By AARON MARASIA
I happily admit that I was wrong. If you look back at my “2020-2021 NBA Season Outlook,” I predicted that the New York Knicks would be one of the worst teams in the league. I don’t think anyone could have expected the Knicks to be this good, or that they would make their first playoff appearance since 2013.
So, what has caused the Knicks to go from one of the worst teams to fringe contenders? First and foremost, the coaching of Tom Thibodeau. He has shown the team how to play hard on both ends of the court. Despite his questionable rotations, specifically starting lackluster point guard Elfrid Peyton, there is no denying that he has turned this team around. It is clear that Thibodeau is an NBA Coach of the Year award candidate, and he should remain with the Knicks for years to come.
The second reason for the Knicks’ success is Julius Randle. I did not see this type of season coming from him. He went from one of my least favorite players to an All-NBA caliber player and the bonafide leader of this team. The improvement in his outside shot and playmaking are two skills that have propelled his ascension to stardom. Like Thibodeau, I believe Randle should receive a near-maximum extension and become a cornerstone of the Knicks.
Speaking of cornerstones, 20-year-old RJ Barrett has emerged as a solid 2nd-option and has the potential to become an All-Star. After what many considered a disappointing rookie season, he has clearly become a skilled two-way player and the future of this team. If he can continue his hot outside shooting, the Knicks have a real chance of winning a series in the playoffs.
Two other young players who have proven themselves to be key pieces of this team for the foreseeable future are Mitchell Robinson and Immanuel Quickley. Unfortunately, Robinson is out with a fractured foot and previously a broken hand. When he is healthy, it is evident that he is the defensive anchor of this team and an exciting pick and roll threat. However, I would’ve liked to have seen him expand his offensive game.
On the other hand, Immanuel Quickley, the 25th overall pick in last year’s draft, gives the Knicks the offensive firepower that they have lacked in the past. His electric 3-point shooting and knack for going off in the 4th quarter have made him a fan favorite. Quickley and Derrick Rose form one of the most dangerous bench duos in the league and will be crucial to the Knicks’ success in the postseason.
Unfortunately, the rest of the young core have not reached expectations. Obi Toppin, the 8th overall pick in last year’s draft, has failed to live up to the hype as an NBA-ready scorer. In recent games, Toppin looks more comfortable on the court, but with Thibodeau keeping him on a short leash, Toppin has little room for error. Past lottery picks Frank Ntilikina and Kevin Knox have failed to make any strides and will most likely not be important parts of this team going forward. Making up for the failed young projects, veterans like the previously mentioned Rose, Nerlens Noel, Alec Burks, Taj Gibson and Reggie Bullock have provided this team with consistency and grit.
Regardless of how this season pans out for the Knicks, they have finally built a foundation for future success, and I am proud to be a fan. After years of losing, the Knicks are back!