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2024-25 New York Knicks: A quick preview

cyro asseo de choch
·2-min read
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 09: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Washington Wizards during the first half of a preseason game at Madison Square Garden on October 09, 2024 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)

With one of the strongest starting fives in the NBA, the Knicks have the talent and depth to compete with anyone in the league. Their offseason moves, headlined by the acquisition of Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, have transformed this team into a potential juggernaut. Towns addresses their frontline deficiencies, especially with Mitchell Robinson's ongoing recovery from ankle surgery, while Bridges provides elite perimeter defense and scoring ability.

Despite losing Julius Randle and others in blockbuster trades, the Knicks have managed to retain a solid core and infuse top-tier talent that complements the existing squad, particularly Jalen Brunson in the backcourt. Depth might be a concern, especially in the frontcourt until Robinson returns, though.

Tom Thibodeau’s knack for maximizing his main rotation could be crucial, but he'll need to integrate bench contributions effectively to navigate the regular season and go deep in the playoffs. With a lineup that blends star power and utility, the Knicks are not just aiming for a good playoff run; they have the tools to aim for the top.

Depth chart

The team has a total payroll of $189,991,266 for the 2024-25 season, ranking them 7th in the NBA.

Roster changes

Returning: Jalen Brunson, Mitchell Robinson, Josh Hart, Miles McBride, Jericho Sims, OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, Jacob Toppin

Additions: Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota), Mikal Bridges (Brooklyn), Cam Payne (Philadelphia), Tyler Kolek (Marquette), Pacome Dadiet (Ratiopharm Ulm), Ariel Hukporti (Ludwigsburg), Kevin McCullar (Kansas)

Departures: Julius Randle (Minnesota), Donte DiVincenzo (Minnesota), Isaiah Hartenstein (Oklahoma City), Alec Burks (Miami), Shake Milton (Brooklyn), DaQuan Jeffries (Charlotte), Duane Washington Jr. (Partizan Belgrade), Mamadi Diakite (Phoenix), Bojan Bogdanovic (Brooklyn)

Main strength

Oct 18, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts while being defended by Washington Wizards forward Patrick Baldwin Jr. (7) during the second quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Oct 18, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts while being defended by Washington Wizards forward Patrick Baldwin Jr. (7) during the second quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

* Strong offensive depth, particularly at guard and forward positions.

* Added key players, boosting both offense and defense.

* Improved shooting, especially from the perimeter, with recent acquisitions.

* Solid defensive lineup with an emphasis on rim protection and perimeter defense.

Main weaknesses

* Lacking depth at center, especially with the departure of Isaiah Hartenstein.

* Potential vulnerability on the perimeter due to recent player losses.

* Dependence on staying healthy, particularly in key positions, to maintain competitive edge.

* Rim protection could suffer if injuries occur, creating gaps in the defensive scheme.

Prediction

Oct 18, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles the ball up the court during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Oct 18, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles the ball up the court during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

HoopsHype: 2nd in the Atlantic Division, 2nd in the Eastern Conference

ESPN: 2nd the Atlantic Division, 2nd in the Eastern Conference

Sportsbooks: 53.5 projected wins

HoopsHype compiled the consensus win averages by gathering win projections from eight sportsbooks, including FanDuel, Fanatics, BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN BET, BetRivers, Caesars, and bet365

You can follow Cyro Asseo (@CyroAsseo) on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: 2024-25 New York Knicks: A quick preview