The New York Knicks have been a laughingstock in the NBA over the last few seasons ever since the departures of Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire. They had some pleasant moments due to the sensational play of Kristaps Porzingis, but overall it has been a rough era for the franchise.

In the 2020-2021 NBA season, Tom Thibodeau revitalized the best NBA arena in Madison Square Garden by leading the Knicks to a fourth seed in an unexpected run led by first time All Star Julius Randle and sophomore sensation RJ Barrett. Thibodeau even acquired his old reliables in Derrick Rose and Taj Gibson by inserting them to his system and giving them important roles all throughout the season.

However, the Knicks were very fortunate by being healthy majority of the season compared to more talented teams, such as the Miami Heat or Boston Celtics. Additionally, it will be difficult for them to replicate that success and these are the three reasons on why they will not win the championship this season.

Offensive plays for Knicks are easily anticipated

In their five-game series against the Atlanta Hawks, Thibodeau's plays were easy to scout and anticipate for Nate McMillan and all the other Hawks players. The ball would find its way to Randle on the elbow, and the decision will be up to him if he will go one-on-one or facilitate and create for his teammates from his triple threat position. His offensive options were vastly limited as Elfrid Payton and Nerlens Noel rarely contribute on that side of the floor.

Barrett still lacks the skill and experience of being a second fiddle in a championship contending squad, which was proven by his inefficiency and questionable decision making on crucial stages of the contest. Their additions of Evan Fournier and Kemba Walker may enhance their offensive production, but playing them together will sacrifice the Knicks' ability to contain opponents on the other side of the floor.

Immanuel Quickley, Alec Burks and Obi Toppin are terrific spark plugs off the bench, but they are still not the answer to compete with the Eastern Conference squads that have far more superior offensive options. It will be interesting on how Thibodeau will mix and match his lineup combinations to provide success for the Knicks.

Experience

The core of this New York Knicks team is comprised of young studs that do not have much experience yet in playing at the biggest stage. Their veterans in Rose and Taj Gibson are brilliant leaders, but that is not enough to supplement this franchise that has high expectations every single year. Quickley, Toppin, Barrett, and Mitchell Robinson are just in the early juncture of their career, making it tough for them to elevate their game in the Playoffs.

Two former Celtics guards in Walker and Fournier failed to capitalize and prove their worth against the Brooklyn Nets last season, thus making it hard for the Knicks to rely on them to provide consistent offense in a seven-game series. Randle just got his first taste of playoff basketball last season, and he struggled immensely with the ferocious defense of John Collins and DeAndre Hunter.

There are a ton of potential for New York, but it is too early to expect too much from them with the lineup they are parading this upcoming season.

Outside Shooting

In connection to the offensive struggles of the Knicks, their three-point shooting accuracy has been a huge question mark and hurdle every single year, and it looks like they will still fail to overcome it this season. Adding Fournier and Walker increases their options but the loss of Reggie Bullock is a major one that is not talked about that much. He was their best three-point shooter that swishes home shots from all over the place, while he also defends the best offensive wing or guard from the opposing team.

The other guards of the Knicks are not consistent and effective outside shooters which will cause a plethora of problems because defenses will just clog the paint on them. As they surround the shaded lane, it will be insurmountable for Randle and Barrett to showcase and flourish with their slashing abilities because there is no threat of kicking it out to the wings or corners.

With the shortage of shooters, it will also cause a dilemma for Thibodeau to even insert Robinson or Noel in the lineup because that shrinks the offensive options to an even smaller level. As the Knicks continue to add on with their ongoing issues on the offensive side of the floor, Thibodeau could still rely on his devastating and fearless defensive schemes but that will not be enough to even contend for a championship this season.