The NBA is about two months in and as a New York Native, I think it’s safe to say that a lot of Knicks fans are skeptical of the Knicks this season. The Knicks sit at the 10th seed with a 11–15 record in the eastern conference. Whenever there is a glimpse of hope for the Knicks, it’s usually met with some type of disappointment for the fans. The Knicks are notorious for getting your hopes up and letting you down. It’s almost like when your ex says “I can change’’ but you know that really won’t happen. Unfortunately, Knicks fans are usually the naive ex that would take you back. But being a Knick fan right now, I don’t think you’re being naive at all. For the first time there is a legitimate reason to have hope for the future of the Knicks organization.
In the 90s and early 2000s the Knicks were known for their tough defense and “thug “ like demeanor. The best comparison I could give to the 90s Knicks is that of Timberland Boots. They were tough, durable, and respected by New Yorkers. If you’re one of those Knick fans who suffers from nostalgia thinking about the good ol’ 90s era, then I would say you’re pretty hopeful right now. With the recent hire of coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks are looking great defensively.
Coach Thibs is known for demanding his players to get after it on the defensive end. Coach Thibs is not an unfamiliar face to the Knicks. He was with the Knicks back in the 90s under head coach Van Gundy, where he aided in developing their tough defensive mindset. While coaching the Bulls from 2010 until 2015, the Bulls ranked top 5 in the east for points allowed per game. During the 2010–11 season Coach Thibs won coach of the year with his team ranked #1 in points allowed per game. It’s simple, the Knicks will play tough defense this season.
In addition to Coach Thibs, the Knicks are a team that has depth. Over the years Knicks management has been crucified for bad drafts and terrible contracts, but in the last few years the Knicks have been strategic in creating their roster. Having four former Kentucky university players and two former Duke university players, the Knicks have solid guys that can play. Duke and Kentucky are household names in college basketball. These schools are known for their professionalism and players getting drafted.
Some will argue that what school you’ve played at does not determine your performance in the league. This is true but these programs are proven to be rigorous and ran tightly. Playing for these schools would be the closest thing in college basketball to playing for a real NBA team. It’s unrealistic to say all six of those guys will be superstars, but it’s realistic to say that these players have great work ethic, know how to win, and understand their role.
The Knicks did a great job of finding quality pieces. The only thing the Knicks need is time to develop. Since the team already has depth, the young players need to develop their game and team chemistry. I am a firm believer of team and player development versus the “win now” mentality. Once you can have successful seasons consistently that will eventually lead to champions however, trying eagerly to sign big name players without establishing a winning culture is not the solution to a losing organization. The Knicks need to stick with this young team so they develop into all star players and have a winning culture.
