With loads of cap space this summer, there’s been countless reports of which big star the New York Knicks will sign this summer. With that being said though, our very own Maxwell Ogden reported Phil Jackson has mentioned he’d like to re-sign several players.
"“Jackson said several players on this season’s team who are not under contract this season will be back next season.”“We’re going to ask them to come back and they’re going to fill out a good part of our roster. We can’t bring in eight guys and expect them to play together, that’s not a part of our plan,” Jackson said. “We have guys that are going to be really good team members that are participating on this team right now. That part of it is important for us. It also says something about how we’re going to play.”"
Without further ado, here’s the list of guys we’d like to see Phil bring back:
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This young man has proved he belongs in this League. Through several clutch shots and consistent numbers all across the board, Langston has proved he’s a solid all-around point guard who could serve as terrific role player. At just 23 years of age, the Baton Rouge, Louisiana native still has room for improvement. Granted he won’t be getting as many minutes next year, but the young guard could still contribute while continuing his growth as a player. The young man is a true leader and possesses great maturity for his age. His efforts on both ends of the court should absolutely be rewarded with another contract year. This is a no brainer, Langston Galloway should and will be back next year for next to nothing. His contract is partially guaranteed for next year but the Knicks should extend if possible.
Alexey was part of a trade which sent 37 year-old Pablo Prigioni to Houston in exchange for two second-rounders. Besides likely being out for the season, the 26 year-old Russian has enjoyed a nice run with the Knicks, his third team this season. One can’t get too excited about his stats as he’s playing on the Knicks. Extended minutes on a bad team don’t mean much but he’s earned a spot as the third or fourth guard off the bench. His big size (6’6″) and paint penetration skills will be helpful late in games when getting to the foul line is essential. He’s proved this is a skill he clearly possesses. If the Knicks sign him using the mid-level exception (2.6 million), he could be a very efficient backup who Phil already knows is successful in the Triangle.
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This is Cole’s second year with the Knicks and we’ve seen him starting and getting double-doubles constantly. Next year though, he will be 2nd or 3rd option at Center which is a role he’s comfortable in. It’s not his streaky hook shot that makes him worthy of a new deal but rather his ability to rebound and defend the paint. If Phil can get him on a cheap deal, we’d love to have the big man back.
Despite average stats, Lou has been a great spark of energy. His energy is contagious and leads to good defense and rebounding. He’s the type of guy who plays his best every single game and is an essential part of a championship caliber team. Look for Phil to bring him back on a veteran minimum deal. Nothing over 1 million a year would be cost efficient. His role would likely be the same as Cole Aldrich’s.
Lastly, Andrea is the most intriguing of all. He’s missed half the season to an injury and came back around the time Carmelo Anthony left for a season-surgery. As per Basketball-Reference.com, the Shaqtin’ A Fool superstar is averaging a very respectable 14.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 1.7 apg in just 27 minutes of play per game. If Phil can convince him to take a 2.6 mid-level exception offer, Bargnani could just be back next year despite this being deemed impossible a couple of months ago. His fit in the triangle is certain and his offensive skills are good to great depending on the night.
Tell us who you think Phil should re-sign this summer in the comment section down below.