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The New York Knicks are hopeful of another big season to continue their resurgence in the NBA. While every player is expected to pull their weight, three players will be expected to produce more for the team.
A fourth-place finish in the 2020-21 season was a step in the right direction following their eight-year absence from the playoffs. But they crashed out in the first round against the Atlanta Hawks, mustering only one win in the series. If the New York Knicks successfully make it to the Eastern Conference Finals this season, it could boil down to the Battle of the Boroughs.
While the New York Knicks could put up a good fight this season, terming them championship contenders would be a bit of a stretch. Given the strength of teams in the Eastern Conference, a second-round exit seems the farthest New York could go.
Tom Thibodeau is an exceptional coach, but even with such a great tactician, the New York Knicks will need capable players to execute on the floor.
The New York Knicks have fielded exceptional talents over the years, including the likes of Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire. However, their best campaign of the 21st century came in the 2013-14 season, where they finished second in the conference standings after a 54-28 run. Unfortunately, they did not make it past the second round in the postseason that year.
On that note, here are three New York Knicks players who are expected to produce big in the 2021-22 NBA season.
#3 Kemba Walker
The reason the Knicks traded for Kemba Walker was to bring in a veteran with championship experience who can create and score effectively. Elfrid Payton did a decent job last season for the New York Knicks, averaging 10.1 points and 3.2 assists. But he is nowhere near being a championship-caliber player.
Walker is a proven vet with a lot of championship experience, and has gone as far as the conference finals with rather mediocre teams. So his partnership with the New York Knicks could produce fireworks in the league.
Walker's injury woes are an area of concern for the New York Knicks, as the four-time All-Star has struggled to stay on the floor in recent years.
In the last two seasons, he has played only 99 games out of a possible 144. He also featured in only three games for the Boston Celtics last season in Round 1 of the playoffs. He was sidelined for the remaining two games due to a knee injury.
Nevertheless, Walker is an excellent option as a secondary scorer. When healthy, he could produce for the New York Knicks at a level not many point guards in the league can.
#2 RJ Barrett
A heavy burden has been placed on the shoulders of RJ Barrett by the New York Knicks. So it will be intriguing to see how he responds to that in the 2021-22 NBA season. The 21-year-old had a breakout year in the 2020-21 campaign, solidifying his position on the roster. But more will be expected from him to help the Knicks better their exploits last season.
The Canadian showed tremendous improvement in every aspect of his game last season. Despite being in his sophomore year, he held his own at both ends of the court, and was a crucial piece in the New York Knicks' resurgence. He ended the season averaging 17.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and three assists.
While he was outstanding in the regular season, Barrett fell apart in the playoffs. Perhaps we could call it playoff jitters, as it was his first time playing at such a level. Nonetheless, it was a difficult watch, as the youngster almost couldn't put a foot right for the Knicks.
Barrett shot a measly 28.6% from beyond the arc on 5.6 attempts per game, finishing with a field-goal percentage of 38.8. If the New York Knicks hope to have a go at the championship, the 21-year-old will need to drastically improve his performances and stay hot throughout the season.
#1 Julius Randle
Julius Randle is, by a distance, the best player on the New York Knicks' roster right now. The 6' 8" big man does a bit of everything, which makes watching him very exciting.
Randle had a rough start in the league, especially during his stint with the LA Lakers. He was selected with the seventh overall pick by the Lakers in the 2014 NBA draft, but he failed to make an impact for the Purple and Gold.
Randle's time with the New York Knicks has been a sort of breath of fresh air. The big man has rejuvenated himself, and currently plays at an All-Star level.
The NBA community recognized Randle's performances, as the player made his first All-Star selection after spending six years in the NBA. At the end of the season, he was also awarded the 2021 NBA's Most Improved Player of the Year award.
So far in the preseason, Randle has been the standout player for the New York Knicks. He is expected to continue his run of form when the new season commences. To put it plainly, the success of the New York Knicks in the 2021-22 NBA season rests with Randle, as he is the focal point of their squad at both ends of the court.
Guess the Lakers players!
