The New York Knicks currently have a 12-8 record and are ranked 5th in the Eastern Conference. For the most part they have performed up to standards, as far as what the majority would have expected. There are many different talking points of discussion with 3 quarters of the season still remaining. Here are some key takeaways after 20 games played:

Julius Randle’s Struggles

Julius Randle has had his fair share of ups and downs as at NY Knick. He has fallen in and out of favor amongst the fanbase but no one can deny his impact on how far this team can go. Overall Julius is having an average year. His scoring is down from the 25.1 points he averaged last year to only 21.4 per game. In addition his efficiency has slid as well. He has went from shooting nearly 46% from the field down to 41%. In general he has served as a decent second option to Jalen Brunson and has continued to be a force on the boards. As of recently he has increased his offensive production but the most glaring concern is will he disappear in the playoffs as he has in years past. Julius Randle has averaged 17.1 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 15 games in the playoffs in his career.

6th Man

Immanuel Quickley has had another solid start this year coming off the bench providing scoring as well as above average perimeter defense. He is coming into his last year under contract and as it stands right now he and the front office have not come to an agreement on an extension amount. He is looking for upwards of 20-25 million per year, but it is yet to be seen if they’ll agree to that, especially given that they have already signed Josh Hart this offseason as well as Donte DiVincenzo. Quickley is on pace for another 6th man of the year award nomination. It will be imperative that he shows that he can be productive in big games against top notch talent. In the Knicks most recent loss against the Milwaukee Bucks Quickley only scored 7 points on 1-7 shooting from the field.

Immanuel Quickley is just too ‘Quick’ 😮‍💨🔥 #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/RXCrLfDS8J

— Top Bunk Sports (@Topbunksports) November 29, 2023

Nova’ Boyz

The Knicks have a conglomerate of Villanova alumni including Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, and Ryan Arcidiacono. The acquisition of Jalen Brunson last summer set the tone, providing the Knicks with an all-star caliber floor general that they direly needed. At the trade deadline they picked up Josh Hart and he proved to be an energetic, Swiss army knife off the bench. His contributions were able to push the needle enough to get the Knicks into the Second Round of the playoffs. The Knicks were so pleased with his additions they rewarded him with a contract extension of 4 years for 81 million dollars. In addition, they would acquire Donte DiVincenzo from the Golden State Warriors. So far this year he has provided more depth off the bench. Contributing solid defense and elite outside shooting. He is averaging 9 points per game while shooting 43% from 3. The Arcidiacono signing just provided icing on the cake. He has already previously played with coach Tibbs in New York and undoubtedly is familiar with the system.

Lack of Offense

The Knicks are vastly improved shooting from the outside thanks to Donte Divencenzo, RJ Barret, and company. However, ironically they rank towards the bottom of the league as far as overall field goal percentage specifically from 2 point range. The one, two punch of Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, on their best days is serviceable output but the Knicks could certainly use an additional go to guy that can get a bucket if need be. After a scorching start from RJ Barret he has seemingly come back to earth, missing 5 games due to a lingering migraine headache. The Knicks also are in the bottom third in assist per game, which could certainly negatively affect their overall offensive efficiency.

Quentin Grimes

With two ball dominant primary scorers in Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. Quentin Grimes has been perceived to be the perfect connector piece to spread the floor, play defense and attract just enough attention to open things up. Unfortunately, thus far Grimes has struggled all across the board offensively. In 22 minutes of action per night, Grimes has only managed 5.8 points per game on 35% from the field, while shooting 34.5% from 3. Many have also suggested he may be a better fit on the second unit until he gets more comfortable. Quentin Grimes was at one time deemed untouchable, most specifically as it relates to the the potential trade involving Donovan Mitchell. One might assume that status may be dwindling, but only time will tell. Grimes has also publicly aired his grievances regarding his lack of usage.

Conclusion

The Knicks are looking to build upon what was seemingly a successful season where they were one win against the Miami Heat from being in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Knicks are seeking that one player that can push the needle enough to get them over the proverbial hump. New York has been linked to players such as Karl-Anthony Towns, Donovan Mitchell, Demar Derozan, and Zach Lavine. It is yet to be seen if any of these players are ideal fits for the organization, but with New York being a large market it is inevitable that rumors will continue to swirl regarding possible blockbuster deals.