The Knicks enter this season with much different expectations from outsiders.
Championship expectations. The belief that they can supplant the defending champion Celtics and win their first crown since 1973.
Inside the MSG training center?
Well, that's another story. they never talk about it.
“As much as I would like to go back to Game of 7 [of the Eastern Conference semifinals] We have to go back to where we went last year and start the journey all over again,” Jalen Brunson said Saturday.
Brunson said that hype is “definitely a big issue,” but he also believes it's important for the Knicks to filter out outside noise, whether positive or negative. They don't want to be complacent by doing nothing, and they don't need to prove people wrong.
“Regardless of what people say, whether it's positive or negative, we have to be mentally tough and what's going on inside this building, inside this organization. You just have to worry about whether they're there,” Branson said. “You can't listen to the positive and not listen to the negative. No matter how you try, it just won't work.”
Brunson said the constant focus under coach Tom Thibodeau is to “get better every day.”
Asked if this is the most talented Knicks team he's coached since taking over in 2020, Thibodeau simply said, “We'll see.”
“Nothing changes. It's for you guys,” the Knicks coach said when asked about expectations. “For us, we can't skip anything. Every day we have to do the best we can. Hopefully we can get the right kind of things we need to succeed to get better.” Build a habit and see where it goes.”
Thibodeau said there are no plans to have backup center Karl-Anthony Towns when the season begins.
He has plenty of options, from young pivots Jericho Sims and Ariel Hukporti to undersized big man Precious Achiuwa to even using OG Anunoby in the small-ball lineup.
“I like the versatility and physicality they bring,” Thibodeau said. “That's important. Obviously we need that depth for the season. Let's see how it plays out. We still have a long way to go.”
Sims and Hukporti, the No. 58 pick in last June's NBA Draft, are battling for minutes in a crowded frontcourt.
The 6-foot-11 Hukporti had an impressive preseason debut on Wednesday, recording seven points, four rebounds and three steals in 16 minutes.
“Some players have been in the league a little longer, and Jericho's athleticism is a lot different than other players,” Thibodeau said. “Ariel is a young player coming in and he already has the defensive elements. But he has to learn the offensive part of the game and that's coming. But they're both very good.”
