3 Ways the Knicks Can Approach The Future

Image: Bart Young/Getty Images/NBAE

Attract a Marquee Free Agent

Positives: Given the Knicks current situation, it could make sense to try and lure another high-level player to New York in order the better shape the lineup. With the possibility of names like Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, and Chris Paul being available this summer, the chance to create an instant contender is still in the air.

Negatives: There are far too many holes in the Knicks play that would more than likely drive top tier free agents away. It would be far too risky to commit to a team that has lacked a definitive direction for more than a decade. Adding another star sounds nice, but would it truly fix the Knicks inherent problems? 

Trade Carmelo Anthony

Positives: Moving Anthony would allow the Knicks to make the future their top priority. By Acquiring a stockpile of assets, they could begin forging the foundation for success in the coming years. That kind of promise would not only keep fans excited for what's to come, it would draw away the criticism that the team was solely focused on a player that was not the long-term answer.

Negatives: Without Anthony, there would be a struggle to find a legitimate scorer, placing much of that responsibility on Porzingis (Unless Rose decides to re-up with the team). It will put a lot of pressure on the other players whom have gotten far too used to deferring to Anthony.

Build Around Kristaps Porzingis

Positives: KP is the future of the team and it makes a lot of sense for him to be the focal point of everything the Knicks do. Handing over the reins could be a big help for his development as he would be more than willing expand his overall game. If all goes well, The Knicks will have a bona fide superstar that will lead the organization for years to come.

Negatives: The Knicks could end up committing to him too early, placing a lot of pressure on Porzingis to perform to his potential a lot sooner than he would like. That could become a huge setback for his game as his struggles would be well documented by the harsh New York media. 

New York Giants: Keys To Victory In Green Bay

Get to Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers had a stand out 2016 campaign, amassing 40 touchdowns while playing at perhaps the highest level of his career in the final six games. That’s why it will be very important for the Giants to get pressure on him early and often. Spagnuolo's defense has been impressive all season long and it's going to take the same effort and then some to make certain that the MVP candidate doesn't control the action.

Contain Jordy Nelson and Devante Adams

If there are two targets to look out for in the Packers offense, it's Rodgers two favorite receivers Devante Adams and Jordy Nelson. With a combined 26 touchdowns between them, the secondary will need to clamp down in big situations, otherwise it could be a long afternoon for Big Blue. The Giants have gotten a lot out of Janoris Jenkins, Eli Apple, Rogers-Cromartie, and especially Landon Collins and they will need them to continue to come up big if they want to be winners on Sunday.

Run the Football

The running game has struggled to do much of anything this season. However, things did start to look up when the team managed to rush for over 100 yards in each of the finals three contests. They will stand a great chance if they can control the clock and keep the Packers offense on the sideline, A good running game could do just that.

Steady Offense

Eli Manning and the offense have heard a lot of criticism for their sloppy play and costly turnovers. That must come to a stop on Sunday. If the Giants do not muster anything on offense, it could spell doom for their chances of pulling it out at Lambeau. Scoring touchdowns and avoiding stall outs will relieve the pressure on the defense and give them a chance to execute the game plan in place. In addition, Manning needs to keep the poor decisions to a minimum and play within the flow of the offense. The Giants can ill-afford to make mistakes on offense in a game like this one.