The New York Knicks started off their 2021 season allowing 121 points, a defensive performance that head coach Tom Thibodeau was not happy about. He’s trying to develop a defensive mentality that displays aggression and grit throughout the course of a game. With all of the youth on their squad, being defensively stout shouldn’t be a problem, with plenty of energy on the floor.
However, it is a long season, and we should see the Knicks progress throughout the course of the year. There were a few impressive performances in the loss to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday evening, and the hope is that the entire team plays more cohesive against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.
After playing just 12 minutes, rookie guard Immanuel Quickley is expected to miss at least one week with a hip pointer. That could call into action veteran Alec Burks more frequently, he started his career with New York in style. He came off the bench and dropped 22 points, shooting 50% (6-of-12) from the floor with three assists. He turned the ball over only once in 32 minutes.
Thibodeau has already committed to Burkes as a potential backup point guard if Quickley isn’t able to return in the next few days.
“It’s a possibility,’’ Thibodeau said. “I like the scoring punch he gives us off the bench. He’s sort of great to have because of the versatility. The ability to be a secondary ball-handler, at times playing the point. Scoring the ball, guarding down a position. He’s got a lot of toughness to him. He’ll have significant role, whether it’s starting or coming off the bench.’’
As a veteran, Berks offers plenty of diversity and adaptation to multiple positions. He wasn’t the highest wing on the Knicks’ wish list this off-season, but settling for him will end up being a beneficial signing. Of course, it will take some time for him to get in chemistry with the younger players and new faces on the roster, as the Knicks are undoubtedly a work in progress.
“I’m trying to get more chemistry,’’ Burks said. “We don’t have so much practice time. I’m trying to learn everybody, and that was the main thing I was happy about it. Learning everybody’s tendencies and where they like to be on the court.’’
I expect Thibodeau to lean on the veteran wing as the Knicks continue to develop guys like Obi Toppin and Quickley. However, once the Kentucky product returns to action, expect him to take over the starting point guard position. Burks can be a great supplement and teacher/mentor for Quickley.