Knicks Media Day Recap (Dull and Devoid of Drama, Which is a Good Thing)

The big, dramatic takeaway from the Knicks Media Day on Monday was… that there was no big, dramatic takeaway.

And that's a good thing. 

Over in Philly, the Sixers players, coaches and front office staff had to answer countless questions about the drama resulting from James Harden's refusal to show up. Up in Toronto, Scottie Barnes discussed publicly how his team's selfishness last season was "draining." Miami players and personnel had to address the organization's failed attempts to revamp their roster. Down in New Orleans, the Pelicans GM said Zion Williamson hired an independent staff to help him care for his body, adding, "This is the first summer Zion has taken his profession seriously in that regard." Yikes.

Media Day in Knicks Land was relatively dull. The vibes were sorta immaculate, so to speak. The lack of controversy is an indication of the progress the franchise (which was considered a laughing stock not too long ago) has made and is further proof that it's headed in the right direction. 

Here are some of the quotes/notes worth passing along:

🏀 First and foremost, head coach Tom Thibodeau confirmed everyone on the roster was entering training camp healthy (the Knicks will spend this week on the campus of The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina). That includes Julius Randle, who underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair an injured left ankle shortly after Miami eliminated New York.

🏀 Thibodeau also confirmed what many of us expected regarding the backup power forward position behind Randle. Thibs will begin the season playing Josh Hart at the 4-spot with the second unit if they're going small or leaning on Jericho Sims if they want to go big. This was anticipated after the Knicks decided not to sign or trade for an established backup PF after sending Obi Toppin to Indiana. 

🏀 RJ Barrett was asked about potentially seeing some minutes at power forward when Randle heads to the bench and gave a pitch-perfect answer: "Whatever we need to do to win is what we'll do... If that's what I have to do, then I'll do it. I'm very willing and glad to."

🏀 We heard from the newest Knick, Donte DiVincenzo, for the first time on Monday. DiVincenzo acknowledged that the Villanova connection with Brunson and Hart played a part in his decision to sign with New York, but that ultimately, "I like winning basketball games," and signing with the Knicks gave him an excellent opportunity to continue racking up wins. "We have a helluva team. We have a helluva coach," said DiVincenzo. He also discusses how even though he arrives with developed relationships between him and the Villanova guys, it's important to bond with all his teammates. "I think the big thing for us is to not get carried away with the 'Nova stuff... We can rely on that, but at the same time, how do we develop these relationships, and how do we push together all as one?"