Doug’s Sports Rap- The New Look Knicks

After years of horrible decisions on players and coaches, the New York Knicks are finally buying into the process of building from the draft.

The last few years have been painful, but the pieces appear to becoming together for this young team of talented picks.

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Center Mitchell Robinson enters his third year with some break out performances, and continues to be an aggressive force around the basket, with blocks on the defense and tip ins and slam dunks on the offense. This 36^th pick in the 2018 draft was a steal and a potential all star this season.

Kevin Knox was the ninth pick in the 2018 draft and his development is recognized with his ability to hit the 3-point shots and drive to the rim, along with a continued growth of understanding on defense.

Frank Ntilikina the number eight pick in 2017 is a proven defender, and although he hasn’t provided as much shining moments he adds to this group of young Knicks.

RJ Barrett was the third pick in 2019 and his scoring abilities and defense was demonstrated from day one, he is another potential all-star in this group.

The Knicks traded up form the 25^th pick in this past years draft to select Immanuel Quickly, they scouts saw something they liked, and now Knicks fans are seeing the same thing, an exciting and smart move for the franchise.

Obi Toppin was the eight in the 2020 draft and although he has seen some injuries and hasn’t had the playing time, this is another talented players that can help the Knicks, I can’t wait to see what he brings with a little development and playing experience.

Julius Randle was the Knicks Steller free agent signing in 2019, he is the heart and soul of this year's team and continues to move the needle for this group of young players.

Elfrid Payton, Austin Rivers, Nerlens Noel, Alec Burks and others will help solidify this team, and I believe they can be a playoff team this year.

Coach Tom Thibodeau has gotten through to this group, already in just seven games the Knicks are above 500 and number 6^th in the Eastern Conference.

They have come off impressive wins over the Milwaukee Bucks, the Indiana Pacers, and the Atlanta Hawks.

I know its early (so pinch me), but I think the organization has finally pulled their heads out of their butts and are building something special here.

To be continued

[www.nba.com/knicks/]