There is no such thing as a trap game for these Knicks anymore. We'll see tonight @ Orlando. We're going to RIP their heads apart by 20+ and here's why...Coach Thibs has our team focused and locked in like never before.
Even during the preseason. Our coach and our players coached and played to win. As if it were Playoff games. They didn't want to lose, meaningless preseason games or not.
The intensity was unreal and turned me into a 2021-2022 believer.
Because I haven't seen a Knicks team. This deep. Ever.
We're so deep to the point of when our backup 6-12 players enter the game? They know they have to be sharp and on their game. They wont fall for trap games because every opportunity is big for these super talented role players. They aren't overlooking anyone.
Yes I loved Starks, Mason, Oakley and Ewing throughout the early to mid 1990s and then later on H20, Spree, LJ, Camby, an aging Ewing and KT etc those were the players who I was always most excited for throughout my childhood from Elementary up into High School.
• Mitchell Robinson. Love love love him. 11 points, 17 rebounds, 5/5 FG 100%, 2 blocks. 1st game back. Atlanta Hawks were blessed to have Capela while we were without Mitchell Robinson. He's BACK and I'm excited.
• Julius Randle. All-Star. In his absolute prime and peaking. He's the real deal people and his playoff struggles of last years playoffs has turned him into a force. He's hungry for an MVP.
• R.J. Barrett. Duke product. Becoming our greatest draft pick in quite some time. A+ two way potential. Can't wait to watch him play every night. He was awesome vs. Tatum and Boston. At 6'6 he has superstar potential on the wings moving forward.
• Evan Fournier. I was scared of losing Reggie Bullock's 3PT shooting but not anymore. I'm already sold. Frenchman from Olympic team France? Can shoot off the dribble and create for teammates on the drive? 32 points Knicks debut? At home in MSG? Are you kidding me? This kid is BUILT for pressure. Back to back to back OT 3's followed by an assist to RJ for 3 in OT too? Nuts.
• Kemba Walker. He's going to become a serious X-Factot and a starting PG that keeps Derrick Rose 100% healthy throughout the season and FRESH for the playoffs. Once Kemba feels 100% comfortable with his teammates, playbook, coaching philosophy and earns his 100% confidence? As a POINT GUARD? He's going to become a PROBLEM with all of this NY talent at his disposal. Love it.
• Derrick Rose. Not having Mitchell Robinson and not having Rose OFF THE BENCH AS A CLOSER is what killed us and hurt us most vs. Atlanta but not anymore. Rose is prime for 6th man of the year award this year just off IQ and veteran leadership alone (for a young bench) and then the electricity he brings is pure FIRE POWER.
• Obi Toppin. Those Stoudemire rumors and comparisons coming out were spot on. His freaking athleticism is down right freakish. This is an offensive driven league these days and he's a rare find. We're going to love him. I think we already do.
• Immanuel Quickly. Can't deny his talents. He's still a young pup who sometimes just tries too hard to impress. That's natural. But SEC Player of the Year out of Kentucky? 100+ 3s made as a damn Rookie? A combo guard with a 3pt shot, a beautiful floater and instant energy? Team USA Select? And the game is still going 100 mph for him? He's going to develop and become something special off our bench.
And then there's more.
• Nerlens Noel as a young big man with postseason experience who's athletic.
• Taj Gibson as our 2012-2013 Veteran big man who's been through everything alongside of both D. Rose and coach Thibs dating back to their Chicago days. As our 5th big man behind Robinson/Randle/Obi/Noel? That's big time.
• Alec Burks. Cant say enough but at the same time can't say too much. He's just smooth off the bench. Plays winning basketball. Not afraid of the big momentum shot. Just an underrated favorite of mine.
11 players. Who I'm excited for to see take the court every night. This. To me. Is nuts. Top 1-2 seed type of nuts.
Not to mention kids like Grimes, McBride and Sims waiting for opportunities.
We're TRUE NBA contenders.