The New York Knicks kick off their season tomorrow against the Boston Celtics, so the KFTV writers gave their takes before the action begins.
Last season, the Knicks notched a 47-35 record, the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, and won the franchise’s first playoff series win in over a decade. This year, this group looks to take another step forward with its most promising roster of the last decade. Led by the stability of Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, paired with expected strides by the young supporting cast, the Knicks are looking to build on their progress by advancing to the conference finals for the first time since 2000.
But that’s a long ways away. In the meantime, the KFTV writers are here to give their predictions as a brand new season tips off!
What aspect or player are you most excited about entering the regular season?
Max: Quentin Grimes. The third-year guard has a picturesque jump shot and has already established himself as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. He had off-season workouts with Penny Hardaway and JJ Redick to hone his overall game and shooting mechanics, and I’m looking forward to seeing his development this season. I’m hopeful that the Knicks will feature Grimes more consistently in the offense and that he’ll shoot over 40% from three-point territory.
Geoff: Jalen Brunson year two as a Knick. The fan in me believes that he could uncork an MVP-like season, which would likely mean we’re top-five in the conference.
Remi: It’s a tie between Quentin Grimes and Mitchell Robinson for me. Grimes’ growth has been a joy to watch, and it feels like he’s only scratching the surface of his potential. Robinson’s preseason has been impressive enough to jump into the conversation. He’s in the best physical shape that we’ve seen, and a healthy season is all he needs to move up those “top-100 in the league” lists.
Jalen: Player development—seeing players like RJ, Quick, and Grimes take their next steps. Until [redacted] becomes available, these guys will be key to maintaining the Knicks’ depth as a strength. I’m also excited to watch Year 5 of Julius Randle’s Knicks career. Playstyle aside, his talent is underappreciated, and I think he could be even better this year.
Chip: I’m excited about year two of Jalen Brunson at point guard. He was excellent last season but can take it to an even higher level. Brunson played like an MVP in the playoffs, so it’d be nice to see him in the All-Star Game, All-NBA discussion, and the MVP race.
Gamba: This will be the year that RJ Barrett HAS to solidify himself as a star player in this league. The reason of his age is slowly fading away. Knocking down his three-pointers at a league average and increasing his free throw percentage should put him into All-Star consideration.
Mike: Rowan Alexander Barrett. His process improved dramatically in the postseason and was on display during the FIBA World Cup this summer. If he can carry this over with small upticks as a spot-up and pull-up shooter, he has the potential to become an All-Star and take some pressure off Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson.
What most concerns you?
Max: Coach Thibs’ ability to manage a crowded guard/wing rotation. Let’s face it – in 95% of games, the Knicks’ closing lineup will consist of Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and one of Mitchell Robinson or Isaiah Hartenstein. That leaves two spots for Grimes, Barrett, Quickley, Hart, and DiVincenzo. Five players who all bring something valuable to the team will be competing for two spots in crunch time, and Thibs will have to push the right buttons each night. He had a clear affinity for Hart last season, often defaulting to playing Hart for entire fourth quarters; if that continues this season, it may be four guys competing for one spot when the game matters most.
Geoff: I love the guard depth but I’m worried about the minutes distribution. On a 15-man roster, it’s a given that some players will be unhappy, but if we get off to a slow start, this could be a concerning storyline.
Remi: Lack of size on the wings. I’ve seen Naz Reid and KP take turns shooting comfortably over our defenders’ closeouts. I think that could be an issue with any tall shooters since our projected backup PF is 6’5. Thibs’ scheme relies on aggressive closeouts, but that won’t be as effective if our defenders lack the wingspan to impact shooters.
Jalen: To me, the lack of tall wing shooting and defense limits their ceiling in this era of basketball. Off the court, I’m worried trade speculation could distract from the on-court success. Will the Quickley extension become a storyline? Is RJ auditioning for his exit? Is Grimes untouchable? What’s up with Fournier? I appreciate trade deadline additions, but I wish we could settle the noise in the offseason.
Chip: The Knicks essentially ran it back with the same team from last season (except for Donte DiVincenzo), which is a risky move in the NBA. There may not have been a realistic move for them to make, but getting too complacent is a recipe for disaster. I’m confident, but I don’t want the plan to be Joel Embiid or bust. We’ve seen that movie before.
Gamba: The Knicks’ lack of front-court depth is our most glaring need. Don’t get me wrong, with Obi last year, it wasn’t the most effective situation. Whether you believe that is a Thibs system issue or an Obi development issue, we are further away than we were last year in this regard. A move will need to be made. I can’t see Hart as the answer to back up PF all season.
Mike: I wonder if the Knicks can truly maximize the talent on its roster considering the depth that they deploy. This would require Thibs to almost flawlessly execute rotations, minutes, and closing lineups, which I do not always have the confidence that he can do consistently. I can imagine many nights where fans question rotation decisions, especially with his attachment to Josh Hart along with the addition of Donte DiVincenzo.
Which Knick will take the biggest leap?
Max: RJ Barrett. Since he came into the league, RJ has shown the ability to use his strength to get to the rim at will. The frustrations with his game stem from inefficient finishing at the rim, questionable decision-making on drives, and an inconsistent three-point shot. RJ has some strong momentum heading into the 2023-24 season, after a mostly strong 2023 Playoffs and helping lead Team Canada to the Bronze medal at the FIBA World Cup this summer. I believe this is the season that RJ overcomes some of his growing pains and becomes a more complete and efficient 20-point-per-game player.
Geoff: Quentin Grimes. Call me a sucker for summer workout videos, but I do believe the work he did with JJ Reddick will have a major impact.
Remi: Grimes has the most room for a leap, but I’m rooting for RJ Barrett to be the guy that steps up most. It seemed like things slowed down for Barrett as of last postseason, and his reads have been fast and crisp through FIBA and the preseason. RJ has a clear path of improvement on defense, from three, and in his overall efficiency.
Jalen: Quentin Marshall Grimes, no question.
Chip: Immanuel Quickley will take the biggest leap for the Knicks this season. He’s entering year four, so he’s ready for a larger role on offense and a larger contract. Quickley is also the favorite to win the Sixth Man of the Year Award after finishing second last season.
Gamba: I honestly believe most of our players will continue on the same trajectory that they were last year. I can’t really see anyone improving so much to call it “the biggest leap” If I had to choose one, I would go with Mitchell Robinson. Remaining healthy, knocking down free throws and remaining the team’s defensive anchor should thrust him into DPOY conversations.
Mike: Quentin Grimes seems to be the most obvious candidate. He flashed this potential in his seven three-pointer game during the preseason and was already the Knicks’ best perimeter defender last season. He seems more willing to pull from deep and has flashed some variety in his shot selection, which bodes well. The biggest question now remains: will there be enough shot volume in the starting lineup for him to turn this potential into reality?
What will the Knicks’ final record be? Where will they finish in the Eastern Conference? How far will they go in the postseason?
Max: 48-34. The Knicks are a good basketball team and have continuity from last season in all but one player in their projected rotation. I think this team has a floor of 41 wins and a ceiling of 53 wins. The Eastern Conference has two powerhouses (Boston and Milwaukee) along with a handful of other very solid teams. I think the Knicks will finish the regular season 4th in the East and then lose in the 2nd round at the hands of Milwaukee or Boston.
Geoff: 50-32, 4th in the Eastern Conference, 2nd round playoff exit.
Remi: I’m jumping out the window. 50-32 is my target. They won 48 last season, and continuity should make them better this year. Their postseason journey will depend on how the brackets play out. I don’t think the Eastern Conference Finals are out of the question; but barring a big acquisition before the trade deadline, I’ll settle for a second-round trip where they make it a dogfight.
Jalen: A clean 50-32. They’ll finish 3rd or 4th depending on how the Cavaliers perform. They’ll win the first round and give a valiant effort in the second. If fully healthy, the Bucks or Celtics will get the best of them. Any significant injury, and they’ll make the ECF and face the same fate. Book it. Put that in your BetUS parlay (and use code KFTV).
Chip: The Knicks will improve on last season’s win total and win 49 games this season. They’ll win another playoff series, but it won’t be as easy as it was against the Cavs. New York had a perfect matchup last year against Cleveland. They’re still a move away from making the Eastern Conference Finals, though.
Gamba: Let the record show I was the only one to correctly predict their record in last year’s roundtable. This year I will actually reverse course a bit. I see a 45-37 record in the future. A mid-season trade for either an available star or for front-court depth, mixed with an adjustment period will see us lose 2 more games than last year. We will finish 5th in the Eastern Conference and make it to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Mike: 50-32 seems to be a popular answer so I’ll jump on the bandwagon — which should be good enough to grab the fourth seed in the East. This group should reach the second round at minimum, but a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals still feels like a long shot.
Which Knick has the most to prove this season?
Max: Julius Randle. And I’ll clarify this by saying that he has to prove himself in the postseason. He can have another 25/10 All-Star regular season, but if he can’t carry that over to the postseason, then it’s all for nothing. Randle hasn’t had the most favorable conditions in his two playoff appearances with the Knicks: in 2021 he experienced his first-ever playoffs and was swarmed by Atlanta defenders who could mostly ignore the complimentary pieces around him, and in 2023 he played on a bad ankle. Randle is the most polarizing Knick since Carmelo Anthony, and this fanbase will be ready to run him out of town if it sees another underwhelming playoff performance. Randle’s talent is unquestionably there, but can he put it all together when the pressure turns up in the postseason?
Geoff: During the regular season RJ Barrett. His efficiency in scoring has to improve, along with his defense. Fans are no longer going to be satisfied with 20-point games on 17 shots a night. During the playoffs, it’s Julius Randle. The ankle injury kept angry fans at bay despite his poor playoff performances. There will be no excuses if Randle somehow has a third disappointing performance in the postseason.
Remi: This one’s absolutely RJ Barrett. He’s seemed like the odd man out, at least as far as fans are concerned. But I also feel like Jalen Brunson deserves more credit league-wide. If he repeats last season, then he’d better make the All-Star Game and be in the All-NBA conversation!
Jalen: RJ Barrett. The Knicks could use some high-level wing versatility, efficient scoring, and good decision-making. On this team, at his peak, that’s what he has to provide. I don’t care that he’s 23, or a former 3rd pick, and I don’t need a 20.0 PPG mark on his stat line. I need fewer missed layups, more kickouts, tough defense, and consistent catch-and-shoots. It’s go time.
Chip: The answer to this question can only be RJ Barrett. His performance in the playoffs against the Cavs earned much praise, but the regular season was a disaster. For Barrett, it’s always been about the jump shot. He needs to find some consistency there, finally.
Gamba: Popular answer would probably be RJ Barrett, but he has already secured his contract. Immanuel Quickley has got to show that he is worth more than what Payton Pritchard received from the Boston Celtics.
Mike: Julius Randle. The strong regular seasons are cool, but I need to finally see real production in the playoffs. This team was on the brink of the Eastern Conference Finals with Brunson basically carrying the whole team last season. A third straight poor postseason from Randle would be simply unacceptable.
What would define a successful season for the franchise?
Max: Winning one round in the Playoffs. I think a first-round exit would be a disappointment, even in a competitive Eastern Conference. If this roster manages to get back to the 2nd round this season, it would most likely have to face Boston or Milwaukee and there is no shame in being eliminated by a title favorite.
Geoff: Playoffs, the kids continue to grow, Thibs continues to adapt.
Remi: Stability as a playoff team. Last time the Knicks made the playoffs, the entire roster seemed to regress in the year that followed. This team needs to prove that they can maintain their momentum, which isn’t a given after other Eastern Conference teams improved. So, success is more about continuing to improve, even if it’s only marginal for now.
Jalen: A competitive second-round playoff series at the very minimum. And a little bit of clarity on their direction, whatever that means. #LetsGoKnicks
Chip: The Knicks can’t regress like they did in 2021-22 for this to be a successful season. They need to improve on last season’s win total of 47 and win at least one playoff series. RJ Barrett’s performance factors into this a lot, too. If Barrett has a successful season, it won’t just mean a lot for the team, but his trade value will also soar.
Gamba: A return to the Eastern Conference Semifinals would still be a successful season in my eyes. We in the past made the playoffs, got bounced in the first round, made it back to the playoffs, and made it to the ECSF. As long as we don’t backtrack, then I am okay with the outcome.
Mike: Depending on who the Knicks face in the second round, winning a playoff series would make the season relatively successful. Getting swept or losing in five would alter that opinion, though. That said, a trip to the Conference Finals would be a resounding success.
Stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news, rumors, and recaps throughout the NBA season. And in case you missed it, check out the Knicks Fan TV x Knicks Film School x SNY crossover season preview.
