3 Reasons why the New York Knicks should MOSTLY run it back

The Knicks have been the largest surprise in the NBA this season. After many expected them to be one of the worst teams in the league, they currently sit in the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 34-27.

Their success has not come at a cost, as the team currently has the 2nd cheapest payroll in the league behind the tanking Oklahoma City Thunder. This leaves them with a boatload of cap space for the upcoming offseason, and many have fantasized about the possibilities that may arise to upgrade the roster from top to bottom.

The New York Knicks should try to run it back next year, with one exception.

The most glaring need is a starting point guard, and that must be addressed. Elfrid Payton has struggled mightily this season, and it’s extremely unlikely that the team brings him back in any capacity next year.

There’s also a surprisingly attractive crop of potential free-agent point guards. The field is littered with veteran All-Stars such as Chris Paul, Kyle Lowry, and Mike Conley while also possessing some younger talent such as Dennis Schröder and Lonzo Ball.

However, the Knicks’ newfound success has altered some free agency expectations. Outside of Payton, New York has eight other players expected to hit free agency. Five of those eight players are currently part of the team’s rotation.

Team president Leon Rose should look to upgrade the point guard position but should spend the rest of the Knicks’ $50 million in cap space to retain the current playoff core and run it back next season.