4. Embrace the three-ball
The Knicks struggled to product three-point shots under then-head coach Jeff Hornacek. They ranked 21st in three-point attempts and percentage in the 2016-17 season. However, as the year turned to 2018, they were dead last in both of these categories.
The situation trended negatively. Of course, without Carmelo Anthony, it removed one of New York’s top scorers from long distance, and aside from Tim Hardaway Jr., there were few players to assist Porzingis and carry this burden.
By the time 2017-18 ended, the Knicks were 29th in three-point attempts and 27th in three-point percentage. They took a league-leading 64.4 two-point shots, but only ranked 18th in two-point percentage.
After the season, David Fizdale replaced Hornacek as head coach. So far, it has led to modest changes in three-point shooting, especially with Noah Vonleh, Kevin Knox and Emmanuel Mudiay emerging. They sit 19th in three-point attempts and 22nd in three-point percentage.
However, New York is fourth in two-point attempts and dead last in two-point percentage.
Slowly, the Knicks have embraced the three-ball and adjusted to the rest of the NBA. They are still another season away from climbing in this category, depending on who takes a step forward in 2019-20 and which players sign in free agency, because this group will probably not stick past April.