New York Knicks: Building The Perfect Bench

While most of the talk has been about which star free agents Phil Jackson will land this summer, building a bench of solid role players is just as essential for a title push. The important thing is to provide depth at all positions while maintaining key balance. The Knicks have 2 mid-level exceptions worth 2.6 million each. Both will be used to sign bench players.

Point Guard: Langston Galloway (23 years old, 6’2″, 200 pounds)

Apr 5, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) drives to the basket between Philadelphia 76ers guard Ish Smith (5) and guard Hollis Thompson (31) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the 76ers 101 – 91. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Langston Galloway has been the only bright spot in this otherwise horrific basketball season for New York Knicks fans.

Straight from the D-League’s Westchester Knicks, the young man quickly became the talk of the city, providing strong play and making a name for himself. He’s the ideal candidate for the back-up point guard spot next season as he’ll provide hustle on both ends of the court. On top of all that, he’ll have already played with other guys featured in this lineup and knows the triangle offense.

Shooting guard: Marco Belinelli (29 years old, 6’5″, 210 pounds)

Mar 15, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Marco Belinelli (3) shoots the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Marco Belinelli has been a solid role player this year for the title contending San Antonio Spurs. However, he could be tempted to leave the aging squad to join the Knicks, a future contender if Phil holds his end of the bargain. Belinelli’s averaged 9.1 points, 2.6 boards and 1.6 dimes per game in just 22 minutes of action.

Small forward: Mirza Teletovic (29 years old, 6’9″, 242 pounds)

Jan 21, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Mirza Teletovic (33) goes up for the shot against Sacramento Kings forward Derrick Williams (13) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Small forward Mirza Teletovic has had a very solid season off the bench for the Brooklyn Nets. He’s averaged 8.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists in nearly 22 minutes per game. He’s, once again, a great fit for the triangle being he’s an oversized player with great range.

Power forward: Andrea Bargnani (29 years old, 7’0″, 245 pounds)

Apr 5, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Andrea Bargnani (77) drives to the basket defended by Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (4) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the 76ers 101 – 91. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Despite an absolutely horrible previous season, Andrea Bargnani has come back to the starting lineup. His play has been nothing short of good. He’s averaging nearly 15 points, 4.5 boards and 1.0 block in just about 27 minutes per game. His role will be that of a scoring role player next year so his stat line won’t be as good.

Center: Alexis Ajinca (26 years old, 7’2″, 250 pounds)

Mar 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Alexis Ajinca (42) tries to pass the ball around Golden State Warriors center Festus Ezeli (31) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Golden State Warriors won 112 -96. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Finally, to make up for Bargnani’s poor inside defence, Jackson signs Alexis Ajinca. The French Center sits at 7’2″ and uses his size to lock in the opposing center. This is a load he’s more than capable of carrying. Off the bench for the New Orleans Pelicans, he’s averaged 6.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 14.5 minutes per game.

Here you have it, Paul Fagan’s pick for the bench next year. Please let Daily Knicks know whom you’d like to see playing for the second unit next season in the comment section down below.

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