In 2020-21, the New York Knicks made the playoffs for the first time in eight years, but they followed that up with a 2021-22 season that wasn’t enough to result in a spot in the play-in tournament. But after a promising offseason that could still include a major trade, New York appears to be back on the right track.
But as Knicks fans, you know that the team that you love is often looked down upon, and a lot of it has been warranted. However, New York’s entering new territory with its first true point guard in two decades, but the disrespect hasn’t quieted down just yet. It’s up to the Knicks to do that on the court this season.
The Eastern Conference is stacked, but you could say that New York’s underrated. It wouldn’t be a shock if the Knicks received a playoff berth, although media outlets such as ESPN predict that the team will finish with two more wins than the 2021-22 season.
Along with the team as a whole, there are a few players on the roster in particular that are underrated. That narrative could quickly change as the season wears on, though, and let’s hope that it does. Let’s dive right into the three most underrated players in New York.
Here are the 3 most underrated players on the New York Knicks
3: Immanuel Quickley
As a Knicks fan, you likely don’t need to be reminded that Immanuel Quickley is good at basketball, but there are people out there that need that reminder. The 23-year-old is entering his third year in the league and should’ve spent more time on the court last season after Derrick Rose was injured and Kemba Walker was sidelined, but Tom Thibodeau opted for Alec Burks instead.
In the final 10 games of the regular season, Quickley averaged 17.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.5 assists while shooting 41.8% from the floor in 29.5 minutes. He posted two triple-doubles in this span, and his 20 point, 10 rebound, and 10 assist performance in a 118-88 win over the Orlando Magic made history.
With his triple-double tonight Immanuel Quickley (22 years, 290 days) is now the 2nd youngest player in @nyknicks franchise history to record a triple-double, trailing only: Kenny Sears (22 years, 140 days).
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) April 4, 2022
Immanuel Quickley: 20 PTS, 10 REB, 10 AST pic.twitter.com/ogxWVlk43K
The Jalen Brunson free agency signing and the Donovan Mitchell trade buzz this summer has overshadowed Quickley, but the guard’s been busy this offseason. There’s a possibility that Quickley could be on his way to the Utah Jazz, but if that doesn’t happen, he should receive an increase in minutes off the bench.
It always amazes me how people who are never around you can tell you how good you can be…
— Immanuel Jaylen Quickley (@IQ_GodSon) July 29, 2022
Immanuel Quickley is poised to have a big season with the Knicks in 2022-23
Don’t be surprised if he makes a big leap in year three. Knicks fans already know his worth, but Quickley will likely start to catch the attention of other fans around the league this season. If a trade doesn’t happen, he should step right into the role of New York’s sixth man.