New York Knicks: Pros And Cons Of Tanking The Rest Of 2016-17

Pro: Escaping Basketball Limbo

From a roster construction point of view, the New York Knicks are currently in basketball limbo. Phil Jackson has attempted to appease Carmelo Anthony by signing veterans who better fit his timeline, as well as his desire to win in the present.

He’s split the roster with veterans and young players, however, and neither side has quite enough pull to lead New York to either the playoffs or a top draft pick.

Four roster members are 31 years of age or older, another five are 27 or older, one is 26 years old, and three are 23 years of age or younger. The 13 players acknowledged in that sentence are the heart of the rotation, with the exceptions being promising reserves Maurice Daly Ndour and Marshall Plumlee.

That may seem like a wisely structured roster that checks every box from the present to the short-term and long-term futures, but it hasn’t been given enough time to develop chemistry.

That may be acceptable with a young core, but when three full-time starters are 31 or older, the window will only stay open for so long.

Without first-round draft picks at his disposal, Jackson has been forced to build a team almost entirely through free agency and trades. Only of five of the players on the roster played for the Knicks in 2015-16, meaning 10 players had to learn how to play with their new teammates.

Thus, the question beckons: should the Knicks tank?

Must Read: Point guards to keep an eye on in the 2017 NBA Draft

No matter what decision is made, the New York Knicks must firmly commit to a vision for the 2016-17 NBA regular season to be a success.