Aug 13, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; New York Knicks forward Obi Toppin (1) looks to dunk during an NBA Summer League game against the Detroit Pistons at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: Summer League-New York Knicks at Detroit Pistons
The New York Knicks surprised everyone last season finishing 41-31 behind Julius Randle’s career year and coach Tom Thibodeau, who won ‘Coach of the Year’ in his first season with New York. Randle averaged 24.1 points per game, 10.2 Rebounds per game and six assists per game propping New York up to the fourth seed in the East and their first playoff berth in nine years. After his incredible season, the Knicks awarded Randle with a four year deal worth $117 million dollars. A couple of other players who propelled the Knicks into the playoffs were Alec Burks, Rookie point guard Immanuel Quickley along with former MVP Derrick Rose, who they got from the Pistons in exchange for point guard Dennis Smith. Nerlens Noel, who took over at center when Robinson suffered a foot injury, finished the season with 5.1 pts per game, 6.4 rebounds per game and a field goal percentage of 61.4.
New York added to their team this offseason by picking up veteran point guard Kemba Walker and shooting guard Evan Fournier who got a four year deal worth $78 million dollars from New York. Fournier put his skills on display at the 2020 Olympics and averaged 18.7 points per game, 3.2 rebounds per game, and 2.5 assists per game. The Knicks were also able to hold onto their own guys in Derrick Rose, Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks who all played a big role in the Knicks success last season. New York is poised to make the playoffs again this season with hopes of making it past the first round.
