Could The Knicks Be Looking at an Early Season Overhaul?

Just nine games into the 2014-15 season, the Knicks find themselves in some very dark times. Currently, the team has lost 6 games in a row to go along with a brutal 2-7 record. Many point to the Knicks having to learn a new system under a first year head coach as the main problem. But they’ll eventually get it, right?

According to Phil Jackson, he doesn’t quite see it that way. When the Knicks’ president addressed the media on Monday, he had some powerful comments about the team.

"“There’s still quite a ways from their execution capabilities as a team. We think in terms of basketball-wise, Thanksgiving, December, it’s time to really say if you haven’t gotten it by now, maybe we’ll have to think of you as a learner or not a learner as a ballplayer at that time.’’"

So the Zen Master has spoken. It appears he doesn’t feel his well renowned triangle offense is as complex as everyone is making it out to be. While some may view this as arrogant, it actually is pretty accurate. As we have seen throughout the season thus far, the offense really isn’t that hard to follow. Both of Phil’s first years as a head coach of the Bulls and Lakers, his team was the best team in the league. I bet you’d be hard pressed to find someone who would say the Knicks are even a top 25 team right now.

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So what does this mean for the players who “are not a learner?” Jackson’s deadline to understand the offense was around Thanksgiving or early December. Is it a coincidence that the ability to trade free agent signees begins December 15th? Jackson clearly has made his mind up on some of his players already, so don’t be surprised to see the Knicks ship some players out if they continue to struggle.

The Knicks definitely have some valuable trade assets on their roster that could net them some young players or even draft picks. J.R. Smith has a ton of talent, and despite his inconsistency, there will almost certainly be a solid market for a player of his caliber. Another candidate is the expiring contract of Andrea Bargnani. I am not a Bargs fan at the least, but a team could be interested in a healthy* version of forward.

The interesting trade chip the Knicks have is Amar’e Stoudemire. Although he has had a series of injuries derail his career, he has looked excellent so far this season. His per 36 minutes statistics are 16.6 points and 12.1 rebounds, and he has not shown any signs of wearing down. The only problem I have with trading Stoudemire is that he is one of the few players who understands the offense and actually tries every night. He has worked his butt off to become an effective player again, and to his credit, he has done just that. A title contender could use his offense off the bench and he deserves to play for a winner.

The future of the Knicks roster looks very murky. When the team president makes mysterious comments like Jackson did, interesting events could follow. Will the Knicks make some sort of move to help turn around this team, and if so, who would it be? We will know soon enough.