Knicks training camp: Five storylines to watch for 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. The team is looking to improve on two consecutive trips to the Eastern Conference semifinals. Add to that an opportunity to introduce themselves to the newest member of the team, Karl-Anthony Towns. The offseason has stoked enthusiasm, adding not just Towns but Mikal Bridges and putting the Knicks squarely in the conversation of NBA title contenders.
1. Man in the middle
Just days ago the Knicks’ biggest question was even with a deep and talented roster, who was going to handle the minutes at center for the team with Isaiah Hartenstein gone in free agency and Mitchell Robinson sidelined until at least December or January. And 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 week about the sacrifice made by Earl Monroe when the Knicks traded for the star to join him in the backcourt and that applies here now as the front office has accumulated a deep and talented roster. The addition of Bridges and Towns, as well as the midseason arrival of OG Anunoby, provides the Knicks with more talent, but also a need for players to find their place around Jalen Brunson.
Barring another deal, the eventual return of Robinson to the lineup also will present a dilemma. Does Thibodeau put him in the starting lineup and shift Towns over? That would likely move Josh Hart to a second-unit role. Or 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, finished fifth in the MVP balloting, can he get better?
His season ended, like the Knicks, in disappointment and injury. And while his contract extension allowed the team additional flexibility, 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, there will be less required.
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. The team has trade chips in place for the February deadline if he hasn’t shown he’s up to the task.
5. How deep do they go?
Before the trade that sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo away, 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 a signal of just how good the Knicks have become that we wonder about 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 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.
