New York Knicks: Three reasons to take a flier on Blake Griffin
By Allen Settle
Why the New York Knicks should consider a trade for Blake Griffin.
The past decade (or more) of New York Knicks basketball has been largely defined by the franchise’s inability to land the superstar the city so desperately craves. Fans were certain LeBron James would be captivated by the bright lights and big stage. Then he signed with the Miami Heat. Then the Cleveland Cavilers. Then the Los Angeles Lakers…
More recently, the team was optimistic they could form a super team featuring Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Zion Williamson that would usher in a new era of winning. Not long afterwards, Zion landed in New Orleans and Durant and Irving chose to spurn the Knicks in favor of joining the crosstown Nets.
Despite their free agency misfortune, the rumor mills seem to indicate that the Knicks could be legitimate players for an All-Star caliber player, even if some well-connected people around the league believe otherwise.
While stars in the realm of LeBron and Durant are almost certainly out of the question, the Knicks have spent most of the offseason being tied to mid-level stars like DeMar DeRozan, Russell Westbrook, and Victor Oladipo. Any of these players would provide the Knicks with the best player they have had since Kristaps Prozingis. And possibly since Carmelo Anthony.
There is one lesser discussed player who may be a good fit in NYC: Pistons forward Blake Griffin. While the former dunk champion is clearly past his athletic prime, there are three reasons Leon Rose and Tom Thibodeau should consider adding him this offseason.