The focal point for the New York Knicks this upcoming season will undoubtedly be third overall pick from the 2019 NBA draft, RJ Barrett. The Duke star has plenty of qualities that can translate over to the NBA, but the Knicks will be focused on extracting the most value and helping him reach his potential.
The veteran signings will also be instrumental in his growth and allowing Barrett to succeed on the court early on in his career. However, the Knicks cannot forget about their first-round pick from last year, Kevin Knox.
The New York Knicks will challenge their youth:
The second-year small forward will not be gifted playing time this season like he was in his rookie campaign. This year, he’ll be forced to compete against the veterans for minutes.
After missing out on superstars like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Knicks utilized their cap space on second-tier free agents like Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, Taj Gibson, Marcus Morris, Elfrid Payton, Wayne Ellington, and Reggie Bullock.
Most aren’t giving the Knicks the benefit of the doubt to be a competing team this season. Their defensive game is still shallow, and their offense is unproven, so guaranteeing any success is very premature.
Kevin Knox is one of the hopefuls for the organization, though. After a historically lousy rookie season averaging 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists and 75 games last year, he’s looking to elevate his abilities and show he can be a force moving forward. Knox also understands that he is no longer a rookie and must be held accountable for his performances.
“That’s going to be great for us,†Knox said, via Steve Popper of Newsday. “To be able to compete, I don’t think anybody’s guaranteed no starting lineup, no minutes, none of that . . . Everyone is gonna have to earn their minutes, earn their position. I think that’s going to be great for us going into training camp and competing. Nobody’s got a starting spot. Everyone’s got to fight to earn their minutes and earn their position.â€
I believe that the increase in competition and pressure will help Knox find the best version of himself and reach his potential. An increase in jump shot efficiency wouldn’t hurt either.