The New York Knicks finished last season with a good record. Not great, just good. But considering the Knicks’ pitiful play in the 21st century and low preseason rankings, the season was labeled a massive success.
And it was.
The 2021-22 season is forthcoming, though, and the “massive success” of last season has simply become a memory to cherish. It’s time for the Knicks to progress, and with the numerous offseason moves the Knicks’ front office executed, the team is in a position to do so.
The New York Knicks made significant moves to improve the roster following one of the best seasons of the 21st century. Here are four Knicks storylines to follow throughout the 2021-22 NBA season.
Acquiring Evan Fournier in a sign-and-trade with the Boston Celtics and signing Kemba Walker off waivers solidifies the Knicks’ starting backcourt. In doing so, Julius Randle and RJ Barrett can be relieved of some offensive duties after ranking as the league’s top two in minutes played last season.
Furthermore, key rotation pieces such as Nerlens Noel, Alec Burks and Derrick Rose returned on team-friendly deals.
With a deeper and stronger team than last year, the Knicks will certainly aim to advance further into the playoffs. At the very least, they cannot lose like they did to the Atlanta Hawks in five games. Even with a thorough roster, however, there are bound to be challenges along the way. Through Tom Thibodeau’s guidance and leadership, the Knicks hope they can overcome them mostly unscathed.
With training camp and preseason looming, the Knicks will be back on the hardwood shortly, prepping for the first 82-game season since before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Fans will get their first taste of the upgraded Knicks’ roster in the Oct. 5 preseason match against the Indiana Pacers. A few weeks later, New York will tip off the regular season against Boston.
While the Knicks haven’t stepped foot in the training facility just yet, there are some glaring storylines bound to affect the team this season. Before the season tips off, here are four key storylines to follow throughout the year.