The New York Knicks have had a solid start to the season with a record of 35-18 through 53 games. The team has had a terrific flow on the offensive end, while their defense has become more assertive in recent games. Mikal Bridges and Karl Anthony Towns, the most prominent new players in New York, have made a significant impact, with Towns being selected to be an All-Star starter. Along with Towns, point guard Jalen Brunson has also been chosen to be an All-Star Starter, averaging 25.9 points per game.
Even with a record of 17 games above .500, the Knicks have had weaknesses that have stood out in the first half of the season. The Knicks lack a spark off the bench compared to top Eastern conference teams like the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. The team lacks depth at the forward and center positions, leaving the starters to play 40-plus minutes every game.
Since the beginning of the season, the Knicks have been without backup center Mitchell Robinson. He has been out since April with a stress fracture in his ankle. The Knicks would have lacked the size to come off the bench without his presence. According to a January Sports Illustrated Article, the Knicks are not opposed to trading Robinson, who has constantly been injured in his time with the franchise. In return, the Knicks could acquire a center who could stay healthy or a forward who could give the Knicks good size and skills to complement the rest of the team.
The Knicks have played some of their best basketball in the last few games. They have defeated top teams in the West, including the Denver Nuggets, Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies. Against these opponents, the Knicks have scored 408 points, a franchise high across three games. Specifically, forward Josh Hart has continued to be a team leader, consistently putting up double-doubles while embodying the heart and passion of the city that never sleeps. Fans and experts have questioned whether the Knicks could compete against some of the top teams in the league. The Knicks have been able to silence the doubters with these last few victories, even receiving praise from former MVP Nikola Jokic, who said the Knicks are one of the favorites for the title.
The Knicks are currently third in the Eastern Conference, close behind the Celtics in second place. Even though the Knicks did not acquire anybody at the trade deadline, they have a great chance of competing for the championship in 2025 with all the talent on their roster.
Photo Credits: “Washington Wizzards @ New York Knicks” by johrling is licensed under CC BY 2.0
