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New York Knicks: Five conditions for NYK to make the playoffs

By Yash Shrivastava

New York CITY, NY - JUNE 21: New York Knicks welcome R.J. Barrett and Ignas Brazdeikis to the team and the city on June 21, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York, 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
New York CITY, NY - JUNE 21: New York Knicks welcome R.J. Barrett and Ignas Brazdeikis to the team and the city on June 21, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York, 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks  (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
New York Knicks  (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Following an abysmal 2018-19 season where the New York Knicks finished a staggering 17-65, the team was busy this offseason, looking to drastically improve upon last year’s woes, and potentially compete for the playoffs. 

The New York Knicks did not have the offseason many fans hoped for, but the team was busy by signing six new players in free agency as well as selecting RJ Barrett and Ignas Brazdeikis in the draft. With a new influx of young talent such as Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, and Elfrid Payton along with the acquisition of veterans such as Taj Gibson, Wayne Ellington, and Reggie Bullock, the Knicks look to build a more competent squad next season.

The playoffs have eluded the Knicks for over six years, and the team has struggled to replicate the success of the 2012-13 season. In previous years, the Knicks had a short-term view and made moves that would help them inch closer to the playoffs with little regard to the future of the team. However, ever since the departure of Phil Jackson and the arrival of Scott Perry, the franchise has embraced a long-term outlook predicated on player development.

New York’s newfound focus can be exemplified by the youth on the roster. The team has 11 players aged 25 or under, and they have high hopes for RJ Barrett, Kevin Knox, and Mitchell Robinson that they can prove to be franchise cornerstones.

Although the Knicks are one of the youngest teams in the league, General Manager Scott Perry and President Steve Mills, do not want a repeat of last season and want the team to grow and develop by being competitive.

The Knicks front office focused on adding players that could complement the young talent already on the team as well as contribute this upcoming season. The moves epitomized the team’s desire to compete for the playoffs and not to be the league’s doormat.

However, a lot has to go right for the Knicks to find themselves in the playoffs. Here are five conditions under which the Knicks can potentially eliminate their playoff drought.

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