A season ago, the New York Knicks took a massive step backward by missing the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. As of late, New York is currently riding an eight-game winning streak as they demolished the Golden State Warriors 132-94.…

A season ago, the New York Knicks took a massive step backward by missing the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. As of late, New York is currently riding an eight-game winning streak as they demolished the Golden State Warriors 132-94. The Knicks are thinking of playoffs this season, and can they get there?

The New York Knicks are not one of the NBA picks to win the 2023 NBA title, but they could maybe be a tough out in the NBA Playoffs. Why could they be a playoff team this season? Time is going to tell, but things look good for them at the current moment.

The Addition Of Jalen Brunson

One of the reasons why the New York Knicks are currently the sixth seed with an 18-13 record in the Eastern Conference this season is because of Jalen Brunson. He has signed as a free agent this offseason from the Dallas Mavericks. Brunson popped big time last postseason for Dallas and was a big help for Luka Doncic, and it was one of the reasons why the Mavericks went to the Western Conference Finals before losing to the Golden State Warriors in five games.

Many NBA fans on Twitter laughed at the Jalen Brunson signing for the Knicks because it was a typical second option for them, but it turned out not to be that way. NBA predictions had that signing happening ever since during the postseason last year. Brunson has been a very smart addition to this basketball team because he makes more right plays than wrong plays.

A lot of New York Knicks fans are pleased with his play. He can score at the right time, defends well, and makes the right pass for the most part. Brunson is not one of those elite point guards, but he fits this system well for head coach Tom Thibodeau, and that is why they are winning games this season.

The Development Of Quentin Grimes

Quentin Grimes was the 25th overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2021 NBA Draft, but he has been with the New York Knicks throughout the first two seasons of his NBA career. New York has not been known for play development, but Grimes is a player they feel has a ton of potential to be with them throughout the next decade or so.

Quentin Grimes is getting more minutes this season, and he is getting 25 per game. It could go up to 30 by the end of the season, but it remains to be seen. Grimes is on the right track to be effective for this basketball team in the long haul. 

He was on the Houston Cougars Final Four team in 2021. Quentin Grimes has a chance to be an effective player on both ends of the floor, and this franchise needs to stay patient with him.

As they say, patience is a virtue, and this is what they are talking about. NBA expert picks think he can be valuable for them in the long haul.

Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle On the Glass

Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle are one of the better frontcourts in the NBA, and that’s because they take care of the glass. Robinson is also one of the better rim protectors in the NBA. The fans like Mitchell Robinson, but Randle will still get his fair share of criticism from them every now and then all over the place. This is because they expect him to be the number one option on this basketball team.

Julius Randle feels like a better number two option than a number one option for this basketball team. If that’s the case, then the New York Knicks can make it to the playoffs this season. New York is a safe bet to play in the play-in tournament this season. They are one of the Top 10 teams in the Eastern Conference this year.

They will probably win 41-45 games, which may be good enough to be a sixth or fifth seed this season. For R.J. Barrett to be more consistent on a night-to-night basis, the bench needs to play well, and the defense needs to be effective.