Though it ended in a discouraging first-round series loss to the Atlanta Hawks, the New York Knicks are coming off an encouraging 2020-21 NBA season. The latter went 41-31, snatching the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, and saw Julius Randle become its franchise player.
All the while, they were an elite defensive unit, finishing the regular season first in the NBA in opponent points per game (104.7), opponent field goal percentage (44.0 percent) and opponent three-point shooting percentage (33.7 percent).
Year two of the Tom Thibodeau era will include the addition of a pair of esteemed veterans in point guard Kemba Walker and wing Evan Fournier. Meanwhile, Randle inked a four-year extension in the summer. There's plenty of reason to be enthused by the immediate future for the Knicks even in the midst of a could-be clouded playoff picture in the East.
Here are three reasons why the Knicks will return to the playoffs in the 2021-22 NBA season.
Knicks have continuity
New York is returning roughly two-thirds of its roster from last season. Most of those returning players were vital pieces to their operation and are now locked in for at least the next two seasons such as Derrick Rose, Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks.
Rose was the impetus for the Knicks' offense picking up steam in the second half of the regular season. He led the second unit, was money off the dribble and arguably their best scorer in the postseason. Losing the veteran would've been a gut punch to Thibodeau's rotation.
Noel established himself as the team's defensive anchor down the stretch in the wake of Mitchell Robinson going down with a foot injury. The former living in the paint on both ends of the floor complements Randle playing both inside and outside while serving as the team's leading scorer.
Burks played a near-starting role from a minutes standpoint off the bench, where he provided shooting, ball-handling and defense. The Knicks have a second unit of starting-caliber players who played consistent roles for them last season. This includes athletic second-year big man Obi Toppin and Robinson/Noel, who have similar interior tendencies.
Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier are perfect for Knicks
Most of the aforementioned players are coming off the bench because of the respective arrivals of Walker and Fournier. Walker fills the gaping hole that existed at starting point guard. He's a composed ball-handler who gets to the rim and scores off the dribble with ease.
Despite an up-and-down year in the Boston Celtics' offense and from an availability standpoint, Walker still averaged 19.3 points per game last season. The attention that Walker will attract, which comes from his ability to create separation, takes some eyeballs off Randle and RJ Barrett. Walker gives the Knicks a two-for-one, that being a player who can get the ducks in a row and put up 20 points on any given night.
Fournier gives the Knicks a versatile scorer. He has a keen ability to shoot from distance and off the dribble while handling the rock and finishing through contact.
His skill set can be used as either a primary or secondary scorer. Fournier is an optimum player to be in-between Randle, a do-it-all scorer, and Barrett, a slashing/attacking scorer who's still developing. He spreads the floor for the pair of southpaws and can ambush teams with his shooting off the dribble. Walker and Fournier add new dimensions to the Knicks' offense.
New York has budding youth
The Knicks' “veterans” aren't exactly senior citizens, as Rose, 33, and Taj Gibson, 36, are their oldest players. Those they're relying on for big-time production are either on the cusp of their prime or in such a part of their career at the moment. They also have a handful of players on rookie deals with upside.
Barrett has gradually improved over his NBA career. Now it's time for Barrett to make a significant third-year jump that sees him perform along the lines of an All-Star/put up 20 points per game. He's a reliable defender who's aggressive off the dribble and shot an impressive 40.1 percent from beyond the arc last season.
Immanuel Quickley was a smooth and impactful scorer in his rookie season, flaunting a long-range jump shot while getting inside off the dribble. In year two, Quickley is all the more dangerous given the talents around him, as well as the fact that he's coming off the bench once again. Toppin is a bouncy big man who's a skilled offensive player. He can sky above the rim, play in the post and put the ball on the floor. Robinson is an emphatic shot blocker who finishes off alley-oops with frequency.
Rookies Quentin Grimes and Miles McBride likely only see the floor if/when injuries present themselves. That said, they have plug-and-play skill sets, as McBride and Grimes are each sturdy defenders who are deadeye shooters.
The Knicks have Randle coming off a breakout season, proven and productive commodities back in their rotation, a pair of recruits who come with desired skill sets and several young players who can only improve. They have the depth and bevy of well-rounded players to withstand injuries and build on their 2020-21 playoff appearance. New York may not claim the four seed, but they will be back in the playoffs next season.
Follow Us
Subscribe