In these past weeks, the landscape of the East has changed. It is become the sector of powerhouses. From the Milwaukee Bucks with their star tandem of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard stretching to the Boston Celtics’ newly formed destructive ‘Big 4’. We are completely immersed in the eras of superteams. It has left very little to compute, the question is only which of the behemoths will take the title at the end of the season.

But no year is complete it surprises. We witnessed the Miami Heat upset the Bucks last year. They have become the persistent dark horses in the NBA, and each season there are some new contenders for the throne. This year,  fascinating conversations can be held around the New York Knicks. Arguably the most popular franchise, this team has a core of two All-NBA-worthy talents and also the supporting cast to compete with their formidable foes.

However, with all that has transpired this offseason, are the Knicks on a burning leash is the loaded question?

The New York Knicks can make something big or go out small

On paper, the Knicks have a truckload of talent. Julius Randle obviously is their keystone having another All-Star season lined up with an All-NBA selection. The 6’8″ forward has grown into a remarkable scorer, stretching his arsenal to beyond the three-point line. In consecutive two seasons, Randle has been an excellent regular-season performer. However, this fir fades away during the postseason. History has seen him come up short when it matters most. He can be excused for last season though citing his ankle surgery.

The Knicks’ most influential addition though didn’t fail to impress. Landing from Dallas to join his father, a former NBA player, Jalen Brunson made New York his kingdom. In his first season as the primary ball handler, he had a career campaign averaging 24 points and 6.2 assists per game. He was an All-Star snub, but the MSG crowd bowed to his brilliance. Unlike Randle, Brunson rose to new heights in the playoffs. Taking complete charge of the forces he averaged 27.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.9 rebounds.

What the Knicks desperately yearned for, the berth of a superstar who shines prolifically in the postseason was finally here. Apart from their All-Star duo, they have a young and budding RJ Barrett. The left-handed shooter suffered from irregular spells last season. At times you would understand why he was ranked as the best talent in the Zion Williamson class. Other times you question the massive $120 million extension he was awarded.

The Duke product showed versatility fitting as the third option while also playing the role of a first-choice scorer with confidence.
Apart from these three poster talents, Josh Hart’s addition provided a spark that propelled the Knicks to win a playoff series. He is a two-way demon who operates on effort alone. Timely shot-making and hustling for boards made Brunson’s college mate a pivotal mid-season pickup.

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The franchise also welcomed Donte DiVincenzo, a sharpshooter who can contribute as an above-average defender. And of course, you can’t forget Immanuel Quickly. The 23-year-old did everything at an apex last season, finishing as the 6MOTY runner-up. But the NBA is unfortunately an ugly business. Not only do the Knicks have to tackle a major hurdle, but they might have a disgruntled star in their ranks.

The Julius Randle debacle and Quickley’s extension

Prior to the start of the season, Randle’s one move sparked break-up rumors. He switched agencies, joining WME Sports for representation. The abrupt switch suggested he might be looking for a new home. It’s only a speculation as of now considering the Knicks’ close affinity with the CAA, Randle’s past representatives. It’s still hazy whether the All-Star forward to call quits on his time in New York. If that does happen, it leaves the void of a 25-point scorer, something the franchise might not be able to fill anytime soon.

Then they will also have to figure out their finance for Quickley. He is eligible for an extension from his rookie contract in the following season. The query- is he worth the money? The answer is a definite yes from the Knicks’ perspective. This is a young blistering star who can shoot the lights out and defend with tenacity. If Barrett qualified for the max, Quickley deserves a deal in the same vicinity.

Can the Knicks make a deep run?

The roster is complete, to say the least. Two stars steering the ship. Barrett, Quickley, and Hart elevate the synergy. Mitchell Robinson guards the paints like a gatekeeper. It’s an assembly of charismatic and diverse talents who can bully the bullies. For this season, if they do manage to play their cards right, the New York Knicks might just have their coming-of-the-age moment in this era. Years of irrelevancy, mimicry, and being brutally trolled have left the Knicks with an undying sense of vengeance.

The years of remaining silent were the only time bomb that passed by. Now, the Knicks are fully armored with a general to guide the forces through. The Randle-Brunson duo might not be visible in the power ranking, but they have mastery of every facet of the offense. Robinson is also rumored to have worked on his post-game in the offseason. So now, he might come through as the traditional center that can hold down the house on both sides of the floor.

Hart and RJ Barrett complete the starting five of this energized Knicks side who are chasing retribution. Off the bench, Immanuel Quickley can set the stage ablaze with his accurate three-point shooting and lanky defensive traits. Of course, like any other roster, there are concerns. Will Mitchell Robinson contribute on offense? Can Barrett finally have a breakout season? Will Randle remain a Knick for the entire season? These questions will remain unanswered. The truth will only reveal itself once the troops line up on the hardwood.

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On paper, New York is back like the days of Patrick Ewing. However, unforeseen circumstances could spill mud all over this experiment.