New York Knicks: New floor-spacing could take team to the next level

The New York Knicks revamped roster has impressed through the first two games of the preseason.

The Knicks have put up 117 and 125 points in their first two games of the preseason. While you always take preseason with a grain of salt, the fact of the matter is that this team’s starters have been cooking against opposing NBA starters. They have looked legit.

The New York Knicks offense looks different

Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier. Those are the two big names that joined the Knicks this offseason with hopes of elevating this team from a first-round exit into a squad that could make some noise in the playoffs.

Walker’s 3-level scoring and playmaking have already given the team’s starting unit a drastically different look on offense. There’s far more rapid ball movement, and far more for defenses to pay attention to when he’s on the floor. There’s no sagging off Walker on the 3-point line like teams were able to do against Elfrid Payton last year.

Fournier is just as good of a shooter as Reggie Bullock. The biggest difference is his ability to create offense with the ball in his hands. The ball doesn’t have to die in the corner — Fournier is able to find his own shot and run offense for teammates.

Look at how beautiful some of the ball movement is in some of these highlights from the team’s last game.

The New York Knicks averaged 11 three-pointers per game last season. They put up 24 against the Pacers.

The team was without their star forward Julius Randle. Could you imagine the Knicks’ offense last season without Randle? Where would the offense be coming from?

With Fournier and Walker in the mix, you now have trusted ball-handlers and creators who take over more responsibility when called upon.

This is a team that was inconsistent on offense last season. The defense should still perform at a similarly high level to what they were last year. It’s the offense that could take a jump.

Team’s know they have to put up with a difficult defense when they come to play the New York Knicks. Now, if this team’s offense is clicking on all cylinders, they’re going to pose a serious threat in the Eastern Conference.