The Knicks failed to become competitive this season. The Knicks finished with a pitiful 17-65 record, giving them the 2nd worst record in the NBA. After the NBA Draft Lottery, the Knicks received the 4th overall pick in the 2015 Draft. Phil Jackson is now attempting to rebuild his team so he can help lead the Knicks to a championship in the near future.
The Knicks will have to make a big splash in free agency this offseason if they want to become a playoff team in the east. The Knicks are weak at almost every position. Only four players on the Knicks current roster had an above average Player Efficiency Rating (PER) last season: Carmelo Anthony with 21.5, Alexy Shved with 20.5, Cole Aldrich 18.1 and Andrea Bargnani with 16.6. Additionally, the Knicks were 29th of 30 in offensive rating and 28th of 30 in defensive rating. The Knicks need to retool their offense and defense in order to become successful.
Knicks fans fortunately have a reason to be optimistic. The Knicks only have $31.1 million in guaranteed money for the 2015-16 season and have approximately $36 million they can spend on free agents this offseason.
The Knicks projected starting lineup is Jose Calderon at point guard, Jerian Grant a shooting guard, Carmelo Anthony at small forward, Kristaps Porzinags at power forward, and Quicy Acy at center (assuming he signs a qualified offer). This year's free agent class is loaded with talent and, if the Knicks make enough shrewd signings, they could become a playoff team this upcoming season.
Some unrestricted free agents that could make an impact for the Knicks are Paul Milsap, DeMarre Carroll, Brook Lopez, Tyson Chandler, Greg Monroe, Corey Brewer, David West, DeAndre Jordan, Marc Gasol, Omer Asik, Tobias Harris, LaMarcus Aldridge, Wesley Matthews, Robin Lopez, Danny Green, and Louis Williams. The Knicks have many options to chose from this offseason. Milsap, Chandler, Monroe, Jordan, Brook Lopez, Robin Lopez, Asik, Harris, Gasol, Aldridge, and West are all players that can efficiently score in the post, rebound a high percentage a missed shots, or block and properly defend most NBA big men. Additionally, most of these players could also mentor Kristaps Porzingas into a superstar who can shoot, post-up, rebound, and shot block at an elite level.
DeMarre Carroll, Corey Brewer, Danny Green, Wesley Matthews, and Louis Williams are all players that could fill in a hole the Knicks have at shooting guard. These players are proficient at shooting 3-pointers and perimeter defense. Signing one or two of these players will vastly improve their defense and provide the Knicks with a lockdown defender that they can use to defend their opponents best playmaker.
The Knicks have the opportunity to be very successful this season and they could become a playoff team if they make smart moves during free-agency. Signing an elite power forward and center and solid three-point specialist could go a long way for the Knicks' playoff aspirations.
By Max DeMarco
All stats are via Basketball-Reference.com
