NEW YORK KNICKS: 45.5 WINS – OVER
Key Additions
- Donte DiVincenzo (free agent)
Key Subtractions
- Derrick Rose
- Obi Toppin
Rotation
- Guards
- Jalen Brunson, Immanuel Quickley, Miles McBride
- Wings
- RJ Barrett, Quentin Grimes, Donte DiVincenzo
- Forwards
- Julius Randle, Josh Hart
- Bigs
- Mitchell Robinson, Isaiah Hartenstein, Jericho Sims
Random thoughts, opinions, comments, declarations, queries, editorials, etc.
Shockingly, a Thibs-coached team finished 19th in defensive rating, and yet 3rd in offensive rating. This is the type of statistic that exists in the bizarro world. Or in a world where Jalen Brunson is your starting point guard. Either way, the Knicks finished 47-35 (good for 5th in the East), and proved they were much more aligned with the ’20-’21 team than the disappointing ’21-’22 version. The move to pass on mortgaging their future for Donovan Mitchell turned out to be a win for everyone. Brunson is the hero New York didn’t realize it needed. And he’s surrounded by dogs like Grimes, Quickley, and Hart. They’ve swapped Obi Toppin for DiVincenzo, giving them more shooting on the perimeter. At the 5, the Robinson-Hartenstein combo is one of the more underrated in the league. They have depth, shooting, size, and leader in Brunson. The 2 wildcards are Randle and Barrett. Both talented players, but I question if their ISO heavy games help or hinder the team’s ceiling. Wouldn’t be shocked if one (or both) is traded by the deadline. Regardless, I consider the Knicks the best of the rest (anyone not named MIL, BOS, & CLE) in the East.
Last Year – Interesting Stats:
- 47-35 record last year, 5th in the East
- 117.8 Off Rtg: 3rd in the NB
- 3rd in Total Rebounds
- 3rd in FTA
- Julius Randle ppg in reg season: 25.1
- Julius Randle ppg in postseason: 16.6
- Julius Randle FG% in reg season: .459
- Julius Randle FG% in postseason: .374
Keys to Success:
Julius Randle is only allowed 3 dribbles per possession, Brunson repeats his all-star caliber season, RJ Barrett shoots closer to the 40% than 30% from 3, Mitchell Robinson doesn’t wait ’til the playoffs to dominate the glass, the “Grimes, Hart, Quickley, DiVincenzo” quartet all shoot in the high 30s from 3
Potential Obstacles:
Julius Randle continues to see himself as a stretch 4, Hartenstein outplays Robinson, the ‘Nova crew of Hart, DiVincenzo, and Brunson demand the front office trade for Mikel Bridges, Evan Fournier becomes a distraction
Hot takes:
- Jalen Brunson makes his first all-star team
- Julius Randle makes his last
- They trade for an all-star midseason using Fournier, Barrett, and draft compensation
- Fournier plays meaningful playoff minutes, but not for the Knicks
STANDINGS PREDICTION: 4TH IN THE EAST
