New York Knicks: Keys to Making the 2016 NBA Playoffs

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Jan 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Derrick Williams (23) high-fives Carmelo Anthony (7) against the Utah Jazz during overtime of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Jazz 118-111 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mention: Develop the Future

Admittedly, this point of emphasis has absolutely nothing to do with the New York Knicks’ short-term goal of making the 2016 NBA Playoffs. Achieving this won’t make much of a difference unless the development process proves to be an overnight success.

Nevertheless, it’s something that must be done sooner than later.

Kristaps Porzingis is having an excellent rookie season, but the same can’t be said for Jerian Grant. Grant’s defensive instincts and athleticism have impressed, but he’s struggled with his jump shot and, thus, appears to have lost confidence in other facets of his game.

Even Porzingis has slowed up a bit due to the erratic nature of New York’s point guard play.

Other players New York must help develop are Langston Galloway, Kyle O’Quinn, and Derrick Williams. All three are 25 or younger, and each have mixed flashes of being long-term assets for the Knicks with troubling signs of inconsistency.

This may or may not help in the pursuit of the 2016 NBA Playoffs, but if the season proves to be lost, then developing the forces of tomorrow will be of the utmost importance.

Next: Stepping Up

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