Which Knicks players could be in the running for 2023 NBA Awards?
By James Ryder
Which Knicks can win the Sixth Man of the Year Award?
It is sort of insane how many players have a shot at Sixth Man of the Year for the Knicks, and this is due to the great depth that the team once again looks to possess in 2022-23.
Derrick Rose is probably the name that immediately comes to mind, as he is the best player on New York’s bench and he finished in third place for the award two seasons ago. However, if the preseason is any indication, then Rose will take a step back from being the main cog in the second unit’s engine. Immanuel Quickley has been on ball much more than in the past, and we all know how dangerous of a spark plug he can be. Consistency is all that is stopping Quickley from being one of the top bench scorers in the entire NBA.
Then there is Obi Toppin. We saw what Toppin was capable of with a larger share of minutes when he started in several games to end 2021-22. If Toppin finally gets the consistent 18-20 minutes a game that we have all been begging Tom Thibodeau for, then Toppin too can be a large scoring presence.
The most interesting scenario involves Evan Fournier. It is no secret that most Knicks fans think Quentin Grimes should be starting over Fournier. I am one of those people, and I think Fournier being on the bench is helpful for a couple of reasons: 1). Because Fournier is capable of torching opposing bench units, and 2). Grimes primarily being a shooter in a starting role and being in for Fournier allows for the offense to flow better because Brunson, Barrett, and Randle already demand a large share of touches.
In my opinion, Fournier would be most likely to have the best shot at this award, but any of these Knicks can be in the running with a lengthy, productive season.
