The thing about being a true Knicks fan is that you’re used to disappointment and heartbreak. You swear every year you’re done with them and vow to quit loving them, yet you just can’t do it.
That’s what being a true blue New York Knicks fan is about and this year’s team is putting their fan’s loyalty to the test once again.
Last year under new head coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks showed promise, particularly on defense.
The team ranked first in almost every defensive category including field goal percentage (44%), three-point shooting percentage (33.7%) and total points allowed per game (104.7). Offensively they struggled, placing 26th out of 30 teams.
The Knicks made the playoffs for the first time since 2013 but lost to the Hawks in the first round after which management went to work.
They signed their All-Star, Julius Randle, to a four-year, $117 million contract extension. They tried to address their offensive ineptitude by drafting Houston’s Quentin Grimes and signing veterans Evan Fournier and the Bronx’s own, Kemba Walker. Those moves were supposed to complement the tough defensive attitude instilled by Thibodeau and take the Knicks to the next level.
Despite those moves, the team was still devoid of the primary elements they’ve lacked since the 90s.
A franchise player, a leader and an identity.
During the 90s, the Knicks were bullies in the paint. If you dared to enter the lane, you had to run the Oakley, Mason, Ewing gauntlet.
Continue reading over at First and Pen.
This content has been brought to you by First and Pen in partnership with TheHub.News. First and Pen “amplifies local sports stories from voices of color to the national conscience…”
