By far one of the most surprising and underappreciated storylines of the 2020-21 NBA Season is the incredible season of the New York Knicks. Currently sitting at 8 games over .500, the Knicks are by no means world beaters, but this season is nothing short of amazing. For the first time in 8 seasons, the Knicks are competitive and fighting for a top spot in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Despite minimal roster changes, and no clear superstar, the Knicks are looking to make noise in the playoffs. How did they get to this spot?
Tom Thibodeau
Prior to Tom Thibodeau’s hiring, the Knicks have had six different head coaches since their last playoff appearance. The Knicks seemed to be a doomed franchise, the acquisition and loss of Kristaps Porzingis, the drafting of Frank Ntilikina with the eighth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, letting two championship winning All-Stars sign with the other team in New York, the Knicks seemed to be drowning in their own mistakes. Despite all things going wrong for nearly a decade, they saw a glimpse of light, Tom Thibodeau. Tom Thibodeau has been a proven winner in any situation, Thibodeau’s hard coaching style created the most exciting Chicago Bulls era since the 1990’s and broke a 14-year playoff drought with the Minnesota Timberwolves. If there was one person who could change the culture in New York, it would be Thibodeau. With very minimal roster changes and no superstar, the expectation would’ve been a year of development for RJ Barrett, and assessing what assets would be kept moving forward. Instead, the year turned into a successful regular season with a team positioned to not only make the playoffs, but make noise. What did Thibodeau bring that the six coaches before him could not?
Defense
The most impressive improvement overall for the Knicks is not the number of wins, but the significant improvement on the defensive side of the ball. Looking back at the 2019-20 season, the Knicks were average on their best day defensively. The Knicks were in the bottom half of the league in opposing, Points, Field Goal Percentage, Three Point Percentage, Turnovers, and Free Throws Attempted. This year has been the complete opposite. As of May 11th, 2021, the Knicks rank first in the league in opposing Points, Field Goal Percentage, Three Point Percentage, and Field Goals Made. They are also top 5 in seven other major statistical categories defensively. The Knicks have gone from one of the worst teams defensively to arguably the best defense in the entire league over the course of one season. The Knicks have formed the identity as a team that will not roll over, and will make their opponent fight for every basket. The hard-nosed defensive style of basketball the Knicks are now known for is not just going to get them to the playoffs, it is going to make them a tough out. With teams like Brooklyn and Atlanta who live or die on the offensive end of the court, the Knicks have the perfect gameplan to give these teams trouble. The defensive end of the court is the primary reason for the Knicks success. But there has to be more to the Knicks success.
Player Development
As stated previously, this is nearly the same exact team that finished 21-45 last season, but significant improvement for the starting lineup has been prevalent. RJ Barrett was selected with the third overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, in his second year Barrett has improved across the board. Barrett has increased his Field Goal Percentage by over 4%, Three Point Percentage by over 8%, and Free Throw Percentage by over 13%. Barrett has also increased his averages in Points, Assists, and Rebounds. Barrett is becoming the all-around player the Knicks had hoped he would become. The NBA game is slowing down for RJ and he is finding out how to succeed at the highest level. Barrett’s significant increase in production has been a major part of the team’s success this season.
The biggest leap from a single player on this roster, and arguably the entire league is Julius Randle. Randle was named to his first All-Star game in his seventh season in the league. After being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, traded to the Pelicans, and then signing with the Knicks in 2019, Randle has been a solid starting piece on teams that were nowhere near contention for the playoffs. This year, Randle is the best player on a top team in the Eastern Conference. Randle currently has career highs in Points, Assists, Rebounds, and Steals as well as adding the Three Point shot to his game shooting 41% from deep. The signing of Randle was universally criticized and mocked after Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant chose to go to the other side of town with the Nets. Now, the only ones laughing are Knicks fans and Julius Randle. Randle has proven that he has the ability to play at an elite level and be the focal point of a winning team. Randle is nearly a guarantee for the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award.
Looking Forward
The Cinderella Story is still being written, but that doesn’t mean we can’t wonder what the story holds. For current season, the Knicks are going to be a team to watch going into the playoffs. They are rolling at a consistent rate, playing the game at their own pace, and controlling every game they are in. This team is not a one hit wonder, they are positioned to give their first-round opponent a run for their money and have the potential of moving deep in the playoffs. The Knicks have managed to go somewhat under the radar, and they will have a chip on their shoulder looking to prove the Knicks are not a team to take lightly. An impressive 2021 Playoff appearance is sure to come.
Long-term making the playoffs are a major milestone for a franchise desperately needing success. Not only does a winning season give fans hope and increases team morale, it also makes New York a legit landing spot for marquee free agents. The Knicks have shown they have a roster that is ready to compete and that they can be a championship contender with the addition of a true superstar. With the defensive playstyle of the Knicks, there is a clear player who could Claw this team to a championship. The future in New York is looking strong, and only the first few chapters of this story have been written.
- Quick Predictions: 2025 NFL Season
- Gameday Against the Spread: NFL Week 9
- Gameday Against the Spread: College Football Week 10
- One More Year for Manny Diaz?
- Gameday Against the Spread: NFL Week 8
Into the Sports World 