3 ways in which the New York Knicks can run their offense in the 2021-22 NBA season

Can the New York Knicks take the next step forward?
Can the New York Knicks take the next step forward?

The New York Knicks were the talk of the NBA last year, as they became one of the "underdog" stories in the entire league.

After being considered a re-building team by experts, the Knicks shocked the world with their impressive defense and fearless mentality. That tenacity would lead towards the Knicks making it back to the NBA playoffs. It just made things feel right around the NBA again, as the Knicks had the basketball world buzzing.

The thing about surprising teams across the NBA is that it usually doesn't happen twice. Now the rest of the league is going to be paying extra attention when the Knicks show up on their upcoming schedule.

For a young Knicks team that just experienced a massive amount of early success, many are expecting this team to potentially take a step back this year. That's not to say that the Knicks still won't be a tough team to deal with, but it does bring up the idea that some teams struggle to duplicate the same amount of success the following year.

The front office realized this possibility as well, as they went out this offseason and were strategic with some of their additions. After a year in which this team was dominant on the defensive side of the ball, the Knicks look to have some added weaponry when it comes to the offensive side of the ball.

Analyzing the New York Knicks' offense for the 2021-22 NBA season

#3 Isolation

Kemba Walker has the potential to be a big asset on the offensive side of the ball
Kemba Walker has the potential to be a big asset on the offensive side of the ball

Last year, the Knicks had some struggles when it came to creating some efficient looks on the offensive side of the ball. Although Julius Randle had an incredible season for the Knicks organization, it's unlikely that head coach Tom Thibodeau is going to want to put all his faith in Randle repeating on a historic season.

That's exactly what the front office thought as well, as they went out and made it a priority to add some offensive weapons to this team. One of the most notable additions was former Boston Celtics guard Kemba Walker.

Although he's had his fair share of injury concerns over the years, Walker should still be a massive boost for this Knicks offense when it comes to having someone who can create shots in isolation. This Knicks team also brought back Derrick Rose, who is always dangerous with the ball in his hands.

Don't forget about RJ Barrett as well, who could spend some more time running the offense as he continues to take strides forward and looks poised for a big year in New York.

#2 Shooters and spacing

The New York Knicks will welcome the shooting of Evan Fournier
The New York Knicks will welcome the shooting of Evan Fournier

How do you get yourself better on the offensive side of the ball? Well, you find more shooters, of course. That's exactly what the Knicks did as they went out and added a variety of assets that can help this offense in a big way.

For a team that relied on playing through the likes of Julius Randle last year, this Knicks team now has some intriguing offensive firepower at its disposal. Former Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics guard Evan Fournier was signed during free agency. Fournier now gives the Knicks a dangerous weapon who can light it up from the perimeter with his shooting on the move.

There are also some intriguing rookies to keep an eye on as rotational assets. Quentin Grimes and Miles McBride could both help this Knicks team with their ability to shoot from deep.

For a team that struggled when it came to shooting and getting high percentage shots on the offensive side of the ball, the Knicks are now going to have the ability to stretch the floor.

#1 Ball movement

Derrick Rose should be a huge part of the New York Knicks rotation
Derrick Rose should be a huge part of the New York Knicks rotation

This is where the Knicks could really make some serious strides on the offensive side of the ball. This team is now going to have some weapons in their rotation. That should make it a bit more challenging for opposing teams to focus on stopping a specific player.

If the Knicks can buy into moving the ball and playing unselfish basketball, they have the potential to create some great possessions. One of the main reasons for this is the guard play. With the likes of Kemba Walker, Derrick Rose and second-year guard Immanuel Quickley, the team has an assortment of primary ball-handlers who can attack the paint and create potential drive-and-kick opportunities.

The Knicks had flashes of that last year, but they didn't have the shooting threats they currently have on this roster. If the Knicks can continue to use the pick-and-roll game to create lapses in the opposing defense, while spacing the floor for potential kick-outs, this team could light up the league in a hurry.

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