The New York Knicks have assembled a deep, talented roster and have ambitions of contending for a championship. After winning 50 games last year and coming within one game of the Eastern Conference Finals despite numerous injuries , the Knicks return much of last year's squad, plus the addition of Mikal Bridges. Of course, if the Knicks hope to improve upon last year's success, they'll need great performances up and down the roster.
It's not breaking news that some players carry greater weight than others into how far the Knicks go this season. We've ranked the top eight most important Knicks below. 8.
Miles McBride, G McBride's leap into a 41% three-point shooter on high volume was one of last season's most surprising developments. The 24-year-old backup also showed improved ball-handling and shot-creation, to go with his usual strong on-ball defense, to become an important sparkplug for the Knicks. This year will be a test of whether McBride had a few hot months as a shooter or whether he is legitimately one of the best bench guards in the NBA.
The Knicks' bench would be worse off if he can't replicate last year's performance. 7. Josh Hart, F It may seem surprising to rank a player who was so vital to last season's success so low.
Indeed, Hart became — no pun intended — the heart of last year's Knicks team with his relentless effort on the glass , on defense, and in transition. But some of that was circumstance — Hart was thrust into a big role and embraced it, hardly.