How Knicks Can Solve Their Biggest Questions as Playoffs Approach

The New York Knicks are leveling up to—or at least near—NBA championship contender status right before our eyes.

Maybe that seems strange to read after their loss to the lowly (and LaMelo Ball-less) Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday, but one slip-up won't spoil this squad's surge. Even after the defeat, the Knicks are 9-2 with the second-best net rating (plus-9.6, per NBA.com) since the trade deadline.

New York is quickly becoming a tricky playoff opponent for anyone and a club with a realistic hope of escaping the Eastern Conference. Still, there's more work to be done, starting with the following three tasks.

Unlock RJ Barrett's Key to Consistency

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 07: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks in action against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Madison Square Garden on March 07, 2023 in New York City. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

This season has spawned one success story after the next for the Knicks, but RJ Barrett is the biggest exception to that rule.

The fourth-year swingman has stagnated. He's not just averaging fewer points and assists than last season, he's also shooting worse from three and committing more turnovers. He'll still show glimpses of stardom, but they're coming fewer and farther between.

Nothing would help New York's championship chances more than discovering the key to Barrett's consistency.

The Knicks have birthed a dynamic duo with Jalen Brunson's ascension and Julius Randle's return to the elite ranks, but leveling up Barrett would give the 'Bockers a bona fide (and possibly championship-quality) Big Three.

Make Shots

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BOSTON, MA - MARCH 5: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks smiles after the game against the Boston Celtics on March 5, 2023 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

Ever glanced at New York's place in the offensive efficiency ranks (fifth overall) and found yourself giving it the side-eye? You aren't alone.

This offense can be overpowering. Randle and Brunson are top-shelf shot-makers. The Knicks take tremendous care of the basketball and hammer the offensive glass. They get to the free-throw line at will.

Still, this isn't a good shooting team, which feels like a prerequisite for being a competent offense in the modern game. Credit the Knicks for finding another path to offensive success, but life on the game's most glamorous end of the court would get a lot easier if this team wasn't ranked 23rd in field-goal percentage, 22nd in three-point percentage and 22nd in free-throw percentage.

That's an awful lot of missing to succeed in what's so often characterized as a make-or-miss league. The Knicks aren't overloaded with marksmen, but they have a handful of players—like Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes and Obi Toppin—who are better shooters than they've shown.

Find Another Defensive Gear

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 25: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks in action against the New Orleans Pelicans at Madison Square Garden on February 25, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. New York Knicks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 128-106 (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Maybe it's just because of Tom Thibodeau's presence on the sideline, but doesn't it feel like the Knicks should be better on defense?

They are 16th in efficiency on the season and 12th since the trade deadline. Those aren't worrisome marks or anything, but they're hardly the foundations for a championship run.

Now, New York doesn't need to win with defense, but winning gets a lot easier when this group defends at a high level. The Knicks have held opponents to 110 points or fewer in 28 games. They are a wholly dominant 27-1 in those contests.

If their offense keeps hanging around the top five, then getting this defense to a similar level would plant this club squarely in the championship picture. Maybe the personnel isn't quite there to pull it off, but with a coach like Thibodeau, an interior anchor like Mitchell Robinson and perimeter pests like Josh Hart and Quentin Grimes, they look capable of at least closing the gap.