Spread the love: Will the Knicks finally improve their assist numbers in 2023-24?

team with four assists each.

Coming off a season where the Knicks ranked dead last in assists per game, this preseason showing is a positive sign. It’s encouraging to see the Knicks moving the ball and finding open teammates for scoring opportunities. However, it’s important to note that this is just a preseason game and should be taken with a grain of salt.

Over the past five seasons, the Knicks have struggled tremendously in the assists department. In fact, the best they have ever finished in assists per game is 27th. This lack of ball movement and playmaking has hindered the team’s offensive efficiency and made it difficult to consistently score.

The absence of a true point guard has been a major factor in the Knicks’ struggles with assists. In recent years, the team has relied on scoring guards like RJ Barrett and Julius Randle to create their own shots rather than setting up their teammates. This has led to a stagnant and predictable offense that is easy for opposing defenses to defend.

However, the Knicks made some moves in the offseason to address this issue. They acquired point guard Kemba Walker in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder and signed veteran playmaker Derrick Rose to a contract extension. These additions should provide the team with much-needed playmaking and ball movement.

Additionally, the development of young players like Quentin Grimes and Miles McBride could also contribute to an improved assist rate. Grimes and McBride showed promising playmaking abilities in the preseason game against the Celtics, each recording four assists. If they continue to progress and earn significant playing time, they could have a positive impact on the team’s assist numbers.

It’s important to remember that assist numbers don’t tell the whole story when it comes to a team’s offensive success. While it’s advantageous to have a high number of assists, it’s equally important to have efficient scorers who can convert those opportunities into points. The Knicks’ primary focus should be on finding a balance between playmaking and scoring.

Another factor that can impact a team’s assist rate is the offensive system and style of play. The Knicks have undergone multiple coaching changes in recent years, and each coach has had their own offensive philosophy. Finding a system that maximizes player movement, spacing, and ball movement could greatly improve the team’s assist numbers.

As the Knicks prepare for the upcoming regular season, it’s clear that improving their assist rate is crucial to their offensive success. The addition of playmakers like Kemba Walker and Derrick Rose, along with the development of young players, should help address this issue. However, it will ultimately be up to the team’s coaching staff to implement a system that encourages ball movement and playmaking.

Only time will tell if the Knicks can finally break free from their assist woes and become a more efficient offensive team. Until then, fans will continue to hope for more ball movement and teamwork on the court.

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