New York Knicks: 4 promising takeaways from the preseason

4) The Immediate Impact of Immanuel Quickley

After the Knicks traded up and down the board on draft night, they finally used their other 1st round pick on Kentucky guard Immanuel Quickley. With his inexperience to the pace of pro basketball and a bevy of other guards, it didn’t seem like the 21-year old would get much playing time. It wasn’t even known if he would play as a point guard or shooting guard.

Quickley has shot himself into the starting point guard discussion after just 5 quarters of basketball, proving that he’s already prepared to contribute at the highest level. Even if he doesn’t get the starting job on opening night, he’s displayed enough talent to warrant a rotation spot.

After leading a 4th quarter comeback in the third preseason game, the 6’3″ guard entered the starting lineup in the final matchup and delivered. He finished the night with 22 points, 5 assists and 5 steals while shooting 7-12 from the floor and 3-5 from behind the arc. The Knicks outscored the Cavaliers by 41 points while Quickley was on the court. He flashed a wide array of dribble moves, foul-drawing tactics, and floaters over the outstretched arms of defenders.

The Knicks desperately need a point guard who can space the floor as it helps open up the paint for guys like Obi Toppin, Mitchell Robinson, RJ Barrett, and Julius Randle. Quickley could be the one to finally fill that role.