The Knicks open their season on Wednesday night at the Garden against the Celtics.
The Post’s Stefan Bondy makes three bold predictions about the highly anticipated Knicks campaign.
Three bold predictions
1. RJ Barrett moves to the bench during the season
The Knicks certainly didn’t use a third-overall pick and a near max extension for a reserve. But Barrett makes sense with the second unit. It’d mean less minutes for the 23-year-old wing but can help unlock Quentin Grimes, who has demonstrated promise as a playmaker and needs more opportunities with the ball.
2. Leon Rose talks to the media
Ha. Just kidding. There are better odds the cameras ignore Taylor Swift at her next Chiefs game. It’s now 25 months since Rose, the Knicks team president, spoke to the independent media.
3. Tom Thibodeau gets a contract extension
This was a Post bold prediction last year and obviously it didn’t happen — even though Thibs carried the Knicks to their best playoff finish in a decade. He’s underpaid at about $5 million for this season and signed through the 2024-25 season. A decision on Thibodeau’s future — whether it’s extension or unemployment — will likely be made before next season. Coaches typically don’t do the job on an expiring contract.
Five games to watch
Oct. 31 at Cleveland
A Halloween matchup with a pair of juicy storylines: 1) the Cavs are looking for revenge after getting pummeled by New York in the playoffs, and; 2) those Donovan Mitchell-to-the-Knicks rumors persist.
Nov. 8 vs. San Antonio
Victor Wembanyama’s first-ever game at MSG. The great ones tend to have memorable moments at 4 Penn Plaza, and Wembanyama, a giant center who moves like Penny Hardaway, is being billed as the next big thing.
Dec. 25 vs. Milwaukee
Dame Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo try to spoil New York’s Christmas. Weirdly, the matchup will be the second Bucks-Knicks game at MSG over three days.
Jan. 11 at Dallas
This will be Jalen Brunson’s first game back in Dallas since he missed last season’s matchup with an injury. There’s added juice because of Kyrie Irving’s presence — he hasn’t yet faced the Knicks as a member of the Mavs — and the fact the Knicks own Dallas’ 2024 first-round pick. Remember, last season Dallas tanked the final games to keep that pick.
Feb. 3 vs. Lakers
A prime-time Saturday matchup on ABC and perhaps LeBron James’ final game at his favorite arena. With Andre Igoudala retiring last week, LeBron is officially the oldest active player in the NBA.
Read more
