The New York Knicks have been one of the pleasant surprises of the NBA season, but a four-game losing streak has dropped them to 8-10 on the season. Still, there are plenty of reasons for optimism in the Big Apple. Here are three things we've learned about the Knicks so far this year:
Kristaps Porzingis is the Rookie of the Year frontrunner
Porzingis has surprisingly been one of the team's best players this season, and has emerged as the Rookie of the Year favorite. He's averaging 13.7 points (second on team) and a team-high 9.7 rebounds per game, but he really seems like a star because of the highlight plays he seems to produce every single night. Expect his production to continue to increase as the season goes on.
The Knicks have some good role players
Say what you will about Carmelo Anthony being a true superstar, but the Knicks finally appear to have a solid overall roster. Free agent pickups Arron Afflalo and Robin Lopez have vastly improved New York's defense, while Langston Galloway, Derrick Williams, and Jerian Grant have given life to their bench.
New York might make the playoffs
The Eastern Conference is certainly more competitive than it has been over the past few years, but it looks like they'll be competing with the Charlotte Hornets, Boston Celtics, and Orlando Magic for one of the bottom two seeds in the playoff picture. New York could use another top draft pick if they want to develop into a legit contender, but a playoff berth would be a huge step foward and could be enough to attract a top-tier free agent this offseason.