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Mediocre is the only word to describe the New York Knicks. Having shown glimpses of hope entering the 20-21 season making their first playoff appearance since 2013. Although losing to Trae Young and the Hawks in the first round, it allowed Knicks fans to be excited about the team and their future. With the hiring of head coach Tom Thibodeau and the emergence of young stars like RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, veteran leadership from former league MVP Derrick Rose, and a breakout season from Julius Randle who averaged over 24 points per game, the Knicks looked like they were starting to turn the corner. However, this past season proved to be the opposite. Finishing in 11th place in the East (compared to 4th the previous year) Randle struggled to prove he could be a consistent number one option. Thibodeau’s stubbornness with lineups and depth proved to be consequential, and as always, front office decisions ended up crippling the team. Even with all of that, the young players like Barrett, Quickley, and Obi Toppin all took promising leaps. So with this, fans were looking forward to seeing what the Knicks decided to do this off-season, holding the 11th pick in the draft and being aggressive with free agency.
With the 11th pick in this year’s NBA draft, everyone had their own ideas as to who the Knicks should draft in order to get a talented first rounder to develop alongside the Knicks’ young core. However, in normal Knick fashion, the Knicks decided to trade away the 11th pick as well as guard Kemba Walker and the former 13th pick Jalen Duran. With no positive moves made on draft night, it was obvious that the Knicks were looking at free agency rather than getting new, young talent. By the way, the league is now investigating this signing due to tampering which will end up costing the Knicks more money. Brunson is a solid player. Everyone can agree on that. At 25 years old, Brunson has won 2 National Championships at Villanova and was a big part in the Dallas Mavericks deep playoff run last season. However, he has never made an All-Star team and averaged only 16 points per game in his best season. But he will provide an upgrade for the point guard position compared to past Knicks at that position.
But that is it. Brunson and the Knicks reaching a deal is the only big move the Knicks have made this free agency. On a positive note, they have 9 picks in the next two years. Will the Knicks decide to go big, give away the picks and make one more big move this offseason or continue to develop their young talent and draft pieces to fit around RJ Barrett who is seemingly going to be the main guy in seasons to come? Who’s to tell, but for now, The Knicks continue to just be average.
