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New York Knicks: Reaction To ESPN’s Future Power Rankings

By Kenneth Teape

Apr 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Knicks improved last season, but that didn’t help their case in ESPN’s Future Power Rankings, coming in with one of the bleakest futures in the NBA.

The New York Knicks made some strides this season, but the overall results were still pretty ugly with a record of 32-50. There is a new sheriff in town, as Jeff Hornacek was named head coach after Derek Fisher was fired in February and Kurt Rambis was not retained as head coach full time after being the interim coach during the regular season.

The Knicks have some things to get excited about, such as Kristaps Porzingis and a new voice on the sidelined. But, there are still a lot of questions that need to be answered, such as the stability in the front office with Phil Jackson‘s future unknown and James Dolan still being the owner of the team.

That has resulted in the Knicks being ranked poorly in ESPN’s Future Power Rankings. In these power rankings, Chad Ford and Kevin Pelton project the expected success for team’s on the court for the next three seasons in 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19.

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They use five different categories to determine the future rankings for the teams; players, which is worth 50 percent of the grade, management, which is worth 16.7, money which is also worth 16.7, and then market and draft, which are 8.3 percent each.

The only saving grace for the Knicks is market, which they ranked third in the NBA with a score of 87.5. The next highest rank the Knicks have is 21st, which was for draft with a score of 37.5. Players was 24th with 32.5, management was 28th with 20 and money was 22nd with 42.5.

That equals an overall grade of 37.08, which puts the Knicks in 28th place. Here is what Chad Ford had to say about the Knicks and why they finished where they did, ahead of only the Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets.

"The Knicks remain mired at 28th in our rankings. That’s especially damning considering they hit the jackpot in the draft when they decided to take a risk on Kristaps Porzingis.Porzingis was so good that he now looks like the future of the franchise. However, it remains unclear if Knicks management, led by the owner Jim Dolan and enigmatic team president Phil Jackson, is up to the task of taking on the rebuild.The Knicks don’t have a lot of cap space, must send their first-round pick to the Raptors this year as part of the disastrous Andrea Bargnani trade and seem unwilling or unable to trade their best chip, Carmelo Anthony (who could waive his no-trade clause), to start collecting assets.New York remains a prime destination for free agents on paper. But until the Knicks show that their organization is on par with other franchises like the Spurs, Thunder and Warriors, they’ll continue to lose out on elite free agents and remain mired in mediocrity or worse."

It is tough to argue with what Ford says. The Knicks have some solid players on the roster, but only one that really gets you excited in Porzingis. Anthony can still carry a team offensively, and showed last season that he is capable passer as well, but his career arc is not on the same path as Porzingis, and him being traded may be in the best interests of both parties, especially if he truly wants a championship.

But, the Knicks did take a step forward this past season, going from a 17-win season under Fisher in 2014-15 to 32 this season. With a competent coach now on the sidelines, one that can help develop the young players on the team, the Knicks should continue taking steps forward.

Porzingis is the most important player on this team, so his development is integral to the organization moving forward. Building around him should be the focus of the front office, while Hornacek and the coaching staff should be focusing on developing his game and helping him realize his potential.

Next: New York Knicks 2015-16 Team Grades

The Knicks need to continue making stride this season, as the postseason should be a goal. They can make that goal more a reality with another good offseason, as they have some cap space to work with and should look to add players closer to Porzingis’ age to grow alongside of him.

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