The New York Knicks have been playing extremely well at this early junction of the season. At 16-5, the Knicks have found themselves smack dab in the middle of discussions about the title and elite teams in the league.
While I refrain from jumping to those type of conclusions this early in the season, Charles Barkley had this to say about this Knicks squad.
Per Newsday:
I think they’re a good team, and I think Jason Kidd has had a huge effect on Raymond Felton and J.R. Smith,” Barkley said Tuesday, before Kidd’s latest heroics against the Nets. (Barkley was in Los Angeles taping a celebrity edition of “The Price is Right.”)
“But when I look at their stats, they only outrebounded the teams they’ve played like twice. That concerns me. And I don’t know if they can keep shooting threes like that. That’s my only critique. It’s not a criticism, it’s a critique.”
Barkley then added this.
“Everybody in New York thinks the Knicks are Playboy bunnies, and I have been telling them for years the Knicks are a rabbit,” he said. “They’re closer to a Playboy bunny this year but for the last few years these guys are like, ‘We have a really good team!’ And I say, ‘You really think that?’ And I say, ‘No, they don’t.’ But this is the best team they’ve had in a while.”
I can’t help but agree with Barkley.
One thing I’ve learned about basketball over the years is that if you rely on the 3-point shot, you will ultimately live and die by it.
The Knicks have played well and I give credit where it it’s due. But allow me to take a wait and see approach, on whether this lasts all season long and turns into a deep playoff run.
I have my doubts.