New York Knicks: 1 Important difference from this point last season

It’s an ongoing debate of how to feel about the New York Knicks this season. Is this team in panic mode? Have they been unlucky? Is this just who they are?

You can really point the finger at a number of reasons as to why the Knicks are currently a game below .500.

Look, the classic, stay-calm approach to this would be to point out that there is a lot of season left and that New York is still right in the hunt in the Eastern Conference. This is true.

Still, there is something that is a lot different in 2021-22 than 2020-21, something that it seems like everybody knows but isn’t talking about as it pertains to the New York Knicks hope of turning things around.

New York Knicks: The Eastern Conference is much improved

Just look at the conference right now. There are only 2 out of 15 teams that I would confidently say are not a threat to make the play-in tournament — the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic.

In fact, a large majority of the other 13 teams will have a legitimate shot at avoiding the play-in tournament altogether and finishing as a top 6 team. This was not the case last season.

First and foremost, a litany of injuries and COVID protocols put some of the Eastern Conference playoff mainstays such as the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics down from their usual standard.

Forget about those teams, what about the teams that have lept forward into being legitimate threats in the playoffs?

The Chicago Bulls, who were a non-factor last season, are one of the best teams in the league. The Washington Wizards, with their new personnel and head coach, have one of the best defenses in the NBA.

You have expected playoff teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers and the Atlanta Hawks right there with the Knicks in the standings.

Forget about the other top dog Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets, what about other middling teams from last season who have taken a step forward?

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a legitimate young corps that are all playing well together. Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen are all having fantastic seasons.

The Charlotte Hornets have looked improved, with LaMelo Ball growing into a franchise point guard and Miles Bridges having a breakout season, playing at a fringe All-Star level. 

At this point, the only thing the New York Knicks can say is that they were the #4 seed last season. They haven’t proven anything to show they are above the competition.

They’ve lost to the Hornets, Cavaliers, and Raptors. They’re 1-1 against the Pacers, 1-2 against the Bulls.

The only teams you can really argue are worse from last seaso would maybe be the 76ers and Celtics, and even then those are still two legit playoff contenders.

This conference isn’t going to wait for them to get it together — they’ve got to pick it up sooner rather than later.