Are the New York Knicks actually mirroring the Miami Heat?
Point #4: Both teams are developing their young centers
Daily Knicks goes on to discuss how both teams are “focusing on developing their young centers.” Again, this is a solid point from Settle.
He acknowledges that Miami is “lightyears above New York” in this regard, but even so, this is a great point from Settle. Both Adebayo and Robinson should be getting the keys to each team’s respective center spot this year.
Adebayo has proven to be an All-Star and defensive beast, and while Robinson may not have All-Star upside, he could turn into an elite defender.
Hopefully, for New York’s sake, Robinson can take a leap this year after injuries derailed his 2021 season. Both teams are certainly banking on their young centers continuing to develop.
Point #5: Both teams are depending on grizzled veterans
Settle’s final point is another one that makes a ton of sense. Both teams have a solid core of experienced veterans on the roster who can help their young players develop.
For the Knicks, bringing back players such as Derrick Rose, Nerlens Noel, Alec Burks, and Taj Gibson was key this summer. All of those players played big roles for them last season.
As for Miami, they brought in PJ Tucker and Markieff Morris. They also re-signed players such as Victor Oladipo, who could come back after his injury and play some solid basketball.
In that sense, the Knicks are kind of mirroring the Heat. What do you think? Is New York copying the blueprint of the Miami Heat, or is it all just a coincidence?