In an Eastern Conference seemingly defined by change, the New York Knicks are banking on consistency and growth to pay dividends.
The orange and blue’s 2023-24 campaign officially begins on Wednesday, Oct. 25 when the Boston Celtics visit Madison Square Garden. New York’s success this season could be largely dependent on their ability to address past shortcomings and outlast conference foes.
After posting a 47-35 record and making a run to the second round of the NBA Playoffs last season, the Knicks are back with much of the same cast. Derrick Rose agreed to a two-year deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, and Obi Toppin was traded to the Indiana Pacers. But, Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes, Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart, have returned along with seasoned head coach Tom Thibodeau.
Much of the Knicks’ success last season was a product of their depth. Randle and Brunson lead the charge by averaging 25.1 points and 24 points per game respectively, but even role players like Isaiah Hartenstein and Miles McBride shined at one time or another over the course of the 82-game season. By the time New York had traded for Hart, the team had established a “grind it out” identity designed to wear down opposing teams.
New York posted the league’s seventh-best net rating and averaged the third-most offensive rebounds per game, but also showed room for improvement in terms of offensive firepower and three-point shooting. The squad had a below league average three-point shooting percentage and was 29th in terms of assists per game.
The Knicks key offseason addition was shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo. The Villanova product played alongside Brunson and Hart in college and was also a part of the 2021 Milwaukee Bucks team that won the NBA Finals. Last season as a member of the Golden State Warriors, DiVincenzo averaged 9.4 points and 3.5 dimes per game.
The Delaware native’s shooting and perimeter defense could help the Knicks address some of their weaknesses, but it will be for naught without repeat regular season performances from Brunson and Randle, and enhanced play from younger players like Barrett, Grimes, Quickley and Robinson.
The latter four individuals have all enjoyed moments of success over their young careers. If the Knicks are going to compete with the East’s top dogs, they’ll need these players to step up. Receiving more consistent showings from Barrett, more scoring from Grimes, better shot selections from Quickley and a more effective free throw percentage from Robinson could place the Knicks in a different strata. Head coach Tom Thibodeau could play a pivotal role in their development if he chooses to. It remains to be seen whether or not he’ll ask these players to adopt more responsibilities this season.
It is widely expected that the Knicks will make the NBA Playoffs this spring, but there will assuredly be a number of elite teams waiting there for them. The Boston Celtics trio of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis could be a handful. Additionally, the Bucks’ addition of Damian Lillard cements Milwalkee’s status as an Eastern powerhouse.
The presence of these star-studded clubs means that New York will need Randle and Brunson to be at their best come playoff time.
Brunson answered the bell last postseason while averaging 27.8 points and 5.6 assists per contest. But, Randle struggled, and also dealt with an ankle injury. New York should hope that an improved roster will allow both Randle and Brunson to thrive once the playoffs begin. With injuries and the oddity of the tournament, anything is possible.
Historically speaking, the New York Knicks have not been a consistent franchise. Ironically, their championship hopes now hinge on consistent regular season efforts breeding excellent playoff performances.
