Preview: NY Knicks’ Highly Anticipated Season

By Joseph Askin ‘24

Following a heartbreaking first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks in last season's playoffs, the New York Knicks are striving for redemption and aspiring to prove critics wrong yet again.

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The Knicks have failed to make the finals since the 1999 season, but a promising core paired with various impactful free agent acquisitions provides hope that this year's roster is primed for success. 
The Knicks’ core begins with starting power-forward, and franchise cornerstone, Julius Randle. Randle experienced a breakout season last year, which saw him win the most improved player award. After averaging 24 points, 10 rebounds and six assists per game, Randle deservedly signed a massive four-year, 117 million dollar contract extension this past offseason. 
“Julius Randle has quickly emerged as the leader for the Knicks down the stretch in games,” sophomore Zach Siegel said. Siegel stressed that “the Knicks are at their best whenever the ball is in [Randle’s] hands”.
The Knicks’ secondary scoring is young, versatile guard RJ Barrett, who has improved tremendously since he was selected third overall in the 2019 draft, looks to continue establishing himself as one of the league’s young stars. At only 21 years old, Barret is both an efficient scorer and lockdown defender. In his second season, Barrett not only averaged over 17 points per game and shot over 40% on three-pointers, but also utilized his long wingspan to guard the opposing team’s best player on the defensive end. 
“RJ Barrett is a great young player with tons of potential,” sophomore Doron Finkel said. “Even though Barrett is only in his third season, he’s quickly found success on both sides of the ball.”
Once the Atlanta Hawks exposed the Knicks' lack of depth and consistent offensive production in the playoffs, the Knicks’ management knew they needed significant improvements to play alongside their core. After failing to acquire superstar free-agents Kawhi Leonard and DeMar DeRozan, the Knicks shifted their focus to improving their backcourt with quality veterans like Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier. 
Walker, a four-time all-star, has battled nagging knee injuries throughout his career. However, the New York native remains a consistent 20 point per game scorer and figures to slot in as the Knicks’ new starting point guard. 
The Knicks’ other new pickup, Evan Fournier, has successfully carved out a role in the NBA as one of the league's premier three-point shooters, shooting 41% last season and averaging over 17 points per game.
The Knicks hope a Walker-Fournier backcourt pairing will provide enough offensive production next to Randle and Barrett. 
Besides their new-look offense, the Knicks expect to continue their dominance on the defensive side of the ball. With last season’s hiring of head coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks boasted the third-best defensive rating and allowed the fewest points per game across the NBA. 
The Knicks’ defensive prowess begins with Mitchell Robinson, Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson. Although Robinson, the usual starting center, appeared in a career-low 31 games last season, Noel and Gibson stepped up as the Knicks’ defensive anchors on their path to the postseason. If Robinson can stay healthy this year, the Knicks should feel confident against any of the league’s best offensive teams.
“Robinson has great defensive potential and elite shot-blocking ability,” sophomore Avi Tobin said, adding, “it’s only a matter of health and staying out of foul trouble for him.” 
A promising core paired with impactful free agent acquisitions, and an already stout defense, provides hope that the Knicks are finally primed for postseason success. In an Eastern Conference filled with championship hopefuls, the Knicks will undoubtedly be underdogs, but this roster aims to prove the doubters wrong yet again as they prepare to contend with the league's very best. 

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