The New York Knicks are back in the NBA playoffs for the first time since the 2012-2013 season.
After years of being the laughingstock of the league, the Big Apple can finally take pride in the Knicks.
Knicks fans taking a big W this season no longer a laughing stock maybe cody might get his wish after all…….. pic.twitter.com/53o8F2pLV8
— 👑Terron (@terron_francis) February 26, 2021
With the team being at the bottom of the standings for so long, fans are eager to latch onto the new crop of players that have made the Knicks one of the more promising franchises of the future.
There are three players that if they have big performances in the playoffs could establish themselves as legends in the city of New York.
3. Derrick Rose
The first player on the Knicks that could become a New York legend this playoff run is Derrick Rose.
Rose has a rather complex history with the Knicks.
He was traded from his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls, to the Knicks a few years back.
Rose was heartbroken to be traded from the Bulls, however, he gave all he had to the Knicks.
Things did not work out during his first stint in New York and he was moved from the team.
With the Knicks hiring Tom Thibodeau as their head coach, trading for Rose to join the team once again teamed him up with the coach that was with him throughout his prime.
Once again under Thibodeau’s system, Rose has become a great player off of the bench.
Despite playing a bench role, he is one of the teams leading scorers.
The way that he bounced back from multiple injuries that could have ended his career is inspirational to many.
If Rose is able to have just one big game or a big game-winning shot like he did against the Cleveland Cavaliers while he was still with the Bulls, it would be a moment that would live on in infamy in Knicks lore.
𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟓
Derrick Rose hits a buzzer beater in the East Semis over the Cavs 🌹 pic.twitter.com/7SYqVRD7Fw
— This Day in Chicago Sports (@ChiSportsDay) May 8, 2021
2. RJ Barrett
The second player that could go down as a New York legend this postseason is RJ Barrett.
Barrett was the third pick in what would end up being a two-man draft in 2020.
Despite being the first odd man out, Barrett has continued to develop into a great professional player.
Although he is one of the youngest players on the Knicks roster, he has made a major impact already.
Even though the game ended in a loss, Barrett had a very solid playoff debut.
He finished Game 1 against the Atlanta Hawks with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
The rebounds are something that really jumps off the stat sheet.
With Barrett being a guard, his rebounding ability is an extreme asset for the Knicks.
It is essential that there are players on the court that can rebound at all times.
If Barrett can continue putting up these crucial double-doubles, he could go down as a gritty legend in New York who is not afraid to do what needs to be done to win games.
1. Julius Randle
The final player who could become a New York legend this postseason is Julius Randle.
Randle has a very similar story arc to the Knicks as a whole.
Last season, just like his team, Randle was one of the bigger laughingstocks in the league.
He was a player that was often on the receiving end of jokes and memes.
However, Randle has had an incredible bounce back year this season.
He has established himself as the best player on the Knicks and even earned an All-Star appearance this season.
If the Knicks go on to make any noise in the playoffs, it will be because of Randle putting on a show.
Being the player that leads the Knicks to major success in the playoffs would instantly make him a legend in New York.
NEXT: How Good Can The NY Knicks Be Next Season?