No one expected the Knicks to be in the playoffs this year, but here they are sitting comfortably at the #4 seed while being 8 games above .500 this season. The Knicks have proven over and over this season they’re capable of winning games that matter and they’re one of the hottest teams the past month due to it. The Knicks are 9-1 in their last 10 games and have been peaking at the perfect time.

Let’s get into why they could end up being the biggest sleepers for the playoffs in the Eastern conference…

1. Julius Randle’s Development

I mean, not to state the obvious, but I feel like it’s important we talk about the development of Randle. Julius Randle has transformed his game tremendously this season and it’s been a big reason why the Knicks where they are right now.

Not only has Randle become a way better 3-pt shooter, shooting at insane 42.7% from deep while taking over 5 threes a game. Not only is he shooting it crazy efficiently, but shooting with volume as well. Randle’s playmaking has been insane as well, averaging nearly double the assists he did from last season.

I’m not saying Randle is a superstar now or anything, but he’s definitely become one of the more intriguing stars in the league right now.

2. Great Team Defense

If I told you that the Knicks were a top 5 defense, you’d think that Mitchell Robinson took a massive leap and he’s become a major defensive anchor for the Knicks right? Well.. That’s not the case at all. The Knicks are a great defensive team this season due to elite team defense. They swarm to the ball really well and play the inside really well. They allow the 4th least amount of points in the paint (44 PPG).

Tom Thibodeau can definitely be given credit for the defensive improvement by the Knicks this season. Players like Nerlens Noel, Mitchell Robinson, and Julius Randle have been big all year for the Knicks’ ability to lock down the paint and not let easy buckets occur.

3. Solid Mix of Veterans and Young Players

The Knicks willingness to have a lot of veterans on the team is paying off this season. Players with experience and playoff experience like Derrick Rose, Taj Gibson, Alec Burks, and Reggie Bullock are a great mix of veterans to provide stability for the team. Having a solid mix of veterans and young players allows the team to have much needed leadership that will become essential in the playoffs.

Derrick Rose obviously isn’t the same player he once was, but he can definitely provide leadership for the Knicks and be a boost for them in the playoffs. A lot of analysts and people clowned the Knicks for signing so many veterans and not pushing for as much young talent before (including me), but it’s paying off for them well this season.

Conclusion

I’m not saying the Knicks are going to the Finals or anything, but I definitely wouldn’t be surprised by an upset. They’re a team more than capable of upsetting a top seed. I would try to avoid the Knicks if I was a contender in the East.