BUZZER BEATERS
Biggest battle
On the surface, Kemba Walker was brought in by management to be the starting point guard, even if Derrick Rose signed a heftier contract. Walker has never come off the bench, while Rose has thrived in that role in his reincarnation, including last season’s studly campaign. But it’s coach Tom Thibodeau’s show. Rose has always been his guy and Walker didn’t play back-to-backs. It’s up to Walker if he wants that path, Thibodeau says. The battle for minutes will be an intriguing part of training camp as Walker tries to keep his knees sound.
Most intriguing rookie
West Virginia combo guard Miles McBride (right) somehow fell to the second round and the Knicks were happy to snare him at 35. At summer league, he showed his defensive tenacity and 3-point shooting potential (18-for-36, 50 percent). He’s buried behind a host of guards, but he is the type of player Thibodeau likes, and may find a way to crack the rotation code. Story to watch develop Aside from Walker’s balky knee: What will be the next step for RJ Barrett (below) as he begins his third season? Expectations are larger for a No. 3 pick. Barrett’s 3-point and free-throw shooting showed solid advancement in his second season. He increased his 3-point rate from 32 percent to 41.2 percent and charitystripe numbers from 61.4 percent to 74.6 percent. The now 21-year-old, however, was a playoff no-show versus Atlanta. There still are concerns about Barrett as a shot creator, distributor and finisher around the rim, which could prevent him from having an All-Star career. As a player who likes to attack the basket with vigor, Barrett will find his way to the line. Hence, his continued improvement as a free-throw shooter is key to elevating to All-Star status, as he should strive to become an 80-percenter.
Coach’s toughest challenge
After a 41-31 record during the pandemic season following seven seasons out of the playoffs, fan expectations have climbed through the Garden ceiling. Thibodeau, after winning Coach of The Year, must manage soaring expectations. He knows the 2020-21 season was distorted. The Knicks adapted well to all the COVID19 anomalies — the empty arenas, the constant testing, no live media and trapped in road hotels and at home with no outlets. Limiting distractions this season, especially in New York City, will be a challenge.
Most intriguing newcomer
It’s not even close. Walker has come home to New York to try to resuscitate his All-Star career at age 31 after two not-sogreat, unhealthy seasons in Boston. If any place can be Walker’s Fountain of Youth, it is at the Garden — mere miles from where he starred at Rice High in Harlem.
Most notable absence
The Knicks’ decision to retain swingman Alec Burks over starting shooting guard Reggie Bullock was a surprise on several levels. The Knicks will miss Bullock, who was the heart and soul of their trench-war defense while remaining a very capable 3-point shooter.
Biggest comeback
Mitchell Robinson, who will be a free agent in 2022 if he doesn’t land a contract extension, will be treated with extra caution in training camp and won’t be scrimmaging at first. He played in just 31 games last season after breaking his hand, then breaking his foot. Robinson was pictured in a walking boot in late July — four months after his March 30 foot surgery — and his preseason is expected to be limited. The 21-year-old has the two-way upside of Atlanta’s standout center Clint Capela, but he’s no sure thing. Robinson needs to show Thibodeau he can stay healthy and be a fast learner as he battles Nerlens Noel for the starting center job.
Don’t be surprised if ... After finishing tied for fourth place and having homecourt advantage in the first round last season, the club drops down to the dreaded play-in tournament (seventh-to-10th seed). The improvements of Miami, Boston and Chicago are legitimate. The Knicks also must prove they can be stalwart at the Garden as it returns to full capacity. A packed Garden historically stirred up the road team during the Knicks’ seven-season playoff drought. The Knicks were 25-11 at either an empty or mostly empty Garden during the 2020-21 pandemic regular season and 1-2 during the playoffs, when they hosted 16,000.