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Imagining the 2015-16 New Look Knicks

By Paul Fagan

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With just 2 months and 25 more games to go, Knicks fans are already looking ahead. The upcoming off-season is one that will be key and the Phil Jackson&Co will have their first opportunity to drastically change the face of this team. Many questions need to be answered:

Point guard, (Emmanuel Mudiay, $4mill) 

At point guard, I have the Knicks going with Emmanuel Mudiay. At 6’5, he’s the big guard Jackson has been wanting to lead the triangle offense. He’s arguably the best athlete in this year’s draft with unparalleled penetration skills. With him, the Knicks are also getting someone who would be capable of defending the Westbrook’s and Wall’s of the league as he is more than capable to play at their pace. Other candidates would include D’Angelo Russell, Goran Dragic and Rajon Rondo.

Shooting guard, (Lance Stephenson, $9mill)  

Jan 28, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; Charlotte Hornets shooting guard Lance Stephenson (1) shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

The Knicks were once loaded at the 2 guard but they since then have traded away Jr Smith and Iman Shumpert to Cleveland. Tim Hardaway Jr has since gotten more playing time but is still an inconsistent shooter playing nearly inexistant defence. This why the Knicks have the opportunity to trade Jose Calderon and Tim Hardaway Jr to Charlotte for Lance Stephenson. The NY native would bring energy, athleticism and defence to the big apple and he’s got the personality to play in Gotham. Another candidate to consider is Wesley Mathews. He’s arguably the better player but Knicks would not be getting rid of Calderon’s contract. He’s also likely come at a steeper price.

Small forward, (Carmelo Anthony, $22mill)  

Feb 9, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts after injuring himself during the second half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Miami won 109-95. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Carmelo Anthony needs no introduction. He’s the franchise cornerstone and still has 4 and half years on his contract. His numbers were down before the season-ending surgery but still top-notch and he earned a start on the east all-star team. Next season will be the first he’ll truly be surrounded by other major players.

Power forward, (Greg Monroe, $10mill)  

Feb 22, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe (10) goes to the basket during the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

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With Amare out of the picture, the Knicks need a new starting power forward and Greg Monroe is the perfect fit. He’s great around the basket and has developed and a more than decent mid-range jumper. Monroe is young and full of potential and is looking to leave Detroit this summer. Furthermore, he adds great balance to team being a two-way player. He’s the prime candidate for this spot but if the Knicks somehow can’t land him, they could pursue other available big men such as Tobias Harris and Paul Millsap.

Center, (D. Jordan, $11 mill)  

Feb 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) scores a basket during the fourth quarter as Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) defends at Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Clippers 110-105. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

It’s no secret the Knicks badly need help at the center. At the 5, the Knicks need a center who works around the rim and is a terrific defender. The previous sentence has DJ written all over it. At 7ft plus, he’s the shot blocker, rim protecter the Knicks lost in Tyson Chandler. Deandre Jordan is a much younger player with a higher ceiling than Tyson on top of being a better offensive player. The Clippers will likely have to see him go as they need desperate help at small forward and only have a small amount of money to go around. Other options include Jahlil Okafor, Marc Gasol and Robin Lopez.

Bench & Reserve

Feb 27, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) makes a three-point basket to send the game into overtime as Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) defends at The Palace of Auburn Hills. New York won 121-115. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

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Now the Knicks won’t have too much money left after acquiring the starters but they can still build a very strong bench. Losing Hardaway off the bench will be hard but the Knicks have other pieces. First off, Galloway, this season’s bright spot, will be back and he’s a great talent to have off the bench, just very promising young man. Phil should look to bring back players such as Jason Smith, Lou Amundson and Lance Thomas as they seem to fit in well in the triangle. They’re cheap and efficient players who will provide energy and will power off the bench. Cleanthony Early will be back as well, his role will be determined upon how well he ends the season as he’ll be getting many minutes following Melo’s season-ending injury. Next up, Phil should call up Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Doran Lamb from Westchester as they’d bring depth at the guard with both Calderon and Hardaway gone.  Orlando Sanchez is also a Westchester Knick and has generated some interest. Finally , Phil should recruit a couple of cheap veterans to fill the squad , think Shawn Marion, Danny Granger, Carlos Boozer and Nate Robinson. 3rd tier free agents such as Kosta Koufos and Omer Asik could be of interest as well.

Trades 

On top of the Stephenson trade, I’d like to see Phil sign and trade Shane Larkin+2018 1st rounder for a 2016 first round draft pick. This way, the Knicks would be adding more promising youth to the squad next year at a relatively low price.

This team would be an immediate contender and would challenge for a top 3 seed in the East at least. However, notice that all of the mentioned players are very realistic targets and top free agents such as Marc Gasol and Lamarcus Aldridge are off the list as they’re likely to stay put and would take up much of the cap space anyway.  A Knicks fan can dream but we’ll all just have to wait until this summer to see what happens.

Let us know what you think the lineup should be next season in the comment section down below!

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