2022-23 Season Preview: New York Knicks

The Knicks are relying on a breakthrough season from RJ Barrett (left) and a bounce-back yr from Julius Randle.

Once once more, the New York Knicks’ offseason was outlined by the star they didn’t get. Donovan Mitchell, the New York native who seemingly wished to return dwelling, is in Cleveland and the Knicks are nonetheless looking for their man … or a minimum of some sustained success. After a breakthrough in 2020-21 — the East’s No. 4 seed and the league’s fourth-ranked protection — the Knicks took a giant step backward final season. Their offensive upgrades didn’t pan out and their protection fell out of the highest 10 as they completed six video games out of the Play-In Tournament. Julius Randle went from accepting the Kia Most Improved Player Award to asking Knicks followers to be quiet. The Knicks nonetheless have received only a single playoff collection within the final 22 seasons, additionally holding the NBA’s worst regular-season report over that stretch.

The Mitchell saga overshadowed the Knicks’ acquisition of Jalen Brunson, a giant improve at level guard who can assist his new workforce climb out of the underside 10 in offensive effectivity (the place it’s completed in every of the final 4 seasons). The Knicks have a number of rotation guys nonetheless underneath the age of 25, so enchancment can (and may) additionally come from inside. But in the event that they’re to have any likelihood of reaching the playoffs in a powerful Eastern Conference, Randle’s capacity to bounce again will likely be vital.

BIGGEST QUESTION

How good is RJ Barrett? The Knicks didn’t commerce Barrett for a star and, as a substitute, signed him to a four-year, $107-million extension that kicks in subsequent yr. He’s now a franchise cornerstone within the spreadsheet however nonetheless has to show he may be that on the ground. His scoring common has seen large jumps in every of the final two seasons and he’s nonetheless simply 22 years outdated. But whereas had some large video games and massive moments final season, he (like a variety of Knicks) took a step backward in regard to his capturing, ending with the fourth worst efficient area objective proportion (46.6%) amongst 89 gamers with a minimum of 750 area objective makes an attempt. (Randle had the worst mark — 45.9%). To actually earn cornerstone standing, Barrett must be each extra environment friendly and extra constant.

SEASON PREDICTION

Simply, there are too many good groups within the Eastern Conference — the eight that made the playoffs final season plus Mitchell’s Cavs — for the Knicks to be any larger than tenth in preseason projections. But quite a bit can occur over the following six months. Maybe a number of of these 9 groups forward of them has points. Maybe one other star turns into out there through commerce. Maybe Brunson continues to attain effectively at the next quantity, Barrett finds some consistency, and the Knicks rediscover their protection from two seasons in the past. Projection: Play-In Tournament.

1 KEY STAT TO KNOW

1.06 — Jalen Brunson scored 1.06 factors per possession as a pick-and-roll ball-handler final season. That was the most effective mark amongst 79 gamers with a minimum of 200 ball-handler possessions.

— John Schuhmann

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE

Jalen Brunson: With Luka Doncic out, Brunson averaged 32 factors on 51% capturing over the primary three video games of the playoffs, pushing Dallas to a 2-1 collection lead.

Evan Fournier: Has shot 39.7% on 902 3-point makes an attempt during the last two seasons, however wants to offer the Knicks extra on each ends of the ground.

RJ Barrett: Pull-up capturing numbers (31% on pull-up 2s, 25% on pull-up 3s) have been notably tough final season, however he will get to the road at charge.

Julius Randle: Doesn’t have to be nearly as good as he was in ’20-21, however undoubtedly must be higher than he was final season, and will have to defer to Brunson.

Mitchell Robinson: Highest FG% in NBA historical past (72.2%) amongst gamers with a minimum of 1,000 area objective makes an attempt. Free throws are one other story.

KEY RESERVES

Quentin Grimes: Shot 38.1% from 3-point vary as a rookie and will begin as a substitute of Fournier to additional shake up a beginning lineup that struggled final season. 

Isaiah Hartenstein: Seven-footer who brings quite a bit to the desk — passing, ending, rim safety — as one of many league’s greatest back-up facilities.

Immanuel Quickley: Has been an impactful reserve for 2 years and might nonetheless enhance much more, with higher playmaking and capturing contained in the arc.

Derrick Rose: Shooting splits of 47/41/91, with an help/turnover ratio of two.83, in his 61 video games with the Knicks during the last two seasons. Missed the ultimate 53 of 2021-22.

Obi Toppin: Provides some wanted vitality and bounce. Team was greatest with him on the ground final season, however Randle’s presence limits his minutes.

LAST 5 SEASONS

How the Knicks have fared stats-wise during the last 5 seasons …

OffRtg = Points scored per 100 possessions
DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions

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Shaun Powell has coated the NBA for greater than 25 years. You can e-mail him right here, discover his archive right here and comply with him on Twitter.

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