The New York Knicks are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season.
Last year the Knicks finished 11th in the East and missed the play-in tournament by six games.
As one of the most polarizing teams in the NBA, their fans will not take kindly to them missing the playoffs again.
But, there are reasons for optimism with the current Knicks roster.
Here are three reasons to watch the Knicks this season.
1. Development Of Youth
The Knicks are a young team and have plenty of players that still need development.
While this team may struggle to win games this season, their young players could surprise some people.
The names to keep an eye on are Obi Toppin, Cam Reddish, and Immanuel Quickley.
Each of these players has shown flashes throughout their career.
But, consistency is the only thing holding them back from becoming quality starters.
2. Was Jalen Brunson Worth It?
New York went out and signed point guard Jalen Brunson to a massive four-year, $104 million contract in the offseason.
Now it will be interesting to see how he plays with the lofty expectations.
Brunson had a great season in Dallas last year, which is why he received this massive deal from New York.
Jalen Brunson solid Knicks debut.
15 PTS
6 REB
9 AST
0 TOVNo Knick starter had a game with 9+ assists on 0 turnovers in the last 2 seasons. Jalen Brunson had it after 1 game. pic.twitter.com/YNp3aaANOY
— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 20, 2022
He will now be expected to play a lead role for the Knicks.
Brunson has been a very good player through the first four seasons of his career.
But, the challenges he will face in New York this season will be something he has not seen in his NBA career.
3. Veteran Presence
Other than Brunson, the Knicks have a few older players that need to step up this season.
Two of the key names are Julius Randle and RJ Barrett.
The 23-year-old Barrett has yet to take that next step into stardom that many expected when he was drafted third overall in 2019.
RJ Barrett tonight:
11 PTS
3-18 FG
0-6 3PTough start. pic.twitter.com/5EVgZTN87s
— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 20, 2022
But, the Knicks are excited about the long-term prospects of Barrett after giving him a four-year extension of up to $120 million.
As for Randle, he was the most recent Knick to make the All-Star team, which was in the 2020-21 season.
These two players will make or break the Knicks’ season.
If they both take their game up a level, New York has a chance to get back into the playoffs.
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