New York Knicks: Takeaways from Jayson Tatum-led loss to Celtics

1. Kevin Knox’s injury only makes the developmental season more difficult

The New York Knicks were always in for a developmental road in all 82 games. They have young talent, but the group still has a few checkpoints to reach before they enter the playoffs.

Part of the process features Kevin Knox, who the Knicks selected No. 9 in the 2018 NBA Draft. He struggled in preseason play and the season opener, but delivered a 50-percent shooting night against the Nets, with 17 points to showcase what he can bring to the court.

However, the aforementioned ankle injury followed in his third game, which stalls his and the team’s progress for up to one month.

The Knicks must work through another rotation injury, but already without scoring options, they lost the one with the most potential, even as a rookie and with Tim Hardaway Jr.’s presence.

So where do the Knicks turn for scoring? They already have to make up for Porzingis’ loss, and while Trier has looked impressive, he’s still just three games in and can’t be counted on for a significant load yet.

It’s just one of multiple questions that arise in the infancy of New York’s first year under Fizdale. Not an ideal situation, and it makes games against the NBA’s best more difficult to compete in, without the necessary talent.