Why the Knicks Made the Right Choice to Stand Pat
Frustration and disappointment are understandable when two big stars get traded and neither one ends up in New York City. However, the Knicks made the right decision by sticking to their plan of building internally and stockpiling assets for a future championship contender.
While the Bucks and Celtics may have improved their rosters by acquiring Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, respectively, the Knicks have chosen to remain unchanged. As currently constituted, they are not any better than they were last year. Their ceiling is a return trip to the Eastern Conference semifinals, with a chance for more if unforeseen circumstances or unexpected performances arise.
Trading for Lillard wouldn’t have made much sense for the Knicks, as they already have a ball-dominant lead guard in Jalen Brunson. Jrue Holiday could have been a good fit, but the cost of acquiring him would have been too high.
Team president Leon Rose has been wise to be patient and resist the temptation for quick fixes. He learned from the mistakes of the past, such as trading for Carmelo Anthony in 2011, which improved the team but not enough to make them true contenders.
The Knicks’ roster is young and has room for development. Coach Tom Thibodeau’s rotation features mostly young players, and the team believes in their ability to improve. They have seen promising signs, such as the ascension of Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett’s strong postseason performance.
While the Knicks are still on the clock to land a franchise-changing talent, settling for a smaller acquisition that won’t significantly change their trajectory wouldn’t have been a smart move.
Postcards from Charleston
Our time in Charleston had its unexpected moments, from a misinformed Uber driver warning of flooding to trying new and delicious cuisine, like rabbit at Husk.
The Knicks’ training camp at The Citadel with its military college backdrop provided a unique setting for preparation.
Improvement through Stability
The Knicks’ approach to training camp is centered around stability and continuity, with only one change in the rotation from last season. They have made important changes to their support staff but remain focused on maintaining a consistent roster.
Backup power forward Josh Hart will provide valuable rebounding and defense behind Julius Randle. While it was initially assumed that RJ Barrett would also play at power forward, coach Thibodeau clarified that his primary backups will be Hart and Jericho Sims.
Exploring a Two-Big Lineup
The Knicks have shown interest in using a two-big lineup with Jericho Sims and Isaiah Hartenstein against bigger opponents. This alignment proved effective in offensive rebounding, and Sims’ athleticism allows him to defend on the perimeter.
While the offensive performance in this lineup may need improvement, it presents a strategic advantage in terms of second-chance scoring opportunities.
Overall, the Knicks’ decision to stand pat and focus on internal development shows their commitment to a long-term plan. They may still be waiting for the big fish, but settling for a smaller catch wouldn’t lead to significant progress.
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