The New York Knicks are off to a flying 4-1 start this season and are proving exactly why they're a legitimate Finals contender. Following a productive offseason where they added key pieces around the likes of Julius Randle and RJ Barrett, there is one player who could be the most important addition of them all: Kemba Walker.

Walker, who has dealt with numerous injuries across the last few seasons, has been in his bag so far in 2021/22, but specifically through the last two games. During that span, the Knicks guard is averaging 20 points per game while going 10 for 17 from downtown. He simply outplayed Lonzo Ball on Thursday as New York handed the Chicago Bulls their first loss.

Having Kemba in the fold is absolutely huge for Tom Thibodeau's squad. We're talking about a four-time All-Star who is averaging 19.8 points per night in his career. The Knicks showed their inexperience in the playoffs last season and also lacked enough weapons. Randle was outstanding, Barrett took significant steps in Year 2, but they needed more scorers. Walker is now playing at home and recently said that he hasn't felt this good in a long time. That can only be a good sign. Via Marc Berman of the NY Post:

“This is the best I’ve felt in a very long time,’’ Walker, 31, revealed late Thursday night in Chicago. “My days consist of me taking care of myself. I don’t mean that when I’m in the facility with the trainers. I mean that when I’m home. When I’m in my room, I’m taking care of my knee. That’s like my whole day. There’s a lot of preparation leading up to these games for me.’’

It's been evident that he's actually at 100%. We're seeing the Kemba of the past. The one who is lethal from mid-range and downtown. The same player who was previously the franchise cornerstone for the Charlotte Hornets. Randle is undoubtedly the star of the Knicks, but having another pure scorer like Walker with him, along with another fantastic addition in Evan Fournier, it's only going to make New York that much better. Randle's assist numbers have already skyrocketed because of the increased number of offensive weapons around him.

Considering how the Knicks crashed out of the playoffs last season in the first round, it's bold to think they could actually be in the Finals in 2022. But, on both sides of the ball, this team is the real deal. The load isn't completely on Randle's shoulders now because he has countless other guys who can get buckets. Defensively, the Knicks are solid as well and proved that in 2020/21.

This New York team is one of the best we've seen in years. They're truly full of talent and we're already getting a glimpse into what the squad is capable of. A healthy Kemba Walker however is the piece that will put them over the top as an elite club in the Eastern Conference. He's comfortable in his surroundings, feeling great, and playing with boatloads of confidence.

Scary hours at MSG. Don't sleep on the Knicks.