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Grading key Knicks players through first half of 2022-23 season

By Desmond Novack

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 6: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks gestures against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on January 6, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 6: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks gestures against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on January 6, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /
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With the Knicks sitting at 22-18 through the first 40 games, it’s time to look at how the players have been performing. It’s been a roller coaster of a season thus far, but with how well the Knicks have been looking as of late, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

In order to simplify things, we will be grading the main nine players in New York’s rotation. These guys have seen the floor the most and are really the only ones that are worth grading. These grades will be based on how they are performing this season relative to their expectations and how they have played since the last time we graded the team.

Some players have disappointed but for the most part, it’s hard to complain about the way the team has been performing recently. Things could be better but with how bleak things looked earlier in the season, we’re very glad the Knicks have begun to pick things up.

Grading key Knicks players through the first 40 games of 2022-23

Jalen Brunson: A

Previous grade: A

It’s funny to think that people once called Jalen Brunson’s contract an overpay because through 40 games, Brunson has looked phenomenal. Who knows whether or not he’ll make it but it certainly seems as if Brunson should be in consideration to make his first All-Star appearance.

In 37 games, Brunson is averaging 20.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game while shooting 46.8% from the field and 38% from behind the arc. This has been the major difference for Brunson as at the time we did our last grade for him, he was hitting just 29.7% of his threes, so it’s great to see such a drastic improvement from the 26-year-old.

The Knicks have been without a PG of his caliber for decades now and it feels amazing to have someone this talented orchestrating the offense. As good as his scoring has been, Brunson’s playmaking has been the best part of his game this year.

Brunson’s 3.1 assist-to-turnover ratio ranks 13th among all PGs in the NBA. That isn’t the be all end all stat for playmaking, but it’s nice to see how high Brunson ranks in that category. In just half a season with the Knicks, he has set new career highs in both points and assists.

This new, ball-dominant playstyle for Brunson has not only benefited him but has benefitted the Knicks as well. At this rate, the contract he was given may look like a steal by the end of the season. The Knicks have been dying for a player like this for a very long time, and it’s about time that they found said player in Brunson.

Quentin Grimes: A

Previous Grade: N/A

While it may seem crazy for Quentin Grimes to have the same grade as Brunson, this is due to the expectations surrounding the former 25th overall pick. Not only has Grimes been a starter for 23 of the 28 games he’s appeared in, but he has been fantastic in said games.

On the season, Grimes is averaging 10.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, shooting 46.7% from the field and 37.6% from three on 5.1 attempts. While this is already some very solid efficiency, it’s worth noting that Grimes was in a bit of a slump once he returned from injury, so that’s why his efficiency looks slightly worse than it should be.

Grimes has been a tremendous two-way threat for the Knicks, which is something the team needed after a season of Evan Fournier starting at the position. Grimes is easily the best 3-and-D player on the Knicks and is a near-perfect example of the archetype.

Not only is Grimes a sniper from behind the arc, but he also finishes at an incredible rate when attacking the rim, shooting 74.1% from 0-3 feet. He doesn’t have the ball in his hands often, but when he gets it he’s ridiculously efficient.

Grimes’ offensive abilities make it insanely difficult for teams to guard him. You can’t press him too hard because he can go right past you and either finish at the rim or kick out a sweet pass, or if you sag off of him, he’ll drain the three.

This is just Grimes’ second season in the NBA and he has so much room to grow as an all-around player. The Knicks got an absolute gem in the late first round, just another amazing move by Leon Rose and Co.

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