NBA Odds: Knicks Questions for the Next Season

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NBA Odds: What are the Knicks Key Questions for the Next Season

One primary concern for the New York Knicks is whether the center position remains a problem. The departure of starting center Isaiah Hartenstein, who joined the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency, left a significant void. Hartenstein not only facilitated the offense and helped with offensive rebounds but also formed a strong partnership with Jalen Brunson in the pick-and-roll. Last season, Hartenstein ranked 11th in the league among centers with 188 assists and 5th in offensive rebounds with 244.

Mitchell Robinson will again assume the center role, but his performance has notable weaknesses. Robinson only played 31 games last season due to a foot injury and 59 games the previous season. While he is an excellent rebounder and elite rim protector, he has never averaged more than one assist per game and lacks the additional offensive threat that Hartenstein provided. The team has not added more options at the center, and players like Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims do not seem like ideal solutions. Strengthening this position will improve their standing in the NBA Odds.

Can They Survive the Injuries?

The second central question is whether the team can handle injuries. Last season, almost every Knicks player dealt with health issues. Robinson missed part of the regular season and the playoffs, Julius Randle suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in January, and OG Anunoby also missed vital games. Bojan Bogdanovic, Josh Hart, and Brunson also faced injuries during the postseason.

Given head coach Tom Thibodeau’s aggressive coaching style, injuries are almost inevitable. The question is whether the team has enough depth to endure an 82-game season and the playoffs. According to the NBA Odds, staying healthy will be essential for reaching the top of the Eastern Conference.

Does Julius Randle Still Fit with the Team?

Before his shoulder injury that ended his season in January, Julius Randle was a vital piece of the revamped New York Knicks. With the addition of OG Anunoby in December and the combination of Jalen Brunson and Randle on the court, the team achieved an impressive 11-1 record. During this period, Randle averaged 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, and five assists per game, demonstrating his significant impact on the team.

However, the season concluded with the team finishing 21-15 in games without Randle after starting with a solid 29-17 record. Despite Randle and Anunoby’s absence affecting the team, Jalen Brunson kept the team competitive throughout most of the season’s final stretch.

As a three-time All-Star, Randle still holds significant trade value. The team may consider whether keeping him or exploring potential trades is better. The decision on his future could significantly influence the team’s direction for the upcoming season.