The New York Knicks were never known to be masters of long term player development, as a result they have not been able to build sustained winning. However, Knicks President Leon Rose, Executive World Wide Wes, General Manager Scott Perry and Assistant General Manager Walt Perrin, who’s known as one of the best identifiers of young talent could be writing a new chapter. Turning the old page filled with unsuccessful off-seasons and poor talent retention. But Leon Rose’s front office’s validity hasn’t stopped Knick fans from worrying about what could go wrong. There’s an intense nervousness surrounding Knicks nation as the 2022 NBA Offseason and Draft approaches. Since most feelings are based on history, it’s totally understandable.
Knicks Victory Fired Up Celtics After Erasing Big Lead Earlier In Regular Season.
After missing the 2022 NBA Playoffs, many don’t know what to expect going forward, especially after Julius Randle’s surprisingly tumultuous 2021-22 regular season. It will always been signified by his infamous debacle with Knick fans on January 6th 2022. About a week later Randle gave a thumbs down gesture once again during a Knicks victory inside Atlanta Hawk’s State Farm Arena. The animosity between Randle and Knick fans intensified after the gesture inside a raucous and sold out Madison Square Garden which also witnessed an RJ Barrett game winner against the Boston Celtics. A game which Julius Randle dominated alongside Evan Fournier, Jason Tatum acknowledged the RJ Barrett game winner while stating it was the lowest point for the Boston Celtics during the 2021-22 regular season. It was a crazy night for both franchises in a tough, competitive NBA Eastern Conference. It was crazier than anybody living in that moment could ever imagine. Did the Knicks and Celtics swap fate thanks to a couple of Brad Steven’s moves combined with a Knicks front office blunder? Or could RJ Barrett and Knicks be responsible for setting fire to the 2021-22 Boston Celtics on January 6th inside of a frenzied MSG.
Brad Steven’s Big Chess Move, Combined With a Knicks Front Office Mistake Last Offseason.
The Boston Celtics got rid of Evan Fournier and Kemba Walker once Brad Stevens took the Executive position before the 2021-22 regular season started. The Celtics are currently in the NBA Finals challenging the Golden State Warriors to the fullest extent. The Knicks on the other hand have to get rid of Fournier and Walker in order to become elite defensively once again. A Julius Randle trade would be ideal this offseason as well due to his issues with Knick fans and media.
Elite Defense Must Be Knicks Calling Card Under Tom Thibodeau.
Drafting an elite defensive player like Tari Eason would push the Knicks closer to elite defensive status mid to long term especially if Mitchell Robinson is re-signed. Tom Thibodeau is a defensive genius with noticeable strategic shortcomings offensively. Therefore, defenses which forces turnovers, leading to more offensive opportunities is what Thibodeau would cherish any day of the week.
Many teams are expected to make signings and trades this offseason including the Knicks. The landscape of the NBA is changing in terms of what kind of personnel can take a franchise deep into the NBA Playoffs. Versatility on both ends of the floor is becoming more and more of a priority. Stock piling talented defensively and offensively versatile basketball players must be a prime concern.
The Knicks media has their eyes on the following potential draft picks: Bennedict Mathurin, Johnny Davis, Dyson Daniels, Tari Eason, Jalen Duren, Malaki Branham, Ochai Agbaji, Jeremy Sochan, Shaedon Sharpe, and TyTy Washington. Nobody really knows who the Knicks organization have their eyes on because they’re extremely tight lipped. However, 11th pick in a NBA draft is high enough to land a solid basketball player. Walt Perrin has a track record of doing his due diligence on prospects since his days in Utah.
It’s understandable for Knick fans to worry, however, with Walt Perrin involved, there’s a good chance the draft will go very well. Perrin be a bigger asset than perceived. The Knicks need Perrin to help them hit on this pick as this draft is extremely important to the future outlook for the franchise.
The New York Rangers success has kept James Dolan happy, thus helping allow Leon Rose and company to continue cooking the necessary ingredients in peace. Nervousness is normal for Knick fans, until the front office proves otherwise. Time will tell all.
