The team’s actions during the offseason made it clear that the New York Knicks’ goal for 2021-22 was to build on the surprising success of last year.
Fast forward to now, and it is clear that the Knicks have once again done the unexpected, but this time to the tune of negative results.
Seemingly every player on the roster has regressed in one way or another. Julius Randle and RJ Barrett have played great this month (RJ had a stellar January as well), but it hasn’t translated to wins, and New York’s franchise duo has been bad more often than not.
The two big free-agent acquisitions, Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier have also failed to have a positive impact. Holdovers from last season like Alec Burks and Immanuel Quickley have stunk it up on most nights, and yet Obi Toppin and Cam Reddish have such tight leashes they’re suffocating.
Another area of regression has been the relationship fans have with head coach Tom Thibodeau. Despite winning Coach of the Year last season, his reputation precedes him.
His history of stubbornness and offensive ineptitude remains. It’s evident in his questionable rotations, minutes distribution, and his loyalty to players who haven’t returned the favor with any success.
Everyone on this Knicks team has something they can improve on coming out of the all-star break. The approach to the remaining 23 games for each player should be to find confidence and consistency in their performance.
Regardless of if this translates to wins or not, it is important that the team does what they intended to do from day one; build on what they currently have and hope for better days ahead.
With that said, here is one goal for each player, starting with the guards.