New York Knicks: Five Key Improvements Made In Free Agency

Dec 16, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) and Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) react after beating the Memphis Grizzlies 98-85 at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) and Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) react after beating the Memphis Grizzlies 98-85 at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
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Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks have made sweeping changes to the roster. In which areas have the Knicks improved the most?


Dec 16, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) and Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) react after beating the Memphis Grizzlies 98-85 at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) and Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) react after beating the Memphis Grizzlies 98-85 at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks have done what fans have been been imploring them to do for the better part of 15 years: build a contender. The immediate championship aspirations may or may not be realistic, but New York has the talent to contend.

The general consensus is that team president Phil Jackson did an excellent job in free agency, which makes the specifics of his success the topic at hand.

There was no limit to the Knicks’ areas of weakness or inconsistency during the 2015-16 season. As the 32-50 team record would imply, New York was plagued by issues that crippled its chances of making the playoffs.

The Zen Master addressed those flaws while simultaneously improving upon what may have already been strengths.

In some cases, the Knicks were already strong, but weren’t necessarily strong enough to make a push for the playoffs. In others, New York had established itself, but needed to shore up the surrounding areas to accentuate the importance of said strength.

The question is, in which areas have the Knicks improved the most on paper?

Next: Honorable Mention