New York Knicks Fans Shouldn’t Expect Splash Until 2016
April 18, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward
Anthony Davis(23, right) controls the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward
Draymond Green(23) during the first quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
4. The Restricted Free Agents
Banking on one’s ability to land a restricted free agent is never a safe thing to do. The incumbent team can match any and every offer extended, meaning the fate of a potential marriage is out of the proverbial spouses’ hands.
Nevertheless, 2016’s remarkable rush of top-tier and high-caliber restricted free agents is nothing short of intriguing.
Highlighting the group will be Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans and Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers. Davis was an MVP candidate in 2014-15 and Lillard is already a two-time All-Star with an All-NBA nod and a Rookie of the Year award under his belt.
If New York were to pry either player away from their respective teams, they’d instantly become a contender—no matter how improbable a dream that may be.
Jan 25, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center
Jonas Valanciunas(17) and Detroit Pistons center
Andre Drummond(0) in the first quarter at Air Canada Centre. Toronto won 114-110. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
The second tier of restricted free agents includes Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards, Andre Drummond of the Detroit Pistons and Jonas Valanciunas of the Toronto Raptors. All three players have built strong reputations, with Beal and Valanciunas having shined in the postseason.
Drummond lacks playoff experience, but he has no shortage of awe-inspiring numbers to persuade potential suitors.
Others to watch include Harrison Barnes of the Golden State Warriors, Jordan Clarkson of the Los Angeles Lakers, John Henson of the Milwaukee Bucks, Terrence Jones and Donatas Motiejunas of the Houston Rockets, Meyers Leonard of Portland and Terrence Ross of Toronto.
All of those players listed, whether role players or stars, would have a significant impact on the Knicks with the potential to start or serve in the sixth man role.
Next: The Role Players