USA Today via Reuters
May 30, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau (left) and Julius Randle (30) react after Randle fouled out of the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game four in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 30, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau (left) and Julius Randle (30) react after Randle fouled out of the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game four in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Contrary to many other powerhouses, the New York Knicks have not had the most explosive off-season. They have made a couple of welcoming additions, but nothing too dynamic. Kemba Walker is reportedly going to be their newest asset, and will be of immense importance to the side. However, the Knicks aren’t the firm favorites ahead of the new season.
In the 2020-21 edition of the league, Tom Thibodeau masterminded a good season for New York. After facing many difficulties, the side finished 4th in the Eastern Conference. Yet, they failed to go into that extra gear and make it count. This year, Knicks fans would’ve hoped that their side delivers the goods. With a smart trading system, they could’ve elevated the squad to the next level. However, renowned NBA legend Earl Monroe opined that his former side has not done a good enough job to strengthen the squad.
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Earl Monroe wanted the Knicks to go for more
via Imago
May 16, 2021; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) celebrates with head coach
after their game against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Post the 2020-21 season, the New York Knicks’ primary focus was the NBA Draft. They acquired Rokas Jokubaitis and a few other prospects, but nothing significant. The future is bright for the side, but for this season, the draft yielded little gain. Although New York isn’t at the detrimental stage of needing to rebuild completely, the staff lacked the chutzpah in the market. Walker was the center of attraction, with Evan Fournier and the retention of Alec Burks being the other talking points.
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Not too overjoyed with the New York Knicks’ off-season, former NBA player Earl Monroe had his say.?“They’re pretty much the same team as they were last year, with a couple of better shooters. Fournier; he came into Boston, he didn’t really have a good season with Boston, because he was sick,”?quoted a disappointed Monroe.?“I don’t know how much that’s gonna help them out, you know. That gives them another guy to space the floor. But I was hoping that they would go out and get somebody else that would make a stamp on the game, when they came in the game.”
?They?re pretty much the same team as they were last year.?
@RealEarlMonroe tells @talkhoops and @DarthAmin why he was hoping for different moves from the Knicks in free agency.#NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/RFUOhojdTK? SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) August 7, 2021
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As the days pass, the likelihood of the Knicks bettering their 2020-21 performance seems to decline. They will require a near perfect management of players, and a brilliant outing for Walker. Everyone else will need to work around the 31-year-old and push the side through. Nonetheless, it is too early to presume how the season will unfold.
