Now, I know that this seems like an easy enough thing to do. The Knicks haven’t been good since Carmelo Anthony came to town, and they haven’t been great since the 90’s, so I think that a lot of people have in fact given up hope on the Knicks being good again. To those people I say “good for you.” For the people, especially this season, who for whatever reason still think the Knicks might do something, all I have to say is “Give up on your dreams and die. – Levi Ackerman”
I’ll be the first to admit that the Knicks do look good this season. Tom Thibodeau seems to really be having a good connection with his players, the team chemistry looks good, and they’re winning games. Right now they are 4-3 with impressive wins over the Bucks, Pacers, and Hawks, and some of the stat lines have been pretty nuts. Julius Randle looks like an MVP, and I mean that with full seriousness. He’s averaging 22/11/7 while shooting 50% from the field, and 40% from deep. Just so we all understand how significant that all is, he is averaging MORE points than Devin Booker, MORE assists than Luka Doncic and LeBron James, and MORE rebounds than Ben Simmons and Anthony Davis. I know we’re still early in the season, but reading those stats for myself… I was dumbfounded.
With Julius Randle leading the way, other players have also found a way to raise their production for the Knicks. I’ve written previously that I think that RJ Barrett could win Most Improved, and Obi Toppin could win Rookie of the Year, and they sure are making look like some Nostradamus of the NBA. I’ve never found myself WANTING to watch the Knicks, but with Randle running the show, and Barrett taking huge strides in his game, the Knicks are kind of worth the watch… right now.
By the title of this article, you can tell that I’m a bit skeptical. I have reason to be that way, due to recent history. I also don’t really trust that they can keep this kind of production up for the whole season. The Knicks are at the bottom of the league when it comes to points per game as a team, and it’s because they play at a much slower pace than the rest of the league. When the Knicks start playing the faster teams in the league, namely the Mavericks, the Nets, and the Nuggets, but really the entire league, I’m not sure that they can keep up that kind of production. I think some of the Knicks, like RJ Barrett and Obi Toppin can benefit from playing at a faster pace, but I think the rest of the roster might struggle to keep up.
Tom Thibodeau is obviously a good coach, the Knicks have some exciting young players, and some savvy vets. They are working really well together right now, but I think that at some point, water finds its level. The Knicks have a really solid young core in Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, Toppin, Kevin Knox, and Immanuel Quickley, but I think that in a best case scenario, this team won’t be ready to take the next step for a few more years. I’d be more willing to bet on the Knicks being World Champions in 2025 that I am in 2021. This team has the potential to be very good, great even. I just wouldn’t get my hopes up too soon. Sorry, Knicks fans.
Round The Game 
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