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New York Knicks: Five realistic goals for Kevin Knox in 2018-19

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Kevin Knox poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted ninth overall by the New York Knicks during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Kevin Knox poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted ninth overall by the New York Knicks during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 12: (EDITOR’S NOTE:THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN CONVERTED TO BLACK AND WHITE) Kevin Knox of the New York Knicks poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 12, 2018 in Tarrytown, New York.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 12: (EDITOR’S NOTE:THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN CONVERTED TO BLACK AND WHITE) Kevin Knox of the New York Knicks poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 12, 2018 in Tarrytown, New York.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

The New York Knicks will have high expectations for Kevin Knox in 2018-19. What can he look to achieve?

Kevin Knox will soon embark on his first season with the New York Knicks, who selected him at No. 9 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. It’s a pressure situation for the Kentucky product, who arrives in New York City as a 19 year old with high expectations.

With New York’s situation to open the 2018-19 season, Knox has the chance to succeed. If so, he can join a youthful group that includes Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr. for the long term.

What can Knox achieve in 2018-19 to establish himself in the NBA? How likely are some goals he should strive for as a rookie? Let’s take a look:

5. Start 41 games

Finding starts as a rookie can be difficult for anyone outside the top five—maybe the top 10. In 2017, the lottery developed a handful of full-time starters, including Lauri Markkanen, Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell and Kyle Kuzma. Their games started all varied, with Mitchell starting 71 of 79 games he played in.

Kevin Knox will try to replicate what these rookies did in 2017-18. Until the situation clears up in training camp, it’s no guarantee he receives a spot in the starting lineup, but that does not mean it’s impossible to be an on-court contributor to open each game.

41 games seem reasonable for Knox in his rookie season. Head coach David Fizdale may bring him off the bench to open the year, allowing for veterans to take the floor and not rush the youngster into the spotlight.

However, injuries will arise and may force Knox into the starting lineup. If not that, his play off the bench can cause a change that happens sooner than later.

If Knox starts 41 games, it’s valuable experience for him, especially on a young team that may struggle throughout 2018-19. How often will fans see him in opening games?

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