New York Knicks Preview 2021

PreviewsNBAEASTERN CONFERENCEAtlantic Division

Oct 11

In creating our New York Knicks preview 2021, we note that for the first time in seven seasons, this team made the postseason last year. It was also the first time in seven years that New York recorded more than 37 wins, as they went 41-31. That was good enough for fourth in the East and third in the Atlantic Division. In the playoffs, the Atlanta Hawks eliminated the Knicks in the First Round by winning four-of-five. This season, NY looks primed to be competitive again.

Knicks Frontcourt

The Knick power forwards are the strongest and deepest players in the paint. PF Julius Randle, who had a breakthrough year last season, returns after averaging 24.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, and 6.0 APG. He hit 45.6 percent of his field goals and 41.1 percent of his threes. Last season as a rookie, Obi Toppin appeared in 62 games averaging 11.0 MPG.

If center Mitchell Robinson can stay healthy, he’ll have an impact on both ends of the court. The seven-footer is a fine inside shooter and tough rebounder. Plus, he’s an excellent shot blocker. Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson, who ably filled in for Robinson last season, offer depth and consistent D. Finally, small forward RJ Barrett returns to the Knicks for his third NBA season. Last year, he showed marked improvement. Subsequently, in 2020-2021, over 34.9 MPG, he averaged 17.6 PPG (+3.3) while hitting 44.1 percent of his field goals (+4.1%) and 40.1 of his threes (+8.1%). This could be a breakthrough season for Barrett.

New York Knicks Preview – Backcourt

The best part of the Knick backcourt is at point. Ten-year veteran and four-time All-Star Kemba Walker joins the team. Last season with Boston, he averaged 19.3 PPG and 4.9 APG. Derrick Rose, who last year came to New York from Detroit midway through the season, is a productive and sound second point guard.

Last year, shooting guard was an issue. The Knicks sought to remedy that situation by signing free-agent Evan Fournier. He’s hitting 45 percent of his field goals and 38 percent of his threes while averaging around 18 PPG. Backup Alec Burks, who came to NY last year, is capable of 12 PPG. Additionally, his three-point success rate is over 41 percent