The success of the New York Knicks during the 2024-25 NBA season will largely depend on their own efforts. Each player on the roster can contribute to building team cohesion on both offense and defense. However, there’s also individual growth to be achieved, and five specific Knicks players have the opportunity to elevate the team by addressing their particular weaknesses.
OG Anunoby, Miles McBride, Mikal Bridges, Julius Randle, and Josh Hart each have areas in their games that need improvement. David Vertsberger from SNY outlined how focusing on these areas could help advance the Knicks’ championship ambitions for next season.
Bridges and McBride are crucial players, excelling in three-point shooting and perimeter defense. Yet, the Knicks require additional playmaking beyond Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. McBride could enhance his value by developing ball-handling skills, which would secure his role as the backup point guard and advance his career. With his impressive three-point shooting from last season, improving his ability to navigate defenses could make him a key contributor both offensively and defensively, maintaining the team’s pace when starters are off the floor.
For Bridges, adding playmaking skills would be beneficial. Despite showing All-Star potential, enhancing his ability to execute plays would help both him and the Knicks. Known for his catch-and-shoot abilities and quick release, integrating finesse in pick-and-roll situations could provide more offensive flexibility and allow Brunson to play off the ball.
Anunoby has the potential to become an All-Star. His impact was evident last season, but he averaged only 11.1 shots per game and has never exceeded 14.5 field goal attempts per season. While his selflessness supports other scorers like Brunson, Randle, and Bridges, it also means he could claim a more prominent role if he becomes more assertive. By translating his efficiency into a higher scoring average, or simply being more aggressive offensively, Anunoby could significantly contribute to the Knicks, especially if injuries impact the team.
In other news, Knicks center Jericho Sims will have his $2,092,344 salary fully guaranteed for the upcoming season, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The team had until Friday to decide on the full guarantee. With a partial guarantee of $1,302,359, the Knicks would have had to waive Sims if they wished to avoid paying the full amount.
Sims, a 2021 second-round draft pick, has played 138 games over his first three NBA seasons, including 32 starts. Last season, he appeared in 45 games with 11 starts, averaging 2.0 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. He is expected to be the Knicks’ third-string center, behind Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa, following Isaiah Hartenstein’s departure to Oklahoma City. Sims should enter training camp in improved condition, having undergone thumb and shoulder surgeries in the previous two offseasons.
