Over/Under: New York Knicks 2023-24

NEW YORK KNICKS: 45.5 WINS – OVER Key Additions Donte DiVincenzo (free agent) Key Subtractions Derrick Rose Obi Toppin…

NEW YORK KNICKS: 45.5 WINS – OVER

Key Additions

Donte DiVincenzo (free agent)

Key Subtractions

Derrick RoseObi Toppin

Rotation

GuardsJalen Brunson, Immanuel Quickley, Miles McBrideWingsRJ Barrett, Quentin Grimes, Donte DiVincenzoForwardsJulius Randle, Josh HartBigsMitchell Robinson, Isaiah Hartenstein, Jericho Sims

Random thoughts, opinions, comments, declarations, queries, editorials, etc.

Shockingly, a Thibs-coached team finished 19th in defensive rating, and yet 3rd in offensive rating. This is the type of statistic that exists in the bizarro world. Or in a world where Jalen Brunson is your starting point guard. Either way, the Knicks finished 47-35 (good for 5th in the East), and proved they were much more aligned with the ’20-’21 team than the disappointing ’21-’22 version. The move to pass on mortgaging their future for Donovan Mitchell turned out to be a win for everyone. Brunson is the hero New York didn’t realize it needed. And he’s surrounded by dogs like Grimes, Quickley, and Hart. They’ve swapped Obi Toppin for DiVincenzo, giving them more shooting on the perimeter. At the 5, the Robinson-Hartenstein combo is one of the more underrated in the league. They have depth, shooting, size, and leader in Brunson. The 2 wildcards are Randle and Barrett. Both talented players, but I question if their ISO heavy games help or hinder the team’s ceiling. Wouldn’t be shocked if one (or both) is traded by the deadline. Regardless, I consider the Knicks the best of the rest (anyone not named MIL, BOS, & CLE) in the East.

Last Year – Interesting Stats:

47-35 record last year, 5th in the East117.8 Off Rtg: 3rd in the NB3rd in Total Rebounds3rd in FTAJulius Randle ppg in reg season: 25.1Julius Randle ppg in postseason: 16.6Julius Randle FG% in reg season: .459Julius Randle FG% in postseason: .374

Keys to Success:

Julius Randle is only allowed 3 dribbles per possession, Brunson repeats his all-star caliber season, RJ Barrett shoots closer to the 40% than 30% from 3, Mitchell Robinson doesn’t wait ’til the playoffs to dominate the glass, the “Grimes, Hart, Quickley, DiVincenzo” quartet all shoot in the high 30s from 3

Potential Obstacles:

Julius Randle continues to see himself as a stretch 4, Hartenstein outplays Robinson, the ‘Nova crew of Hart, DiVincenzo, and Brunson demand the front office trade for Mikel Bridges, Evan Fournier becomes a distraction

Hot takes:

Jalen Brunson makes his first all-star teamJulius Randle makes his lastThey trade for an all-star midseason using Fournier, Barrett, and draft compensationFournier plays meaningful playoff minutes, but not for the Knicks

STANDINGS PREDICTION: 4TH IN THE EAST