New York Knicks: 2018-19 End of Season Awards
By Joey Holeman
17 wins in an entire NBA season is flat out awful. There was however some good for the New York Knicks mixed in with the abundance of bad.
The 2018-2019 NBA season for the New York Knicks was, to put it gently, forgettable. The young Knicks tied for the worst record in franchise history with a dismal 17 wins and 65 losses. They had an unwatchable 18 game losing streak, which is the franchise record for most consecutive losses in a single season. To add salt to the wounds of the New York faithful, the Knicks also lost the Zion Williamson lottery.
But there is a glimmer of hope. The Knicks are in a much better position to succeed than they were the last time they finished 17-65, three years ago. They have a respected front office and head coach trio in Steve Mills, Scott Perry and David Fizdale. The trio has been able to improve the recent culture of Knicks basketball and portray New York as an attractive free agent destination.
NBA free agency will begin on June 30. That gives the Knicks brass about a month to evaluate the talent they have on the roster. Important decisions must be made on whether any of the young players from last season will be a part of the franchise’s plan moving forward.
Depending on signing free agents, with the worst team in the league, is a gamble. But it’ the quickest way for the Knicks to turn their franchise around. A superstar like Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving will dramatically improve this team’s ability to win games. More importantly, high profile signings will reignite the fire of the fans that have supported the team through the darkest of times.
It is difficult to see the bright spots on a team that finished with the worst record in the league, yet let me try to shine a light on the players who deserve recognition for their efforts. Trust me. This was not easy.