New York Knicks: How NY has transformed into the hottest team in the NBA
How the New York Knicks have turned it around: The stars
The Knicks have a star that they drafted! That may seem like a low bar, but the Knicks have not had a draft pick signed to a second contract in over a decade BESIDES Kristaps Porzingis (who they subsequently jettisoned to Dallas). Now they have one that will almost certainly demand a max contract in RJ Barrett. They also have a couple of other guys that should get re-signed, but more on them in a bit.
Barrett. Until now, he was best known as the “non-Zion or Ja Morant” guy in the draft. A consolation prize that no one took seriously. Well, they better be paying attention now. After a rough rookie season, “Ro” looks the part of a wing playmaker with 3-and-D capabilities. Uhhhhhh that’s a really really good player.
He’s averaging 17.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game on shooting splits of .446/.386/.740. That is excellent for a 20-year-old. Defenders can no longer leave him open on the perimeter and his elevated distribution allows him to run sets for the Knicks on occasion. He’s even shown a clutch gene, hitting big shot after big shot ever since Anthony Edwards claimed he didn’t have it in him (never change Ant, never change). As excited as NYK fans should be about RJ’s present and future, it is time to talk about New York’s number one star.
Julius Randle. We’ve watched Randle grow from a tweener in Los Angeles to a legit good NBA player in New Orleans, now to a full-fledged star in New York. His contract may be up after next season, but you can bet your bottom dollar he is there to stay.
The Knicks’ success, while predicated on team defense and cohesiveness, relies on Randle. He leads them in minutes, rebounds, assists, and points per game. He often runs the offense as their de-facto point guard. He is taking some of the hardest defensive assignments every game. And his perimeter shooting is crucial to the team’s success.
He is averaging 23.9 points, 10.5 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and1.0 steals per game- ALL OF WHICH ARE CAREER HIGHS on .460/.410/.807 (last two are ALSO career highs) shooting splits. He was an All-Star and is the only REAL option for Most Improved Player. He will not win MVP nor get close, but he has truly been one of the twelve most important players in the Association this season, especially when you factor in the injuries and missed games by other stars. He is going to be on an All-NBA roster, place your bets now.
And he’s only 26! That’s right, the Knicks are fourth in the East and their two best players have not hit their primes yet. It is a super fun time to be a fan of basketball in New York, and it feels like ages since the last time people have said that.