Hopeful for the Knicks

Yes, it’s Preseason. Yes, it’s the Cavs.

But for the first time since Phil Jackson was still on the Lakers payroll I’m legitimately hopeful for the Knicks future. Because for the first time since Mark Jackson was a Knick, we may finally have our long term solution at PG.

The drafting of Immanual Quickley raised a lot of eyebrows as a 6'3" shooting guard. But playing him at point has been a revelation. The ball moves in a way not seen since Linsanity was hitting MSG and the improvement in the games of Knox and Barrett over the offseason really emerges.

A legitimate Point Guard (even a league average one) would allow Knox to focus on just getting into the right spots to make good shots. The same would allow RJ to focus on getting his shot off, with an emphasis on an improved shot form. When RJ was drafted, I felt that he and Knox could become the Knicks version of Tatum/Brown and with a PG to shepherd them, this scenario becomes more realistic.

The lineup of Quickley, Barrett, Knox, Toppin, and MitchRob was dynamite, not to mention young (Toppin is the oldest). All of whom are also on their rookie contracts (something the Knicks have been known to screw up ala Porzingis). Assuming Thibs can coach the kids up, this year is going to be fun to watch and I’m actually… hopeful.

Do I think they make the playoffs? Doubtful. But a run would be great. And even if they don’t, they would be in a lottery that no longer rewards the worst team. Cade Cunningham could easily slot into this lineup, pushing either Knox or Quick to the bench. Or Mitch sits down and they go small.

Go Knicks!