The New York Knicks have made a lot of moves this offseason, but there are still needs that must be addressed after the first week of NBA Free Agency.
The nba free agent is a term used to describe an NBA player who is not under contract with any team. This week, there have been many signings and trades made by teams around the league.
The New York Knicks made the playoffs for the first time since the 2012-13 season. They reached the playoffs, but were defeated in the first round by the Atlanta Hawks in five games.
The Knicks made several key acquisitions and re-signings that may help them go farther in the playoffs.
The Knicks signed guards Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier in free agency. Walker agreed to a buyout with the Oklahoma City Thunder in order to join the Knicks, reportedly for more than $20 million. Fournier agreed to a four-year, $78 million contract with the Knicks.
Derrick Rose, Nerlens Noel, and Alec Burks were also inked to three-year contracts by the Knicks. Taj Gibson was also signed to a one-year contract. The most significant move they made was to sign All-Star Julius Randle to a four-year, $117 million contract extension.
If they want to make a deep playoff run, they still have work to do.
After the first week of NBA Free Agency in 2021, this is the most pressing issue the Knicks must address.
The Knicks’ most pressing need is for defensive guards.
Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks’ head coach, is a defensive coach, yet the team lacks defensive guards. The Knicks must concentrate on acquiring defensive guards to complete their lineup. They have good depth across the squad and have the potential to be a top team in the Eastern Conference next season.
The NBA is plenty with skill, but the Knicks have a fantastic lineup. Julius Randle is a rising star for them, and they have a solid young core around him. The offseason acquisitions have given them experienced talent that may help the team’s nucleus develop.
Walker’s addition will provide another scoring threat while also allowing Rose to resume his role as a valuable sixth man. Walker had a poor year last season, averaging 19.3 points per game. Rose, who came off the bench, averaged 14.9 points a game and shot 41.1 percent from three. Fournier was also added, and he may be a good 3rd or 4th scoring option while also helping to spread the floor. Fournier scored 17.1 points per game last season and hit 41.3 percent from three-point range. These players will undoubtedly have a significant effect, but they must be partnered with defensive guards.
Who can the Knicks target?
The issue now is who the Knicks can bring in to fill this void. Avery Bradley and Josh Hart, for example, are still available on the market. Bradley has spent his whole career as a three-and-d player with a plenty of expertise. Bradley averaged 6.4 points per game last season and has a lifetime 36.4 percent three-point shooting percentage. He’d be a fantastic signing for New York.
Hart, on the other hand, would be the ideal addition for the Knicks. He averaged 9.2 points and 8 rebounds per game. Hart is the prototypical role player, yet he is a restricted free agent. The New Orleans Pelicans have the option to match any offer made to Hart, but the Knickerbockers should still make him an offer.
If the Knicks are successful in acquiring Hart, he may become an important component of their core.
This season, the Knicks will face stiff competition in the Eastern Conference. The Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks are the obvious contenders, but there are a number of other good teams as well. With clubs like the Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks, and Boston Celtics, it will be difficult. The Knickerbockers have the potential to compete with these clubs and are expected to have a successful season.
Even in a tough conference, the Knicks are expected to make another postseason push.
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