New York Knicks: Five ways to define a ‘successful’ season in 2019-20

No matter how they finish the season, what will define a “successful” season for the New York Knicks in the 2019-20 season?

The New York Knicks are clearly in another rebuilding season. They swung and missed in free agency. Still, they recovered well with some shrewd signings. Plus, adding RJ Barrett in the lottery is not too bad, either.

What defines a successful season for the Knicks, though? This is Year two in the rebuild process, the fans’ patience will run thin and the added pressure from crosstown rivals just fuels it. Knicks supporters may look at the Brooklyn Nets and wonder when will they be like them, signing the big free agents and becoming a contender for a five-year window?

Here are five keys to a successful season and step in the direction of what the Nets just pulled off:

5. Dennis Smith Jr. becomes the point guard of the future

Dennis Smith Jr. is in a pivotal season with the New York Knicks, entering Year Three with plenty of expectations. The third season often sees young players take the next step and become more established in the league. Smith already attempted this with offseason work.

The path for success is there for Smith. There is no clear threat on this roster, as even though Elfrid Payton will receive his chances, he is a limited scorer that has some skills as a passer.

Smith has potential. With a lack of real threat, he needs to establish himself as the team’s point guard for the next 10 years, someone future free agents look to and say “I want to play with that guy.”

Smith must be more comfortable with his three-point shot and become a better facilitator. His growth will define a lot about the Knicks direction. If he becomes a star, the Knicks become relevant in free agency, if he struggles, the Knicks will return to the drawing board, figuring out what to do next to solve the point guard position.

4. Get more draft assets

The New York Knicks have a bunch of cheap and reasonable contracts on this roster. Between Marcus Morris, Wayne Ellington, Taj Gibson, Bobby Portis and Reggie Bullock, there is plenty of NBA-level talent that can help playoff contenders; especially so if there are more buyers than sellers at the trade deadline. This can open more than one option.

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By the end of the year, potentially expect a few more draft picks and additional cap flexibility, giving the Knicks extra ammo for the next few years when they try to add a star. It is important the Knicks trade a few of these guys and not hold on to them, as they are not part of the future.

3. Randle flourishes into an All-Star caliber player

Julius Randle may not make an All-Star team, but he has the chance to take another step forward. His last year was a really good one, playing with elite talent like Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis for part of the year. Now, the Kentucky product plays for a young team, so can he establish himself as the alpha?

Taking the next step would go a long way to the Knicks establishing themselves as an attractive destination. Can he play within range of 25 points and nine rebounds? His maturity could go a long way for the team’s future.

Randle becoming an All-Star could provide the proof the Knicks need, to show they are a worthy destination for stars. The Nets did that with D’Angelo Russell, and Randle could mirror that same role for the Knicks.

2. Mitchell Robinson averages a double-double

Finally getting to the most exciting member of the New York Knicks, Mitchell Robinson gained steam after a surprising first year. He was not absent of talent, but to exhibit some of those gifts immediately was impressive.

Robinson went on to have an excellent summer-league showing and even held his own against Zion Williamson. The second-year center was even invited to the FIBA World Cup team, but he suffered an injury before the games started.

This sophomore season won’t make or break his career, as he is only 21-years-old, but even at that young of an age, the potential exists to average a double-double this season.

Last year, Robinson did not play significantly until late in the year. Averaging a double-double would prove he is receiving a majority of the minutes at center and limiting the foul trouble that plagued him. Maybe he can average like 12 points 10 rebounds and 2.5 blocks. This also establishes his security as the center to build around for the Knicks.

1. The most obvious, the young talent and their growth

There is Robinson and Smith, but what about the other young New York Knicks? Kevin Knox and RJ Barrett are the two big ones, both of whom could be important this season, but they place lower on the roster because of the number of bodies at each of their positions. Plus. they both play similar roles and could hurt each other.

Flashes of brilliance from Barrett and Knox are still necessary, however, playing to their ceiling in five-to-10-game stretches.

Also, add Allonzo Trier, Damyean Dotson and even Frank Ntilikina to the mix of young, intriguing pieces. This group has much potential, so lets see how they play. The New York Knicks need a few of these guys to shine and pull away from the others to really take another step in the right direction.