New York Knicks: Scott Perry believes unity, patience the keys to success
New York Knicks general manager Scott Perry has been revealing his principles for success. Perry believes that unity and patience will be crucial.
The New York Knicks have completed the construction of the front office. Steve Mills has been promoted to president, and Scott Perry has been hired as general manager. Although a palpable sense of excitement is growing, some remain skeptical of how much pull Perry will have.
As the Knicks approach one of the biggest decisions in franchise history, Perry is making it clear what the principles of his leadership will be.
Prior to taking the job as general manager of the Knicks, Perry explained that he prefers players who put the team first. His exact words wefd, “No agendas,” which is a principle that he grew to embrace during his tenure with Joe Dumars and the Detroit Pistons.
According to Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, Perry’s optimistic take on the Knicks is that the franchise requires time, patience, and organization.
"“I am a guy who always sees the positive in things,” Perry said. “I see great potential there. Look, you’re in New York City. The Knicks franchise is known around the globe. You just need some time, patience, organization and to put it together right.”"
That’s a fair take given the promising state of the current roster, as well as New York’s future draft picks.
Phil Jackson left something of a mess for Mills and Perry to clean up, but he also provided pieces to work with. Kristaps Porzingis is widely regarded as a future All-Star, Willy Hernangomez put forth a strong rookie season in 2016-17, and Frank Ntilikina has two-way potential.
Furthermore, New York is in possession of every one of its future first-round draft picks—a rarity for an organization that’s lived and died by free agency under owner James Dolan.
The question is: Can Perry and Mills take advantage of the opportunity to build a sustainably successful roster?
One of the priorities of the newly structured front office is to build a healthier culture for the players and coaches to grow in. Jackson did a solid job of identifying talent, but his off-court feuds with Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis ultimately resulted in his undoing.
Per Spears, Perry believes that the key to capitalizing on what’s at his disposal will be a unified approach between he, Steve Mills, head coach Jeff Hornacek, and the players.
"“Everything you need in New York is there to change things around and have a very successful team. Now, it’s about going out there and doing it and getting everybody on the same page, so that will be a part of my role in helping Steve do that. It’s going to be a unified front in everything that we do. Have a culture of inclusion and being about the team, and not about ourselves and our own egos.”"
Perry has made it abundantly clear that the key to New York realizing its potential and achieving long-term success will be disregarding egos for the betterment of the team.
Perry has 30 years of basketball experience, including his 17 years as an executive. He was with Dumars and the Pistons from 2000 to 2007—a stretch during which Detroit won a championship, made a second NBA Finals, and reached five consecutive Conference Finals.
The Pistons made a sixth straight Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 2008 with a core that Perry played a significant role in assembling.
After he left Detroit, Perry helped the Orlando Magic draft the likes of Aaron Gordon, Victor Oladipo, and Elfrid Payton. All three moves displayed a commitment to defense, as well as an intriguing eye for talent in two generally weak draft classes.
In 2017, Perry was largely credited with the Sacramento Kings’ outstanding offseason. That includes the selections of De’Aaron Fox, Harry Giles, and Justin Jackson at the NBA Draft, and the signings of respected veterans Vince Carter, George Hill, and Zach Randolph in free agency.
James Dolan’s hope is that Scott Perry can do for the New York Knicks as he did for the Detroit Pistons and Sacramento Kings by building a healthy and sustainable culture
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The signs are pointing in New York’s favor.