A Wheeler's Opinion: Will the Knicks Finally Make the Playoffs?

They might. Or not



Kristaps Porzingis is no doubt, the new face of the Knicks. 

Heading into a season which started off by the New York Knicks finally parting ways with star forward, Carmelo Anthony who was sent off to the Oklahoma City Thunder via a trade that assembled another Big 3 in the West, the future of the Knicks- a team that used to spend big amount of time during the past few seasons, dwelling in the bottom of the East, looked gloomier, at least from the outside owing to the fact that they've just lost Anthony, an elite scorer. One may think that they will eventually return to the bottom at the end of the current season.

But no, folks!

At 8-7, the Knicks are currently at 9th place in the East, just a place behind the Eastern Conference champions, Cleveland Cavaliers. A few weeks ago, they were in the top 5 until their inconsistencies started to fire back and in effect, they've lost two of their last 3 games which include a 104-101 defeat at the hands of LeBron James and company. But that doesn't make the Knicks a bad team either because they also beat the Cavs early on. So if you can beat a super team like the Cavs, then there's no way you cannot beat other teams, right?

So here's the question: Can Kristaps Porzingis lead the Knicks back into the playoffs?


Might. And Might Not

Make no mistake, folks. The departure of Carmelo Anthony finally enabled Kristaps Porzingis to show the world what he can actually do. He has become the leading scorer of the team, averaging 27 points per game- 4th in the league and 2nd among power forwards. He is also averaging 7 rebounds and 3 blocks per night and that's a respectable stat-line, right?



If anything, Kristaps Porzingis MIGHT be one of the reasons why the Knicks MIGHT have a chance at a return trip to the playoffs but let's not forget that he's not alone either. Tim Hardaway Jr. is averaging 17 points per game. Enes Kanter, a player that the Thunder traded for Anthony, is playing quality basketball for New York, averaging 13 points and 10 rebounds per game. One may even say that this is the most competitive the Knicks have become over the years. 


Conclusion

However, despite the emergence of Kristaps Porzingis, the Knicks might not make the playoffs, again, due to their inconsistencies. Yes, they beat the Cavs and yet they lost to the Houston Rockets. Mind you, folks. The Knicks also dropped their opening game against the Thunder. If you want to make the playoffs, you have to compile as many wins as you can and that includes wins against elite teams. Why? Making the playoffs is one thing. Making a deep run through the playoffs is entirely another thing. 

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