In 23 days, the New York Knicks will take the court at FedEx Forum to kick off the 2022-23 season against the Memphis Grizzlies. But first, on Monday, the Knicks came together for Media Day (otherwise known as Content Day). After an offseason that included adding a point guard, extending RJ Barrett, and neverending trade rumors, fans were able to hear directly from players for the first time since the end of 2021-22.
There’s been a lot of questions surrounding who will be the Knicks’ starting shooting guard. Evan Fournier started at the two last season, but the consensus seems to be that second-year guard Quentin Grimes should be slid into the starting lineup. Considering that Grimes was reportedly untouchable in trade talks, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him earn the spot. Until it’s known who will start, though, we’re going to assume that it’s going to be Fournier.
With that being said, let’s take a look at what New York’s potential starting five had to say during Media Day.
5 Media Day takeaways from Knicks’ potential starting five
5: Mitchell Robinson
First up is the 24-year-old big man who re-signed with the Knicks during free agency on a four-year, $60 million contract. After playing in a career-high 72 games for New York in 2021-22, Mitchell Robinson will continue to be the Knicks’ starting center.
There was speculation about Robinson leaving New York in free agency, but shortly after the Knicks signed Isaiah Hartenstein to a two-year deal, the front office made Mitch’s new contract official. And how did he react to the news that he’d be staying in New York?
Mitchell Robinson says he found out about his new contract with the Knicks while he was at the beach. Says he put the phone down and ran into the water to celebrate.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) September 26, 2022
Imagine seven-foot Mitchell Robinson at the beach, running through the sand towards the water to celebrate his new contract. What a moment of pure joy for the Knicks’ 2018 second-round draft pick.
Although his signing was made official a couple of months before RJ Barrett’s, technically Barrett’s the one who broke the Charlie Ward curse since he was a first-round draft pick in 2019. Nonetheless, New York retaining Mitchell was huge news. The ‘blockness monster’ is entering his fifth season with the Knicks, and if he can stay healthy, 2022-23 should be his best one yet. And it may include a three-pointer or two…