The New York Knicks, Steve Mills, and Scott Perry had a busy yet significant 2019 offseason. The New York Knickerbocker front office paired their valuable high potential young assets in Mitchell Robinson, Kevin Knox, Allonzo Trier, and Dennis Smith Jr. with first-round talent in RJ Barrett, second-rounder Ignas Brazdeikis, plus a few seasoned, tough, and battle-tested free agent veterans. The Knicks will definitely be an improved team and there’ll be three breakout candidates that will end up pleasing the Garden faithful on a nightly basis.
Dennis Smith Jr
One breakout candidate is the ball-dominant Dennis Smith Jr! The Knicks ultra-athletic point guard has seen a shot doctor this offseason. DSJ has critiqued his shooting form and conditioning. The former 2017 9th overall first-round draft selection by Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks showed positive signs last season when healthy. However, Dennis Smith’s conditioning wasn’t really up to par in order for him to consistently perform at a high level nightly. Plus, DSJ was missing free throws at an alarming rate last season. The 6’3 195 pound high flying slam dunk participant believes the offseason work is paying off. The New York Knicks will need this man to break out and dominate offensively and defensively. If the Knicks make the playoffs, Dennis Smith Jr. will definitely be the reason!
Kevin Knox
Another breakout candidate is 6’9 220 lbs Kevin Knox II. Kevin Knox had a very inefficient rookie season despite winning rookie of the month last December. Knox showed flashes of brilliance in small spurts. Other times Knox looked like a lost 19-year-old both offensively and defensively. This young offensive talent out of Kentucky has been working hard on his body and all aspects of his game. I’ve noticed Kevin Knox in summer league taking the ball to the basket often and fearlessly! That’s definitely a great sign. RJ Barrett’s attacking, physical downhill style might be rubbing off on Knox. Those two seem like they’re building chemistry and Knox’s smooth jumper will only improve with continued reps in the gym. Fizdale has been working with the young stud’s defense as well. It’ll be extremely crucial for Knox to figure out how to use his 6’9 inch height and 7-foot wingspan to defensively disrupt his opponent. Kevin Knox’s defense and aggressive offensive play must be key for a breakout season.
Mitchell Robinson
The third breakout candidate is defensive terror and the rim running, lob catching maniac Mitchell Robinson. Give this kid an elite shot-blocking and dunk badge 2K Sports! Mitchell Robinson will start at center which means he’ll lead the league in blocks. The game will slow down even more for Money Mitch because he’s definitely a student of the game on both ends of the floor. He’s gotten better at staying out of foul trouble and he’s gotten better at reading the opposing offenses. The sky is the limit for this hard-working second-round steal in the 2018 NBA draft. Robinson, Dennis Smith Jr, and Allonzo Trier been building real chemistry on that basketball court and it’s becoming scary! They’re young, hungry and improving. I definitely see future DPOY in this crazy athletic New York Knicks center!