The New York Knicks take the floor tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies in Memphis. I’ve been listening all day as they talk about the team as though they were a circus act.
Sorry to say that will not be the case ever again.
It's going to be legendary…
The New York Knicks have a new look, a new swag, and a new determination. No matter what the clowns say about them, it won't stop them. Instead, it will make them more determined. No matter their opponents' words that won't work to sway them.
It's the players. They're different. Determined. Formidable. Patient. Disciplined. Resilient. Hungry. Motivated. Energetic. Hard-Working. Fighters. Dedicated. Tough. Together. This is how they described themselves. And all 15 with something to prove and chips on their shoulders. But don't forget their coach…he has a boulder on his shoulder.
We are the New York Knicks
The Starters
At point guard, No. 11, Jalen Brunson – Brunson is in his fifth year this season. During the 2022-23 preseason, Brunson averaged 17.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. He averaged 49% from the field, 46.2% from three, and 88.2% from the line. He describes himself as "trending upward." Welcome to New York, Mr. Brunson!
At shooting guard, No. 13, Evan Fournier – This is Fournier's 11th year in the League. He is coming from playing in the Euro Basketball Tournament, where he took France to the Finals, coming away with the silver medal. Last season Fournier broke John Starks' record for threes made in a season. While many Knicks fans want him to find a home elsewhere, I say let's see where he takes us. There's always February. Fournier is only one of two vets the Knicks maintained…and a vet is never too loud to hear.
At small forward, No. 9, RJ Barrett – RJ is entering his fourth year in the League, and the young man has only shined year after year. Growing year after year. RJ is only 22 years old, and the Knicks have given him a four-year, $120 million extension on his rookie contract. I think this is the most significant investment the Knicks have made since…Walt Clyde Frazier! Yeah, I said it. Barrett was the preseason star, averaging 19.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. He shot 48.2% from the floor, 50% (yeah, 50%) from beyond the arc, and 81.3% from free. In the last preseason game against the Washington Wizards, Barrett had a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds. This young man has shown again and again his growth and how he will continue to grow.
At power forward, No. 30, Julius Randle – Randle, this is your redemption year. Randle has taken a step back, letting Brunson be the point guard. No longer the one who has to be the best, Randle needs only to get in the paint, not dribble a lot, score, rebound, and not be a turnover machine. In this way, he can only make his teammates better.
And now, at center, No. 23, Mitchell Robinson – Robinson is the player who has me the most excited about this. 2022-23 season. Robinson finally got his contract, and the Knicks re-signed the big man for four years, $60 million. I guarantee the Knicks' organization will extend that contract for so much more before the four years are up. Before long, and sooner than anyone thinks, Robinson will be one of the best, if not the best big man in the League. He averaged 11 points and 8.3 rebounds, and in the last preseason game had a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds, nine of which were offensive. His defensive prowess was showing with two blocks and two steals.
The Bench
The Knicks' second unit, led by Derrick Rose, looked to need a little shoring up. Rose was out most of last season, only playing 36 games. However, Thibs let the young point guards play during the preseason games. Obi Toppin picked up from where he left off last season, stunning the Garden crowd with his dunks and defense. A little shaky in the last two preseason games was Immanuel Quickley, but I don't believe we need to worry about him too much. With Rose back, the second unit will be in shape in no time. Newcomer Isaiah Hartenstein may need a little more time to familiarize himself with his new team, but when he does, the Knicks will have a stretch five, and look out! A big man that shoots threes and can facilitate…say less!
There will be no "bing bong" this season. They are a different group, as self-described by the words above. Their words. There's a new Knicks' Big Three…Barrett, Brunson, and Robinson will lead their team to the playoffs. That's their goal, getting back to the playoffs where they were two seasons ago.
And for us, their fans, if they wear orange and blue, they are New York Knicks, and we will support them and root for them. Because if once a Knick, always a Knick is true, it has to be true for those wearing it now.
Until next time…
Great work love everything you stated really looking forward to this season