New York Knicks: Knicks looking forward to end of long season, but what does future hold?
The New York Knicks season has been a long and dreadful one, but at least they will begin shaping the roster of the future. Here is an idea of what that could look like.
The New York Knicks have just about finished their march towards the bottom of the NBA standings. They may scrape together a few wins at the end of the year, but not enough to lose that pole position they have secured for the best chance at the top picks.
However, with so much to do this offseason, the New York Knicks brass has had an unrivaled opportunity to get a complete look at each player on their big league roster and the G-League Affiliate team, the Westchester Knicks. Hopefully, with the proper player evaluation, this young Knicks team can turn the corner.
Players that will be staying in New York
Without question, Mitchell Robinson was the biggest second-round steal from last years draft. Not only has he shown to be worth the value but he has all the potential and trajectory to end up being a mainstay building block at center for the Knicks.
He has shown the constant growth and maturity to have some serious star power and become the type of player that other star athletes want to be on the court with. He Brings a wealth of talent with him and work-mans attitude which has been missing in other young centers the Knicks have had.
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The 6’7 shooting guard has finally started to play loose and more like himself, he was never brought to New York to be a star player but he has the makings to be a solid contributor off the bench with his shooting and ability to drive the lane using his size.
Dotson has the makings of a future Knick at 24 years old he’s well seasoned from college ball and his another second-round pick of the Knicks that is outperforming his draft slot. Time will tell how good he becomes but for now we should all look forward to seeing him next year.
Knox was the Knicks first round pick this past year. They will keep him on the roster unless they have a trade offer they just can’t refuse. Knox was not the all-world player the Knicks were hoping for. However, he did come along nicely and took to coach Fizdale’s coaching rather well.
Knox has room to grow and certainly the natural, God-given athleticism to help with that, I do believe that a year or two in a different role will aid his development. This could include a stint in the G-league next year based on who the Knicks bring in during the draft and Free agency.
‘Iso Zo’ as he is also known, played a great season especially for a young man who came in surrounded with so much off-court nonsense. He circled the wagons during training camp this year and played so well the G-league was never a consideration for him.
Trier has all the makings of a strong sixth man on this team with the energy and slashing ability to be everything you could hope for on the second team and the instant scoring that makes your second unit dangerous.
The Frenchman has the makings of becoming a two guard and probably will be on the outside looking in for the point guard position. With the team adding Dennis Smith Jr. as the primary youth point guard even if they bring in a veteran.
Frank will quickly have to show that he has the strength and the durability to hold up in this league and the shooting touch to make his defense worth keeping a roster spot. Ntilikina does have a lot of potential but only if the Knicks are willing to keep pouring into his development.
Smith Jr. brings a high level of energy, a great competitive spirit, and the desire to be great which you want from your point guard. David Fizdale has seemed to reach him on some level and this will only aid in his progress going forward.
Smith needs to continue building on his shooting touch and improving his shot selection which will, in turn, increases his ability to drive to the hoop under less contention. He has the speed to blow by, most defenders and does a good job in creating open looks for his teammates.
Veteran we really need to stay
Jordan brings a strong work ethic and it was apparent from the moment the Knicks brought him in from trade that the rest of the locker room respected him. This was especially true of Knicks young center Mitchell Robinson.
Robinson as showed constant improvement since the arrival and it is not by coincidence that the young starts rise has happened with so many outstanding basketball minds taking interest in his success. Jordan brings that strong go get it attitude and the rest of the Knicks coming in need to quickly pick up that vibe.
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The New York Knicks have some above average young talent which they need to keep progressing and grooming going forward. With the addition of the proper pieces to this Knicks team and the continuity of the front office and the coaching the staff, the Knicks could be in for a very impressive turn around going forward.