New York Knicks: 3 early takeaways from the games we’ve seen so far

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 13: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks controls the ball in front of Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half of an NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on December 13, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Detroit defeated New York 99-91. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 13: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks controls the ball in front of Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half of an NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on December 13, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Detroit defeated New York 99-91. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
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New York Knicks (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
New York Knicks (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)

The New York Knicks 2020-21 season is underway, and there are three key takeaways from the five games we’ve watched them play.

The New York Knicks season has finally begun, and it’s great to have them back after nine long months (even though they lost 121-107 to the Indiana Pacers in their first regular-season matchup). There have been many changes to the front office and the coaching staff during their time off, but the one constant is that the Knicks are still a rebuilding franchise. That shouldn’t come as a shocker though, four head coaches within four years will do that to a team – including interim head coach Mike Miller.

It’s too early to make any bold predictions, especially on which players took the major leap in their development (excluding RJ Barrett, who looks like a stud). But with four preseason matchups and one regular-season game under our belts, we can start to get a glimpse of how the Knicks will perform this year.

Fans should be prepared for a long rollercoaster ride of a season because this team will have its ups and downs (mostly downs) since the Knicks are a young team that lacks a depth of talent. There will be games where the team is making strides and taking the next step forward. There will also be moments where the team comes out of the gates hot, and then wheels start to fall off (or vice versa) – like what we witnessed against the Pacers. Then there will be moments when the Knicks are just plainly outmatched.

This New York Knicks season will be another year of development, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be a fun and invigorating season. We get to watch the Knicks’ foundational players, such as Barrett, Obi Toppin, Immanuel Quickley, Mitchell Robinson, and Kevin Knox, continue their growth. And while we continue to watch them mature, there are three key elements that we know we’ll get from this team on a night-to-night basis.