New York Knicks: 5 players that should be re-signed this summer

DeAndre Jordan

After being acquired at this season’s trade deadline from the Dallas Mavericks, DeAndre Jordan has played well in 18 games with the Knicks.

So far, Jordan has averaged 11.3 points, 11.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists (career-high), and 1.1 blocks on 64.5% FG and 77% from the free throw line (career-high) while playing 26.3 minutes per game.

While it is true that Jordan’s numbers have slightly regressed since his final and best season with the Los Angeles Clippers, he can be further utilized as a veteran mentor to the entire Knicks roster, (except Lance Thomas) especially for promising shot-blocking big man Mitchell Robinson.

Up next is Mario Hezonja.

Mario Hezonja

While this selection may seem puzzling, Mario Hezonja hasn’t had much success yet during his career and this season with the Knicks is no different.

Hezonja is averaging 8.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists on an abysmal 39.8% FG and 28.4% from beyond the arc in 53 games this season. One highlight during Hezonja’s first season as a Knick that can be remembered is his game-saving block on LeBron James in a win over the Los Angeles Lakers on March 17th.

The former 1st round (5th overall) pick has not yet found his footing in the NBA but Coach Fizdale can definitely develop Hezonja into a decent scoring option off the bench.

Hezonja at least deserves another year since he is only 24-years-old and has a big summer to look forward to depending on the Knicks’ decision to re-sign him and if they succeed in bringing in top talent this offseason.

Conclusion

Since the Knicks are the youngest team in the NBA, they have to go through some (more) growing pains before becoming relevant again.

But this offseason is their most promising yet as they have the cap space available to sign two superstar free agents and a (“astonishing”) 14% chance of drafting Duke superstar Zion Williamson. If the Knicks don’t get the first pick, they at least have two other top prospects in Murray State’s Ja Morant or Duke’s RJ Barrett to choose from.

One key problem is the fact that the Knicks already have a plethora of guards on their roster and must pick and choose which ones, if any, they will sign long-term. Even if those aforementioned players are not on the Knicks’ long-term plan, they can be used as trade pieces for other players under contract that they want to pursue by next season.

The Knicks must play this offseason smart and finally try to build their team the correct way  around a top draft prospect and young promising talent already on the roster.

*Please Note. All stats were correct at the time of writing, subject to vary*