New York Knicks: Predicting the team’s leader in every statistical category

Although they didn’t quite nab the superstar they’ve been chasing, the New York Knicks had a productive offseason that pushes its core toward the future. By acquiring future draft assets, signing a formative floor general and opening new lanes for their young players to flourish, the Knicks positioned themselves to rebound from a tough 2021-22 campaign.

Falling from grace a year after finishing as the Eastern Conference’s fourth seed, New York lost some of the defensive identity and grit that made it so formidable. Many of their transactions through the summer were geared toward regaining that sense of self.

The revamped New York Knicks have a shot at returning to the NBA Playoffs.

First and foremost, the Jalen Brunson acquisition is a show of faith for the current-day team. For two years, the primary playmaker on the team was Julius Randle. Credit to the former No. 7 pick, but he should never be the primary facilitator for a team. Brunson brings a level of structure that should help the entire ship run smoother, and in, turn, push Randle toward an All-Star level again. Furthermore, steps forward from young leaders — namely, R.J. Barrett — should theoretically make the Knicks a far more successful team than a year ago.

These players are going to make that dream a reality with their statistical output this year.