5 Christmas gifts Knicks fans should have on their list to Santa

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 23: New York Knicks fans cheer before Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks on May 23, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Seth Wenig - Pool/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 23: New York Knicks fans cheer before Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks on May 23, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Seth Wenig - Pool/Getty Images)
5 of 5
Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Gift #1:  The Knicks find a direction, hopefully through a blockbuster trade

The Knicks have struggled to find direction, however, the amount of young players getting meaningful minutes has shown that they do believe in their future. They’re still clearly missing that franchise superstar, though.

The Knicks are not in NBA purgatory as much as people say they are. This Knicks team will be better in three years than they are now if they do not make a single change, assuming the promising development continues. The oldest players in the rotation are 26-year-old Jalen Brunson and 28-year-old Julius Randle.

This all being said, it feels like the Knicks are that one superstar away from being a Finals contender. It’s all the team is really missing. And they have the assets to make a move for such a player.

This current Knicks roster is very good, but they are definitely not good enough to make it past the second round of the playoffs. The Knicks’ average age is 25 years old, counting Derrick Rose and Evan Fournier, both of whom are both soon to be traded. The idea of the Knicks blowing it up just doesn’t make a lot of sense with this young roster.

The Knicks almost made a major trade before the win streak began, but reportedly had a change of heart. They looked specifically at OG Anunoby before their win streak took serious hold. But Anunoby is not the superstar player I’m talking about — this team needs a Tier 1 talent.

There are no superstars currently available on the market, but every year or two, one will come up. The Knicks are in prime position to capitalize on that chance and make the team good enough to win a championship. At the end of the day, our dream gift for Knicksmas is to bring the Larry O’Brien trophy back to New York.