New York Knicks: 3 big questions heading into 2019-20

First year jitters?

Drafted ninth overall last year, Kevin Knox came into the league with high expectations, having played exceptionally well during his time on the Kentucky Wildcats in the SEC.

Knox had showcased a nice shooting touch and the ability to grab rebounds during his time at Kentucky posting averages of 15.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists over 37 games as per sports-reference.

Transitioning to the NBA from college is not always easy for rookies, while some find the game suits their style of player better than the collegiate level others take time to adapt.

Knox seemed to have fallen into the latter category, failing to impress consistently throughout the year ranking in only the 20th percentile from qualifying players in offensive sets.

At 6’9″ with a 6’11” wingspan, Knox has good length and able to play at both the small and power forward positions.

This length should aid Knox on the defensive end, but he ranked next-to-last among rookies with a defensive rating of 115.1 and a net rating of minus-13.6,  per nba.com.

With an improved supporting cast around him who will be better able to push the tempo and stretch opposing defenses, Knox will have the opportunity to showcase the skills which led to him becoming a top-10 draft selection in 2018.

If he can improve on last year’s performance while adding new moves to his repertoire throughout the summer, then the Knicks have a great building block moving forwards — lessening the blow from the failed pursuit of Durant and Irving this offseason.

There are several questions here. Was last year rookie jitters? Will Knox be able to handle to expectations of a franchise as large as the Knicks? Is he willing and able to make a jump in production now that the team’s style will complement his skill set more ably?

These questions can only be answered once the season gets under way, so keep your eyes on Knox’s play this year, he may be the budding star the Knicks fan base is craving.