Knicks training camp: Five storylines to watch as reconstructed team tips off new campaign
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and guard Josh Hart talk with head coach Tom Thibodeau, right, during the second half of Game 4 against the Pacers in an NBA second-round playoff series Sunday, May 12, in Indianapolis. Credit: AP/Michael Conroy
The Knicks enter training camp Monday with the sort of expectations that haven’t accompanied the franchise in decades. They are looking to improve on two consecutive trips to the Eastern Conference semifinals, and they will introduce themselves to the newest member of the team, Karl-Anthony Towns. The offseason has stoked enthusiasm, as the Knicks added Towns and Mikal Bridges and put themselves squarely in the conversation of NBA title contenders.
1. Man in the middle
The Knicks have a deep and talented roster, but just days ago, their biggest question was who was going to handle the minutes at center with Isaiah Hartenstein gone in free agency and Mitchell Robinson sidelined until at least December or January after ankle surgery. The answer came with the massive trade for Towns.
There are question marks there, too, as he fits better as a stretch 4 at times — which is why Minnesota gave up a huge haul to put Rudy Gobert next to him. But reuniting him with Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, who helped develop him early in his career, and with something to prove, he could be the final piece to their title hopes.
2. Sacrifice
Walt Frazier spoke this past week about the sacrifice made by Earl Monroe when the Knicks traded for the star to join Frazier in the backcourt, and that applies here now. The addition of Bridges and Towns, as well as the arrival of OG Anunoby in late December last season, gives the Knicks more talent, but there also is a need for players to find their place around Jalen Brunson.
Barring another deal, the eventual return of Robinson will force the Knicks to make some decisions. Does Thibodeau put him in the starting lineup and shift Towns to power forward? That likely would move Josh Hart to a second-unit role. Does Robinson become a backup? It’s a role he accepted when working his way back from injury last season.
3. A better Brunson
The common denominator for Brunson throughout his NBA career — and really, since high school — has been that he has gotten better every season, exceeding expectations along the way. So after a season in which he earned second-team All-NBA honors and finished fifth in the MVP balloting, can he get better?
Like the Knicks, his season ended in disappointment and injury. His contract extension gave the team additional flexibility and he quickly reverted to form, getting in the gym and figuring out how to get better. With the most talented group he’s had assembled around him, less will be required of him.
4. Robinson’s future
Once the Knicks lost Hartenstein, the need for Robinson escalated. In the wake of another injury-riddled season, it’s easy to forget how important he was early last season, dominating on the offensive glass and anchoring the defense. But at what point do the Knicks lose faith in counting on his health as part of their title hopes?
Robinson has missed 146 games in six seasons, and there is a fear that a player of his size (see Greg Oden, Yao Ming) with foot or leg injuries is prone to repeated problems. The Knicks’ cautious return schedule for Robinson is an effort to ensure that he is 100% when he gets back on the court. If he hasn’t shown he’s up to the task, the team has trade chips in place for the February trade deadline.
5. How deep do they go?
Before the trade that sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota, the Knicks’ strength was depth with a crowded arsenal of versatile wings. The deal cleared out that minutes crunch, likely allowing Hart to return to the starting lineup, and now the question is just who will be the bench pieces for the Knicks.
This is a small consideration, and it’s a signal of just how good they have become that we wonder who their eighth and ninth men are. That’s as deep as Thibodeau likes to go in a rotation, so figure that Deuce McBride will get minutes with his shooting and defensive ability and Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims could see frontcourt time. But while likely shuffling minutes for the starters, Thibodeau will need to keep Bridges, Anunoby or Hart on the floor to serve as a wing defender.
Thibodeau has shown a willingness to give playing time to rookies if they earn it. Tyler Kolek could find an opportunity with his point guard skills and ability to organize an offense that McBride has yet to show in his skill set.
Steve Popper covers the Knicks for Newsday. He has spent nearly three decades covering the Knicks and the NBA, along with just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
