New York Knicks: Six Takes From The 2016-17 Season So Far

Kristaps Porzings may be an All Star sooner than we think, plus five other thoughts about the New York Knicks’ 2016-17 NBA regular season thus far.

The New York Knicks made a number of statements during the 118-112 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Brandon Jennings Is A Real 6th Man Candidate

Brandon Jennings has started in a pinch, but for the most part, he’s been brought in off the bench to provide a spark. That’s been an overwhelming success so far. Not only did he have 19 points, but he also contributed 4 assists and only one turnover. He hit a critical 3-field goal and made some clutch free throws. For this team to make a real run at the playoffs, Jennings will most certainly be an X factor.

If he can keep this stellar play up, the Knicks should reach the postseason.

Kristaps Porzingis: All Star?

At present date, Kristaps Porzingis is averaging 20.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. KP may have had his best overall game against the Lakers, with 26 points, 12 rebounds and seven blocked shots. Knicks fans were getting a little nervous with a few rough shooting games, but not to worry, as the rebounds and blocks have been there.

Very few big men are boasting these type of numbers in the Eastern Conference, and with the Knicks actually winning, we may be closer to seeing Porzingis in an All-Star uniform than we thought.

Joakim Noah’s Impact Isn’t Necessarily Shown In The Box Score:

Joakim Noah had an unimpressive four points and three rebounds against hte Lakers. However, he also had 3 assists and a nice dunk that fired the team up. It’s not all about the stats with Noah. He brings passion and intensity.

One of the biggest reasons he wanted to sign with the Knicks was to help this team with leadership and bring that toughness that post-90s Knicks team have desperately needed.

No Love for Kuz?

This could have just been Jeff Hornacek going with his gut, but Lance Thomas gobbled up Mindaugas Kuzminskas’ minutes at small forward. Thomas didn’t do much with his 16 minutes, hardly logging any stats, but he did come up with two steals. This is a bench situation to monitor.

The two have different skill sets, Thomas is a little bit more versatile with his midrange game and scoring around the basket, but Kuz is a better outside shooter. Again, this could just be a temporary move, but fans will surely be looking to see who wins this bench battle.

The Knicks Are Winning Games They Should Win

This has always been a problem for the Knicks. You see an encouraging win against a good team, but then it’s followed by a confusing and frustrating loss. This Knicks squad is showing fans things they aren’t used to.

The Knicks are actually executing down the stretch and closing out games. Two examples are the sweeps of the Kings and the Timberwolves. It’s so difficult in today’s NBA to sweep a team when games are played that close together; a split is all but inevitable.

If the Knicks want to be a playoff team, they need to continue to defeat below .500 teams. These wins, along with taking care of the improving but still young Lakers, shows this team is maturing and starting to jell.

Winning on the road is difficult, but the resolve this team is showing already is a very encouraging sign for New York Knicks fans.

Derrick Rose Is Not The Old Derrick Rose, But That’s OK

What I mean is this: Derrick Rose is not ferociously dunking on helpless foes like he once did. This new Derrick Rose is doing it below the rim, and that’s just fine.

There were countless times where Rose nestled into his comfort zone, the midrange jump shot, and produced great results. He also isn’t trying to force 3-pointers. Long range isn’t Rose’s game, so it’s nice to see him play up his strengths.

Though26 points on 12-of-16 shooting is obviously more efficient than we can expect nightly, it shows that Rose is transitioning his game to a more realistic way of life. This is not MVP season Derrick Rose, but Knicks fans will take this version.

A smart and composed Rose, ready for a playoff run in Orange and Blue.