3 Knicks players that need to have strong showings to close out preseason

After a thrilling first two games of the preseason, the New York Knicks will be back in action on Wednesday night against the Indiana Pacers for the second time in five days. However, this time the game will be played in Indiana at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The Knicks breezed past the Pacers on Friday, 131-114, behind Obi Toppin’s dunk show that resulted in 24 points. RJ Barrett had another great night with 18 points, three rebounds, and three assists. Jalen Brunson finished with 17 points and four assists.

As New York prepares to play its third of four preseason games, three players will need to capitalize on the playing time that they receive tonight and Friday for a chance to crack Tom Thibodeau’s rotation.

3 Knicks players that need to finish preseason on a strong note

3: Miles McBride

Miles McBride impressed at Summer League in July, where he averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.2 steals while shooting 50% from the field and 35.7% from the three-point line. That won’t be enough to secure a spot in Thibs’ rotation, though.

Whenever Deuce comes off the bench, he gives the Knicks a boost of energy on the defensive end. In New York’s first preseason win over Detroit, McBride recorded six steals in 23 minutes. Following the game, Thibodeau said that he specifically wanted to get more minutes for Deuce, which is why Derrick Rose was only on the floor for six minutes. Thibs knows what Rose brings to the table, but as McBride enters his second season in the league, he’s still working to prove himself.

After missing a layup on Friday night, McBride was able to redeem himself by knocking down two three-pointers.

McBride is the pesky defender that opponents don’t want to go up against, but given the Knicks’ depth, he likely won’t be a regular face in the rotation. He isn’t a scoring threat, but he’s an excellent passer. Deuce deserves to play more minutes this season, but we all know how Thibodeau is, which is why New York’s final two preseason games will be especially crucial for the 22-year-old.

2: Jericho Sims

Like Miles McBride, six-foot-nine Jericho Sims is going to likely end up getting buried in the Knicks’ rotation this season. New York converted his two-way contract to a standard deal during the offseason, but the team also signed free agent center Isaiah Hartenstein. With Mitchell Robinson staying in New York, Sims won’t be seeing a lot of playing time barring a sudden change.

Sims missed the Knicks’ first preseason game with a sore groin, but on Friday, he made his first appearance of the 2022-23 season and finished with six rebounds and four points in 13 minutes.

The 23-year-old spends a chunk of his time on the court above the rim. Obi Toppin’s dunks stole the show a few nights ago, but don’t forget about Sims’ vertical.

Sims being at the bottom of the team’s rotation speaks volumes about New York’s depth, especially the team’s depth at center. Robinson played in a career-high 72 games last season but has battled injuries in the past. The Knicks made the right decision to convert Sims’ two-way, although he isn’t going to see the court as much as he should.

Before the regular season begins next week, let’s see what Sims can do in the final two preseason contests where he’s guaranteed to get minutes.

1: Cam Reddish

After Cam Reddish didn’t play in the second half of New York’s preseason opener due to an ankle sprain, many thought his chance to crack Thibodeau’s rotation had disappeared. However, after it was reported that Reddish was available to play against the Pacers, Thibs opted to start the 23-year-old with Evan Fournier being out.

Nine months ago, the Knicks traded a first-round pick and Kevin Knox to Atlanta for Reddish, but fans were left confused about the deal after Thibodeau left Reddish on the bench. After playing in 15 games, his season ended a month early after he suffered a shoulder injury.

Reddish’s bad luck followed him into the first preseason game, but he was able to overcome that to receive a prime opportunity on Friday night. He didn’t exactly prove himself, though. Reddish finished with two points (1-of-7 from the field), two rebounds, two assists, and two steals. His highlight of the night was a reverse layup that was a result of a tipped pass.

His length allows for him to be a good defender, but he gets lost on the offensive end. If Reddish is utilized properly this season, he could end up playing a big role for New York.

With Cam Reddish set to be a restricted free agent during the offseason, he’s out to prove himself in 2022-23. The final two preseason games will be important for him as he looks to carve out what will hopefully be a consistent spot in the rotation.

Tom Thibodeau can’t disregard Obi Toppin’s strong push for increased Knicks role

After being stashed on the bench for the majority of his first two seasons with the Knicks, its past time for Obi Toppin to receive an increased role.