The New York Knicks are looking young, exciting and athletic. Once training camp and preseason are over, the Knicks starting lineup could be in place. The starting lineup might consist of Dennis Smith Jr., RJ Barrett, Kevin Knox, Julius Randle, and defensive terrorizer Mitchell Robinson. Understandably so, New York Knicks’ head coach David Fizdale most likely will use the Knicks ultra athleticism and depth to their advantage by pushing the pace offensively and by playing stifling, aggressive, physical in your face defense for an entire 48 minutes. Will this translate to wins? We shall see.
Dennis Smith Jr. is definitely a top 5 athletic point guard in the NBA. The 6’3″ 195lbs. rim attacking and impressive above the rim style definitely sells tickets. However, Dennis Smith Jr. also has an extra gear when spearheading a New York Knicks fast break. He is a blur in transition making it difficult for opposing defenses trying to recover.
https://youtu.be/I8jVza_o5VU
RJ Barrett showed how he decimates defenses in transition using his strength and athleticism during his lone season at Duke under Mike Krzyzewski. RJ Barrett also plays above the rim in space which makes him deadly in transition whether he has the ball or not. The 6’7″ 215lbs. Canadian star can definitely get from baseline to baseline in a hurry. Barrett’s mix of unselfishness, athleticism, strength, agility, and speed makes him very dangerous in transition for oppositions scrambling to get back on defense.
https://youtu.be/z67pr4vCz_Q
Kevin Knox was told by long-time Knicks great Bernard King to work on running the floor and use his long strides to his advantage. The 6’9″ 215lbs. small forward has a 7’0″ wingspan which definitely helps defensively. Kevin Knox II can play above the rim in space, however, his style is much more about finesse than it is about bullying defenders and posterizing them. Ben Simmons poster was definitely an exception! Knox’s athleticism will be crucial if used right on defense. Offensively, the former Kentucky Wildcat has a chance to use his length, added offseason strength, footwork, and long strides to attack the rim and devastate his opponent by getting them in foul trouble plus getting to the free-throw line for strong and-one finishes. Knox still needs strength and it will take time.
Julius Randle, another former Kentucky Wildcat, has improved year after year. It says a lot when you are somewhat compared to Zion Williamson. The 6’9″ 250lbs. of destruction is ready to bully defenders all season long. This guy is taking no prisoners! Randle’s athleticism at the power forward position is definitely welcomed by Fizdale, the Knicks, and the fans. Randle is unselfish with very good handle for a power forward. He also has great baseline to baseline speed making him a deadly force in transition along with his strong finishing ability. Randle can finish above the rim and grab rebounds whether it’s on offense or defense. Julius Randle uses his athleticism in many ways. He can go around, over, or through his defender almost at any given moment! The Starting New York Knicks power forward also uses his athleticism on defense to get steals by jumping the passing lane.
Mitchell Robinson might be the most athletically gifted in this entire group. Mitchell Robinson might be as athletic as a young Amare Stoudemire that plays defense! We’re talking about “head above the rim athleticism” when catching a lob or attempting to terrorize his opponent with another MSG crowd-pleasing chase-down block. This rim runner’s length makes him very dangerous defensively and in transition. The 7’1″ tall 7’4″ wingspan phenom dominates the offensive glass very well with greatly timed tip dunks or tip outs for his teammates. The man has a jump-shot! Will he unleash it this season? We shall definitely wait and see!