It’s December, which means the New York Knicks have been back and playing for a couple of months. With approximately a quarter of the season gone some Knicks are performing better then others.
This season has been unlike any other I can remember in the past 15 years. Just like usual, the Knicks aren’t winning, but at least this year there hustling and bustling, and instead of playing overplayed underperforming veterans, the Knicks are playing young guys, who may or may not have a future in New York.
For this exercise I will give every player on the roster a grade, or an incomplete if they have been injured for most of the year, or spent the majority of the season in Westchester.
Kristaps Porzingis:
Incomplete- Porzingis hasn’t played a game this year, and shouldn’t until for at least a couple more months.
Emmanuel Mudiay:
B- This year could be a career resurgence for Mudiay. After he was traded for Doug McDermott last season, he wasn’t great, and many Knicks fans did not have a desire to see him on the team this season. After being injured for the first few games of the season, Mudiay has been a pleasant surprise, and the past few weeks has even been in the starting lineup.
Enes Kanter:
C- Enes the Menace is a ferocious rebounder, probably one of the best in the game, but Kanter can’t play defense. Kanter loves playing in New York, and is a double double threat night in and out, and his expiring contract might even be worth a future 2nd pick from a contender. While I love the way Kanter plays, in order to stay in New York next season he might have to take a serious discount.
Courtney Lee:
Incomplete- Courtney Lee just came back from injury, and is just getting back in the swing of things. Depending on how Lee plays, he could be a valuable asset for a contender.
Lance Thomas:
Incomplete- Lance Thomas has only played in 11 games this season, and is currently out with left knee problems. Lance is a great mentor and veteran for the younger players to learn from.
Frank Ntilikina:
C- The problems Frank are having this season have more to do with his inconsistent playing time, then his performance. While Frank’s offense hasn’t improved during his sporadic playing time this season, his defense is an asset. If Frank can get consistent playing time, his offense could improve mightily.
Tim Hardaway Jr.:
A- Most nights, Tim Hardaway has been the Knicks offense. He is averaging over 22 points a game, and carrying the load until Porzingis returns. While Hardaway may not be the best defensive player, he is someone that the Knicks can count on to score day in and day out.
Ron Baker:
Incomplete- Ron “Burgandy†Baker has only played in 10 games this season, while scoring less then a point a game. Maybe he will get graded at the half season mark, but for now he hasn’t played enough to warrant a grade.
Damyean Dotson:
A- Dotson has been one of the best Knicks this year, and is much improved from last year. Dotson has played good defense, while contributing about 11 points a game. Dotson has a bright NBA future if he can continue with his stellar second season.
Trey Burke:
B- Trey Burke has picked up right where he left off last season. If Trey Burke wants to carve out a lengthy career in the NBA then he needs to score, in bunches. He was scoring in bunches for the Knicks this season, before a mild MCL sprain in his right knee, which has sidelined him for a few games.
Isaiah Hicks:
Incomplete- Isaiah Hicks has spent the majority of his time in Westchester, earning him an incomplete grade at the quarter mark of the season.
Kevin Knox:
B- No, Knox hasn’t lit the world on fire in his first 20 NBA games, and that’s okay. Anybody that expected him to come in to the NBA and completely dominate, had unreal expectations. Knox is one of the younger rookies this season, and he needs time to get adjusted before anybody should be criticizing him.
Mario Hezonja:
D- Hezonja has showed why the Magic let him go, despite him being picked one spot below Kristaps Porzingis. He has not been great, providing little scoring, and little defense. If I’m the Knicks, I’m seeing if any team will offer me a 2023 second round pick in exchange for Mario Hezonja.
Luke Kornet:
Incomplete- Luke Kornet has played sparingly for the Knicks this season, and has spent the majority of the season in Westchester. Kornet has only appeared in 6 games, so he earns himself an incomplete grade.
Mitchell Robinson:
A- Mitchell Robinson has been much better then expected. For a second round pick that didn’t play organized ball last year, he has dominated. While Robinson is a great shot blocker, He does need to add some weight to him to make him a great rebounder. He also needs to learn how not to foul as frequently. With that said, Robinson could be a diamond in the rough for the Knicks.
Allonzo Trier:
B- Trier who is on a 2 way deal, started the season off scorching hot. While he is still playing at a quality
 level for an undrafted free agent, he has cooled down. The Knicks are going to have to figure out what to do with Trier, as his 2 way deal will expire shortly.
Noah Vonleh:
A- Vonleh has also been a diamond in the rough this season. Signing for a partial guarantee, he was the odd man out, looking for a roster spot. Vonleh has played so well that he not only locked up a roster spot, but now he’s a starter.