Immanuel Quickley just needed his chance. 

The young point guard was as a spark plug off the bench for the Knicks his first four seasons, finishing in the top-10 of Sixth Man of the Year voting twice. 

Due for a big contract, though, New York decided to ship him out of town. 

Quickley was traded to the Raptors alongside fellow RJ Barrett as part of the OG Anunoby deal nearly two years ago. 

The 26-year-old has taken full advantage of his opportunity since then. 

He missed some time to injury but established himself as a starter in Toronto’s lineup, producing 17.0 points and 5.2 assists over his first season and a half with the team. 

Quickley has been able to stay healthy to this point this year -- putting together 16.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.6 rebounds across the first 21 games of the season. 

Though some around the game may be surprised by the Kentucky-product’s growth, his former teammate certainly isn’t. 

“The way he’s worked on his game since I’ve seen him and even before then,” Jalen Brunson said. “Hearing about his work ethic and everything, nothing surprises me -- the way he’s been playing and what he’s been able to do has been great.

“This is the opportunity he’s been looking for and he’s been showing out. I have nothing by respect for him, that’s my guy. The way our relationship is we go out there, we compete but I’m always rooting for him.”

Quickly gave the MSG-faithful a blast from the past returning to the Big Apple on Sunday, finishing just shy of a double-double (19 PTS, 8 AST) while knocking down 50 percent of his shots (7-of-14).

He’ll face Brunson and the Knicks again next week in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals.