One of the biggest surprises this NBA season is the emergence of the New York Knicks.
A team that was not on anyone’s radar heading into the season, is now in prime position for a top-four seed.
The Knicks have a 96.2% chance to make the playoffs https://t.co/73wgKo7EHR pic.twitter.com/fJLsmZqPcr
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 26, 2021
Coach Tom Thibodeau has transformed the culture and identity of this team.
They have taken on the Coach Thibs approach of playing great defense and playing hard.
In addition to the newly hired Coach Thibs, the Knicks have a new front office, led by Leon Rose.
The new era Knicks are a big contrast to the previous ones over the last couple of decades.
The Knicks are not throwing all tons of money to be mediocre like in the early to mid 2000s.
The Knicks aren’t mortgaging the future for names anymore.
They are doing things the right way.
They have built with a few draft picks, such as RJ Barrett, while keeping their future picks for the next several years.
Instead of striking out on the big names and waiting for the following crop; they instead took a chance on Julius Randle, who is an all-star this season.
Julius Randle over the last 9 games:
30.1 PPG
9.1 RPG
6.2 APG
1.3 SPG
46 FG%
45 3P%
84 FT%Knicks 9-0. pic.twitter.com/L21ixV358W
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 26, 2021
The Knicks are currently in the midst of a nine-game winning streak and are sitting at the fourth seed in the East.
Now comes the real test for this organization, which is to sustain success for the future.
They were able to sneak up on the league this season, but next season will be different.
Can they be good next season?
No Way, It’s the Knicks!
Yes, the Knicks look like a prospering team with so much potential.
However, history does not fair too well for the Knicks.
They have had glimpses of success with the Carmelo era and the short stint of pre-ACL tear Kristaps, but it always ended just as quick as it begun.
Furthermore, they are still in search for a superstar talent.
Julius Randle has been spectacular, but he is not a top player in this league.
The Nets, Bucks, and Sixers have at least one guy that is an all-time type of talent.
The Knicks do not have that guy quite yet.
Their future looks more like a pesky fifth seed that can take a game in round two, more than a future juggernaut.
Yes, This Time is Different!
History has a tendency of repeating itself in the NBA.
However, there is a change in the New York Knicks.
From the front office, to the head coach, the Knicks are a different franchise.
RJ Barrett looks like what a former top-three pick should look like.
RJ Barrett is shooting 50% from three over the last 12 games. 🔥🎯 pic.twitter.com/Ro9jVljQ6M
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 26, 2021
Julius Randle has made a case to be an All-NBA recipient, while trying to make a case for a spot on the MVP ballot.
They have rarely been a star player’s preferred destination due to their incompetence, but that can potentially change very soon.
They maintain all the right components for a foundation.
The most important access they have currently are draft picks and cap space.
Going into this off-season, the Knicks will have around $73 million in cap space.
Furthermore, they own six first-round draft picks in the next four NBA drafts.
They can load up the truck for a free agent, or set their sights on a disgruntled star under contract.
The New York Knicks have options to ride this wave of success into next season.
NEXT: 2 Moves The Knicks Can Make In 2022 To Be A Title Contender
None of those players on the bucks. Nets, or 76ers were all time when they started. Embiid even missed his first few seasons. Durant got buckets. Giannis is a freak but he still needed 5 years to get into the form he is now. Randle can still elevate his game by cutting down on turnovers. Rj ceiling is unknown but compare his numbers to “superstars” like jayson Tatum at 20/2nd year and its comparable. Compare it to Kobes and its similiar. Not putting those expectations on him but with his work ethic and what hes shown and i wouldnt put anytjing past him.
This is the right way to build a perennial winner.