Knicks Media Day

The Knicks’ preseason activities officially began yesterday with media day for the team. For the first time since April of last year, New York players were open to reporters, answering their questions and responding to comments. Five players were available for press conferences - four of the starters, RJ Barrett, Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, and the sixth man Derrick Rose.

Throughout all of the press conferences, a certain quote from Knick’s forward RJ Barrett stood out.

“I really think we’re gonna shock the world.”

This nine-letter sound bite encapsulated the overall mood at “Knicks Content Day”. Lots of smiles and laughs from the players, and a lot of optimism about the coming season. Everyone was ready to put the past behind them and were ready to just focus on the upcoming season. Both Randle and Barrett were asked about their previous difficult offseasons, Randle coming off a disappointing season and Barrett being involved in Donovan Mitchell Trade rumors. 

“What happens it out of my control,” Barrett said, “so why worry about it?”

Barrett talked about how he wasn’t even focused on the trade rumors. He said he spent his off-season with friends and family, not on if he would be traded.

“I think the first part of the summer I just had to get away,” Randle said, “… I think it really helped me … the offseason before I didn’t, like I just kinda got straight back into the work.”

Randle explained how he didn’t take any time off after New York’s loss in the first round to Atlanta. He said he took the time off to “reflect” and now he feels great.

“I think I learned a lot for sure”, Randle said when asked about how he would rate his last season’s performance.

Randle is looking to bounce back and get back to his 2020-21 season self. That season Randle averaged career highs across the board, 24.1 ppg, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. But the next season, 2021-22, he saw his shot-making take a dip, dropping to 20.1 ppg. Furthermore, his stellar shooting from behind the arc, at 41.1% in 2020-21, dropped down to 30.1% in 2021-22. Randle is looking to bounce back this season and help the Knicks make a push for the playoffs.

Another standout from the media day in New York was the praise for the Knicks’ new point guard, Jalen Brunson.

“It will make the game easier for me”, Randle said, “…when you have to create a lot with the ball in your hands, it can be tough.”

Brunson should elevate the Knicks around him. For the past three seasons, since Randle and Barrett have arrived on the scene in the big apple, the best point guards on the roster have been Elfrid Payton and Kemba Walker. While both of these guards were serviceable, Payton averaging 10 ppg and 5 assists during his tenure in New York, and Walker averaging 11.5 ppg and 3.5 assists last year, the Knicks have not had a major positive at the point guard position in years.

However, Brunson is just interested in being a team player, not saving New York’s pitiful play at the point.

“Most importantly, I’m not a savior in any way, shape, or form”, Brunson said, “I just want to be able to contribute to the team.”

Brunson is a proven winner, both in college at Villanova where he lead his squad to a national championship, and in the NBA, winning multiple playoff series. New York looks toward Brunson to bring that winning pedigree back to the Knicks.

Media day for the Knicks was an optimistic outing for New York, who hope to bring these good vibes into their first preseason game next week.