The pie-in-the-sky preseason optimism wasn’t about Jalen Brunson magically becoming a superstar. Or about Julius Randle performing like Giannis Antetokounmpo.

No, the hope that the Knicks would surpass outside expectations — their over-under win total set by the bookmakers, for instance, was 38.5 — was pinned to the development of their young players, the belief that internal improvement would raise this team’s ceiling. But through a quarter of the season, those players haven’t taken the step forward that fans, and perhaps the team, hoped.

RJ Barrett has underperformed at both ends of the floor after signing a four-year, $107 million contract extension. Obi Toppin has improved his 3-point shot, but his defense remains a major flaw and he hasn’t come close to pushing Randle for a bigger chunk of minutes at the four. Immanuel Quickley has been inconsistent. Quentin Grimes battled a nagging left foot injury, and only now is beginning to make an impact. Even Brunson, who has been the Knicks’ most reliable player, has faltered in being asked to be a go-to guy down the stretch of games when he is at his best as a facilitator.

The Knicks have a bunch of JAGs — Just Another Guy, as Bill Parcells used to say about players who weren’t difference-makers. And it is the overriding factor in the Knicks’ mediocre 10-12 start, as well as why they have yet to beat a quality opponent at home. All these young players have talent, but also faults.