As training camp rapidly approaches, the Knicks have their most complete lineup in over a decade.
But there some players facing questions as we head into a new season. Those questions will be storylines to follow throughout the course of the campaign…
Julius Randle
After the Knicks were able to survive without Randle for the second half of the regular season and the first round of the playoffs, his role with the team seems a bit more murky. Randle has made three All-Star teams over the last four seasons. The Knicks still need him to be the 20 point a night scorer he’s been over the past few years.
But after Jalen Brunson’s ascendance, Randle is a clear cut second option for the first time in his Knicks tenure. What Randle has done in the regular season has never been debated. He’s helped the team while making improvements as a scorer, passer, and perimeter shooter.
However, the questions about whether Randle can be a reliable scorer in the playoffs haven’t dissipated. He’s struggled in the postseason, shooting a combined 34.4 percent over 15 games. Looming over this season is Randle’s contract situation. The power forward became eligible for a contract extension in August. If he doesn’t come to an agreement with the Knicks, he can opt out of his contract after this season and become an unrestricted free agent.
This year will likely play a large part in defining Randle’s future with the Knicks and what type of contract he ends up with. Improving his defense and efficiency as a scorer would make for the ideal season for Randle.
Mitchell Robinson
When on the floor, Robinson has showed he can be a great defender. And he’s arguably the best offensive rebounder in the NBA. But Robinson’s availability has become a significant problem for the Knicks.
Robinson has missed 125 games in the last four seasons. And now we know Robinson will miss at least the first couple of months due to the surgically repaired left ankle he dealt with last season. It’s become difficult for the Knicks to rely on Robinson being on the court.
When he is able to return, the priority for the Knicks will be keeping Robinson healthy. If he can’t stay on the floor, the Knicks might have to revisit a search for another big man externally.
There are also ways Robinson can improve when he does play. He’s a career 51.8 percent free-throw shooter, including a career-worst 40.9 percent last season. Robinson also had his worst season as a finisher around the rim, shooting 60.2 percent. Improving those skills would help.
Mikal Bridges
After years of speculation about a blockbuster deal, the Knicks finally took their big swing, acquiring Bridges from the Nets. Bridges is not a superstar, but he is one of the best two-way players in the NBA.
In Brooklyn, Bridges showcased that he could be a featured player in an offense. Though it was clear he shouldn’t be a number one option, a complementary role that takes pressure off Brunson and Randle helps.
Bridges can potentially add some ball and man movement to the Knicks with the ability to come off screens. He can catch and go off dribble handoffs and attack with a solid pull-up jumper. If he can step up and be that third scoring option, it could give the Knicks a better shot at reaching the upper crust of the Eastern Conference.
But it still should take some time for him to get acclimated. Bridges is the only new player entering New York’s projected nine-man rotation, so where he is in New York’s offensive pecking order will be something to watch.
Also of note: Bridges is eligible to sign a two-year contract extension with the Knicks starting Oct. 1. He can also sign a much richer four-year extension with the Knicks after the season.
