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New York Knicks: 3 X-factors for the 2021-22 NBA season

By Brendan O'Sullivan

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 05: Julius Randle #30 and Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks leave the court after the first half of a preseason game against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on October 05, 2021 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 05: Julius Randle #30 and Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks leave the court after the first half of a preseason game against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on October 05, 2021 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images
New York Knicks Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images /

Immanuel Quickley will be an X-factor for the New York Knicks in 2021-22

Immanuel Quickley surprised a lot of people as a rookie, but the surprise element won’t be a factor in the 2021-22 NBA season.

Players, coaches and team personnel around the league have gotten a year’s worth of film on Quickley to better prepare for his long-range triples and soft floaters. But will it be enough to slow down the sophomore?

That’s up for debate.

Either way, his trajectory from college to the NBA suggests at least minor improvement on the court. This is key for the Knicks this season and beyond.

Quickley earned a spot on the 2020-21 NBA All-Rookie Second Team after averaging 11.4 points per game on .395/.389/.891 shooting splits off the bench. Barring any injuries to players ahead of him in the depth chart, he’ll be a bench player once again.

It’s not a bad thing, either. It’s a testament to New York’s guard depth, which gives Quickley time to mature. He can continue to do what he does well but also focus on improving his glaring weaknesses.

He shot just 39.5 percent from the field, which is far below the 2020-21 league average of 46.6 percent. Frontcourt players boost the percentage with primarily inside shot attempts, but Quickley still falls short when just considering backcourt players. All-time point and shooting guards shoot 43.4 and 43.9 percent, respectively, according to Statmuse.

Quickley’s 3-point percentage is good, slightly more than two points of the 2020-21 league average. His free-throw percentage is superb, ranking 11th in the NBA. Sustaining these percentages is essential, but his progression will hit a brick wall without upping the field-goal percentage.

As a bench player, Quickley needs to utilize his limited minutes efficiently. He can energize his team — and crowd when playing in New York — but it’s not greatly beneficial if he’s only knocking down 39.5 percent of his attempts.

Raise the percentage. It’s simple in theory, more difficult on the hardwood. If accomplished, the Knicks’ bench scoring adds another dimension, increasing its potency.

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