As quickly because the a blockbuster commerce was accomplished in September to carry Karl-Anthony Cities to New YorkKenny Atkinson thought this elevated the Knicks to title contenders.
Atkinson, the previous Knicks assistant and Nets head coach, is in his first season main the Cavaliers after spending a number of seasons working below Steve Kerr with the Warriors.
Cities, a four-time All-Star middle and energy ahead for the Timberwolves, was acquired within the large deal that despatched Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota.
“What an unbelievable restoration for the Knicks. I imply, as quickly as I noticed that, I stated they’re championship contenders, as a result of he is so good,” Atkinson stated earlier than his The Cavaliers beat the Knicks, 110-104, Monday night time on the Backyard. “I feel he’s actually improved. His protection has improved since his first two years [in the NBA]. A hell of a participant. This can be a huge match downside for us tonight.
The riders it is also a tricky sport for the Knickswith two bigs – Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley – of their beginning 5.
Cities — who scored 13 factors and grabbed 10 rebounds earlier than fouling out in 32 minutes of play Monday — performed primarily as an influence ahead final yr after the Timberwolves acquired middle Rudy Gobert, however he is wanted at center with the Knicks after free company. departure of middle Isaiah Hartenstein and accidents to start out the season for bigs Mitchell Robinson and Valuable Achiuwa.
The 7 ft Cities bounced again after quiet begin with the Knicks throughout a convincing defeat final week in Boston (12 factors and 7 rebounds) with 21 factors, 15 rebounds and two blocked pictures in a win in Friday night time’s dwelling opener towards the Pacers.
The New Jersey native additionally transformed three of 4 3-point makes an attempt within the first two video games.
“I am positive all of the coaches who come right here say the identical factor, but it surely makes it very tough due to [Towns’] capacity to unfold the bottom,” Atkinson added. “However he can unfold the ground and shoot the three, clearly, but in addition [score] within the message.
“And he’s expanded his sport the place he could make a closeout. So whenever you’re a middle on this league and you are able to do these three issues, it is actually robust.
The Knicks had secured one other high-profile starter earlier within the offseason after they acquired wing Mikal Bridges from the Nets.
Regardless of a scoreless first half towards the Celtics, Bridges is averaging 18.7 factors through the Knicks’ 1-2 begin.
Cities and Bridges joined returning starters Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and OG Anunoby.
“It’s onerous. It’s actually onerous to evaluate what the crew is like proper now,” Atkinson stated. “They’ve new elements. If that they had the identical tracks from final yr, you’d go to final yr’s tape. It is tough. That’s positively the place we’re proper now. I inform the fellows, it is us first. We’re in all probability 85-90 % targeted on enterprise and doubtless 10 % on scouting.
“Like I stated, I feel they’re championship contenders. If you add two All-Stars, they’ll be actually good and really robust to beat within the East. Clearly, with Jalen, they’ve an ideal group. [Knicks president Leon Rose has] does a hell of a job. [Coach Tom Thibodeau] did a hell of a job. I count on to have numerous battles with these guys. I do know they personal us. … I feel they’re higher, personally. Stretch 5 doing the whole lot it does rather well.
