For Knicks fans, it has been eight long years. The Knicks have not made the playoffs yet, but this year they are destined for change. Between the years of 2000 and 2020, the Knicks have only had five postseason appearances, one playoff series win, and four winning records. Not only that, but they have had more losses than any other team in the NBA. However, this year the Knicks can arguably be one of the best up and coming teams in the league.
Holding the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks are not only guaranteed a playoff spot, but this is going to be their first postseason appearance since 2013, ending the league’s third longest drought. Everyone knows what it felt like if you were a Knicks fan. Many long nights wondering if this drought will ever come to an end. Eight years is in fact a long time in the sports world.
Many of the Knicks winning efforts could be attributed to All Star Julius Randle, who was the no. 7 pick in the 2014 draft. In his first four seasons, he played as a Laker and then in the 2018-2019 season as a New Orleans Pelican where he had a breakout season averaging 21.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assist per game. When he finally joined the Knicks, the question everyone was asking was “would he better the team while contributing the same?” His numbers are incredible, and it is easy to see the progression within the seven seasons that he has been in the league.
He is shooting 41 percent from three-point range, 80.7 percent from the foul line, which are great numbers. Being that defenders now have to guard his shot; it opens up the floor for Randle to produce a lot of playmaking opportunities. At 6-foot-8 he has advantage because he is able to handle the ball as well as see over the defense to find open shots. He is now averaging 23.9 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.1 assist per game.
Another asset to the New York Knicks is RJ Barrett. The No. 3 pick in the 2019 NBA draft is a phenomenal player. A solid two-way contributor goes a long way in the league. Barrett is shooting 45.2 percent from the 3-point range over the past three months. After a tough rookie season, RJ Barrett could’ve put his head down, but he didn’t. His draft class was playing a lot better than he was and it seemed as if they were adjusting quicker than he was. Instead, he pushed through and showed that he is a force when he is on the court.
A force that literally came out of nowhere is Immanuel Quickley. Coming from Kentucky, he was shooting the ball without hesitation. He is well known for his killer floater when in the land and having the ability to get into defenders and draw fouls. New York has outscored opponents 84 points in 304 minutes when Quickley is on the floor.
All in all, the most exciting thing about all of this is that the Knicks are winning again. While they are not the greatest team in the league, they have all the components to be feared contender in this years’ playoffs.
