The New York Knicks are still learning each other as the young season progresses. However, there’s no real identity and the lack of a penetrating point guard hasn’t helped the squad during certain moments.
Dennis Smith Jr. is a penetrating point-guard and so is Elfrid Payton. However, Dennis Smith Jr is progressing and working himself into NBA shape and Elfrid Payton is slowly rehabbing what seems to be a significant hamstring injury. Frank Ntilikina is improving his driving skills, however, Ntilikina still isn’t a prototypical penetrating guard. However, if Ntilikina’s jumper is falling, the Knicks automatically becomes a dangerous deep team.
Mitchell Robinson missed time with a concussion and Deadly sharp-shooting Reggie Bullock is getting closer to practicing with his new team. The Knicks’ struggles are related to both injuries and lack of cohesion due to new unfamiliar players and a new head coach for some. The learning curve is steep but time waits for no man.
Knicks look like they’re becoming use to each other’s styles and it’s becoming fun to watch. The bully ball works to a certain extent. But, ball movement and player movement is crucial. Opportunities are definitely what the NBA is about and the Knicks are sharing those opportunities amongst each other.
Overall, there’s some improvement to be made but the Knicks are slowly making progress in the messy Eastern Conference. The guys in the Knick locker room love playing for Fizdale and it showed. Therefore, they’re going to play the very hard night out and night in. Playing less hero ball and obtaining headier high basketball IQ is priceless. Improved basketball IQ leads to more confidence and wins.