Knicks are an amazing 19-18, and Thursday start a tough road trip to begin 2nd half of the season.
After this great start,
what's your perspective/expectations for the rest of the season?
I’m no NBA sensei -just throwing this stuff out there to reel in opinions from you guys who have a lot more perspective than me! Some thoughts:
Need Taj back ASAP from sprained ankle. Noel has been great, but won’t last long playing 40”.
Need Mitch back ASAP from broken hand –same reason as above.
Do Knicks trade for a center before 3/25 to fill need? If make a trade, seems most likely(?)
Hope DRose returns from covid protocol Thurs –needed back ASAP.
With Elf back, DRose PT needs to go back down to max 20-25” for him to last the season.
Julius -understandably looks gassed at times. Like to see max PT 35” to keep his motor strong. Knicks can’t afford to lose Julius!
RJ –just keep doing what you’re doing RJ. Making a nice soph step up –may have a long-term Dynamic Duo at forward with Julius.
Mitch –improvement this year (mainly by avoiding fouls), still only 22 with more development expected. Do the Knicks roll with Mitch long-term or seek a star center?
IQ -much better than projected but rookie ups/downs, and cold coming in the last couple games. Does IQ hit the rookie wall, or bounce back again and finish the season strong? Will IQ eventually be the Knicks’ starting PG, or move to the 2 for a star PG? A keeper either way.
Obi –dunno just gotta keep watching to get a better clue. Rooting for Obi -hope he's not
Knox The Second. Kind of look like twins the way they move.
Elf -really pretty good lately. At 27, is Elf moving beyond being primarily a defender? Like Obi, another guy I’m not yet sure about but if Elf can consistently play at his recent level/continue improving, maybe he should stay a Knick for awhile.
Ntilikina –yet another enigma of a guard. Lately playing with confidence and hitting 3’s. Great asset when needed on D to lockdown opposing guards. Frank is still only 22 –unless Elf keeps elevating his game I’d probably include Elf vs Frank in a trade.
Bullock/Burks –fill their role almost interchangeably, both age 29, OK till Knicks find an upgrade.
Knox -3rd season, has his Kentucky coach now, shows flashes but still a disappointment. At this point if the Knicks move Knox I’d worry far less about later regret than if they trade Ntilikina. Frank is good when his head is screwed on straight.
Thibs -I Kneel At Your Altar -comedy for anyone who read all this
This Knicks team is fun to watch develop, and fascinating to consider moves Leon Rose may make before 3/25 –if he should(?) Leon must not be sleeping well –big decision! Good chemistry and many players still developing. Maybe the development continues, and the current roster can finish strong, get some playoff experience, then the Knicks have a great draft. Would be nice if new guys mesh with the team as fast as DRose did.
Look forward to more KNICKS W's starting Thurs!
