Knicks vs. Pistons in 2022-23 MSG Opener: How & What to Watch

Keep An Eye On: Julius Randle

Lost in both the heartbreak and the pleasant Reddish breakout on Wednesday was Randle's outstanding performance in his first game working on a four-year, $117 million extension that kicks in this season. 

The newly-confirmed nine-digit man was an MVP in the most extreme styles: his 24 points and 11 rebounds were strong enough, but the most inspiring sign has to be his six assists, confirming a goal to play a larger role in moving and facilitation with Jalen Brunson in tow. Alas, Brunson's late foul-induced ejection more or less killed the Knicks' chances, as they missed his defense on Tyus Jones' winner. 

Randle worked well in his first year under Tom Thibodeau's watch, averaging a career-best six assists during his metropolitan breakout, a number that nearly fell by a full point last season. He's also looking to fully repair his relationship with Knicks fans after a brief civil war partly defined last season's struggles. There'd be no better way to immediately re-endear himself than a showcase in the home opener.

Piston to Watch: Kevin Knox

Part of the trade with the Atlanta Hawks that send Reddish to New York, Knox has already found a new locale, coming off the bench in Detroit. He previously faced the Knicks twice as a Hawk but didn't play in either game. There probably won't be a thankful video tribute playing for Knox on GardenVision today and, if there is, it likely won't be received well. 

Whereas Reddish put himself on a path to redemption on Wednesday, Knox struggled to the tune of a 1-of-8 shooting night in 13 minutes off the bench, more or less negating a promising showcase in his lone preseason appearance. If he's granted an opportunity to impress in front of a crowd that probably won't have many nice things to say, taking avantage would be a major step in regrasping control over his NBA career's narrative.