Even though the New York Knicks have finished their season, there are still many unanswered questions in the Big Apple. Those questions are answered in Fact or Fib.
After finishing with a 32-50 record—an increase of 15 wins from the previous season—there are many questions in the Big Apple. While Carmelo Anthony said he is committed to winning in New York, will he finish the season with the Knicks?
After starting off the season as a front-runner for Rookie of the Year, Kristaps Porzingis saw his numbers slip in the final months of the season. Could Porzingis face a sophomore slump?
Questions like this could surround the Knicks up to the start of the season, so it’s time to determine if these questions are a fact or a fib.
Carmelo Anthony will finish the season in New York – Fact
The short answer is yes, but the best option is for him to find a new home, if he has the desire to win a championship. Anthony has stated on numerous occasions that he won’t have his no-trade clause and that he wants to win in New York. He has stated before that he is proud to represent these colors .
The only issue is that the Knicks haven’t been successful in years. The Knicks are three years removed from a playoff series win, but haven’t had much success in the playoffs since 1999.
The organization has been dysfunctional for the past 15 years and the front office has to take most of the blame. Since 2011, when Anthony arrived in New York, the team has seen four different head coaches come and go. Jeff Hornacek will be the head coach next season, which will make him Anthony’s fifth coach in five plus seasons.
The Knicks should go into rebuild mode, even though the word rebuild is almost unthinkable in any New York sport. If the former Syracuse product wants to stay in New York for his own reasons (pride and business opportunities), fine. But when Anthony puts his trust in a dysfunctional organization, its hard to feel pity for him when he says he wants to win with the Knicks; especially when the Knicks are not known for winning.
If he is hellbent on winning, like he says, Anthony will waive his no-trade clause and find a good situation where he can win. That situation is not likely to happen. When April of 2017 rolls around, Carmelo Anthony will still be on the Knicks’ roster.
Kristaps Porzingis will suffer a sophomore slump – Fib
I would have to go with a negative on this answer. Former head coach Kurt Rambis had Kristaps Porzingis play in the post on numerous occasions. With new coach Jeff Hornacek in town, there is a chance that the Knicks run more pick and rolls and shoot more threes per game. With a season under his belt, I believe the Latvian native will see more three-point looks.
According to TB analyst and former head coach Jeff Van Gundy, he thinks Hornacek won’t run the Triangle (h/t Ian Begley of ESPN New York).
"“The things I’ve heard is that he’s not going to be required to run the triangle,” Van Gundy said of Hornacek. “Which is smart from the standpoint that he’s never taught it before. So you don’t want to come in trying [something] that you’ve never played in or taught. I’m interested in that. But I think it’s an inspired choice.”"
While Porzingis shot around the league average in three-point percentage, it would not be out of the blue to see that percentage increase. Last season, he shot 33 percent from downtown and the league average is 35 percent.
In his two full seasons with the Phoenix Suns, the Hornacek-led teams were Top 10 in the league in three-point shots made; the Suns were fifth in the league during the 2013-14 season and 10th in the league in 2014-15.
The New York Knicks will bring in a big name free agent during the offseason – Fib
Instead of investing in one big name, this Knicks should invest in many players who can give the team depth. Having cap space won’t lure in a free agent, as every team will have money to spend.
Players want to be on a team that gives them the best chance to win. Right now, the Knicks don’t have a good chance at winning.
Instead of chasing the big fish, it would be best for the team to try to fill their needs.
Even though the Knicks could offer a free agent the maximum contract, the team could put their money to better use. New York’s available salary cap could increase depending on what decision Arron Afflalo and Derrick Williams make. After showing he was upset with his move to the bench, there is a possibility Afflalo declines his player option and tries to find a new home.
Derrick Williams was able to have a solid season and made improvements on defense. Like Porzingis, Williams saw his play decline under Rambis. With the former number two overall pick set to make $4.6 million next year, it is likely he will opt-out and pick up a new contract.
Depending on what Afflalo and Williams decide to do, the Knicks could add more money to their free agency splurge.
If you’re making a checklist of the Knicks’ needs, backcourt and wing help would be at the top of the list. The Knicks have been interested in Rajon Rondo previously, but he will likely command big money. Brandon Jennings could be in range, even though he is 16 months removed from rupturing his left Achilles tendon.
Jennings could be a player the Knicks take a chance on, since it would be a low-cost acquisition. Allen Crabbe could also be on New York’s radar.
New York’s free agent list continues with Kent Bazemore and Nicolas Batum. Bazemore and Batum are on the market and would be an upgrade if the Knicks are able to bring one of them in. Both swingmen had productive seasons and made an impact for their team in the playoffs. Batum has the ability to run an offense and can be a good shot maker alongside Anthony.
With the holes New York has, it’s best to try to fill those holes with the available salary cap. Even though the Knicks currently have no draft picks, the team could potentially buy a second round pick. That would be beneficial for the Knicks since that player could develop in the D-League, if need be.
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If the Knicks can fill some of their holes during the offseason, it will be a positive sign for their future.