Knicks Evaluation: Highlights and Drawbacks Revealed

Basio badr

ago 2 hours

The New York Knicks have embarked on the 2024-2025 NBA season with promising momentum. With a record of 6-3 and a four-game winning streak, they are optimistic about their path to the NBA Finals. Much has changed from the previous season, particularly in their offensive strategy.

Knicks Evaluation: Highlights and Drawbacks Revealed

Optimistic Beginnings

The Knicks’ offense has shown significant rejuvenation. They rank fourth in the NBA for three-point attempts, averaging 42.9 shots per game, a substantial increase from last year’s 34.1 attempts, which placed them 27th. This change is accompanied by a shift in shot quality; the team generates 18.1 open three-point attempts per game, third best in the league.

Offensive Rebounding Dominance

New York excels in offensive rebounding, led by Mitchell Robinson, who tops the league in offensive rebounds per game. The team follows a system of “crash zones,” maximizing their chances for second-chance points. This commitment to offensive rebounding enhances their scoring opportunities and overall efficiency.

Effective Use of Jalen Brunson

Star guard Jalen Brunson is thriving under head coach Mike Brown’s direction. His off-ball movement has transformed him into a potent catch-and-shoot weapon. This season, 58.3% of Brunson’s three-point attempts are assisted, compared to 46.1% last year. This change has allowed him to find cleaner shots, evidenced by a 50% success rate on catch-and-shoot threes.

Concerns on Defense

Despite their offensive gains, the Knicks struggle defensively, particularly in three-point defense. They currently rank second worst in the league, allowing opponents to shoot 39.4% from beyond the arc. Head coach Brown has expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s contesting of three-point shots, a critical aspect to address if they wish to contend for a championship.

Need for Improved Tempo

Another area for improvement is the team’s pace. Despite increased field-goal attempts early in the shot clock, they remain one of the slower teams in the league. During the current season, they average 9.9 shot attempts per game with four seconds or less on the shot clock, indicating a need for better pacing in offensive execution.

Player Rotations and Lineup Adjustments

Brown tends to favor certain players over others in crucial lineups, which has sparked interest in utilizing Miles McBride more frequently alongside starters. His defensive prowess and pace could significantly benefit the team’s dynamics. However, consistency in rotations remains an ongoing issue.

Additional Player Highlights

OG Anunoby has made significant strides in his shooting efficiency.
Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging a career-high in free-throw attempts, showing his offensive development.
Josh Hart continues to impact the game positively, irrespective of role changes.

As the Knicks progress through the season, their combination of offensive improvements and defensive considerations will ultimately determine their success. With the right adjustments and continued development, they have the potential to be a formidable force in the NBA this year.