New York Knicks: 3 massive mistakes by ESPN’s top 100 player Rankings
By Allen Settle
ESPN.com recently released their annual NBA Rank Top 100 list. The multipiece article ranks the top players across the NBA landscape as the 2021-2022 season approaches. Fans of the New York Knicks will note the appearance of the following four players:
- Mitchell Robinson – #93
- Derrick Rose – #91
- Kemba Walker – #70
- Julius Randle – #42
This list has served as a double-edged sword in recent seasons. On one hand, it is a deep and helpful piece that puts the league’s top talents into plausible context. On the other, it serves as a point of contention for fan bases across the country.
On the later note, Knicks’ fans have reason to take exception to parts of this list. Here are the top three biggest Knicks’-related errors.
#3) New York Knicks PGs: Kemba above Rose?
This first quarrel falls admittedly shy of the ranks of “massive mistakes.” However, it is quite shocking to see PG Derrick Rose ranked a full 21 spots below newcomer Kemba Walker.
At first glance, the two share a similar career arch. Both were elite players earlier in their careers. Both were considered franchise cornerstones by the teams that drafted them. Both suffered knee-related injuries that haltered their potential Hall-of-Fame careers. And both are seeking to recapture their past prime as they lead New York this season.
However, one could make a legitimate argument that the lower-ranked Rose is the better and more valuable piece this season. I’ve written before that both should expect to carry a similar share of the point guard duties.
Rose however has rebounded well during recent seasons with the Knicks and Pistons. He has prices to be a capable go-to scorer when needed, while also receiving Sixth Man of the Year buzz.
Conversely, Walker’s degenerative knee ailments ended in an abrupt end to his tenure in Boston. While the former All-Star still offers strong offensive upside, it seems as though his path toward real relevance is noticeably steeper.
I would have expected to see Rose and Walker occupying each other’s rankings spots. The opposite was curious indeed.