How The Knicks Should Plan Their Future

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.