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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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SANTA MONICA, CA – JUNE 25: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers receives Rookie of the Year Award during the 2018 NBA Awards Show on June 25, 2018 at The Barkar Hangar in Santa Monica, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
SANTA MONICA, CA – JUNE 25: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers receives Rookie of the Year Award during the 2018 NBA Awards Show on June 25, 2018 at The Barkar Hangar in Santa Monica, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Win the 2018-19 Rookie of the Year award

To cap off Kevin Knox’s rookie season with the New York Knicks, he can take home hardware and not only make the NBA All-Rookie First Team, but the 2018-19 Rookie of the Year award.

The 2017-18 competition for the top rookie prize was a season-long battle, as Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics and Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz all made a case to win. It went to Simmons, but Tatum and Mitchell would have been worthy winners, too.

For 2018-19, if Knox stands out, he will be challenged by the likes of Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley III and Trae Young. Someone outside the lottery may surprise, as well, and given how touted the 2018 NBA draft prospects were, the race can potentially exceed Simmons vs. Tatum vs. Mitchell.

To win Rookie of the Year, Knox must start at least half the season and load the stat sheet with around 13-18 points per game; it’s only a ballpark number, as the top rookie numbers vary by the year. If someone else breaks out and stays hot for the full season, it may take even more than this.

Knox’s opportunity for this award starts with how he plays in Kristaps Porzingis’ absence. If he leads the offense then and maintains his role afterward, with the aforementioned points average, it can become a season to remember.

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