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New York Knicks: 3 players who deserve more playing time

By Orestis Rantis

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Derrick Rose #4 of the New York Knicks dribbles during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 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 - APRIL 20: Derrick Rose #4 of the New York Knicks dribbles during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 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
Obi Toppin #1, Derrick Rose #4 and Alec Burks #18 of the New York Knicks in action against the Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

The New York Knicks have had an indifferent start to this NBA season. After initially boasting about having a 5-1 record and sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference, they have dropped a few spots, and now have a record of 7-6.

They have managed to beat strong contenders such as the Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, and Philadelphia 76ers (twice), but have blown big leads against non-playoff teams such as the Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers.

To be fair, the team’s starting lineup underwent a major swift, as both starting guards got replaced during the offseason. The homecoming of Kemba Walker and the addition of Evan Fournier look promising so far, though they need more time to “click” even more.

3 New York Knicks players who deserve more playing time

The main reason behind the team’s recent problems is the individual struggles that many players are dealing with at the moment. Julius Randle, though not bad whatsoever, has definitely taken his foot off the pedal when compared to last season, and seems less aggressive on offense.

RJ Barrett had an incredible scoring streak earlier this year but has been colder than a penguin in Antarctica since then. All in all, coach Tom Thibodeau is still trying to figure out the correct rotation to get the best out of this group. Given his extensive knowledge of the game, that shouldn’t take too long.

A few players have excelled so far for the New York Knicks, meaning that some more playing time should be coming their way in the not-so-distant future.

It’s not like we expected the Knicks to be at the top of the standings for the entire season. You’d have to be a delusional “BING BONG” fan to have such beliefs. It’s just a bit frustrating when they keep losing to teams far worse, despite constantly knocking contenders out of their place.

As coach Thibs keeps monitoring the situation of the team’s rotation over the next few games, a number of players seem to stand out above the rest. Maybe a boost in playing time could be just the thing the New York Knicks need right now.

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