Just how high are the NY Knicks expectations for this season? If you ask a particular exuberant ESPN analyst, he will tell you the Knicks will end the season with the league’s overall best record. Are these expectations too lofty? Or do the Knicks really have a shot at the top of the NBA?
NBA Pundit Sets High-Rise Expectations for NY Knicks
Kendrick Perkins Expects the NY Knicks to Win the East
Last season, we witnessed the NY Knicks scratch, claw, and grind until their final breath before falling to the Indiana Pacers in the semifinals of the NBA playoffs. The aura and expectations surrounding the Knicks during their exciting post-season run were captivating, as the Jalen Brunson-led Knickerbockers most likely exceeded expectations.
While the NBA’s media day took place earlier today, the panel discussed the Knicks’ expectations for the looming 2024-25 season on ESPN’s NBA Today. ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins, who is always willing to share some outlandish and questionable takes, stayed true to his image based on what he said regarding the Knicks season.
“… they’re gonna finish with the best record in the NBA, and Tom Thibodeau should have a sigh of relief right now when it comes down now to being able to experiment with Julius Randle at the five position until Mitchell Robinson gets back.” Perkins continued, “I love the idea of Julius Randle playing the five and OG Anunoby being a stretch four…”
Big Perk went on to stress the importance of Randle embracing his role on the team if, indeed, Thibodeau inserts him at center. That would display a starting lineup of Brunson, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Julius Randle. Donte DiVincenzo will most likely come off the bench unless injuries begin to impact the team.
Randle Experiment Could Take Time
Leave it to Perkins to make such a claim. The Knicks will be good; there is little to doubt there. However, finishing with the best record in the league seems like a stretch. Suppose Randle does start at the five. There is no guarantee it will work from the get-go. It may take several games for Randle to become completely comfortable playing under the basket. Let’s not forget about the centers he will be contending against in the East, never mind the league.
In his conference, Randle will be facing the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo (who plays both center and power forward), Joel Embiid, and Bam Adebayo. Randle is big and strong, so he should be able to hold his ground. But holding down the center position on a night-in, night-out basis is no cakewalk against seasoned, premier NBA centers.
Perkins seems confident in his “best record in the league” remark for the Knicks to accomplish. Even with their offseason addition of Bridges while extending Anunoby and having Randle back healthy and ready to compete, is it enough for the Knicks? Is it enough to overtake the Celtics, 76ers, and Bucks? Boston will not relinquish their hold on the league so easily. What about the West? There are still formidable foes to contend with there. Oklahoma City, Minnesota, Denver, and Memphis are all considered to be potential front-runners for the overall best record.
It’ll Be Fun
I’m not so sure the league’s best record is within grasp. Having said that, the Knicks will be one of the more fun and entertaining teams to watch from beginning to end. Their style of play, personality, and “we’re all best friends” swag is gravitational. Tom Thibodeau has done a mighty fine job with the team since landing in New York as head coach. His players love playing for them, unquestionably. Watching if his experimentation project with Randle will pave out will be interesting nevertheless.
Wherever their record is by the time of Mitchell Robinson‘s return or end of the season, the Knicks will be in it. There should be no doubt they will find themselves back in the playoffs, competing and contending for a title. As for the best overall record? Only time will tell.
