August is a tough month for basketball fans, but the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets are using the month to develop chemistry.
The summer months are a mix of highs and lows for NBA fans. June and July are marked by the NBA Finals, the draft, and free agency. August and September, on the other hand, are much quieter and less eventful.
Right now, there isn’t much going on outside of preparation for the 2019 FIBA World Cup. That tournament will help salvage the month of September for fans in search of their next basketball fix. However, that does nothing for us in August.
On the bright side, the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets are taking advantage of August. The New York Knicks are gathering to work out together and run some 5-on-5 scrimmages according to Ian Begley of SNY.
On that same note, the Nets have gathered for informal team workouts. Theo Pinson told Brian Lewis of the New York Post that the team workouts for were organized by Kyrie Irving.
With all the roster turnover on both teams, this is a good sign. It’s hard to overstate the importance of continuity in the NBA. The Nets and Knicks are going to be behind the curve in this regard.
The Knicks have no time to waste. Eighteen of their first 27 games are against 2018 playoff teams. Remaining competitive and stealing wins against better teams is going to be key for the Knicks early in the season.
Although the playoffs are not a realistic expectation for the Knicks, incremental progress is necessary next season.
The Nets, on the other hand, have a softer schedule and are playing with tempered expectations. Brooklyn is a better team than their crosstown rivals, but their championship window doesn’t truly open up until Kevin Durant returns.
