The 2020-2021 New York Knicks season was one to remember. But now the focus shifts to the offseason and how Leon Rose builds the squad for the upcoming season.
The word on Knicks Twitter was focus on the “here and now”. Amidst a playoff appearance for the first time since 2012/2013, fans were more than happy to put the offseason on the backburner and enjoy the redemption tour featuring Julius Randle, Tom Thibodeau, and RJ Barrett.
Now that the season is officially over, speculation over how Leon Rose will handle this offseason will run rampant. What will be prioritized? Surely, after Julius Randle’s All-NBA caliber season, an extension has to the first item on the list, right? What about Mitchell Robinson? Prior to this season, Robinson was seen as a key cog in the team’s future. Injuries curtailed what could have been a breakout year for the Louisiana native, and that will certainly impact contract negotiations going forward.
Free agency/draft/trades will always a big part of the conversation. Will Rose opt to solve the perennial issue of the point guard position via free agency or through the draft? Will the front office look to consolidate the four draft picks and move up or stand pat?
Another under-the-radar question might just be the coaching of Thibodeau. Can we expect him to push all the same buttons next year? Or are there already signs that the Knicks might struggle next season.
Let’s review the top storylines for the offseason.