Free Agents the Knicks Should Consider

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As the season winds down, it's time for the New York Knicks to begin looking at the upcoming free agents for 2016. Here are a few players the team should consider signing if they want to have a success in the 2016-17 season and beyond.

Mike Conley

Conley's game has grown tremendously over the past three seasons and would translate well to the Knicks offense. A solid point guard like him would help both Anthony and Porzingis get easier looks at the basket a put a sense of flow and control to a unit that is often stagnant and discombobulated.

Rajon Rondo

His attitude still needs some adjusting, but there is no denying his ability to distribute on the court. Rondo would bring an aggressive, freewheeling style that would create countless opportunities for scorers. Phil Jackson has stated that he wants a guard that can effectively run his patented triangle offense, something Rondo is a bit skeptical of. However, the door is still open for the Knicks to convince him to give it a try.

Pau Gasol

Despite his age (35) Gasol is still a very capable big man with scoring ability. His experience would come in handy for a youngster like Porzingis who would stand to benefit greatly under 14-year veterans wing. His relationship with the Zen Master should make him an easier candidate to pursue, but it will depend on how he feels at this point in his career.

Kent Bazemore

Bazemore has opened some eyes in Atlanta by thriving as a role player. The Knicks could use some extra help off the bench in the form of an effective 6th man, he just might be the guy to do it. He's also a fairly good two-way defender, something sorely needed on a team that has given up so much on the perimeter.

Josh Smith

Smith has suddenly hit a crossroad in his career. Despite having talent, there doesn't seem to be a place that is a definite fit for him. New York could change that by giving him the chance to play a purposeful role. Signing him would require the team to make some roster adjustments, but if there's still any semblance of the former All Defensive Second team member, it's one the Knicks should consider.

Jeremy Lin

This might seem a bit farfetched, but a Lin-Knicks reunion is something that should be looked into. Lin hasn't made his mark on the league quite like he did in the big apple, and if it wasn't for a contested contract situation, he probably would still be in New York. His ability to break down defenses and make plays with the ball are a staple of his game and you have to believe the fans who still remember the "Linsanity" days would welcome him back with open arms.

Kevin Durant

The top free agent to be is a dream acquisition many fans would love to see. While meshing he and Anthony's games would prove to be a task, there's no denying his potential impact on the team. The Knicks have suffered greatly to find a second scorer who can put up consistent numbers each game. Bringing in Durant would not only solve those problems, it would give the Knicks the respect and relevancy that has eluded them for nearly 15 years.

             

Giants Make Big Improvements in Free Agency

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At the opening bell of the NFL's free agency period, the Giants made their mark by adding solid talent that should go a long way in bringing their once proud defense back to prominence. Unlike previous seasons where team general manager Jerry Reese would nickel and dime the roster in an attempt to watch the cap, there was a sense of urgency to do whatever it took to make the team better. There is still bit a money they can spend to add more depth as well as the upcoming draft, but for now things appear to be looking up in Giants Nation.

Olivier Vernon 5 years $85 million

This was by far the biggest move the Giants made, adding a proven pass rusher with great on the ball skills to help their underwhelming defensive line. Vernon not only brings superb tackling to the table, he gives a sense of fear that hasn't been around since the days of Strahan, Umenyiora, and Justin Tuck. ESPN's Dan Graziano believes the Giants may have over spent for Vernon, and in a way he is right, However, considering what they will get out of him as opposed to what they've had, can you blame them?

Janoris Jenkins 5 year $62.5 million

The secondary needed help in the worst way and Jenkins gives the just that. His ball skills and speed are top tier and he provides opposite side help for Rodgers-Cromartie whom had difficulties being the team's only true cover specialists in 2015. Jenkins did admit that he tends to get lazy at the end of games, something that will need to change hastily if he wants to fully earn that large contract. All things considered, this was a great pickup.

Damon Harrison 5 year $46.25 million

The former Jet is a run stopping monster who adds instant credibility and potential to the line. He had 72 combined tackles last season and was often in the backfield stoning running backs for one of the stouter run defenses in the game. The Giants surrendered nearly 2000 yards on the ground last season (1942) and looked helpless against anyone whom had even remotely skilled backs. Harrison should help slow that pace and create hesitation to rush it up the middle.

Keenan Robinson 1 year $3.5 million

Robinson had a down year in 2015 thanks to missing time due to injuries. That doesn't mean the 4th year linebacker isn't talented. He had 109 tackles in 2014 which shows what he can do when healthy, but the Giants had to play it safe. If he can return to form and stay on the field Robinson could be a quiet free agency steal, but ultimately the Giants are going to look elsewhere for their linebacker of the future.

How to Fix The Knicks

With recent struggles, the Knicks have found themselves in an all too familiar place
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Things have not been going well for the Knickerbockers. After a promising 22-22 start, the team has spiraled to a 3-15 record in their last 18 contests; leaving many to wonder if the team can be fixed at all. Here are four key areas that the Knicks need to spotlight if they want to drastically improve their fortune over the next few years.

Carefully Choose the Next Head Coach

If one wants to be honest, Derek Fisher was not ready to be a head coach in the NBA. After Phil Jackson struck out with Steve Kerr, he became pressed to find someone willing to take the job, and Fisher was his man. However, the Knicks floundered to a 40-96 record under the former 18-year veteran, which lead to the team firing him on February 8 after 1 ½ seasons. It will be imperative for the Knicks to find a coach with experience and a winning pedigree if they want to maximize the talent on the roster and get back on the right track.

Find a Steady and Effective Point Guard

To say it's been awhile since the Knicks had a good point guard would be an understatement. The lack of dribble penetration and an aggressive attack is prevalent on nearly every offensive possession. Although Jerian Grant and Langston Galloway have great potential as point guards, they need a playmaking guard to show them how it's done and Jose Calderon is not that player. If the Knicks want to compete in a guard driven league, they will need big upgrade at this position.

Get Anthony Some Help

Carmelo has hit a wall in his career and it's starting wear him down both physically and mentally. Knowing this, Jackson must find help that would alleviate the burden Anthony currently carries. If the team can add a high caliber player to the roster, it would help increase the team’s overall competitiveness and breathe new life into their star player who seems to be fading with each passing loss.

Begin Building Around Kristaps Porzingis

He's just a rookie, but the Knicks certainly have something when it comes to Porzingis. His size and skill set alone make for a potentially dominant player that could lead this team for years to come. As of right now Anthony is the guy the Knicks are focused with right now, but there's no doubt who the future focus will be, it's all a matter of when they decide to pull the trigger.