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New York Knicks: Five Reasons To Love Phil Jackson’s Offseason

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 5, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson smiles against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the 76ers 101 - 91. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson smiles against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the 76ers 101 - 91. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 2, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) reacts after dunking the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) reacts after dunking the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Finding The Glue

The New York Knicks handed out three four-year contracts during the summer of 2016. Some questioned why said players received four-year deals, but the answer can be found in the following term: glue guys.

Courtney Lee, Joakim Noah, and Lance Thomas were all signed to four-year contracts, and all three are proverbial glue guys.

Noah is a vocal leader who’s willing to play the role of both defensive anchor and enforcer. He’ll stand up for his stars and guards against opponents who try to bully them, hold his teammates accountable defensively, and selflessly facilitate the offense.

Lee and Thomas may be less prolific than the 2014 Defensive Player of the Year, but they’re just as valuable to the construction of a true contender.

Lee is a two-way player with 50 games of postseason experience, a fearlessness in the clutch, and a desire to defend the best scorer on the opposing team. Thomas is a positionally versatile two-way player who doesn’t need the ball to make an impact.

Some may be questioning why Lee, Noah, and Thomas just received four-year deals, but with long-term contracts, the glue is locked in and the core of the supporting cast has been established around Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis.

Next: Low Risk, High Reward

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