NY Knicks: 1 Second-half goal for each player
By James Ryder
NY Knicks Player Goals: The guards
Kemba Walker: Prepare for next season
Walker’s health has been a huge obstacle for many years now and seems to be preventing him from being a solid contributor.
Even if the time spent resting gives him confidence that he can play better basketball in the future, Walker shouldn’t be in the NY Knicks’ plans going forward.
It is likely that he is waived this summer, so it’s in Walker’s best interest to focus on his body, with trying to extend his NBA career in mind.
Derrick Rose: Don’t be the hero
Rose’s second stint in New York has been nothing short of heroic. Many times last season, he was the one who consistently kept the Knicks in close games.
But, Rose is coming off of, *checks notes* the thousandth surgery of his career. Like with Walker, health is a major factor in Rose’s ability to play an important role.
Even if the Knicks try to win games to close the year, he needs to proceed carefully. I’d love to see him rest as well, even if only every couple of games.
The Knicks don’t need Rose to be their hero right now, as it is unlikely that him pushing himself will do him or the team any meaningful favors.
Alec Burks: Play better
It’s that simple. Burks has been atrocious this season. I don’t care if he is affected by being forced to play point guard.
Whether or not the ball goes in the basket for Burks is no one’s fault but his own. I just ask that he doesn’t continue to suck the life out of every fan watching him play.
The NY Knicks need his trade value up, too.
Immanuel Quickley: Also play better
As is the case for Burks, ditto for Quickley.
IQ has been in an enormous shooting slump for a while now. Something’s gotta give eventually because he is far too talented to be this inefficient.
Thankfully, Quickley is a very confident player with a great work ethic. Hopefully, he can finish the year strong with sights ahead on having a big third season.
RJ Barrett: Keep rising
2022 has been the year that gave us Star J Barrett.
RJ has had 10 games with 20+ points, 4 of them 30+ point performances, in his last 19 contests. In these games, he’s been aggressive and efficient all over the court.
He also continues to be impactful in other ways by crashing the boards, making the right decisions with the ball in his hands, and playing well on defense.
The Knicks need Barrett to continue to play like and become a franchise player, no pressure.