Knicks: Leon Rose has been doing things right since the last offseason

Leon Rose came to the Knicks to lead the team and last summer he did something smart. At least nothing massive (and inconsiderate). He didn’t throw a lot of money on an aging star to win a few games and get cheap titles. No room for the cap on Russell Westbrook or Chris Paul or Gordon Hayward – Rose did nothing that would short out long-term success to win a few games now and appease an impatient owner (and, sometimes, the media and the fan base).

Rose drafted well, grabbing Obi Toppin – one of the players most ready to help – now in the draft – and could have the biggest draft success at number 25 by picking Immanuel Quickley from Kentucky. It was IQ that triggered the turnaround and won the Hawks Monday, finishing with 16 points off the bench, playing the entire fourth quarter showing poise and confidence under the pressure most rookies are still looking for. Quickley was +17 in his 18 minutes.

The Knicks have other young players who are worth watching and they showed up great in Atlanta. RJ Barrett scored 26 points and 11 rebounds. Julius Randle is playing at an All-Star (and possibly All-NBA) level early and finished with 28 points, 17 rebounds, and nine assists. Austin Rivers stabilizes the backcourt when he is inside, Mitchell Robinson is playing strong defense and playing inside himself.

Leon Rose certainly did a great job in the offseason.