Feels like the 90s

The Buzz is back at the world's most famous arena. The New York Knicks are coming off their best season since 2012-13. Although it ended disappointingly with first round exit to the Atlanta Hawks there is so much reason for optimism in New York. It's only been six games, haters and the non believers will tell me to relax but the squad is 5-1 in those games and the biggest issue that I saw last year seems to have been addressed. With Tom Thibodeau at the helm you know you're going to get above average team defense however at times last year the Knicks would go ice cold offensively. If you ask me this was their downfall in the playoffs as I saw way too much iso ball from Julius Randle. With a blend of mostly returning players and a new addition in the offseason the Knicks have found help for their biggest star in Randle. Guys who can get you a bucket both off the dribble and off the pass. Through the six games mentioned the Knicks have gotten contributions from their starting rotation and when they're struggling the 2nd unit has picked up the slack. Let's break it down player by player. (Not every player for the sake of Brevity.)

RJ Barrett

I remember being incredibly disappointed when the Knicks, whom had the highest chances to land the #1 draft pick back in 2019 got stuck with the 3rd pick. Missing out on Zion or Ja was tough but RJ's development as a player cannot be understated. A man who struggled from deep his rookie season shot 40% from behind the arc last year and is at 38% this season in the early stages thus far. His stoke is looking better by the Day. The best thing I've noticed out of RJ is his assertiveness. He has no fear driving to the hole and has vastly improved finishing these drives and has his FG% up to an efficient 48%. After a career high 35 points against the Pelicans last game he was quick to criticize his defense. That's all you need to know about his competitiveness and drive to keep getting better.

Derrick Rose

Yes, even after all the injury history, the former league MVP still has game. He has really reshaped his game as he gets older and of course it helps to have his partner in crime in Tom Thibodeau running the show. If you're a Knicks fan you know what kind of rapport they have. Rose is really the player who kept the Hawks playoff series last year competitive. He still has bounce and can score at the rim because like RJ he is not afraid to attack. Never known for his outside shooting Rose has vastly improved in this area since coming back to the Knicks. A career 31% shooter from behind the arc shot 41% from three last year and in a smaller sample size he's at 51% this year. D rose off the bench putting in work has been awesome to see.

Immanuel Quickley

I'll admit it hasn't been the best start for IQ. After being drafted #25 last year the man out of Kentucky was a huge bright spot early in his career. While his numbers are down right now I am not too worried. He still has the same energy and bounce on the court as he did last year. He is not afraid to pull the trigger from anywhere on the court no matter how many shots he's missed previously. You gotta love the confidence out of a 2nd year player. Those shots will start to fall at a higher volume and Quickley will continue to be an energy spark off the bench.

Obi Toppin

The college Star at Dayton in 2020 had some more struggles in his rookie season unlike his counterpart Quickley. His numbers dont explode off the paper but his minutes are up from 11 minutes last year to almost 17 this year. He doesn't take too many attempts but his FG percentage is sky high as he flies to the rim and shows off that bounce that off course has not left him since his days at Dayton. Any time the Knicks are in transition this is the guy to look out for. You never know when you'll see a rim rocker or poster from him. Once he develops a better jumpshot look out for Obi to make a bigger impact in this league.

Julius Randle

The star of last year is loving life in NY. In August he signed a four year $117 million dollar deal to stay in the Big Apple. A modest start to his career in LA, Randle took off last year being a jack of all trades for the Knicks and carrying them to that first playoff series in eight years. Numbers are down a little bit this year but that is expected when you have some improved players and signees in the offseason. I say they went down yet he's still getting 21 points, almost 7 assists, and 11 rebounds a game thus far. Continuing his jack of all trades ways he does a little bit of everything to help this team win any way possible. It really reassuring that the Knicks have more reinforcements to help their best player out but I'm sure his efficiency will improves as well as we get further in the season.

Evan Fournier

I talked about offseason moves and the Frenchman was the key move for the Knicks. Not going to lie when they signed him to a four year $84 million dollar deal this summer I thought they overpaid. I'm a man and will admit when I'm wrong. He's been worth every penny so far. The 12 year vet was ok on Boston but nothing to write home about. He's been a key for the Knicks since day 1 when he dropped a cool 35 points including 12 in the overtimes (double OT) against Boston in the season and his team debut. The sharpshooter is giving the Knicks almost 18 points a game on 45% shooting from three. Unbelievable start for him. If he can continue this play watch out NBA.

Kemba Walker

The other offseason acquisition was the hometown kid and veteran Kemba Walker. Walker played his high school ball at Rice in Manhattan. It's well documented how happy Kemba is to be back playing for hi hometown team and his play is matching that. He's been solid every stop he has been at but looks rejuvenated on this squad. His scoring volume may not be exactly what it used to be but continuing on the theme of this article his three point shooting has been unbelievable. Cardiac is back shooting 58% on the season from downtown. Obviously I don't expect this to continue but if nothing else Kemba is a huge locker room presence for this team and seems to be having a lot of fun.

There are a handful of players that I did not mention tonight that are making solid contributions to this squad including long time vet Taj Gibson, Mitchell Robinson, and Alec Burks. The Knicks have fully solidified themselves as a solid three and D kind of team. Their depth this year should be able to take them further than last year and solve any issues that they had resulting in the first round exit I talked about. Watch out for this squad as we go through the dog days of Winter.