubre has not yet unleashed what he really is capable of in terms of his potential, so there's more growth to be had there.