NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
Which version of the New York Knicks will the NBA get this season? Will it be the team that rose to short-term stardom in 2020? Or will it be the team that fell from grace in 2021? The talent is indeed there with Julius Randle, RJ Barrett and now Jalen Brunson, but can they find a way to make it work on the court as a unit?
The Eastern Conference will be tough this year but the Knicks must find a way just to survive the rough Atlantic Division. Another major factor for them in their fans and media. If Brunson, Randle, or Barrett start out sluggish, the hounds will be out for blood. The return of Derrick Rose should quiet some but it’s all about the chemistry here in Gotham. Do the Knicks have it or did they just throw names together and pray for the best?
New York Knicks Guards
All offseason, the Knicks were involved in the trade rumors surrounding Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell. And yet, somehow, they possibly landed a better piece with free agent Jalen Brunson formerly of the Dallas Mavericks. I say better because Brunson fits exactly what the Knicks need now. Paring Brunson with Evan Fournier (14.1 points) will give the Knicks better spacing on the floor for Fournier to connect from deep. These two players as starters will highlight what should be a high-scoring backcourt.
Backing them up will be Derrick Rose, fresh off another injury, and two explosive scorers, Immanuel Quickley (11.3 points) and Quentin Grimes (6.0). Both players played well for the New York Knicks last season with increased roles due to injuries. the Knicks’ backcourt will surely be a bright spot for them during the 2022-23 NBA season.
New York Knicks Forwards
While Brunson was grabbing headlines this offseason, the cornerstones of the Knicks’ franchise are still Julius Randle and RJ Barrett. Randle, after what may consider a letdown year, will have to show and prove why he should be held onto after the trade deadline ends. Last season, he averaged 20.1 points and 9.9 rebounds. His counterpart, Barrett had what many considered a breakout year after averaging 20.0 points and 5.8 rebounds which earned him a new contract this summer.
When Randle and Barrett need a breather, the Knicks will throw out Obi Toppin (9.0 points) and Cam Reddish. Toppin is the key here with his athleticism and the Knicks are hoping they can get the Reddish that once starred at Duke University with Barrett. Other than that, the Knicks forwards are pretty thin outside of Randle and Barrett.
New York Knicks Centers
Mitchell Robinson received his payday this summer and now he must prove that it wasn’t a mistake as some believe it was. Robinson is a defensive and rebounding force but the Knicks will love for him to work a bit harder on the offensive end. Last season, Mitchell averaged 8.5 points and 8.6 rebounds but did so with only 25.7 minutes of sanctions. Robinson must steer clear of could trouble if he’s to be a difference maker this season.
Backing Robinson up will be Isaiah Hartenstein (8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds), formerly of the Los Angeles Clippers. Right here is where the first sign of trouble may come for the Knicks. Hartenstein is a far better offensive player than Mitchell and if the foul-plagued Center finds himself on the bench for whatever reason, the job could fall to the newcomer by default.
New York Knicks Coach
Defense wins championships but there needs to be some type of scoring for the balance to work. Last season, Tom Thibodeau has had Knicks finish the season ranked 6th in points allowed. But the offense came in at 26th in points scored. Thibbs is all about defense. However, the Knicks were not at full strength nor were they able to have players pick up the pace while players like Randle struggled.
Thibbs has his hard-nosed PG now with Brunson. He gets Rose back from injury and hopes a rejuvenated Randle and Robinson are all to set the record straight. His rotations are a bit suspect but players will run through a wall for Thibbs. Will he be able to get the full potential of this New York Knicks team for the 2022-23 season?
