Three Key Takeaways from the Knicks’ First Eight Games

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The New York Knicks are eight games into their 2024-2025 NBA season and currently sit second in the Atlantic division with a record of 4-4 after defeating the head-scratching Milwaukee Bucks (2-7) last night by a final score of 116-94.

A lot is expected of the New York Knicks this season after they appeared in the Eastern Conference semi-finals last year and had arguably the biggest offseason of any franchise by trading for Karl-Anthony Towns, signing Mikal Bridges, and re-signing coveted free agent OG Anunoby.

Many Knicks fans were probably hoping for a hotter start to the season, but the reality is this roster had major reconstructive surgery this offseason, and it is going to take the Knicks time to adjust and build chemistry. Not only did we introduce two new players to the starting lineup, we lost key pieces to last year's roster from trade and free agency, including Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and Isaiah Hartenstein.

While eight games is a small sample size, I am starting to see some trends from this 2024-2025 New York Knicks roster. Here are three of my takeaways from the Knicks so far this season.

1. The good and the bad about KAT

Throughout his career, KAT has proven to be one of the best-scoring big men in the game, and that remains true as a member of the New York Knicks. KAT is averaging 24.3 points and 12.8 rebounds per game. What is even more impressive is his efficiency. KAT is shooting 52.7% from the floor, 40% from beyond the arc, and 90% from the charity stripe. KAT currently leads the team in points, rebounds, and blocks (0.9 per game).

Defensively, KAT hasn’t just been bad; he has been a major liability for the Knicks. KAT is getting dominated inside the paint. Opponents are currently shooting a jaw-dropping 84% when KAT is defending them around the rim. Statistically, KAT is currently the worst rim protector in the league for players who have defended at least 25 shots. When KAT is on the court, the Knicks' defensive rating is 118; when he is off the court, their defensive rating is 100. To clarify, a defensive rating shows how many points a player or team gives up per 100 possessions—the lower the rating, the better their defense.

2. Depth is an issue

The Knicks spent a lot of their attention and money this offseason on crafting a strong starting five. In the process, they have sacrificed depth. Depth was a strong suit for New York last season; this year, it could be a major issue. Every player in the Knicks' starting five is logging over 30 minutes per game. KAT averages 32.1, Jalen Brunson 33.8, Mikal Bridges 37.3, OG Anunoby 36, and Josh Hart 35.9.

Miles McBride is the lone bright spot on the Knicks bench. The sixth man is averaging 26.5 minutes per game while putting up 11.8 points.

The only other players on the Knicks bench who currently see more than 10 minutes a game are Cameron Payne (15.4 minutes per game) and Jericho Sims (13.8 minutes per game), and neither of them show meaningful signs of production when on the court.

Aside from that, the bench consists of Tyler Kolek, Pacome Dadiet, Ariel Hukporti, Matt Ryan, and Jacob Toppin, essentially a bunch of no-names. However, I do like Kolek and think he has potential. The rookie was awesome in the Summer League and seems very coachable.

For context, the Knicks average 113.6 points per game, and the bench only averages 21.1 points per game.

It is worth noting there are two players on the Knicks injury report who will make an impact off the bench when they return. Precious Achiuwa suffered a hamstring injury right before the season started, and there is no timeline for his return yet. Mitchell Robinson had surgery on his left ankle this offseason and is not expected back until January or February.

3. Shooting efficiently and defending well on the perimeter

In this early season, the Knicks have shown strength is shooting the ball efficiently and defending the perimeter effectively.

As a team, New York shoots 48.3% from the field, ranking fourth in the league, 40.5% from beyond the arc, ranking third, and 81.1% from the free-throw line, ranking fifth.

The Knicks may have struggled to defend inside the paint, but they have done a very good job playing defense along the perimeter. The Knicks hold opponents to 33.8% when shooting three-pointers, which ranks eighth in the league. As modern offenses heavily rely on three-point shooting, the Knicks' defense has helped limit opponents' scoring. The Knicks give up 108.6 points per game, which ranks fifth in the league.

Bottom Line

The Knicks are still finding their rhythm, but there’s a lot to like so far. KAT is scoring efficiently, the defense is solid on the perimeter, and while depth is a concern, there’s room to grow as the season goes on. As they keep adjusting and getting more chemistry, the focus will be on balancing the starters with the bench and tightening up on defense.

What are your takeaways from the Knicks so far this season? Comment below.