Do not expect a complete restructure of the Knicks offense this upcoming season. However, the coaching staff has empowered the new group to slam on the gas pedal when seeking easy scoring opportunities in the open floor. For a team that struggled in the fast break and pace department a year ago, the change in mindset is evident in the first three preseason games in October. “I think we are trying to make sure our guys understand that when we force teams to miss or we create turnovers or even on made shots that it’s OK to go down and try to score as quickly as possible that we are not running to set up in an offense, we are running to go score. And, hopefully continuing to free them from this idea that we have to run the offense a certain way as opposed to taking what the defense gives you,” head coach Derek Fisher explained.
The obvious disclaimer is the Knicks are facing teams with disjointed lineups and the three games are not a true indication of future success but there are some adjustments we did not see from last year’s team.
“We’ve been doing that in training camp, we’ve been running in training camp, trying to get out, trying to get early offense going, and then if we don’t have something early we get into our set,” Carmelo Anthony confirmed.
New York has outscored its opponents 52-29 in fast break points during three preseason outings. With a new cast of players, the team is discovering options not only in the open floor but a quicker pace in the half court, Triangle offense set. Quick decision making while attempting efficient shots early in the clock will apply pressure to the opponent. Rookie Jerian Grant and veteran Jose Calderon have also described the quality shots they are able to generate due to the use of drag screens, pick-and-pops, and pick-and-rolls. “I think we have the personnel to do it to be able to run and we have great big guys who drag or do anything we want them to do, so we have to exploit that for sure,” Calderon added.
The veteran point guard is specifically referring to new big men Robin Lopez, Kyle O’Quinn, Kevin Seraphin, and rookie Kristaps Porzingis. Lopez can rim run, O’Quinn is a knock down midrange shooter, and Porzingis can either finish at the rim or drill open 3s by trailing the break. Additionally, the Knicks are now armed with floor spacers, a pull-up machine in Melo, and Derrick Williams is a spectacular finisher in transition. Grant is a strong point guard with spectacular court vision that thrives in the open floor as seen in preseason action.
“It’s a little bit different,” Calderon compared this year’s roster to last season. “I think we have different personnel. I think we are trying to see our game different and try to run the system with a little more of a pace. Maybe last year, we weren’t ready for that yet but I think we’re doing it. We are pushing that ball, I think we are getting some shots and some easy baskets; it’s always good to have that.”
With the freedom to launch a fast break assault as a first option, the new-look Knicks hope to inject some life into their offensive attack this season.