Not every free agency target will be a star. In order to build a true contender, the New York Knicks must sign quality players to create depth.
The New York Knicks have the cap space to make a run at a genuine impact player. Player options belonging to Arron Afflalo and Derrick Williams will determine just how much money the Knicks will have available to spend, and thus either enable or impede New York’s ability to offer a max contract.
In order to build a true contender, however, the Knicks must dramatically improve the second unit.
Improving the starting backcourt is priority No. 1, but New York’s second unit was a weakness in 2015-16. The Knicks ranked No. 21 in bench points per game, which was a tough pill to swallow after witnessing its success during the opening month of the regular season.
Improving the second unit is a necessary course of action, and that comes down to far more than just finding the ideal sixth man.
In some instances, the players listed would fill that role to perfection, but lack the name value to appear near the top of league-wide free agency trackers. In others, said contributors may not see a high number of minutes, but have a skill set that can be of great value in small doses.
No matter how large or small their role may be, the following players could help round out a second unit that’s in dire need of improvement.
Next: Honorable Mention