New York Knicks: What’s the catalyst for success during the 2019-20 season?

The New York Knicks lacked a fundamental necessity for every team last season — consistent veteran players that have bought into the system.

Tim Hardaway Jr. was a prayer from the beginning, and the only veteran that helped the development of the rookies was DeAndre Jordan, a player who the Knicks tried to re-sign. With the loss of his talents, the Knicks went out and spent their available cap on tier-2/3 free agents.

Options such as Julius Randle, Marcus Morris, Wayne Ellington, Bobby Portis, and Reggie Bullock now represent the experienced group who will inevitably be expected to help the youngsters develop. The catalyst for success this upcoming season is ultimately how influential the veterans can be.

Randle, coming off his best offensive season with the New Orleans Pelicans, averaged 21.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. The Knicks needed a premium threat to help elevate the play of the entire team — his dedication to success was required, and he will be a massive help to the progression of players like Kevin Knox and RJ Barrett.

The former Pelican has already begun attacking the lack of chemistry factor for the New York Knicks:

“It was amazing,’’ Randle said of team workouts several weeks ago. “Playing 2-on-2, 3-on-3. We got a lot of new guys — we signed seven, we got two rookies RJ [Barrett] and Iggy [Brazdeikis]. It’s important for us to get to know each other, spend time together on the court before training camp starts.”

 

“There’s a lot of new pieces. Everyone’s going to be trying to figure out their role. Coach [David Fizdale] is going to do a great job of helping us through that. If we want to be a good team and have a chance, we have to jump-start that process ourselves.”

Ball movement will be a focal point for the Knicks this season, according to head coach, David Fizdale. Rookie RJ Barrett is a sneaky-good passer, and Randle also will look to develop his game to help in that category. He averaged 3.1 assists per game last season, the second-highest amount in his career.

However, the responsibilities won’t only land on the shoulders of Randle. Marcus Morris is another player prepared to protect his new home.

“Old school Knicks. Protect the Garden. My biggest thing is no one’s coming in there and disrespecting us,” Morris said Thursday. “If anything, if you come in here you’re going to get a hard-fought game. The better team going to win but we’re not tolerating no disrespect and no one coming in here thinking it’s going to be easy. That’s the first and foremost.”

The Knicks seem to be in a much better place just one offseason after winning a dismal 17 games. Hopefully, the influence of veterans can help them develop into a competitive team.