Knicks: With a Solid Off-Season, Which Teams Can New York Leapfrog?
By William Lee
Orlando Magic
Jan 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) high fives forward Channing Frye (8) and center Nikola Vucevic (9) and guard Elfrid Payton (4) and forward Aaron Gordon (00) against the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Orlando Magic is another team that the Knicks will no doubt be better than, as the Magic Kingdom is still reeling and rebuilding from the “Dwightmare” saga. Orlando won only 25 games last season and their only significant addition was the fifth overall draft pick Mario Hezonja, who is apparently the “Croatian J.R. Smith” (great…good luck with that…).
Although who knows? Orlando’s fate will largely depend on if the young talents of Victor Oladipo, Elfrid Payton, and Aaron Gordon can make a significant jump in their progression. With all three more defensive orientated than offensive, they will all need to make progress offensively. So drafting a “Croatian J.R. Smith” does kind of make sense, adding an offensive minded player to the defensive trio.
So basically insert a young J.R. Smith to a 25-win team, the Knicks have to be better than that ball-club…right?
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