New York Knicks: Realistic goals for Kevin Knox in 2019-20

2. Make the NBA Rising Stars Game

The 2019 NBA Rising Star Game was filled with recent lottery picks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, DeAndre Ayton, Luka Doncic and Trae Young were among the 2018 draftees headlining their respective teams, while Donovan Mitchell, Ben Simmons and Jayson Tatum returned.

Kevin Knox played in that game, with 11 points of 5-for-9 shooting, for whatever that is worth in an exhibition contest. He was, however, only an injury replacement for Lonzo Ball.

A realistic goal for Knox is to definitively make the Rising Stars Game; not as an injury replacement, but a first choice to represent Team USA and the New York Knicks.

There will be a few givens playing in this game, potentially, including Zion Williamson and other rookies from the 2019 class. That will pose enough of a challenge for Knox, but if his play as a sophomore takes steps forward, he can take an open spot during NBA All-Star Weekend and be one of the few Knicks representatives; Mitchell Robinson will not be far behind.

To achieve this, Knox needs to put together a stronger stat line to what he did as a rookie. The basic points and rebounds always stand out for players, and if he improves in either area, as noted, this could result in a promising second year.