ESPN Insider Bobby Marks broke down what the future will look like for the New York Knicks after whiffing on the signings of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in free agency.

While the Knicks didn't manage to sign any max-level stars, they quickly filled their roster with short-term signings, including starting-caliber players like Julius Randle and Bobby Portis, plus capable cogs like Wayne Ellington, Reggie Bullock and Elfrid Payton to fill up their bench.

Yet Marks emphasized the importance of player development, as the likes of rookie RJ Barrett, along with other youngsters like Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson and Dennis Smith Jr., will play a part into how this team will look in the future:

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Similar to how the team groomed Kristaps Porzingis in the past, coach David Fizdale will have to give the youngsters enough playing time to put their abilities and limitations to the test.

The Knicks are banking on solid rather than flashy, and this could prove to be a much better stepping stone than shelling out large dollars for stars without a consistent pathway to winning.

If they're successful, New York will have up to $60 million in cap space next year to try its hand at a big-time free agent next season, and could open up more with a trade down the line.

Much like the Brooklyn Nets did this summer to outstage them, the Knicks must first prove they can develop winners before catching the eyes of big-time players and reel them in.