The New York Knicks are looking to build upon a very successful 2022-23 NBA season. They exceeded all expectations, going 47-35 in the regular season, earning the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference, and defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games in the first round of the playoffs.
While the six-game loss to the Miami Heat in the semifinals was disappointing, this franchise is on the rise. There isn’t a team in the Eastern Conference that will have as much chemistry and continuity as the Knicks, who are returning nearly their entire rotation and roster from last season.
The only player who isn’t returning is backup power forward Obi Toppin, who was traded to the Indiana Pacers. One big addition was made in free agency, as New York signed Donte DiVincenzo away from the Golden State Warriors.
DiVincenzo brings exactly what the Knicks were missing. They needed another 3-point shooter and someone who could create turnovers defensively. The Villanova product, who played collegiately with Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, excels in both areas.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Quentin Grimes & New York Knicks Updates
It will be interesting to see what his role with the team is. He is going to receive a lot of minutes, but will it be as a starter or reserve? DiVincenzo has experience doing both, as all eyes will be on the starting shooting guard spot.
The incumbent at the spot is Quentin Grimes, who is entering Year 3 in the NBA. Hart and DiVincenzo will factor into the decision along with Immanuel Quickley. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has remained coy about his plans, as he didn’t commit to Grimes returning to the starting five.
“We’ll see how it unfolds…because you haven’t played in any games, nothing has unfolded yet. You base your decisions on the information that you have,” Thibodeau said.
Grimes likely holds a lead regarding the starting shooting guard spot. He was in that role when the Knicks turned things around starting in early December, and they found a lot of success in the postseason when he was in the lineup as well.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Quentin Grimes & New York Knicks Updates
Brunson, RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson will likely be the other starters unless something unforeseen occurs. Grimes has certainly played well enough to hold the starting role but will have to earn it in training camp, with some stiff competition existing for minutes on the wing.
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