The New York Knicks are coming off their first playoff appearance since the 2012-13 season. While they made the playoffs, they were eliminated in the first round in five games by the Atlanta Hawks.

The Knicks made some great additions and resigning that could propel them to a deeper playoff run.

In free agency, the Knicks brought in guards Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier. Walker agreed to a buyout with the Oklahoma City Thunder to join the Knicks, and it is reported that he gave up over $20 million in the buyout. Fournier signed to the Knicks on a 4-year $78 million deal.

The Knicks also resigned Derrick Rose, Nerlens Noel, and Alec Burks on three-year deals. They also resigned Taj Gibson to a one-year deal. The biggest move they made was extending All-Star Julius Randle to a 4-year $117 million deal.

They still have some work to do if they are going to make a deep postseason run.

Here is the biggest need the Knicks still must address after the first week of 2021 NBA Free Agency.

Knicks biggest need: Defensive guards

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau is defensive-minded, but the Knicks lack defensive guards. The Knicks need to focus on adding defensive guards, which would complete their roster. They have solid depth all around the roster and could be a top team in the Eastern Conference next season.

The NBA is loaded with talent, but the Knicks have a great roster. They have a budding star in Julius Randle and have a nice young core around him. The additions in the offseason have given them veteran talent that could help the nucleus of the team grow.

Bringing in Walker will add another scoring threat, and allows for Rose to be a great 6th man once again. Last season, Walker averaged 19.3 points per game in a down year. Rose off the bench was able to produce 14.9 points per game while shooting 41.1 percent from three. Another addition was Fournier, who could be a solid 3rd or 4th scoring option, while also spacing the floor.  Last season, Fournier averaged 17.1 points per game and shot 41.3 percent from three. These guys are bound to have a big impact but need to be paired with defensive guards.

Who the Knicks can target

So, the question now bares, who can the Knicks bring in to fill this role? Well, the market still has some guys available like Avery Bradley and Josh Hart. Bradley has been known as a 3 and d player throughout his career, and he has a ton of experience. Last season, Bradley averaged 6.4 points per game and is a career 36.4 percent three-point shooter. He would be a great player for New York to sign.

Hart, on the other hand, would be the best guy for the Knicks to bring in. He averaged 9.2 points per game along with 8 rebounds. Hart is the definition of a great role player, but he is a restricted free agent. The New Orleans Pelicans can match any offer that Hart receives, but the Knickerbockers should still offer him a contract.

Hart could become an integral part of the Knicks' core if they can acquire him.

The Knicks will have a ton of competition in the Eastern Conference this season. The Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks are the obvious threats, but there are other talented teams. It will be tough with teams like the Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks, and the Boston Celtics. The Knickerbockers have the talent to compete with these teams and should have a great season.

Look for the Knicks to make another playoff run even in a competitive conference.