The New York Knicks are a mess … for now
Fans of the New York Knicks are long-suffering. Once the toast of the town during the days of Walt “Clyde” Frazier and Willis Reed in the 1960’s and 70’s, the Knicks have become a laughingstock over the past 15 years. Most of their futility can be traced to an incompetent owner and horrific front office decisions, setting the course for a marquee franchise to become a disgrace.
Then, on March 18, Phil Jackson returned to the scene of his two championships as a player, signing a five-year, $60 million deal to become the general manager among other hats. Jackson brought instant credibility and shook up the organization, firing head coach Mike Woodson and hiring Derek Fisher, along with re-signing Carmelo Anthony. Jackson then traded out-of-shape point guard Raymond Felton and center Tyson Chandler to the Dallas Mavericks, getting back Shane Larkin, Jose Calderon, Samuel Dalembert and a couple of second-round draft picks.
Expectations were for perhaps a playoff berth, with most hoping for a .500 season. Instead, New York is a complete disaster. The Knicks are 4-20, off to their worst start in franchise history. On Wednesday, New York lost 109-95 on the road to the San Antonio Spurs. On the surface, that’s an expected defeat, until you realize Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard all sat out.
On top of all that, there are rampart reports of infighting, centering around Carmelo Anthony and Tim Hardaway, according to ESPN’s Chris Broussard. Then the news came that Anthony might opt to have surgery on an ailing knee, per Ian Begley, taking away the only viable superstar the Knicks have. It seems things can’t get any worse, yet fortunes could be turning already.
At 4-20 and losers of 10 straight, it is clear New York is going nowhere but the lottery. For so many years, that news was another knife to the heart for Knicks fans because the pick had already been traded away for some bum like Stephon Marbury of Eddy Curry. This year, New York has its selection and could land the top spot, depending on how the ping pong balls bounce. The only contention the Knicks have for the worst record are the Detroit Pistons and the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 2015 draft class is supposedly strong, giving New York hope of landing a star. Perhaps the Knicks target a big man in Jahlil Okafor or Karl Towns, or opt for a guard in Emmanuel Mudiay, or even a swingman in Stanley Johnson or Justice Winslow. It should be noted all those players are freshman and don’t have to come out, but it’s more than likely most if not all will.
However, New York can make its biggest, and quickest, strides in free agency. Marc Gasol will be available, a seemingly perfect center for the triangle offense. Gasol is a great defender and good passer from the block, along with having a nice touch offensively. With Amare Stoudemire, Andrea Bargnani and others coming off the cap, the Knicks will have ample funds to make a play at one, if not two, max players to pair with Anthony and their top pick. Other free-agent considerations would include LaMarcus Aldridge and Rajon Rondo.
Right now, there is plenty of anger and unrest at the World’s Most Famous Arena. It is understandable and most certainly warranted. That could all change over the next eight months if Jackson pulls the right strings on a team that has been out of tune for years.
