The New York Knicks are halfway through the season, so Knicks Fan TV writers decided to give their takes on the season thus far.
The New York Knicks have reached the midway point of the 2021-22 NBA season, and it is safe to say this team has underperformed their expectations. Now, add drama surrounding Julius Randle and it sounds like a recipe for complete disaster, right? Yet, with 40+ games remaining, the Knicks still find themselves in the middle of a contested Eastern Conference playoff race. The story of this Knicks’ season is yet to be written. Can they turn this season around or are we headed for mayhem in Midtown? Here are the Knicks Fan TV writers’ thoughts on what has transpired and our projections for what’s to come!
*Editors Note: None of the writers discussed our responses before submitting them. So enjoy!
What is your biggest critique of the Knicks’ season so far?
Mike: My biggest critique has been a complete lack of offensive creativity which has destroyed any sense of continuity. While Iso Randle was more effective last year, the viability of such an offense has plummeted with Randle’s recent play. With players like Evan Fournier, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Alec Burks, and others who thrive in PnR, it should be featured more. This includes a desperate need to utilize both Obi Toppin and Julius as screeners rather than one-dimensional centers who pose no real threat to a defense. Instead, we have been waiting for Julius to get going which hopefully he can.
Geoffrey: A combination of poor performances from key players (aka Julius Randle and Evan Fournier) as well as Tom Thibodeau waiting too long to incorporate players like Quentin Grimes and Miles “Deuce” McBride in the rotation. Randle’s shooting regression, in addition to poor body language and lack of effort on the defensive end, has led to boos from the home crowd. Also, Fournier has been the ultimate feast or famine player who just also happens to be our highest paid free-agent acquisition from this past offseason. Grimes, McBride, and even Jericho Sims have all had decent contributions when they’ve been allowed to play, but Thibs (being a coach who has always favored vets) waited too long to give them time and it probably cost us a few wins.
Remi: That consistency is the biggest elephant in the room (of which there are many). This team can look like world-beaters on Monday and a lottery winner by Thursday. They went from a hot offense and flailing defense to the complete opposite within a few months. They’re even up and down at the free-throw line. Sometimes flaws have more to do with talent deficit or team needs, but consistency should be something they can address right now.
Chip: I was a big supporter of bringing Evan Fournier to New York but he’s looked like a shell of himself in a different role. Lack of effort on defense and selfishness on offense have torpedoed his first season with the Knicks.
Alex: My biggest critique of the Knicks this season is that they’ve been inconsistent offensively after signing Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier. Both of them together were supposed to help jolt the stagnant offense that we saw in the playoffs last year, but it has been too inconsistent. There is still time for them to turn their offensive woes around, but it has been a disappointment thus far.
Paul: The regression on the defensive end. Defense was last year’s catalyst and it is one of the reasons we haven’t done as well this season.
What, if anything, has encouraged you most about the Knicks’ this season?
Mike: What has encouraged me most is the future of the Knicks organization. While I have been frustrated with inconsistencies throughout the season, I continue to believe in the Knicks’ ability to draft and develop players. Between the strides made by RJ, IQ, and Obi alongside flashes from Deuce and Grimes, you have to feel good about the Knicks’ future. They have a player profile they like and are finding quality players throughout the draft.
Geoffrey: You have to love what you’ve seen from Immanuel Quickley as a playmaker, RJ bouncing back from his early-season slump, and Obi’s continued development (when he gets minutes). Equally as impressive as the front office’s ability to find late-round gems in the draft, and have them contribute to the team; IQ from last season and Quentin Grimes from the 2021 draft.
Remi: Every single young player has shown some promise. The rookies and sophomores are all showing improvement, not to mention poise beyond their years. That doesn’t just give me something to look forward to when they check into games but makes me excited about the treasure trove of draft picks Leon Rose has for the future. This front office has some question marks surrounding free agency decisions, but I trust them to find talent in the draft whether they pick 1st or 58th. I’m excited to see what happens when guys like Grimes and McBride get more minutes under their belts.
Chip: There hasn’t been much to be happy about this season but if I had to point to one player I’d say it’s Obi Toppin. He was a non-factor last season, prompting trade rumors and the premature label of being a bust. When Obi actually gets minutes this season he’s one of the most impactful players on the team. Toppin’s improved defense and energy on offense have made it impossible for Thibs to keep him out of the rotation this season.
Alex: The confidence, tenacity, and athleticism of Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin, Quentin Grimes, Miles “Deuce” McBride, and Jericho Sims. These young guys have shown a hunger that has helped the Knicks stay in a good portion of games this season. Of course they struggle and they’re nowhere close to finished products as players. But when you see how they contribute on the court, as a fan you have to be encouraged.
Paul: Improvement from the young core. Quickley, Grimes, and Obi have shown that they deserve the time they have been getting. The second unit is also very solid which eases pressure on the starters if they’re having an off-night.
Who is one trade candidate that you would like the Knicks to pursue by the trade deadline based on the team’s start to the season? Why?
Mike: Myles Turner. While I would be reluctant to part with any real young players to get a deal for Turner, I believe it would a positive move for the Knicks. Thibs would maintain his beloved rim protection while spacing the floor Julius Randle and RJ Barrett as drivers. Ideally, the Knicks could keep Mitchell Robinson in such a move and find a way to offload a Noel contract that I was never fond of. RJ Barrett would thrive in a five-out offense thus making this move extremely logical and intriguing.
Geoffrey: Above any name, I really want the front office to resist using their draft picks in any trade, unless it’s for a bonafide star who is going to move the needle. Some improvements around the margins names I would like to see the Knicks consider targeting include Torrey Craig, Kenrich Williams, or Steven Adams.
Remi: This ship has probably sailed, but I’d trade the whole bag for Dejounte Murray. Knicks fans got to see him up close this past week and his game seems like a great fit for Tom Thibodeau’s approach. He’s a fantastic defender that gets downhill on offense and looks more and more willing to shoot each year. If Thibs loved Elfrid Payton last year, this is like Payton with more size, athleticism, and upside on his jumper. The problem is that Murray’s been so good I doubt Pop is willing to give him up. The same goes for my second favorite trade target from early in the season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Chip: I’m not thrilled by most of the trade candidates this season but if it’s anyone I’d say it’s Myles Turner. He leads the league in blocks and stretches the floor. Also, I don’t believe the price should be too high as Indiana has tipped their hand with all the trade leaks. Mitchell Robinson is in the final year of his deal and the franchise clearly isn’t high on him. A permanent replacement could become necessary this offseason anyway.
Alex: De’Aaron Fox is a player I’d love to see the Knicks get. The Knicks have stockpiled in centers and wings right now, but the point guard position is still the biggest problem for this team. With Derrick Rose and Kemba Walker missing time due to injuries, the Knicks haven’t had a player that can control the offense and get to the rack to cause opposing defenses to collapse. Fox can do those things and help this team.
Paul: I wanted Cam Reddish when we were first linked with him and now we have him. He has all the skills needed to be an important player for the Knicks. I believe Thibs can make him into a strong two-way player at the very least.
Based on their performance so far, will the Knicks make the playoffs? Why or why not? What will their final record be?
Mike: At this juncture, I cannot call the Knicks a playoff team with confidence. With that said, the Knicks have won 7 of their last 10 games, and the key to this stretch has been the continued strong play of RJ Barrett. If he can maintain this level of play, it completely changes the trajectory of this Knicks’ season. While there continues to be a lack of consistency, the Knicks appear to be finding a bit of continuity and flow on both ends of the court. With the top five teams in the Eastern Conference separating themselves from the pack, the Knicks seem destined for a trip to the play-in game with a 41-41 record.
Geoffrey: I think the Knicks will make the play-in tournament with a 43-39 record. Derrick Rose will definitely help this team when he returns from injury, but ultimately, I think it will be too little too late and the Knicks will not make the playoffs.
Remi: I think the Knicks still have the tools to be an above .500 team when it’s all said and done. They’re exactly where they were last season as far as their record goes and that’s despite all of the adversity and injuries. I’m assuming Nerlens Noel and Derrick Rose get back and give this team a late boost at least to play-in territory. God forbid Julius Randle’s jumper finds its way home, we might be in for a pleasant surprise after so many early letdowns. I’ll go with 44-38 as a closing record, assuming we get D-Rose back from ankle surgery in time for a late push.
Chip: The Knicks needed a nine game win streak to spark a playoff run last season. I can’t imagine anything like that happening with this squad so I’m going to say no to the playoffs. I’d be surprised if they missed the play-in game altogether, but I don’t trust this team to be consistent enough to win in the play-in tournament. They’ve won consecutive games just six times this season. The Knicks have the second hardest schedule in the NBA remaining so it could get ugly. I’ll say they finish with 39 wins.
Alex: With the way this team is playing and how good the Eastern Conference is, this team feels like they’re destined to be in the play-in tournament, which is not the playoffs. I feel that this team can step up to do a win-and-in matchup. Yet, if they have to win two games in a row, it’s going to be tough for this team. But I will be bold and say that they do make the playoffs, but going through the play-in first. Their end-of-season record will probably be 43-39.
Paul: I still have faith they’ll make the playoffs again. Their performances so far have been inconsistent due to injuries and covid but when they play at their best they are great. I think they’ll end up close to 45 wins.
What Knick(s) will shine in the second half of the season? Why?
Mike: RJ Barrett. While RJ had an inconsistent first half, he had stretches and flashes of star-caliber play. With more touches of late, Barrett has looked the part scoring from all three levels and weaponizing his gravity to create shots for others. He is earning the opportunity to have more offense ran through him, especially with Randle continuing to struggle. I expect a strong second half from RJ.
Geoffrey: I think Alec Burks will continue to be the most consistent Knick. He excels in shot creation and is one of the most reliable players on the team. I also believe that RJ Barrett will have his classic second-half surge where his shooting numbers improve and he starts to command more touches in the offense. Barrett is starting to show his team that the offense can be run through him, and if this becomes consistent, the Knicks can rest assured that they have a cornerstone franchise player.
Remi: It might be recency bias, but the two guys I see poised to make a leap might already be in the process of it. RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley have both been great in stepping up for injured and struggling teammates. I don’t see them slowing down any time soon. Barrett turned a miserable start into a great season last year and he’s doing the same so far this season. Quickley has gone from a microwave scorer to a genuine playmaking option with the ball in his hands. They’re the future for this team, but I think they might be the present as well.
Chip: RJ Barrett has been inconsistent with his scoring throughout his three NBA seasons but his most recent barrage is the most impressive of his career. There’s enough evidence to suggest that he’ll pick it up during the second half. The 32 point game against the Mavs (his second straight 30 point game) was arguably the best offensive performance of his career. He carried the Knicks to a win, outplaying Luka Doncic in the process.
Alex: Immanuel Quickley is set to have a big second half of the season. He has the tenacity on defense and improved his playmaking. All he has to do is become consistent at scoring and then he will be golden. And it’s only a matter of time until his shots start finding the bottom of the net.
Paul: I think RJ is going to make the second half of the season his own. His last few games have shown the talent we all knew was there. It’s going to lead to a good competition between himself and Randle to claim the team as their own.
Stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news, rumors, and recaps throughout the 2021-22 NBA season. And in case you missed it, check out CP and JD’s thoughts on who’s next to join the New York Knicks!
