Basketball must still go on for the New York Knicks and the rest of the NBA. It’s tough to think about anything else when mourning the unexpected death of an NBA legend but it’s what Kobe Bryant would have wanted.
A lot of fans and reporters were wondering why the NBA would even play the games Sunday. Players and fans had their emotions on full display and no one could blame them. Bryant was a larger than life figure in the basketball community. He would’ve been feeling some type of way if they did cancel all the games. That’s not Mamba Mentality.
While we all will sit here and reflect upon the great memories Bryant brought to the sport, basketball still rolls on.
The Knicks will be without the 3rd overall pick, RJ Barrett, for another week. Barrett is still recovering from a right ankle sprain. He was seen on the sidelines in a walking boot. Can’t rush back the young face of the franchise, be smart.
Watching the Knicks aren’t as fun without Barrett, but Daymean Dotson is doing a fine job picking up the slack. Over his last 4 contests, Dotson has been averaging 13.5 points per. He’s earning more minutes in Barrett’s absence and shows when given time, he can contribute mightily.
Dotson has been playing with a lot of confidence. He hasn’t been afraid attack the rim and his shot is looking solid. Dotson is also able to contribute on the defensive side of the ball, as he is one of the teams premier wing defenders. If the Knicks can get Kevin Knox going like Dotson, the future will be bright. Knox needs time similar to Dotson to gain that confidence back.
The New York Knicks need give more of the minutes to players like Dotson and Knox. However, Knox hasn’t been living up to potential this season but there’s still time. If he’s given the proper minutes, Dotson could be a regular rotational player, once the veteran players are traded or benched.