The New York Knicks will be the sneakiest team to make the finals this year. Now this is only if they are fully healthy getting into the second half of the season, and that includes All-Star Julius Randle who is currently nurturing a shoulder injury.

It isn’t a surprise to anyone that the Knickerbockers are one of the best teams not only in the Eastern Conference, but in the entire league. All led by star guards Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, but amidst one of their most historic win streaks Randle took a hard fall late in the 4th quarter against the Miami Heat resulting in a dislocated right shoulder. 

The injury looked like he could miss a large chunk of the season, however they are hopeful he will make a recovery after a re-evaluation in 2-3 weeks as head coach Tom Thibodeau said, “But we’re pleased knowing his makeup. The way he works, he’ll be back as soon as he can be back.”

This is exactly what the Knicks did not need right before the All-Star break… or was it?

With the Knicks looking towards their superstars to lead the pack into the playoffs it’s a different energy come playoff time and teams are going to be swarming the two at the top. The squad is going to need even more from their bench and right now is the best time for them to mix things up. 

We have already seen Isiah Hartenstein and OG Anunoby take on a massive role due to injuries and mid-season trades, and I would love to see even more of that from players Quentin Grimes, Precious Achiuwa, and Evan Fournier. 

We have already seen a load of Grimes to start the season and his lethal catch-and-shoot and ability to make find players off the dribble is what New York needs more of to spread the court. Randle’s presence overshadowed Grimes, but this could be the perfect opportunity for him to make a huge impact on opposing teams scouting reports. 

I would also love to see Evan Fournier get some action and add some size that will be lost with Randle’s absence. Fournier hasn’t really found himself a role to say the least since he was signed back in 2021. Thibodeau and him haven’t particularly seen eye to eye, but maybe this is a good opportunity to bring a guy would once averaged 20 ppg. and over 46% from the three.

This would be a great time for the Knicks try some things out to give teams a different look before Julius Randle hopefully makes a stupendous comeback from injury. 

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