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We’re two-thirds of the way through the NBA season, leaving about 27 games for teams to iron out their issues in time for the playoffs. One of those teams is the Knicks, now with heightened expectations but suffering through a major injury wave.
We haven’t seen their full roster in a month — longer if you count the absence of Mitchell Robinson — and much is still unanswered.
Here are the five biggest questions for the Knicks during the homestretch of the regular season…
Can they get healthy in time?
Robinson, Julius Randle, and OG Anunoby are all recovering from injuries. Robinson hurt his ankle, Randle separated his shoulder, and Anunoby needed a minor procedure on his elbow.
These three are obviously pivotal starters and are arguably three of the Knicks’ four best players. Getting them back on the court with sufficient time to ramp up for the postseason — without compromising their recovery — will be key.
Will the Knicks be able to rediscover their January chemistry in time for a playoff run? That may determine the outcome of their season, and their starters aren’t the only ones who need integration.
Can the bench find its groove?
New York dealt Quentin Grimes, cap fodder and draft compensation to Detroit in exchange for Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks at the trade deadline. The idea was to bolster the bench rotation with a one-for-two swap, bringing in veteran creation and shooting that can play off the Knicks’ stars while carrying backup units offensively.
Bojan Bogdanovic / John Jones – USA TODAY Sports
It’s too early to tell how this will shape up, with New York’s rotation constantly in flux due to injuries. The two will need to acclimate to the Knicks’ systems and then its players as they make their returns.
Fortunately, the talent is there — it just needs time to build chemistry. A Bogdanovic, Burks, Josh Hart and center lineup looks great on paper. We just need to see it click on the court.
Can Brunson’s three-point shooting sustain?
The biggest revelation in Brunson’s game this season has been his deep shooting. He’s knocking down an impressive 41.1 percent of his threes on a career-high…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/5-huge-questions-facing-knicks-144508606.html
Author : SNY
Publish date : 2024-02-22 14:45:08
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