The New York Knicks are amid a phenomenal offseason right now, as they have filled multiple current holes in their rotation, as well as stockpiled a chest of future draft picks and assets. Some could argue this is the greatest position for success the franchise has ever been in, and I do consider myself to be a part of that group.
On top of the additions of Jalen Brunson and Isaiah Hartenstein, the Knicks solidified Mitchell Robinson as the team’s premier center going forward with a four-year contract extension on Friday.
This was a massive progressive step in New York sports history, as Robinson became the first Knicks draft pick to sign a multi-year extension with the club since Charlie Ward in 1994.
The “Charlie Ward Curse” has been a blemish on New York for the better part of the past few decades, as it was the biggest deterrent to outside players’ view of the franchise.
It showed that players coming in were either not happy with the current standing of the franchise, and left for greener pastures, or were miscalculated draft picks by a disorganized front office.
In recent history, names such as Kristaps Porzingis, Frank Ntilikina, and Kevin Knox all come to mind.
The Robinson extension will pay higher dividends for the Knicks than he could ever produce on the basketball court, as it proves times are changing in the Big Apple.
What Mitchell Robinson breaking the curse means for the Knicks of the future
Robinson choosing to remain in New York means so much to the future of this franchise. It proves that first, the Leon Rose administration is creating a positive culture that players want to remain in. The Knicks have been tainted for a long time, and the past week’s additions show that there is something appealing being built in New York.
It strengthens confidence in the Knicks’ ability to draft, as although Robinson came from the past administration, GM Scott Perry has served as a member of both parties. It shows the team can properly assess talent and are aware of when they have it on the roster.
It is hoped that next up will be RJ Barrett, who will hopefully be signing a massive contract extension to become the official cornerstone player of the franchise for years to come.
The leaps of Barrett, Robinson, and now Obi Toppin build onto the growing optimism that New York has finally escaped the otherwise gloom-filled past, and may finally have the pieces together to be a consistent playoff team every season.
Hopefully, this is only the beginning of success for the Knicks, who look to make a major bounce back from last season with their new, retooled, roster this fall.
3 Knicks players that will benefit from the Isaiah Hartenstein free agency signing
The New York Knicks signed former Clippers center Isaiah Hartenstein to a two-year deal, and his presence should immediately provide a boost to the roster.