The New York Knicks made two blockbuster trades this offseason to dramatically reinvent their starting lineup. The additions of All-NBA big man Karl-Anthony Towns and elite 3-and-D wing Mikal Bridges have transformed the identity of this Knicks squad, turning them into an offensive juggernaut built around the dynamic talents of their new star duo.
Overhauled Offense Driving Knicks’ Success
After ranking just 7th in offensive efficiency last season, the Knicks now boast the 2nd most prolific attack in the NBA, scoring a blistering 120.5 points per 100 possessions. The synergy between Towns and incumbent point guard Jalen Brunson has been the catalyst for this offensive explosion.
Towns is a matchup nightmare who punishes defenses inside and out, shooting 59.3% from 2-point range and a scorching 44.9% from deep. His gravity creates acres of space for Brunson to probe the defense and either score himself or set up teammates. Brunson’s playmaking has helped the entire starting five become lights-out shooters:
- All 5 Knicks starters hit between 1.3 and 2.3 threes per game
- Each starter has an eFG% between 54.5% and 61.7%
With Brunson creating and Towns scoring from everywhere, the Knicks present an overwhelming challenge to game plan against. Their multifaceted attack powered by two stars is built for playoff success.
Defensive Questions Remain
Despite loading up on strong individual defenders like Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart, the Knicks rank just 17th in defensive efficiency, allowing 113.8 points per 100 possessions. The lack of a true rim protector behind Towns and Brunson’s limitations on the perimeter have left the defense vulnerable.
The potential return of shot-blocking center Mitchell Robinson from an ankle injury could shore up the interior and allow Towns to slide to power forward in bigger lineups. If the defense can take a step forward to complement the elite offense, the Knicks will be incredibly dangerous.
Brunson and Towns: Fantasy Hoops Superstars
The Knicks’ fantasy basketball outlook is extremely bright thanks to their revamped roster. All five starters rank in the top-85 in points leagues and top-45 in category formats. Towns and Brunson are posting first-round value, while role players like Hart provide elite production in steals, rebounds and efficiency.
Karl-Anthony Towns leads the league in rebounding while shooting over 44% from three. His across-the-board production makes him one of the most valuable fantasy assets in the NBA.
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If the starters can avoid wearing down from Tom Thibodeau’s heavy minutes load, they should all deliver outstanding fantasy value this season and establish the Knicks as a go-to source of stat-sheet stuffing superstars.
Betting on a Knicks Breakthrough?
The Knicks’ title odds currently sit at +1200, but there are reasons to believe this is the year they finally break through in the playoffs. Here are two smart futures bets to consider:
- Over 53.5 wins: The Knicks are on a 55-win pace since starting 2-5. Trust their firepower to get it done.
- Knicks to win the East (+550): If the defense improves, their offensive ceiling is high enough to upset anyone.
After years of false dawns, the arrival of Towns and Bridges could finally turn the Knicks into legitimate title threats. With an overpowering offense and a couple of savvy additions, this new-look New York squad is poised to make some serious noise in the East.
