With the NBA season right around the corner, it’s only right to begin thinking about how this season is going to pan out for our New York Knicks.  Going into the season with low-expectations is a pretty good feeling, meaning whatever bright spots may come along this season will be considered a win.
Firs off, I doubt many Knicks fans expect this KP-less team to make the playoffs, at least I don’t, so there are other things that fans should be excited about.  With that being said, I’m not worried about our record this season at all.  I know it might be rough, but what Knicks season isn’t.  This season is all about continuing to change the culture of the franchise, which Coach Fizdale has already started, and developing our young talent.
This season is going to be exciting.  I can’t remember the last time I was this excited for a Knicks season.  The team has a new, well-respected coach who brings that best out of his players, young drafts picks and other players that bode for a bright future for the organization.
Draft picks like Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson have already excited fans for the season ahead.  Knox’s performance at workouts and throughout the combine rose his draft stock significantly, making him a very intriguing pick.  His abilities had fans salivating at the Vegas Summer League games before having a below-average pre-season.  But, that’s alright, he’s a rookie and going to have growing pains.
Robinson was considered to be the steal of the draft.  He’s big and has tremendous athleticism which was seen throughout the summer league and pre-season until he injured his ankle, which the Knicks are wisely taking precautionary measures with.  However, the real steal for the Knicks, thus far, as been undrafted Arizona product, Allonzo Trier.  He’s brought excitement, energy, and offensive promise to the organization, making teams regret taking a chance on him.  Trier most certainly deserves a spot on the 15-man roster and should be on the main rotation come the regular season.
Besides the new coach, drafted and undrafted picks, the Knicks also have more young players that the team and fans are excited about, like Frank Ntilikina, a healthy Tim Hardaway Jr., Trey Burke, Damyean Dotson, Noah Vonleh and veteran Lance Thomas. Â Frank needs to continue being aggressive, Timmy needs to be consistent in his decision making and Burke has to show that he deserves to be the starting point guard. Â Also, dump the cancer Joakim Noah so a serviceable player can have his spot.
So, regardless of our record, developing our young players is intriguing. Â All our youthful players need to grow as a unit until Porzingis returns. Â Also, the development of these players will show that the Knicks are headed in the right direction and will be more inticing for big name free agents to come to New York. Â As long as the players grow and mature, despite their record, free agents will notice and want to be part of an exciting time in the Big Apple.