Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
At this point in the New York Knicks' timeline, draft picks are more important to the future than free agents. Just because they can spend doesn't mean the Knicks should.
Obviously, the New York Knicks have to sign some free agents this summer. The list of team needs includes point guard, shooting guard, small forward and center (and new owner).
Unless Phil Jackson can get four draft picks in a Carmelo Anthony trade the Knicks can't meet all their needs in the draft.
However, the Knicks need more than one first round draft pick. Without the cap space to lure an elite free agent, it may be time for a youth movement in NYC. The elephant in the room is the need to trade Carmelo Anthony. Once that trade is done it should bring the Knicks at least one more draft pick.
The current draft class is full of talent anywhere in the top 15. In other words, the Knicks have a real opportunity in this draft. This fact makes a pre-draft Carmelo trade that much more important.
For the New York Knicks to survive this offseason, smart draft picks and conservative free agent contracts will be key. Compiling draft picks and signing contracts advantageous to trades will mean a bright future. Yet, doing business the same way they always have will only lead to more disaster.
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Costly free agents
Minus the Brooklyn Nets, no team in the NBA has more needs than the New York Knicks. By trading for and then re-signing Carmelo Anthony the Knicks put themselves in a tough position.
This past season, Phil Jackson tried a few short-term fixes in Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. The end result was a mismatched team of washed up former All-Stars and glorified D-League players.
This upcoming offseason will yield more opportunities for the Knicks to overspend in free agency. Kyle Lowry, Rudy Gay, Gordon Hayward and others enter the market looking for better opportunity and long-term money.
Of the three, Hayward will be too expensive for the Knicks without shedding some salary. That fact is made more unfortunate by the Knicks' need for a player just like Hayward.
Kyle Lowry would fulfill the Knicks' point guard need and would be an upgrade over Rose. However, it is likely Lowry will go West to avoid LeBron James at all costs. Rudy Gay is coming off an ACL injury and the Knicks would be foolish to consider him. Nonetheless, Phil has roster spots to fill and will likely overspend like the Knicks always do.
If the New York Knicks want real and lasting change, they must focus more on the draft and less on free agency. Whether they keep Carmelo or not, next year will not be the Knicks year for a deep playoff run.
Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Trust the Process
Surrounding Carmelo with young athletes could kick-start his heart and lead to at least a playoff berth. With only one first round pick this year though, the team would have to play both of their second round picks substantial minutes. No matter what happens, the Knicks need youth and athleticism on this team.
The Knicks aren't in the same boat as the Philadelphia 76ers of five years ago. With that being said, they can still yet learn from the Process Philly used. Over a period of a few years, the Sixers compiled young talent and multiple draft picks. Of course, they didn't have an All-Star like Melo on their team and fans accepted that they weren't winning.
First and foremost, the Knicks need to find a way to convince Carmelo that he needs to be traded. A trade would set off a series of moves that could land the Knickerbockers multiple first round picks. Hope will make an appearance next season if Phil can get one more first round pick in this draft.
There is no quick fix to make the Knicks relevant again in the NBA. They have a lame duck head coach, multiple roster needs and an overrated star who holds the power of a no-trade clause.
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Don't let history repeat
It would be a mistake for Phil Jackson to overspend on free agents this offseason. With no ability to sign a max player, it would be more beneficial to stay conservative this free agency period. By leaving the Knicks with cap room, they will be more flexible at the trade deadline and not married to aging stars.
What the Knicks need is multiple first round draft picks in this draft and in 2018. Winning promotes healing in both the front office and in the stands of Madison Square Garden. If they can rein in Kristaps Porzingis and move Carmelo Anthony, the bleeding will stop.
Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Yet, if management repeats the free agency mistakes of the past the wound will be fresh once again. Teams like the Warriors, Spurs and even the 76ers have shown how smart drafting and multiple picks can change the future. Yet, the Mavericks continually focus on luring free agents and are in a perpetual spiral in the Western Conference.
These next two drafts will be full of talent and opportunity. Talent automatically gives the Knicks more than what they have had the last few years. If the New York Knicks want to build a winning team, draft picks are much more important than free agency.
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