New York Knicks: Handing out awards for the 2017-18 NBA season

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PHOENIX, AZ – JANUARY 26: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks reacts after a three point shot against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on January 26, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

MVP: Kristaps Porzingis

The New York Knicks received quality contributions from multiple players during the 2017-18 regular season. The MVP of the team, however, was the player who made his first career All-Star Game appearance during just his third NBA campaign.

A knee injury unfortunately derailed his season, but Porzingis was the unrivaled best and most valuable player on the Knicks in 2017-18.

Statistically, Porzingis led the Knicks in points, blocks, field goals made, field goal attempts, free throws made, and free throw attempts per game. He also ranked No. 1 on the team and No. 7 in the NBA in usage rate with a mark of 31.1 percent.

No one shouldered a bigger workload for the Knicks on offense, nor defense, than the 7’3″ phenom who’s rapidly trending towards superstar status.

Further proof can be found in the fact that the Knicks accumulated net ratings of +0.1 with Porzingis on the court and -7.0 when he wasn’t. For those in search of a more traditional breakdown: New York was 22-26 when Porzingis played and 7-27 when he didn’t.

In other words: The Knicks lost more games in 34 outings without Porzingis than they did in 48 showings with him in the lineup.

Must Read: Top 2018 NBA Draft target at every position

A 29-53 record may provide reason for pessimism, but the New York Knicks received strong seasons from a number of players in 2017-18.

They’ve firmly established that the future is bright at The Mecca.

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