New York Knicks: Patience is the best option

The New York Knicks did not win Free Agency this summer, but they did take a step in the right direction. Here’s why being patient is the best option for the Knicks.

The summer of 2019 was set to be the most exciting one yet in a long time for the New York Knicks.

Possessing the most cap space to sign two max contract worthy players was a goal this summer. But if this goal were not met, this period of Free Agency would be considered a failure.

But, instead, the Knicks went out and made the best out of an unfavorable situation: they signed Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, Elfrid Payton, Taj Gibson, Wayne Ellington, and Marcus Morris. In comparison to their 17-win roster last season, this is an upgrade.

While a majority of these additions are not known for their defense, they do bring offensive versatility that this team desperately needed. The additions of Taj Gibson and Marcus Morris will give the Knicks a much-needed boost on the defensive end (and toughness) moving forward.

Coach Fizdale will have to decide which players to place in his rotation since the Knicks are loaded with forwards and guards this upcoming season.

The Knicks are also one of the youngest teams in the NBA, with three thirty-year-old players currently on their team, easily making them an exciting team to keep an eye on for the future.

Patience can turn a whole franchise around

As the NBA world knows, any franchise that chooses patience as their course of direction breeds two results: building a winning team capable of contending for a championship or continuing to rely on the lottery without making any drastic changes (while also not fighting for a championship).

While the Knicks’ brass failed to sign the best available top-tier star free agents this summer, they were able to land Julius Randle. At only 24-years-old, Randle had his best season yet with the New Orleans Pelicans and will positively impact the Knicks immediately.

If developing the young talent is prioritized for the next several seasons, the Knicks will at least be a regular playoff team, which can shift into a contender with the addition of a superstar or a few more roster changes.

Final thoughts

Overall, the Knicks did a decent job at rounding out their roster with vets and young, versatile players.

Furthermore, the Knicks’ new contracts were mainly one or two-year deals, putting themselves in another position to continue making savvy roster changes, trades, and prepare for the 2021 Free Agency class to potentially sign a star or two.

For the first time this century, the New York Knicks have a bright future ahead of them with a solid roster and the flexibility to make changes in two seasons. Prioritizing on developing their young talent is the smartest move going forward in preparation for building a contender in the future.

Knicks fans can at least remain optimistic for the future, knowing that this team is headed in the right direction.