Donte Divincenzo: Helping or Hurting the Knicks ?
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Donte has been on the Knicks management’s mind since their game six loss in Miami, the Knicks needed a three-pointer to tie their game six in Miami. Who happened to take this shot? Quinten Grimes, who ended up missing the shot so bad people thought it was an extended pass. Rookies tend to get the benefit of the doubt when playing their first playoff series, this is also why Josh Hart was inserted into the starting lineup for the playoffs when Grimes went down, and when he came back Hart still ended up starting. The Knicks really need a three-point specialist who can also play defense at a high level. But where does this bring the beloved sixth man in New York, Immanuel Quickly? And it’s sad to say, that his minutes will most likely be reduced, just like Obi Toppin.
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Quickly has been an offensive threat this season in addition to his speed, and athleticism. He’s been adding these aspects to his game for a long time for the Knicks. He added a floater shot to his game, which was way different from last year, and every time he does it it reminds me of a young, former MVP, Derrick Rose. Cuts to the basketball can shoot from deep at a high percentage, Quickly can do it all. However, there’s one thing the Knicks have to worry about, the salary cap. The Knicks do not want to enter that second salary cap that was just provided after this year's CAA meeting. Quickly, after his contract, is roughly going to be worth 80 million dollars for 4 years. The Knicks will have every chance to resign the guard in free agency, because ultimately he is a Restricted Free Agent (RFA), and could definitely be worth 20 million a year if he becomes more consistent in the playoffs. The Knicks could definitely bring back Quickly, and have his minutes unaffected if they insert Donte into the starting lineup in place of Grimes. Here is what I think the Knicks’ roster will end up looking like after this summer.
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Starting Lineup: Jalen Brunson, Donte Divincenzo, R.J Barrett, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson.
Bench: Immanuel Quickly, Quinten Grimes, Josh Hart, Obi Toppin, and Isiah Hartenstien
Ultimately, the reason for the Knicks’ downfall during the playoffs was because of how poorly the team was shooting. I also think that there were a lot of jitters going on in that locker room. Quinten, Immanuel, and Julius did not play well, which was detrimental to the team. Donte can bring shooting to New York but at the cost of Grimes. However, everything comes with experience, they got their first taste in the playoffs and an actual solid foundation run to almost make it to the eastern conference final in their first year with Brunson. Not to mention, in the final game, Brunson chipped in 40 points. He played his heart out during the last game, and it makes you think, hope, and pray that this Knicks team can come together.
