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New York Knicks: Takeaways from the preseason finale

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 12: Trey Burke #23 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on October 12, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 12: Trey Burke #23 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on October 12, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 03: Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks in action against the Brooklyn Nets during a preseason game at Barclays Center on October 3, 2018 in 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 Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 03: Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks in action against the Brooklyn Nets during a preseason game at Barclays Center on October 3, 2018 in 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 Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Kevin Knox’s shooting struggles

Kevin Knox crossed the 20 point average in the summer league for the New York Knicks, and while that wasn’t expected in meaningful action, his sub-40-percent shooting carried over to the preseason.

The Kentucky product started well, with a 7-for-15 mark from the field. However, in the last three games, he went 9-for-34, including just 1-for-6 in the preseason finale.

Aggressiveness remained prevalent for Knox, but it led to inefficiency and five personal fouls in just 12 minutes. This limited his role against Brooklyn and partially indicated the rookie year struggles that will follow.

Knox’s honeymoon already ended, seemingly, as Marc Berman of The New York Post noted, due to the aforementioned struggles of the previous four games. It’s only the preseason, and the stats don’t matter, but a poor percentage of made shots to attempts has been the constant.

At just 19-years-old, there’s no reason to press panic on Knox, but his shooting will be something to monitor as the season opens. It might be the difference between a continuous spot in the starting lineup and a quick yank to the bench.

Knox started each preseason game, so it points to him retaining this role on Oct. 17 and beyond. Will it continue afterward? That’s left up to how he improves and the performance of the others against him, including Mario Hezonja, who also struggled through the past two weeks.

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Knox still projects as the long-term starter, but it would be a surprise to see him open each game with Enes Kanter, Tim Hardaway Jr. and the others.

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