As we enter the NBA Draft and free agency, the hype surrounding the New York Knicks is back once again. Numerous trade speculations as well as potential free agent signings seem to have come out of nowhere as they do every year. After years of unfortunately believing that hype, I am here to tell you that a big trade or a big signing is NOT what the Knicks need right now. What I believe the Knicks need is a solid draft, to fill our team with assets and to buy in on Leon Rose and Tom Thibodeau.
How to ‘Win’ the 2020 NBA Draft
This year, the Knicks are looking at the eighth position in the lottery. This is the fifth time in five years that Knicks are in the lottery. In past years, the drafting choices of previous GMs have not been great. That being said, some players have shown improvement in the short time that they have been with the team. RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson have shown the most improvement in my eyes.
With the eighth pick, the front office cannot be looking for the next major star of the NBA. They need to focus on guys with the potential to be a star in this league, but also somebody that fits our system. I think the best option fit wise for this draft would be a facilitating PG who can shoot. Last year’s team had too many ball dominant players that are not good enough to iso as much as they do. A facilitating PG that can space the floor would make it possible for RJ to get more iso touches. On top of that, operating in the pick and roll will be huge with a rim-runner like Robinson.
The best options that I could possibly see being available for the Knicks are Tyrese Haliburton (PG, Iowa State), Killian Hayes (PG, France) and Kira Lewis Jr. (PG, Alabama)
How to ‘Win’ Free Agency
With free agency being rather weak in terms of talent, this is NOT the year to ship the bag on another second tier player. What the Knicks need to do is sign guys who can space the floor. New York was among the five worst teams in the league last year shooting from downtown (33.7%). Adding shooters to play alongside RJ will allow him to attack the basket at will with the confidence to kick out to a teammate for three. Some of the better shooters available in the free agency market include Davis Bertans, Joe Harris and Bogdan Bogdanovic.
During this shortened free agency period, there will also be some trades taking place around the league. Even though other teams will be looking to trade, this does not mean the Knicks need to do the same. There have been trade rumors that involve Russell Westbrook to New York, that would be the worst option in my opinion for the Knicks. The last thing they need to do is give up more expiring contracts for another ball dominant player who won’t buy into the system. The best route for the Knicks to take is to allow the players we have to prove themselves worthy in Thibs’ system. By the trade deadline, they should have a better idea of the teams necessities going forward.
Why Buy In?
As fans, we need to trust Leon Rose and Thibs to take this team to the next level. Tom Thibodeau is a proven coach in this league and is known for developing young stars. On top of that, Leon Rose has represented some of the best talent in the league before taking the job in New York. He obviously has an eye for talent and the sales ability to possibly get superstar talent back in the Mecca. I say all of this also knowing that we are the Knicks and in a matter of seconds, this could turn into what the past five years prior have been. So, let’s grab our popcorn and cross our fingers because the city of New York desperately needs winning basketball.
