How The Knicks Should Plan Their Future

Photo: Bill Moore

A True Stabalizing Point Guard 

The Knicks have not had much luck finding a point man that can run the offense effectively. While Emmanuel Mudiay has made great strides as a ball player this season, where his fuure may lies is still up in the air. There are lots of speculation that The Knicks could pursue the likes of Kemba Walker, Kyrie Irving, and even Damian Lillard but given the team current rebuild thos options won't be a sure thing by the slightest.

Long Term Answer At Center

Enes Kanter has been hot and cold with the team all season and though he has expressed his love of New York and the Knicks, it doesn't appear the organization is leaning toward bringing him into the fold long term. Should that be the case, The Knicks will need to have a plan at center that they are comfortable with. Some speculate the the team could go with using the recovering Kristaps Porzingis since his size (7'3") makes him a very viable candidate to fill the role. If they would rather not move KP, luring the likes Demarcus Cousins or Nikola Vucevic to the Garden is in cards, but much like the free agent point guards it won't be easy to bring them in.

Aim for a Superstar

One of the biggest hopes the Knicks have is pairing a top superstar player with their young core. With players like Klay Thompson (unrestricted), Jimmy Butler, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant (all with player options) up for grabs the Knicks will certainly look to stake their claim in what could shape up to be a stacked free agency pool. Can the Knicks land one of these top stars? It's not impossible and if it should happen, there is a great chance the could speed up its rebuilding process and get back into contention much sooner that expected.

Use the Draft

As of right now the Knicks sit in position for a top 3 pick in the upcoming draft. This would put them in great position to land one of the highly touted college prospects like Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett, or Ja Morant. WHomever the Knicks wind up wth will give the added youth that they can develop into a big contributor for years to come.

New York Knicks: 3 Areas of Note Thus Far

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The Garden is a Home Court Advantage Again

For the first time in what seems like forever, the Knicks are playing great basketball at Madison Square Garden. They currently sport a 15-7 record and are scoring 106.5 (12th in the league) point per game to go along with a 111.7 offensive efficiency (11th in the league). This is a nice change of pace for a unit that has struggled to claim any remote advantage over visitors for the better part of 15 years. 

Road Warriors...I Think Not

Unlike their stellar play at home the Knicks have been dismal on the road, averaging just 98.8 points per game and allowing 108.3 (a near 10-point differential), a stark contrast to everything they've accomplished in in the Garden, the team is allowing opponents to shoot 50.1% from the floor, which certainly isn't helping their cause. In contrast, the team is shooting just 44.8% leading to far too many games where the club falls behind big early and is forced to play catch up, which usually doesn't bode well for a road team in any sport. Unfortunately, the Knicks find themselves amid a stretch where they'll be playing 11 of their next 14 games away from home which could prove to be their undoing if this trend continues.

KP Rises, Then Flattens Out

Kristaps Porzingis started the season as the toast of the league, putting up gaudy numbers (25.8 ppg) in his first 19 games. However, teams have changed their game plan against him, using physical defense and double teams leading to a drop in his shooting numbers (40% since 12/3) while injuries have started to bog him down. It hasn't helped that he's been playing without the help of currently Tim Hardaway Jr. whom took a lot of the pressure off Porzingis before going down with a lower leg injury in mid-December. Hopefully, Kristaps can return to his early season form, or perhaps the Knicks could consider get more scoring help on the front lines to ease the pressure on the 22-year old big man. Either way, he is still essential to the team's success from here on out.

NBA Draft: Prospects the Knicks should target at Number 8

Malik Monk G Kentucky

The Knicks struggled to find a consistent shooter other than Courtney Lee this past season. with the growing use of the three pointers in the NBA, the team can ill-afford to be without at least two on the roster. Monk was one of the nation’s best pure shooters in the nation shooting 40% from deep in his only season at Kentucky. If he happens to fall to this spot (which some think is unlikely) Jackson is probably going to take him.

Dennis Smith Jr G NC State

Smith is a dynamic player with traits comparable to Russell Westbrook, which is something the Knicks could certainly use. While he isn't the ideal point guard he possesses the ability to make things happen on the court. along with his highflying dunks and scoring, he could inject the same excitement on the court that Porzingis did just two seasons ago.

Luke Kennard G Duke

If there is an odds-on favorite to surprise everyone on draft night, it's Kennard. He's arguably the best shooter in the draft class and has a very high Basketball IQ, which should lower the learning curve for him. He lead the Blue Devils in scoring and three point percentage, making him an attractive target for a Knick team in need of a confident scoring wing

Frank Ntilikina G France

Assuming that the Knicks are looking for a good game managing point guard in this years draft, Frank Ntilikina is their guy. He may not have the pizzazz of the other guards but he gets the job done. He also possesses the perimeter defensive skills that have plagued New York point guards for quite some time. Some may think that drafting him here is too safe, but knowing the current state of the Knicks safe is a word that many should revel in.

De'Aaron Fox G Kentucky

Fox may be a long shot pick, but crazier things could happen on draft night that may could allow the Knicks the chance to pick him up. though he hasn't grown into his body (weighing a slender 170) he's hot the tools to succeed as a guard. His shot is still a work in progress, but he still managed to shoot a steady 47% in 2016 despite this issue. If he comes into range by way of a miracle or some unexpected trade, Fox could be quite a find for NY

3 Ways the Knicks Can Approach The Future

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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. 

How Porzingis Can Make The Jump To The Next Level

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Improve Defensive IQ

Porzingis has shown that he is a formidable rim protector that can bother the shot of anyone that drives toward the basket. However, he still must learn to stay out of early foul trouble which has been a rather consistent problem in his young career. This can be attributed to him being a bit overzealous while forgetting while how big he is, something that can be straightened out within his learning curve. 

Mastering the Post

Many of the great big men in NBA history had incredible post games that help make them the legends we know as today (Chamberlain, Russell, Ewing, Olajuwon, Duncan). Porzingis has the skill set to master the techniques, but still needs to become a little more comfortable with using them. A player with his perimeter touch could become a nightmare for opponents if he can develop an equally impressive game down in the blocks. 

Adjusting to Defenders

One of the things that Porzingis has improved upon this season is his recognition of who is defending him. He is no long getting terribly bother by smaller players, often using his height to his advantage by shooting over them with ease. If he can learn how to better position himself on the court (something he's slowly improving) he will open an array of shooting areas for him to dominate a game offensively.

Taking the Reigns

The recent discussions in the sport would have wondered if the Knicks should hand the team over to Porzingis. While that may be the case soon, the team still belongs to Carmelo Anthony. That doesn’t mean that Kristaps cannot seek to gain valuable knowledge on how to become a leader. When the time come, many will look to him to be the driving force that helps lead New York to a championship. Something he has said that he's ready to embrace. The sky is the limit for the 21-year old Latvian product and if he can improve on these areas and then some, the Knicks and the NBA could be looking at a superstar.

Knicks: 5 Keys for Success in 2016-17

Continuity

There are 7 new players on the team this year, including three new starters so it will take time for the Knicks to become a cohesive unit. From the looks of their opening game that process could take a bit longer than many would like, However, if they're committed to the process, Jeff Hornacek should be able to find a niche that works well with the team he's been trusted with.

Defense

Many say the Knicks defense is subpar at best and for the past few seasons, that has been an unfortunately correct analysis. This season must be the year that something gives. The team has two great interior rim protectors in Porzingis and Noah, whose length can alter the shots of any penetrators. That leaves it up to the team to defend the perimeter and not leave shooters open for great looks. The Knicks can't allow themselves to repeat the same problems that have plagued them for so long, otherwise the season could end in bitter disappointment.

Carmelo Anthony

This is a big season for Anthony to show that he is indeed a leader that can help his team win. As the only constant New York has known for five years, there is an onus on him to provide stability and unify the team around a common goal. Though he's had this chance before, there will many more eyes watching this year wondering if he'll be up to the task.

Jeff Hornacek

He'll have some scrutiny hanging on him whenever the team performs poorly, especially since he coaches in the media capital of the world. That should make it imperative that he finds a way to succeed early, but like many things it is not guaranteed. What is most important however is his bond with the players. There are host of different playing styles and personalities on the team this year and it will be Hornacek's job to make sure they operate as one closed-knit unit. If he manages to do that there is no telling where the Knicks could go and that would be a good thing for Mr. Hornacek.

Playoffs

Without a doubt the Knicks must get into the playoffs this season. Anything other than that would be considered disastrous. With all the changes made by Phil Jackson, the team is expected to put forth the effort to bring New York basketball back to some sort of prominence, that way the fans can look forward to a future that will hopefully have the Larry O'Brien Trophy in it.

New York Knicks: Players Who Could Land The Final Spot

J.P. Tokoto

The UNC alum had a strong showing in the summer league, impressing the Knicks with his defense and hustle on the floor. The Knicks could use all of the perimeter defense they can get, which may up Tokoto's chances if he shows that skill in the preseason.

Ron Baker

Baker is the high IQ basketball player that could fit in any system. Having spent 4 years at Wichita State, the learning curve will be much smaller which is a nice bonus for a team that wants to compete this season. His capabilities on both ends of the floor would be a more than helpful addition to the roster.

Photo: John Locher/AP

Maurice Ndour

Ndour was signed to a guaranteed contract after an impressive stint in the summer league last season. Though he may not be the ideal weight for his size (6'9" 205lbs), he more than makes up for it with his rebounding and defense. His prior success in college shows the capabilities of his game so don’t be surprised if Ndour earns early playing time once the season begins.

Photo: Kyle Terada USA Today Sports

Chasson Randle

Another 4-year college player that had the tools for success, but went undrafted in 2015. After averaging 19.6 points in his senior year at Stanford, Randle helped CEZ Nymburk win the Czech Republic’s NBL (National Basketball League) championship in 2016. If Randle can show the Knicks that he is up to the challenges the NBA will bring, he could be the one who sneaks in and wins that final place on the bench.

Grading the Knicks Free Agency Pickups

Joakim Noah

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He will add a layer of toughness, grit, and attitude to a team that has lacked that aspect of the game since the days of Ewing, Oakley and Mason. Though he isn't the most impressive scorer, he has a great knowledge of where to be and what to do while on the floor. As long as he stays healthy (which has been a problem the last two seasons) there are many reasons to be excited to have him on board for the next four years.  Grade: B+

Courtney Lee

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Many were hoping for DeMar DeRozan, Dwyane Wade, or Kevin Durant, but those signings were pipe dreams at best. Enter Courtney Lee, a solid wing player that has earned his keep since entering the league in 2008. His high defensive IQ and footwork will provide the Knicks with a man that can not only handle speed threats, but stymie some of the league’s best shooters. He also brings fairly consistent shooting of his own, scoring at a 45% clip over his career.  Grade: B

Brandon Jennings

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Jennings has wanted to play for the Knicks since he was passed over by them in the 2009 draft. That alone should motivate him to show what he's made of and prove what a mistake it was to skip over him. Although his season was abbreviated due to a ruptured achilles he suffered in early 2015, Jennings showed no ill effects of it while playing for the Magic this past season. His shooting numbers aren't impressive as he's only shot over 40% twice in eight seasons, but perhaps backing up Derrick Rose in a faster paced system will push his shooting numbers up to respectability.    Grade: B-

Guillermo "Willy" Hernangomez

Knick fans will probably not know much about him other that the fact that he was a teammate of Kristaps Porzingis when they played for CB Sevilla in Spain. He possesses good potential to be a formidable post player as he can score in traffic and absorb contact. He also possesses a respectable jump shot that can keep defenders honest. Whether or not he’ll play much is up to Jeff Hornacek and Hernangomez, but if he can show what he can do from the get go, He could give the Knicks the extra big man they need to cause trouble for opponents. Grade: C+

Mindaugas Kuzminskas

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Kuzminskas has a similar skill set to that of the now departed Derrick Williams. He's mobile and hostile up the middle (Thank You Clyde Frazier) and can create his own shot on the break. His outside shooting does need more work, but it has steadily improved over the last 3 seasons he played with Unicaja. Fans should expect to see him play steady minutes for Hornacek as his style of play fits nicely with what he wants to do with the offense. Grade: B

Rose to New York - What It Means For The 2016-17 season

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As recent history has shown, the Knicks usually find themselves on the wrong end of a bad trade (i.e. the deals for Eddy Curry in 2005, Tracy McGrady in 2010, and Andrea Bargnani in 2013, and infamously Antonio McDyess in 2002). Each deal cost the Knicks several draft picks and a lot of money that could have been put to good use over the past 15 seasons. So it would make sense if many Knick fans cringed a bit once they heard about the blockbuster deal that landed former MVP Derrick Rose in the Big Apple. Surprisingly, that was not the case as Phil Jackson not only held on the team's future draft picks, He managed gain an extra one. A far cry from the benevolence they've shown in player swaps of the past. Though moving a solid center like Robin Lopez and a youngster like Jerian Grant may hurt some, there is plenty to look forward to regarding the potential changes and dividends this trade could yield.

Immediate Impact on team

Now that Knicks finally have a trustworthy point guard, things could start to look up the offensive end. With Anthony and Porzingis already in the fold, there will be some big adjustments on how things are run when the three are on the court together. Rose never really had much to work with in Chicago as he often carried the team offensively since no other player had exceptional scoring ability (the exception being Jimmy Butler the past two seasons). Kristaps and Carmelo have the ability to create their own shots, which will take a lot of pressure off of Rose and give him the luxury of being a creator and distributor at times during games.

A New Center

With Lopez gone, there is a glaring hole a center. Luckily the Knicks will have their choice of good ones that are more than capable of filling that void. It will be important to find a big man that can play well with Rose and not disrupt what he does best. That could make Joakim Noah, Rose's teammate in Chicago the favorite, but there are others (Dwight Howard, Hassan Whiteside, and Al Jefferson) that could also do the job.

Suitable Backup

Given that Derrick Rose has had injury trouble in the past, the team is going to have to find a reserve point guard that can give him a rest in games and be just as effective. Who that player will be remains a mystery. Perhaps Langston Galloway get a shot, or maybe the Knicks could pursue former draft pick Nate Robinson. Whatever they choose to do, it's obvious that the players skill level must play a huge part in this decision.

Kevin Durant?

The Knicks are already a projected long shot in the upcoming Kevin Durant sweepstakes, but that doesn't mean they can't make a pass at him. Should the Knicks land a formidable center, there will be at least whispers in Durant's camp about the potential formation of a super team in New York. With that said, it's probably best to keep this in the dream category and focus on other ways to improve the roster (But one can still dream…right?)

What The Hiring of Jeff Hornacek Means for the Knicks

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This past week, the New York Knicks announced that they will hire former Phoenix Suns coach Jeff Hornacek as the team’s new head coach. This came as a shock to many whom believed that Phil Jackson would give the job to Kurt Rambis due to his connection with Jackson and the triangle offense. This certainly is a major change of pace for a team that has struggled to find a true leader since the days of Jeff Van Gundy, but only time will tell how things will fair in the long run.

From the looks of it, most will feel that this is the end of triangle since Hornacek has no history of working with it and prefers an up-tempo pace. That may be, but one has to figure that Jackson will try to instill some forms of his offense to keep a steady system the team can fall back on during games. Does this mean Phil will distrust Hornacek's style? Not in the slightest. If you look at the success Steve Kerr has had in Golden State with an up-tempo style, there could be a lot to look forward to.

Looking at the big picture of this hire, you have to believe Carmelo Anthony had part in Jackson's decision. Anthony has claimed that he would like to see the team improve sooner rather than later, Hornacek's track record of turning a 25 win Suns team into a 48-win contender (only missing the playoff by 1 games in 2013-14) speaks volumes to that. This will definitely keep the Knicks star satisfied as the team continues to make larger improvements to the roster.  With his basketball knowledge and personable demeanor, the is no reason to believe that Hornacek will have any problems establishing a good relationship with Anthony.

Last but not least, there is sure to be a major shakeup at the point now that Hornacek will be around. With the accelerated play style, players like Jose Calderon could see their roles reduced in favor of quicker north-south point guards such as Jerian Grant, Langston Galloway, or a possible free agent pickup. Since the league is geared towards strong guard play, it's important that the Knicks adapt and build a strong foundation in this area so that they can consistently compete with the league's best.

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.

             

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.

These Are Certainly Not Last Years Knicks

The Knicks have surprised many with their improved play
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The Knicks are five games over their win total from last season and look to be on their way to a major turnaround. The sudden surge of good basketball is the sum of a carefully planned retooling implemented by Phil Jackson, who has preached patience from the moment he arrived in the Big Apple. Here are some of the factors that have lead to the Knicks:

The Rise of Kristaps Porzingis

It wasn't long ago that the New York faithful booed vociferously at the drafting of Kristaps Porzingis as if he were the second coming of Chris Dudley. 44 games in those books have turned to resounding cheers as Knick fans anxiously anticipate every move he makes. Porzingis may only be a rookie, but he has suddenly captivated one of the toughest fan bases in the nation in seemingly one fell swoop. Hopefully he will only get better from here.

Melo sharing the wealth

The days of the Carmelo Anthony total isolation have not quite gone away, but there is much more to it than what many have been accustomed to. at 3.9 assists per game, it may not look like he is accomplishing anything special, however if you've watched the games, Anthony has begun to trust his teammates more and more with each pass. This has lead him to become more of an on court leader, willing the Knicks to greater heights.

New Additions

Arron Afflalo (14.2 pts 3.7 reb 1.8 asts), Derrick Williams (9.0 pts 3.2 reb), Robin Lopez (8.9 pts 6.0 reb), and Kyle O'Quinn (4.7 pts 3.9 reb) have contributed nicely to the new dynamic of the Knicks. Although it did take a few games for them to get comfortable, each have shown the ability to confidently handle themselves on the court in a variety of situations. This has made things much easier for Anthony, who has had to shoulder the scoring load for much of his tenure with the Knickerbockers.

Bench Contributions

Much can be said about the contributions of players such as Lance Thomas, Langston Galloway and Jerian Grant. Their hard work and perseverance hasn't gone unnoticed by Derek Fisher as he continually gives them regular minutes off the bench. They say great teams have great benches. If they keep this up, the Knicks will be well on their way to having one of the more superior ones in the NBA.

Improving Eastern Conference

The last decade has not been kind to the East as most of the league's worst clubs have come out of the conference. The Knicks have been no stranger to this as they have found themselves in the doldrums far too often during this span. That is not the case this season as the East has quite a few improved teams who could vie for playoff position with .500 of better records. The increased the level of competition has given the Knicks the a better chance to measure where they are in respect to their opponents.