New York Knicks: 3 players that exceeded expectations this year

New York Knicks that exceeded expectations: 2. Immanuel Quickley

The New York Knicks found themselves in the lottery once again in the 2020 NBA Draft. However, Immanuel Quickley, the team’s most productive rookie this season, was taken late in the first round.

Most players in that range or further down into the second round aren’t expected to impact the team much in their first season. But, of course, there have been exceptions to this and Quickley certainly is one of them.

Quickley entered the draft as the reigning SEC Player of the Year averaging 16.1 points per game on 42.8 percent from downtown while at the University of Kentucky. Nevertheless, some believed he was picked earlier than he should have been — most notably CBS Sports who gave the pick a D+.

"“He’s the reigning SEC player of the year and shot 42 percent from 3-point range, but this is nearly 30 spots higher than I expected,” Gary Parrish wrote. “His upside just does not match this place in the draft, but he could be a good shooter if nothing else.”"

While Parrish was wrong, not many people expected Quickley to blossom so quickly — pun intended. Instead, the focus was on the other Knicks’ rookie Obi Toppin, who was selected No. 8 overall.

Nevertheless, the praise at the end of the season was given to Quickley, He earned All-Rookie Second Team honors with averages of 11.4 points and 2.0 assists per game on .395/.389/.891 shooting splits.

The field goal percentage needs to improve, but he’s in good shape from behind the arc and even better from the foul line. He finished 11th in best free-throw percentage in the NBA.

Contrary to the beginning of the 2020-21 season, Quickley will have many eyes on him to see if he takes the next step in his development. He projects to be a better scorer than facilitator, but may still run the point guard given his 6-foot-3 stature and the Knicks’ current lack of point guards.