Knicks: With a Solid Off-Season, Which Teams Can New York Leapfrog?
By William Lee
Nov 10, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden. The Hawks defeated the Knicks 91-85. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
It is the dreaded days of August in the NBA, which means most major off-season moves have been completed and most rosters are set. The New York Knicks finished 17–65 last season, which is the worst record in franchise history. Let’s take a look at New York’s off-season moves and see if the Knicks can move up from the basement of the Eastern Conference. If so, which teams can the Knicks leapfrog over.
Free agency started off disastrously for the Knicks with initial reports of being a “strong candidate” for Greg Monroe, only to be spurned when Monroe signed with the Bucks instead. Then there was the debacle of not even getting a meeting with LaMarcus Aldridge, with conflicting reports of who cancelled the meeting.
With “Plan A” falling apart fast on New York, the Knicks recovered well with signings of free agent Arron Afflalo and Robin Lopez . The pair of defensive-minded players will work well with the offensive-minded Knick superstar, Carmelo Anthony. Phil Jackson then acquired Kyle O’Quinn for basically nothing in a sign and trade. Jackson finished rounding out the roster by signing Derrick Williams, Sasha Vujacic, Kevin Seraphin, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, and Darion Atkins.
The biggest additions to the roster though came via the 2015 NBA Draft, when the Knicks selected Kristaps Porzingis and traded Tim Hardaway Jr. for Jerian Grant.
With an influx of new talent for the Knicks, where does New York now rank in the Eastern Conference?
Next: Better than?