KFTV Writers Roundtable: 2024-25 Knicks Season

What are your thoughts on the Knicks' offseason in totality?

Omar: A lot of change with the acquisitions of Bridges and Towns, it certainly feels like this team feels like now it’s time to win is now. And considering the last two decades of Knicks basketball, it’s fascinating to watch the movements of a team that legitimately thinks it can win it all.

Jalen: They gave up a ton. I'm pretty risk-averse, so the draft capital loss concerns me. But, I'm excited to watch a legit title contender for the next half-decade.

Mike: It's hard not to like what the Knicks did this summer, upgrading their talent and versatility with two major trades. At the same time, I worry they might lack the toughness and intensity that has been essential to their success the past two seasons.

Remi: It hurt to see key players from last year’s run go, but I think the front office made the right moves. I respect that after years of caution, Leon Rose proved he’s willing to take a shot when the right opportunities arise.

Geoff: Working around the CBA is like a game of Tetris, and the Knicks feel like they’ve maximized the amount of space they have for talent and contracts without touching the dreaded second apron. As a fan of Julius Randle, I was sad to see him go, but the potential ceiling for this starting 5 with KAT, Mikal, and both OG and Jalen looked in w/ their long-term deals is on part with a championship contender.

What are you most looking forward to this season for the Knicks?

Omar: The shot diet among the starters. A lot of talent on this team and guys that can score 30+ on any given night. So I am most curious to see how they distribute the shots throughout the season to keep everyone happy. 

Jalen: Having a versatile offensive center is a revolutionary change from Mitchell Robinson, which gives the Knicks up to five scoring threats on the floor.

Mike: Spacing for Jalen Brunson. For two seasons, we've seen the Captain cook with no spacing and now the Knicks added one of the best shooting bigs ever in Karl-Anthony Towns. For the time being, it looks like Mikal Bridges has fixed his shot and OG Anunoby remains steady from the outside leaving Brunson ample room to operate.

Remi: Deuce McBride’s continued development into a key player. Knicks fans have known about Deuce, the rest of the league will soon.

Geoff: The chemistry between the starting five and the continued development of Deuce McBride. 

What is your biggest concern entering this season?

Omar: KAT defensively is a concern for me, especially as Mitch misses extended time. My hope is KAT can be a serviceable rim protector until the reinforcements arrive.

Jalen: I don't like that opposing teams treat Josh Hart like Josh Giddey, and I don't think he can be effective in that role long-term against other contenders. Knicks could still use another guy to create or leverage advantages.

Mike: While this may be a worry many months too early, I’m concerned that opposing teams will attempt to compromise the Knicks' defense by putting KAT and JB in pick-and-rolls like Boston did on opening night. I also worry about the team's depth overall.

Remi: Injuries wreaked havoc last season, and I’m terrified it could happen again.

Geoff: Lack of depth. I feel like we need to add another piece to the bench but there' is no reason to believe Leon won’t turnover every stone possible to improve this team.

Predict the Knicks record. How far will they go in the playoffs?

Omar: 51-31. This team feels like a conference finals team to me with the ceiling to potentially make the Finals if things break their way.

Jalen: 51-31, 2nd seed, ECF. If Knicks are healthy and Porzingis is not, they have a shot.

Mike: I believe the Knicks will finish 53-29 and if all goes well, they will reach the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics.

Remi: 55-27 with a trip to the ECF. It’s tough to pick anyone against the C’s this year, but NY has a chance to upset them.

Geoff: 53 wins and I believe the Knicks will make the Eastern Conference Finals.

Give one random Knicks-related take you feel strongly about.

Omar: Over the last decade James Dolan hasn’t been as bad of an owner as everyone makes him out to be. Especially since Leon Rose and crew took over, Dolan has been hands-off and let the basketball people make basketball decisions. Considering the landscape of bad owners in American sports, he’s nowhere near being as bad as people say over the last number of years.

Jalen: I know what came of it later that summer, but the Knicks should not have traded out of the 2022 Draft. There were three to five prospects tailor-made for Thibs at that spot. Find another way to clear cap space for Brunson.

Mike: Pacome Dadiet is ready to play rotation minutes if need be. This take is 95% pure vibes but the rookie has looked comfortable on the floor in the minutes he's been allotted with his cutting off the ball and shooting ability.

Remi: I really don’t want the Knicks to trade Mitchell Robinson until I’ve seen what this rotation looks like while he’s healthy. He’s had a huge impact against Jarrett Allen and Joel Embiid in playoff series, so I’m not ready to move on from him.

Geoff: Tyler Kolek will have a positive impact on the team when he gets playing time.

Outside of the Knicks, which team are you most excited to keep up with and why?

Omar: Houston Rockets. They’re a trendy pick by people to make a leap this year. They have so much young talent entering their prime. But the real intrigue for me is how well can Sengun and Jalen Green coexist, and if the clock is ticking on them having to choose which one has a viable future.

Jalen: I've enjoyed the Thunder since their seven-game Bubble series against the Rockets. And I think the Paolo and the Magic are growing into something special.

Mike: The Spurs simply because of Wemby. After a sensational rookie year and a strong showing at the Olympics, I can't wait to watch him improve in his second NBA season.

Remi: I’d really love to see the Raptors turn into a spoiler for some of the teams below New York on the pecking order. Toronto has great player development, and some former Knicks I’d like to see continue to grow.

Geoff: Dallas Mavericks. That first game with KLAY was a pretty fun watch. Felt like they added a great piece to surround Luka and Kyrie.