WE HERE.
— x – NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 13, 2021
The New York Knicks are headed to the Playoffs. #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/kpp3Pu3RJr
The New York Knicks are headed to the 2021 NBA Playoffs! The Celtics lost in Cleveland 102-94, making way for the Knicks to clinch a top 6 finish in the Eastern Conference, meanwhile, the Lakers decided to raise their title banner a night after handing the Knicks a bitter overtime loss at Staples Center. The Knicks haven’t made the postseason since Mike Woodson was the head coach during the 2012-13 season. With the help of the Knicks long time divisional enemy in the Celtics, the Knicks are finally in the mix.
New York Knicks are no Longer Searching for a “Savior”.
The days of the Knicks being the begging and desperate franchise down on their face is over. New York’s favorite team is no longer the laughing stock of the NBA. ESPN is even giving the proper credit to the Knicks organization as a whole. There is a growing narrative around the league which implies the possibility of players loving the idea of coming to New York without the pressure of saving the city. The Knicks are only looking to fill the already talented roster with complimentary pieces. There’s a sturdy foundation in place, in terms of the coaching staff, and the Knicks have a strong front office & head coach alignment in place. With the front office and the head coach moving in tandem, everybody is on the same page, therefore, personnel no longer has to walk on eggshells, unless Dolan becomes disruptive again.
Leon Rose & Front Office Leading by Action.
Leon Rose, World Wide Wes, Scott Perry, and others have done a tremendous job alongside one another. Action speaks way louder than words and the superb front office been putting their money where their mouths are. Many thought Knicks would continue being a lottery team for the next 10-15 years, however, Dolan’s hiring of Leon Rose after firing Steve Mills has done wonders for the franchise. Dolan is now trying to resuscitate the New York Rangers after firing multiple front office personnel.
Julius Randle transformed completely as a player this season. The power forward played himself into a 2021 NBA Most Improved Player candidate. The Knicks second year player in RJ Barrett also took a leap in terms of overall play. Barrett’s improved three point shooting has been phenomenal. Alec Burks, Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin, Nerlens Noel, and especially Derrick Rose have all been crucial for the Knicks this season, helping the franchise reach the postseason and ending the drought.
Head Coach Tom Thibodeau’s Positive Impact.
Tom Thibodeau has done an excellent job with the group Leon Rose, Scott Perry and company assembled. The 2021 NBA Coach of the Year candidate has the Knicks playing hard for a full 48-minutes. Even opposing players compliment the Knicks on how hard they play each possession. Now when one mentions Knicks basketball, one knows it’s going to be playoff a atmosphere no matter what.
Overall, all the hard work has paid off for the organization. Knick fans should be ecstatic due to the fact that the Knicks are actually good with plenty of cap space and first round draft picks moving forward.
