New York Knicks: Knicks go out with a whimper, have much to look forward to
The New York Knicks finished their worst season in franchise history quietly and slowly, but a big bang may await. Here are some things to look for next.
On Tuesday, the New York Knicks looked like a decent NBA team in a win against the Chicago Bulls whose current roster may not be filled with top NBA talent. However, on Wednesday, the Knicks were up against a real test and it was easy to see where they truly graded out at. It ended up being a blowout loss against a Pistons team missing some star power.
The New York Knicks closed the chapter on what has been a disgracefully horrid season, but with all ends come a new beginning. A beginning and the small promise of hope in a better tomorrow. So, we should all start letting go of the Knicks worst franchise record, because it is officially in the past.
We should now be focusing on all the positives that come with the end of this season. As many know the winds of change are coming to New York, and if the stars align properly the Knicks future could be bright.
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I will try my best to think in a David Fizdale like manner, which means I will accept that this year was about developmental coaching and grooming young players. Then next year is about looking at a completely different team that will be designed for winning and winning often. With all the winning that will be happening, James Dolan will go play his music and stay out of TMZ and back into sports headlines.
Dates to look forward to
The current draft order has the Knicks sitting at the Number 1 spot by virtue of having the worst record in the NBA but that could be subject to change with the bottom three teams having essentially the same chance at #1 overall pick. For more offseason dates, go to NBA.com
May 14th– The NBA Draft Lottery (Determining the fate of the Knicks and if ‘tanking’ was worth it this year.)
May 14th-19th – NBA Draft Combine (Finding solid second round picks and/or diamond in the rough un-drafted free agents)
June 20th– NBA Draft (Where the Knicks brass, the fans and the whole universe hope they pick first)
July 1st– Free Agents can begin talking to teams (Hopefully James Dolan goes on Vacation)
July 6th– Free Agents can officially be signed to teams (Real glimmer of hope)
Free Agents, who the Knicks could target
The two names that have been most linked to the New York Knicks this summer would be Kyrie Irving, currently of the Boston Celtics and Kevin Durant, currently with the Golden State Warriors. Neither player has denied their interest in coming to play for the Knicks. The real question is why?
The Knicks will have the same opportunity that every other team with cap space will have this summer. The best thing about that previous statement is that for once, the Knicks actually have cap space and a plan to use it correctly.
Steve Mills and Scott Perry, have set this free agency up well to go after some great talent. The Knicks will also have the chance to bring in some young veterans to fill out the roster. They could maybe even keep DeAndre Jordan for cheap if he wants to stay with a young rising team.
Some other names to watch out for are Kemba Walker, Klay Thompson, DeMarcus Cousins, D’Angelo Russell, and Julius Randle.They are names that will be eligible to be free-agents this coming offseason. All these players are very talented and would bring excellent skill and leadership to a young Knicks team.
NBA Draft Outlook
This will be brief, everyone knows the Knicks want Zion Williamson and by all accounts the young man is an athletic freak. However, the question remains what else will the Knicks do in the Draft after the top pick, should they land first overall. The talent in this draft is well above average and with so many five star prospects being one and done this year, who should they look at?
As we nail down the final order of the draft after lottery, we will take a in depth look at all of their options and where their second round picks fall. The Knicks will be extremely active and will most certainly be willing to buy another second round pick.
Players in the first round get the most hype, but there are some hungry young prospects waiting for the opportunity to prove what they can do at the next level. With most of the second round picks having a little more seasoning during their college time, they would be a great asset to the Knicks at a cost effective price.
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New York may have been cold this winter but with the summer fast approaching, things will be heating up all over the sports realm. The Knicks may look like an NBA team next year or it could just be year one of a very long rebuild. We will have to wait and see.