Knicks: How Leon Rose can turn New York into a contender

NY Knicks, Leon Rose (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NY Knicks, Leon Rose (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
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Feb 29, 2020; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) dunks during the second quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Year 2 Plan (2021-22 Season): Start building on foundation

If Year 1 goes as planned, then Mitch and R.J. will be rising stars, Obi Toppin will have a promising rookie season, another one of the young players will pop and the team will also have a lottery pick.

Expectations for the summer of 2021 will be be sky high as Robinson will be entering his 4th season, Barrett his 3rd and Toppin his 2nd. If Knox turns it around, he will only be 22-years-old as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.

If one of the point guards pops, Frank or DSJ, then they’ll have a player entering his 5th season at the position. That is a team that is ready to win. The Knicks can then be in the market for a dynamic playmaker to be the engine of their offense. Potential targets will be:

  1. Giannis Antetokounmpo (age26) – free agent
  2. Victor Oladipo (age 29) – free agent
  3. Bradley Beal (age 28) – trade
  4. Joel Embiid (age 27) – trade, CAA client
  5. James Harden (age 32) – trade
  6. Jrue Holiday (age 31) – free agent, player option

Year 2 expectations are simply to make the playoffs, win at least 41 games with a roster built for sustained winning.