Jeff Van Gundy: Knicks 'not even close to a lock' for NBA play-in
Former New York Knicks head coach Jeff Van Gundy isn't too bullish on his former team's chances this season.
"The Knicks have good players, but you line it up against the competition in the East, and this roster is not on the same level," Van Gundy told The New York Post's Marc Berman.
"They could shock the world and be a playoff team, but I look at the East and I’d have to say eight to 13 is where they should be predicted," Van Gundy told Berman. "They’re not even close to a lock for the play-in. A lot has to go right."
The Knicks were a pleasant surprise in the 2020-21 season, earning the No. 4 seed in the East - their first playoff appearance since 2013 - and they signed 2021 All-Star Julius Randle to a four-year, $117-million contract following the campaign.
Last year, however, New York fell short of expectations, finishing 37-45 for 11th in the Eastern Conference and missing the playoffs entirely. Randle was the subject of much scrutiny, as his points per game average dropped and his efficiency declined sharply across the board from the previous season. At one point, Randle publicly voiced his displeasure with fans who booed him and the team during the campaign.
The Knicks looked to regroup, making a big splash in 2022 free agency. They landed point guard Jalen Brunson on a four-year, $104-million deal, adding him to a core that includes Randle and 22-year-old wing RJ Barrett.
After weeks of rumors connecting the team to All-Star Donovan Mitchell this offseason, New York eventually went another direction and signed Barrett to a $120-million contract extension that made a Mitchell trade much more unlikely. The Jazz dealt Mitchell to Cleveland days later, officially taking him off the table for the Knicks.
Now, New York's improvement may depend on the addition of Brunson as well as internal development from Barrett, third-year forward Obi Toppin, and third-year guard Immanuel Quickley. Barrett, a former No. 3 overall pick, has increased his scoring average over each of his three NBA seasons.