After a fourth straight season of missing the playoffs, the Knicks find themselves at a crossroads. Are they rebuilding or a win-now team? After drafting the Latvian star Kristaps Porzingis with the 4th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, the Knicks have found themselves a budding star who they can build around.
However, under the regime of Phil Jackson, the Knicks invested a large amount of cap space towards players who are in the stages of their career where they are competing for a championship. Jackson’s marquee signings of the 2016 offseason include Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, and Courtney Lee. This roster could’ve competed in 2012, but due to injuries and fatigue, this depleted team fell to 31-51 in a failed 2016 season.
Don’t worry Knicks fans, there is a silver lining to this long and treacherous period. Holding the 8th pick in the upcoming draft, the Knicks are in prime position to land a guard who can share the spotlight with Porzingis. Players that come to mind who may be available include De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, and Dennis Smith Jr. Selecting Fox or Smith Jr. would give the Knicks a penetrating point guard who can create open shots for Porzingis in the pick-and-roll. Concluding the draft, the Knicks' biggest priority is shipping Carmelo Anthony to a contender for draft picks and young assets.
After being alienated by Phil Jackson, Carmelo is reportedly willing to wave his no-trade clause if he is to be dealt to a contending team. The Clippers have been heavily linked to Anthony and the Knicks. Although Carmelo Anthony is an aging star, late first round picks and Austin Rivers are not enough for the Clippers to land Anthony.
The Knicks must negotiate with a team like the Celtics. Boston is a star away from competing with the Cavaliers for Eastern Conference supremacy. With up and coming players such as Marcus Smart, Terry Rozier, and an established wing in Jae Crowder, the Knicks should pull the trigger and build around their draft pick and Porzingis.
After addressing the most pressing need of trading Carmelo Anthony, Phil Jackson must stay patient in free agency. It is a common trend for the Knicks to overpay for a free agent in order to push towards a winning season. Re-signing Ron Baker and Justin Holiday is a must. Maintaining players who can play defense and have a team mindset is how the Knicks are going to establish a winning culture.
For example, look at the Spurs. They lead the NBA in defensive efficiency. Not including Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks have eight players under contract. Without enough cap room to sign a free agent to a max deal, Jrue Holiday becomes an intriguing option. A borderline star coming off a 15-point, seven-assist per game season, Holiday fits the triangle offense, shooting 35.6 percent from long distance.
Phil Jackson must remain patient and facilitate deals for young players. Making a long-term investment at this stage of Kristaps Porzingis’ career will only stunt his growth.
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