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New York Knicks: Why 2018-19 will be ‘The Kevin Knox Show’

By Zamir Bueno

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Kevin Knox speaks with media after being drafted ninth overall by the New York Knicks during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Kevin Knox speaks with media after being drafted ninth overall by the New York Knicks during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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The uncertainty about Kristaps Porzingis’ status for next season means the team’s playoff hopes are dashed, thus they should use the season as an assessment year for Kevin Knox

There is an old American idiom which states a person or entity must experience short-term pain to achieve long-term success. This is the story of the New York Knicks organization who have been contemplating whether to play Kristaps Porzings next season or give him the season off to further rehab his ACL.

Team owner James Dolan told Larry Brooks of the New York Post in April that the club hadn’t decided on an exact timetable for Kristaps to return from ACL surgery.

"I’ve been told everything from December to him being out for the season.”"

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The uncertainty about Porzings’s status for next season signifies that the Knicks will be one of the worst teams in the league. The organization went 7-27 without him last season averaging 2.3 fewer points per 100 possessions and surrendering 4.9 more points per 100 possessions.

Even though the organization’s playoff hopes are dashed, the Knicks can still view the season in a favorable light if they use it as an assessment year for their rookie forward Kevin Knox. Coming into the NBA Kevin has been portrayed as a player who can’t create offense for himself and the team.

In fact, according to Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report:

"“Knox did little creating on the ball, finishing just 4-of-18 in isolation opportunities all season. He was also almost a complete non-passer with an 8.7 assist percentage (1.8 assists per 40 minutes)”."

Unfortunately, the scouting report is very misleading because Knox played in a ball movement at Kentucky that prevented viewers from seeing his offensive skills. For instance, he would stand on one of the wings or corners waiting to receive the ball. If he received the ball under 20 seconds into the shot clock, Kevin would quickly pass it to the closest teammate.

On the other hand, if he got the ball past 20 seconds, Kevin would look to score. Knox would pay attention to how the opposing player was defending him to determine how was he was going to score. If the defender gave him space, he would look to shoot a jumper. However, if the defender played him tight, he would look to drive.

As a consequence of this, the New York Knicks should scrap any preconceived notions about Kevin Knox and give him a blank slate. The organization should go into the season with the mindset of using in different roles to see what he can do.

Related Story. New York Knicks: Management shouldn’t move Heaven and Earth to sign both Irving and Butler. light

For instance, they should give him some time in the ball handler role to see if he can beat defenders off the dribble and create for teammates. As the season progresses, the team will get a better understanding of what role he should play long term.

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