The New York Knicks 2023-24 season marked another year of progress. They built on their accomplishments from 2022-23 by one-upping their win total and securing the second seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. But the Knicks still came up short. Sure, fans can rationalize the team's failures by leaning on injuries, which is a fair argument. But arguments don't translate to trophies.
So, what can New York do to ensure they continue progressing toward the ultimate goal of their first NBA Championship in more than 50 years? There's probably not one move that does it all. The Knicks should focus on retaining free agents, and maybe even consolidate talent (aka trading for a star). But there is something else that's in New York's control that can be done. Let's explore.
Knicks returning their core is key
It's important to note that a lot went right for the Knicks in 2023-24. So, before tweaking anything, New York should bring back their core from last season. That means re-signing OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein (and maybe Precious, Achiuwa, too). The Knicks were incredibly successful after Hartenstein entered the starting lineup and Anunoby and Achiuwa were added via trade. So, there's no reason to augment that equation.
Health played a major role in the Knicks' demise in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. They still managed to push the Indiana Pacers to a Game 7 despite missing four important rotation players for most of the series. Fortunately, time heals all wounds, both physical and emotional. And the Knicks are unlikely to be nearly as banged up next season as they were in the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
What's more, New York's depth enabled them to push through the first few injuries pretty successfully. That depth should continue to be an advantage for the Knicks. Still, if some is good, more is better. So, the first thing the Knicks should look to do is add another rotation player.
Alec Burks may have played last game in New York
Let's be frank, Alec Burks is unlikely to return to the Knicks. He was used minimally. Further, New York will (probably) only have its Mid-Level Exception to add players, and they'd likely prefer to use cap space on someone who can play a bigger role than Burks. But they do need to replace him.
Granted, Burks proved his value in the playoffs when Anunoby and Bojan Bogdanovic went down with injuries. Burks averaged 17.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0 turnovers in 24.0 minutes per game between Game 3 and Game 7. And the Knicks do own Burks' Bird Rights. But New York doesn't need a streaky scorer who is a defensive liability as the tenth man in their rotation.
De'Anthony Melton might be a better fit for Knicks
However, the Knicks could use another versatile guard who can defend both back court positions and generate some offense, especially if Miles McBride is sent out in a trade. Enter De'Anthony Melton, who was suggested as a dream free agent signing by Bleacher Report.
Melton (26 years-old) is younger than Burks, who will be 33 at the start of next season. He made $8 million last year and becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason. The six-year guard averaged 11.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 26.9 minutes per game with the Philadelphia 76ers last season.
While Melton clearly has value, the 76ers will probably opt to chase another star free agent to add to their core of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. That should open the door for New York to scoop up Melton. He would probably cost the Knicks most of the MLE. But Melton is a more reliable contributor than Burks, given his elite defensive skills and ability to play either guard spot.
Ultimately, New York has more work to do before they'll be true championship contenders. Adding someone like Melton should limit the strain on Brunson and co. And it could lead to a more capable defense, if that's even possible.
Adding a functional guard can move the needle on the Knicks' title hopes. So, while it might not be the flashiest of moves, it could be one of the final pieces on the Knicks' first title team since 1972-23.
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