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

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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 10: Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks dribbles against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

3. End doubt about a poor motor

Kevin Knox entered the 2018 NBA Draft without a concern of his ability to score, but questions arose in other parts of his game, specifically his motor.

DraftExpress analyzed Knox’s motor as one of the keys to succeeding in the NBA. They described it as “very up and down” and how he looks “uninterested on the floor.” It’s impossible to gauge the reason for this, whether it dealt with no interest in playing college basketball or a distraction.

The website also noted how Knox “doesn’t always sit down and defend” and he “floats on the perimeter offensively.” Neither sits as ringing endorsements, despite praise in other aspects.

Knox is out to change this perception, however, as seen in an interview on ESPN First Take. Stephen A. Smith grilled the 2018 summer league star on this pre-draft concern, and with self-realization, he wants to be a different person:

If Knox lives up to these words, Knicks fans will see an aggressive version of this first-year player that hopefully sticks, for the team’s sake. Can he develop the necessary motor to become a star immediately?

With this, a high points average and starting games often, Knox can lay the foundation for a successful rookie year. What would take this higher, though?

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