The NBA Sixth Man of the Year race is heating up, and all eyes are on New York Knicks’ Immanuel Quickley. After narrowly missing out on the award last season, Quickley enters the upcoming season as the betting favorite to take home the coveted title. According to BetOnline, Quickley is a 5-1 favorite, with his chief rival, Malcolm Brogdon of the Boston Celtics, right behind him at 7-1 odds.
Quickley had an outstanding season last year, averaging 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while shooting 44.8% from the field. He showed his star potential in 21 spot starts, averaging an impressive 22.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. Quickley’s shooting percentages of 47% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc only further solidified his case for the Sixth Man of the Year award.
The Knicks bench is considered one of the deepest in the league, as reflected by the odds given to Quickley’s teammates. Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, and Cam Thomas also made the betting list for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year. Hart and DiVincenzo are tied for the eighth-best odds at 25-1, while Thomas is a longshot at 66-1.
Quickley, Hart, and DiVincenzo form the backbone of the Knicks’ second unit, providing playmaking, rebounding, three-point shooting, and strong perimeter defense. Quickley and DiVincenzo will serve as the top two guards off the bench, while Hart is expected to fill the void left by Obi Toppin, backing up Julius Randle at power forward.
Despite Quickley’s impressive performance and potential, there have been no substantive talks between his camp and the Knicks regarding a contract extension. However, insiders speculate that Quickley could be seeking a large payday, potentially reaching nine figures over four years. The Knicks might have to make a substantial investment in Quickley to keep him from becoming a restricted free agent next summer.
While Quickley dreams of becoming a starter down the line, he faces tough competition within the Knicks’ rotation. Last season’s breakout star Jalen Brunson, Quentin Grimes, and RJ Barrett are all ahead of Quickley in the pecking order. Delaying an extension for Quickley could also make him a potential trade candidate at the next February trade deadline.
In conclusion, the oddsmakers have placed their bets on Immanuel Quickley to have another Sixth Man of the Year-caliber season. As the favorite, Quickley has a great opportunity to prove himself and bring home the award. The Knicks will have to decide whether to make a significant investment in Quickley’s future or risk losing him to restricted free agency.
