Jun 7, 2021
Do the “Knick” Thing
This isn’t a “Spike Lee” joint, but MSG is Spike Lee’s joint, and for fans in New York City and beyond, it was like watching a movie
After a crushing loss to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 2021 NBA playoffs — which resulted in one of the best beefs in recent NBA history — the New York Knicks are finally at the center of attention again. But rather than an ending, their story might only be beginning.
The Knickerbockers made it back to the post-season for the first time since 2013, and although it didn’t go as planned, this young Knicks team — led by first time All-Star Julius Randle — shook the basketball world, who predicted they would have the lowest win total odds in the league before the start of the season began.
22.5 was the amount of wins the NBA assumed the Knicks would be “good” enough to get. Instead, they won 41 games and captured the 4th seed in the East. Julius Randle had the best season of his career which led to him being the first Knick to earn the Most Improved Player award. This season he averaged 24.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG & 6.0 APG on 45/41/81 shooting splits.
Yes, Randle didn’t play well in his first-ever playoff series — outmatched by the upstart duo of John Collins and De’Andre Hunter — but the Knicks should make it a priority to bring him back for next season after he shouldered this year’s pressure in New York and delivered an unlikely playoff appearance.
And don’t get it twisted, they are more than just one player. The Knicks are lucky to have a rising talent like RJ Barrett, who averaged 17.6 PPG on 44% shooting in his Sophomore year. RJ also shot 40% from three-point-land this season, which is a generous upgrade from the 32% he shot his rookie season.
Immanuel Quickley out of Kentucky also made waves with his confidence and an ability to create his own shots this season. He splashed 38% from three and had the ultimate “green light” from Coach Thibs as he showcased his deep range on numerous occasions.
Ironically, the Knicks should take the “Atlanta Hawks” approach to free agency this offseason. Don’t be afraid to spend money on retooling and making small improvements to an already playoff-ready team. Look for the Knicks to go after another scorer to take some heat off of Randle and a new starting PG as Elfrid Payton just isn’t it. Point Guards like Damian Lillard, John Wall and Kemba Walker could possibly become available via trades this off-season, so New York needs to be alert and aggressive on that front.
Vets are also extremely important — as every real championship contender has proven. Players like Taj Gibson and the one and only, Derrick Rose, were huge factors for the Knicks when their offense and defense lacked energy in this series against ATL. Reggie Bullock, who averaged 13.5 PPG on 41% shooting from three and Alec Burks who poured in 17.9 PPG off the bench and also shot 41% from distance, made for legitimate scoring options in the regular season, too, as they provided spacing for Randle, and timely three point sharpshooting.
Starting center Mitchell Robinson, who is recovering from a fractured foot will need that veteran leadership as he looks to bounce back from an injury riddled third season. When healthy, Robinson had four double-doubles and 15 games with two or more blocks. In addition to Nerlens Noel, those boys could anchor any NBA team’s defensive interior game.
As an NBA fan in general — especially one who roots for the Brooklyn Nets — it was damn good to see the Knicks in the playoffs again. Having fans back in MSG made them the loudest arena of the first round, and the franchise needs — for the sake of the NBA — to keep making the right decisions to ensure they get back to similar heights in the 2021-22 season.
Until that time comes, you can bet Tom Thibodeau will be scheming something up and putting his boys to work this summer. And Trae Young will never be welcomed back to New York City again in his life.
