It’s April 1 and the New York Knicks have no chance of making the 2015 NBA Playoffs. Given that knowledge, there’s a high probability that nothing a member of the organization says will process as meaningful or confidence-building.
Phil Jackson is still going to try.
Per Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Jackson released a letter and video to season-ticket holders. The topic of conversation was the future of the Knicks and why fans should remain faithful through these trying times.
The key to it all: the moves Jackson has already made to better position the Knicks.
"“While I know this has been a challenging season for our team on the court, I can also tell you that everyone in the organization is working tirelessly to get our Knicks back to a place where we are once again competing at the highest level,”“We have made key roster moves to free up significant cap space that will provide us greater flexibility to acquire talent in this summer’s free agency,” Jackson said. “And for the first time in many years, we expect to have a top pick in the NBA Draft this June. These are key steps to building a roster of players that have both the talent and character to win in New York and who, alongside Carmelo Anthony, will become a team that can become a consistent winner.”"
Lost in this dreadful season has been the productive and future-oriented nature of Jackson’s approach.
Jackson did the unthinkable, in many ways, by trading the most unfavorable contracts on the roster. In turn, he’s given the Knicks a roster that includes just two financially significant guaranteed contracts entering this coming offseason.
Those contracts belong to All-NBA scorer Carmelo Anthony and sharpshooter Jose Calderon.
The Knicks will have more than enough cap space to operate this coming July. They could land at least one more star-caliber player, as well as a number of different high-caliber role players at reasonable costs.
Perhaps most important of all, the Knicks are on pace to finish with the worst record in the association. Thus, they would secure the highest lottery odds to land the No. 1 overall selection in the 2015 NBA Draft.
In turn, Jackson believes New York has the tools to build a championship contender.
"“Despite the disappointing 2014-15 season, we are steadfast in our resolve to do what is necessary to deliver on our ultimate goal of bringing a championship back to New York,” Jackson said.“We have a clear plan and expect our efforts to take really take shape as we enter the 2015 draft and free agency in the months ahead,” Jackson said in the video. “I ask that you remain optimistic and hope you will join us on our continued journey as we build a team that once again reflects the spirit of being a New York Knick.”"
While the season may be lost in 2015-16, the future hasn’t been this bright in years. The Knicks have a star-caliber player locked up already in Carmelo Anthony and have the flexibility and opportunity to do something big in both free agency and the NBA Draft.
Before you give up on the Knicks, accept the reality: Jackson and company have as legitimate an opportunity to build a championship contender as any team in the NBA.
Next: Phil Jackson outlined his vision for the Knicks on Twitter
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