New York Knicks: Can Tom Thibodeau build on his success?

New York Knicks: Expectations were low last season

Part of the reason why the beginning of the Thibodeau era feels so long ago is that, well, the expectations and narratives around the New York Knicks were so drastically different.

This was a team that was in step one of a complete reset. The wishful thinking going into the season was that the team would perform poorly, but that we would see strides from the young players. RJ Barrett would take a step forward, and the team would land a top draft pick.

At the time, Julius Randle’s name made Knicks fans grimace. He was perceived as a negative asset, and the team’s drafting of Obi Toppin with the 8th overall pick indicated to some that the writing was on the wall for Randle’s tenure as a Knick to soon be over.

How quickly things can change.

Right from the get-go, the team looked like a transformed group. Randle’s game was different. He was knocking down threes, creating for others, and was suddenly a hub of offense that was devastating to guard for opposing defenses.

RJ Barrett was playing a significant role with improved efficiency. Knicks veteran role players like Reggie Bullock, Alec Burks, and Nerlens Noel were all playing productive minutes.

The team looked… competent. Then, they went out and traded for Derrick Rose, which turned out to be a season-altering trade.

The Knicks look improved to start the season but it wasn’t until Derrick Rose joined the lineup that the team’s offense started to consistently click.

So after a season in which the team re-defined their expectations and long-term outlook, what is next for the Knicks?