X-Factors In New York

There is no doubt this Knicks team got better heading into this upcoming season. The new additions make for a good looking basketball team. While these additions brought more star power with Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, there are other players on the roster to look at on the team to show major importance down the stretch. Last season there were players that had to step up big into increased roles, this year will be no different as this team looks to go far. This will require x-factors on the Knicks to step up and be the keys to making the team complete.

Miles McBride

He may be the biggest x-factor heading into this season. As he is coming off an impressive season where his role was increased with injuries and other circumstances. The team is clearly putting more faith into him as time goes on because of his ability to spark the team when he enters the game. Fitting perfectly into this system with his defensive prowess, and as of last season his increased offensive skillset. We saw an increase in his perimeter shooting ability and finding his way to the paint creating for himself. He was a huge piece for the squad in their playoff run despite all of the injuries that were suffered. His usage in the playoffs is something that will most likely be used more in the upcoming season being a main guy off the bench, and potentially starting in some cases.

2023-24 Stats

8.3 PPG

1.7 AST

1.5 REB

0.7 STL

45% FG

41% 3PT

Expected 2024-25 Stats

14.1 PPG

2.5 AST

2.5 REB

1.3 STL

48% FG

39% 3PT

Josh Hart

Along with Deuce, Hart saw a huge increase in role last season with all of the changes. Once the playoffs hit, he became one of the great stories as he averaged over 42 minutes per game for the squad. Showing why he is one of the most diverse players in the league, he helped will the Knicks to key victories in those postseason games. Now obviously heading into this season he won't have to step up as big, but is still considered one of the biggest parts of the team. His scrappy play is what wins games, as he will continue to shine rebounding and on the defensive side of the ball. The offensive side of his game is what impressed at the end of the season, and shows he can step up when asked upon for any task. He will likely see different scenarios where he comes off the bench and starts as well.

2023-24 Stats

9.4 PPG

4.1 AST

8.3 REB

0.9 STL

43% FG

31% 3PT

Expected 2024-25 Stats

9.8 PPG

4.8 AST

9.0 REB

1.4 STL

45% FG

34% 3PT

Precious Achiuwa

After signing the big man back in free agency, the Knicks are looking to use Achiuwa in their rotation like they did towards the end of the season. Coming in the Toronto trade, Achiuwa was a big surprise to many with his performance for New York. Similarly to Hart, he presents a scrappy mentality, especially when it comes to his size as a big man. His rebounding tenacity is what gets him to play, along with his increasing defense and finish around the rim. His stats will certainly not look flashy as he doesn't represent a high level offensive game, however he will help you win games in crucial moments in other ways. Just seeing a piece of Achiuwa, the Knicks will see more of him this upcoming season as he will have to step up big off the bench.

2023-24 Stats (NY only)

7.6 PPG

1.1 AST

7.2 REB

0.6 STL

1.1 BLK

53% FG

Expected 2024-25 Stats

7.4 PPG

1.4 AST

7.8 REB

0.5 STL

1.8 BLK

54% FG

These three players being the main x-factors of the team doesn't mean other players can't step up as well. Players such as Shamet, Kolek, Sims, Payne, and Warren could see themselves having to step into a bigger role off the bench. It pays off to have depth in this league, especially for teams primed to go far in the postseason. With that, the Knicks are in a good position and can expect these players to step up in the places that need to be filled in order for the squad to succeed.

Written by Anthony Ellis. 2024