New York Knicks: Analyzing the emergence of Emmanuel Mudiay

For a decent run now, the New York Knicks have been led by an unlikely force in Emmanuel Mudiay. So, what does this mean for the Knicks future?

The New York Knicks are 1-3 in their last four games, and have ben led by Emmanuel Mudiay.

Due to that, what they have learned in these past four games may be more valuable than wins.

In those four games, the Knicks have learned they have a potential diamond in the rough with Emmanuel Mudiay.

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Mudiay was drafted seventh overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, but ever since his rookie season he has yet to live up to the lottery expectations.

Mudiay’s rookie season was his best to date as he averaged 12.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.

In the two complete seasons since his rookie year, he has an average of 9.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.55 assists per game.

Not quite the numbers you’d expect from a guy who was drafted seventh overall.

But so far this season, Mudiay has been everything the Knicks could want, and in the past four games he has exceeded those hopes.

In these past four games, Mudiay is averaging a daunting 25 points, 4.5 rebounds and 6.75 assists per game.

In the game against the Hornets Friday night, and against the Suns on Monday night, he had a combined 64 points.

Mudiay has been unreal the last couple of games and it has many thinking about his future in New York should he keep this up.

Mudiay is a free agent following the 2018-19 season and seeing he is under contract for a little under $4.3 million this season, it shouldn’t cost too much to keep him in the Big Apple.

With a healthy roster of who the Knicks currently have they could be looking at a starting lineup that looks something like this:

Now, obviously, the Knicks need to improve the guard position.

Tim Hardaway Jr., Trey Burke and Courtney Lee are not long-term options.

However, the Knicks currently sit at 9-23 and with the 2019 Draft looking like one of the best in recent memory, they could improve the position.

Previously, it was thought that Trey Burke was the long-term option as he had a great stretch of games last season, but recently he has fallen off.

In the last two games against the Suns and Pacers, Burke has played 37 minutes in which he totaled seven points.

If the Knicks can manage to get a top 10 pick, preferably in the top four, they could seriously improve.

The guards in the 2019 draft include RJ Barrett (likely the #1 or 2 pick), Cam Reddish (likely top 5) and Ja Morant (likely top 7).

All three of these players, especially Reddish and Barrett, are players that could significantly help the Knicks.

At Duke, Reddish and Barrett are averaging a combined 38.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game.

Once again this is combined but these are two players who could help guide the Knicks in the right direction should they end up wearing blue and orange in 2019.

Next. Major takeaways from the Rangers season so far. dark

The recent rise of Emmanuel Mudiay may answer a couple of questions for the Knicks, and should he keep it up, the future is looking bright in New York.

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