New York Knicks: How important is building continuity?

The New York Knicks have improved in the 2015-16 season, but it was another losing one leading many to wonder what else needs to be done?

The most glaring need for the Knicks is to upgrade at the point guard position, which will likely be addressed in the offseason with a free agent. In addition to needing to upgrade at the point guard position, the Knicks could also use some continuity on their roster.

Since Carmelo Anthony has joined the Knicks, the franchise has undergone a ton of change in the coaching staff and on the roster, as it has been a revolving door.

“I think that’s the most important part, just having some type of consistency, just a group of guys being together for a period of time and not just rotating in and out each year,” said Anthony, who has endured over 70 teammates and four different coaches since he joined the Knicks in 2011 to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News. “I think if we can establish that as a team, as an organization each year, you’ll start seeing us taking steps forward. Guys feeling more confident and more comfortable in their game and us a team. I don’t think guys can learn a system right away being here for a couple months and then rotate guys in and out. Guys need to be together for a long period of time in order for us to kind master the system.”

The number of different teammates that Anthony has played with in New York is shocking, but hopefully, Phil Jackson is building a unit that will be sticking together for the next few seasons. The signing of Robin Lopez may not have been the first choice of Jackson this offseason, but it has been right there in terms of success as the drafting of Kristaps Porzingis.

More from Empire Writes Back

“I’m in a different role than I was on previous teams. I don’t like patting myself on the back but I feel like I’m doing well in a different role as opposed to when I was in Portland or Phoenix,” Lopez said to Bondy. “It’s fun to stretch your wings in a different facet of the game.”

While the front court for the Knicks seems pretty set for next season with Anthony, Porzingis, and Lopez, the backcourt of Jose Calderon and Arron Afflalo seems to unlikely to return next season.

Since Rambis took over as head coach, Afflalo has been relegated to a bench role, which hasn’t suited him well. Afflalo has an opt-out clause in his contract for next season, and will some unhappiness with his role on the Knicks, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him leave this offseason.

Next: Who is the greatest PG in franchise history?

While talent is obviously important to creating a winner, continuity with teammates is also important. Before the Miami Heat were able to win a championship with their star trio, they had plenty of chemistry issues on the court.

The Knicks have some work to do before they will be a title contender, but building continuity is something that can, at least, help them hopefully make the playoffs next season.

Home/New York Knicks