New York Knicks: 3 Takeaways from the preseason

Kemba Walker, Julius Randle, New York Knicks. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Kemba Walker, Julius Randle, New York Knicks. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
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New York Knicks
Quentin Grimes, New York Knicks (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)

New York Knicks: Depth pieces should get rotation opportunities

The Knicks received some major contributions from a few players that likely won’t be in the rotation at the start of the year. Rookie sharpshooter Quentin Grimes has slowly earned Thibodeau’s trust throughout training camp, and that trust paid off in their final contest against the Wizards.

Grimes played 21 minutes and was on the floor at the end of an extremely close game alongside team leaders such as Randle, Barrett, and Rose.

The 2021 first-round pick racked up an assist, a steal, and two crucial rebounds over the final three minutes. He also connected on a triple that brought the Knicks within two points, showcasing his effortless shooting motion.

Grimes ended up going 4-8 from three in the preseason while playing excellent defense, so it’s going to be tough for Thibodeau to keep the 21-year old out of the rotation for long.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, veteran big Taj Gibson continued to impress as he enters his age 36 season. With the return of both Robinson and Nerlens Noel, Gibson projects as the team’s third-string center.

However, he showed in preseason why he suited up in 45 games last year. In 4 contests, he averaged 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 63.3% from the field.

His high basketball IQ helps make up for his lack of athleticism on the defensive end, while he’s added a new element to his offensive arsenal.

Gibson actually shot 40% from three in the preseason, adding a floor-spacing aspect to his game that separates him from the other Knicks’ centers.

While he shouldn’t command minutes over the younger, springier centers on the roster he still should find some playing time as his newfound shooting from behind the arc has helped open up driving lanes for the team’s top scorers.

The New York Knicks completed an extremely successful preseason that helped hint at their new offensive identity, and they’ll look to build on that momentum as they host the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night to kick off the 2021-22 year.