The New York Knicks need these 3 players to shine during the 2019-20 season

New York Knicks, Mitchell Robinson
Mar 22, 2019; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (26) and Denver Nuggets power forward Mason Plumlee (24) fight for a rebound during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks will need to rely on several key players this upcoming season:

While being a playoff-contending team is a cohesive effort, the New York Knicks will have to rely on their influencers to carry the load this year. Several veteran free agent signings bolstered the roster as a whole, but they lack the star-power to make a significant impact on the NBA.

Competing is much different than contending, though, as the Knicks last season managed just 17 wins with a majority of their roster comprised of youth. This time around, they will have a bit more experience and knowledge to help along the way, which should theoretically make them a more productive team.

Here are 3 New York Knicks players that need to shine next season:

1.) Forward – RJ Barrett

The 6-foot-7 rookie will be thrown right into the mix on the starting rotation to begin the season, and this is a good move from head coach David Fizdale. Allowing Barrett to adapt to the NBA quickly and realize his deficiencies is important for his development.

Learning from veteran Julius Randle will also be essential, as the former New Orleans Pelican is versed in driving to the rim and executing a decent jump shot. Barrett will undoubtedly face challenges, but his abilities will quickly progress with steady minutes on the floor.

However, the Knicks need him to elevate his game quickly if they wish to compete.

2.) Power forward – Julius Randle

The Knicks brought in Randle as a second-tier free agent after missing out on superstars like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The former Pelican is a solid player, though, averaging 21.4 points and 8.7 total rebounds per game last season. He will immediately provide value around the rim for the Knicks, a team who struggled to score with a rookie squad in 2018.

Coming off his best season yet, Randle is prepared to take his game to the next level and is excited to get started with what some are considering, “his team.”

“It was amazing,’’ Randle said of the L.A. workouts the Knicks participated in 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.”

3.) Center – Mitchell Robinson

If Robinson can increase his muscle mass and overall strength for the upcoming campaign, the Knicks will feature one of the top defensive players in the NBA. Progressing toward perennial All-Star status, Robinson needs to work on a few weaknesses — foul trouble, positioning, glass-work.

Elevating his physical strength will allow Robinson to battle against bigger offensive opponents and dominate in the paint even more. His length and size have already given him a solid base to swat shots and record blocks at an astronomical rate, but his game is only improving. The Knicks will need him to take the next step forward in becoming a true impact player for them, and I believe the 2019-20 season has that in-store.