The clock is ticking on the New York Knicks’ season. The Knicks are 4.5 games behind the Atlanta Hawks for the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference and a ticket into the play-in tournament.
New York’s won three straight blowouts against the Clippers, Kings, and Mavericks before coming up short against the Grizzlies. Even with Friday night’s loss, the Knicks look like they’re finding hope in a season full of disappointments.
Julius Randle scored a career-high 46 points against the Kings and RJ Barrett continues to look better with every game that he plays in. Barrett’s averaging 23.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 27 games since the start of 2022.
While the elevated play of New York’s stars has lead the way, the version of the Knicks that we’ve seen over the past week could be a preview of what we might see in the offseason – addition by subtraction.
The New York Knicks have benefitted from addition by subtraction.
New York has a logjam, especially in the backcourt and at the wings. Even with the departure of Kemba Walker, a healthy Knicks roster (justifiably or not) would find Cam Reddish, Miles McBride, and Jericho Sims out of the rotation.
However, with the delay of Derrick Rose’s return, Quentin Grimes knee injury, Obi Toppin’s hamstring injury, and Nerlens Noels’ continued plantar fasciitis, New York’s been able to get a better look at different variations of the team.
The young and switchable McBride / Quickley / Barrett / Reddish / Sims lineup was a sight for sore eyes and was a silver lining on the unlucky reality of playing shorthanded.
Tom Thibodeau on the Quickley-McBride-Barrett-Reddish-Sims lineup:
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) March 7, 2022
"The ball pressure was real good. It allowed us to do some switching, all of those guys can guard their position." pic.twitter.com/k8jkzXD74a
While Reddish unfortunately joined the list of injured Knicks when he dislocated his shoulder against Dallas, McBride has benefitted by an increased amount of playing time. It looks like the rookie will have a spot in the rotation for the rest of the season.
And while these new lineups have been resulting in wins, they’ll also provide the Knicks with insight as they head into the summer.
Mitchell Robinson is set to become an unrestricted free agent and it doesn’t sound like a deal with New York is going to happen in the immediate future.
Evan Fournier, with his terrific shooting and despicable defense, was being shopped ahead of the trade deadline. Alec Burks, Noel, and Rose all have expiring contracts heading into next season.
The free agency and trade market isn’t what it was last offseason but the Knicks’ ability to retool is looking like it can primarily come from within.
Obviously, Leon Rose and company will scour the market for a point guard and the two most notable names are Jalen Brunson and Malcom Brogdon.
However, for next year’s “new” and improved team, expect to see players that are already on New York’s roster.
New York Knicks: Charles Oakley talks to Daily Knicks in exclusive interview
New York Knicks legend Charles Oakley brings his Oak Out Hunger tour to NYC on Friday, Mar. 12 to feed the hungry and promote responsible gambling.