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New York Knicks: 5 takeaways from 2017-18 NBA season

By Kenneth Teape

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 6: Trey Burke #23 and Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks high five during the game against the Miami Heat on April 6, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 6: Trey Burke #23 and Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks high five during the game against the Miami Heat on April 6, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks: 5 takeaways from 2017-18 NBA season
Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images /

4. Veterans improve stock

New York looked like the Island of Misfit Toys at the beginning of the season. Multiple castoffs were on the roster, such as Jarrett Jack and Michael Beasley. Enes Kanter saw his stock plummet with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but was the centerpiece of the Carmelo Anthony trade for the Knicks.

Jack agreed to a non-guaranteed deal with New York but earned the starting role by the third game of the season over Ramon Sessions. He started every game he appeared in up until the All-Star break when the Knicks shook up their lineup. Jack has been the consummate professional, setting an example for the younger players despite receiving very limited minutes.

Beasley had a great season with New York. He has filled up the scoring column, whether it was off the bench as a spark plug or as the starting power forward because of injuries. The points, rebounds and assists per game are his highest since his third season in the NBA.

Kanter was a consistent performer at center for New York. In only 25.8 minutes per game, he averaged a double-double, putting up 14.1 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. He also averaged a career-high 1.5 assists per game. Kanter loves New York, and the fans appreciated his toughness and effort level each and every night.

While the Knicks didn’t win as much as they had hoped, it was nice to see veterans get things on track. All three played well in their given roles this season.

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