Why the Knicks’ 2022-23 season was a success, despite a disappointing playoff loss to the Heat

[ad_1]

Getting bounced from the playoffs, no matter when and how, always hurts. It marks a momentary failure and often the end of a team as fans know it, with inevitable offseason changes around the corner.

Knicks fans may not be happy with dropping a second-round series to the Miami Heat in such a wide-open playoff bracket, but once the dust settles, it will become apparent how much of a success this season was a whole. New York exceeded expectations, developed its core talent, and cemented itself once again as a prominent franchise in the playoff picture.

Proper context is necessary when grading this Knicks season.

Oddsmakers penned their over/under at 38.5 wins, a mark ESPN and FiveThirtyEight also projected, and New York absolutely blew that away with a 47-35 record. Experts then largely predicted a Cleveland Cavaliers first-round victory, which the Knicks spoiled as well.

The headline should be New York demolished forecasts, but the story features much more than that. The developments made this season will shape this franchise for years to come.

It starts at the top with the signing of Jalen Brunson. Anybody who questioned the move or the price of it at the time is surely taking back those criticisms now.

Brunson was a legitimate All-NBA-worthy player this season, a performance that not only carried into the postseason, but stepped up too. He averaged 27.8 points, 5.6 assists and 4.9 rebounds in the playoffs, enters next season outside of the 50-highest salaries in the league, and has a declining contract.

The Knicks acquiring an All-Star who fits the system and culture perfectly is a humongous win on its own, but Brunson isn’t the only name to get excited about.

Julius Randle had his second All-NBA season in three years, a true redemption arc after struggling with his game and mental fortitude in 2022. He was hobbled this postseason, but still put in winning efforts, and should be a core piece moving forward.

Also coming up big was RJ Barrett, who may have had an up-and-down regular season and longer-term development, but shined on the biggest stage of his career. After a couple of down games in Cleveland, Barrett…

[ad_2]
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/why-knicks-2022-23-season-144747109.html?src=rss

Author : SNY

Publish date : 2023-05-13 16:46:16

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.