Ready to talk 2022-23 NBA .. ESPN Ranking .. Knicks # 20

Kiyaman

Legend
What do the Knicks FO have to do the remainder of the offseason, or during the regular season to become a #15 team in the 2022-23 NBA season ???

1. Golden State Warriors
Post-Finals ranking: 1
2023 title odds: +550

The Warriors lost Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr., but they brought in Donte DiVincenzo and JaMychal Green -- two players that, on paper, fit the Warriors' system. If they look as good with Golden State in reality as they do hypothetically -- in addition to their youngsters taking the next step and their core remaining the same -- the Warriors should be just as dangerous in 2022-23. -- Andrews

2. Boston Celtics
Post-Finals ranking: 2
2023 title odds: +450

After struggling offensively during the playoffs, Boston added two significant weapons -- guard Malcolm Brogdon and forward Danilo Gallinari -- without sacrificing a single player from the eight-man rotation that got the Celtics to last season's NBA Finals. Barring any blockbuster moves, Boston will go into next season as one of the deepest teams in the NBA. -- Bontemps
Editor's Picks

3. Milwaukee Bucks
Post-Finals ranking: 3
2023 title odds: +800

Would the Bucks have made it back to the NBA Finals if Khris Middleton had been healthy for their second-round matchup with the Celtics? We'll never know the answer, but Milwaukee is bringing back virtually its entire roster -- the Bucks re-signed Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, Wesley Matthews and Jevon Carter. The Bucks did add Joe Ingles, who will be 35 in October and is coming off an ACL tear, but if he can bounce back to his pre-injury form he could add some much-needed wing depth. -- Collier

4. Memphis Grizzlies
Post-Finals ranking: 4
2023 title odds: +2000

Memphis' biggest move of the offseason was landing a full five-year max deal for superstar guard Ja Morant. Signing his backup, Tyus Jones, on a new deal was no small feat, either. The impact of losing Kyle Anderson, a key part of their frontcourt rotation, will be one to monitor next season. -- Bontemps

5. Phoenix Suns
Post-Finals ranking: 7
2023 title odds: +800

What happens when Deandre Ayton returns to camp? The big man signed an offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers during free agency, but that deal was quickly matched by the Suns. Ayton averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds last season and has averaged a double-double in each of his four seasons in the league. Now, he gets the chance to continue building with the Suns, who are coming off a league-best 64 wins. -- Lopez

6. LA Clippers
Post-Finals ranking: 8
2023 title odds: +800

With Kawhi Leonard returning, the Clippers have put together one of the most expensive rosters in NBA history by re-signing Nicolas Batum and Amir Coffey, extending Ivica Zubac with a raise and adding John Wall. The Clippers do have one spot remaining for a training-camp battle, which could go to a replacement for departed Isaiah Hartenstein as a backup to Zubac in the middle. -- Pelton

7. Miami Heat
Post-Finals ranking: 6
2023 title odds: +1400

Losing P.J. Tucker hurts -- he was popular in the locker room and an important piece of a team that came within a couple plays of making the Finals. The Heat did re-sign Victor Oladipo and Dewayne Dedmon, but they have not found that extra piece that would help push them over the top in the East. The rumor mill will continue to connect them to Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell, but it remains to be seen if they have the pieces to make either deal a reality. -- Friedell

8. Dallas Mavericks
Post-Finals ranking: 5
2023 title odds: +2200

While the Mavericks traded for Christian Wood and signed JaVale McGee to dramatically change the look of their frontcourt, the move that will hang over Dallas heading into next season is Jalen Brunson leaving to sign with the Knicks. Now, Dallas will enter training camp with just two ball handlers on their roster -- though they are two pretty good ones in superstar Luka Doncic and 2021-22 midseason trade acquisition Spencer Dinwiddie. -- Bontemps

9. Denver Nuggets
Post-Finals ranking: 9
2023 title odds: +2000

The Nuggets will finally be healthy next season with the return of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., which should help Denver take a step forward. The loss of Monte Morris stings, but acquiring Ish Smith as a backup point guard helps. Signing Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope puts more impact players around two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. -- Andrews

10. Philadelphia 76ers
Post-Finals ranking: 11
2023 title odds: +1600

The 76ers knew they needed to shore up some weaknesses this offseason, namely athleticism, rebounding and toughness. By adding De'Anthony Melton, Danuel House Jr. and P.J. Tucker, Philadelphia did just that. Those moves were made possible largely because James Harden took a pay cut, which signaled everyone in the franchise is pulling in the same direction. -- Bontemps

11. Minnesota Timberwolves
Post-Finals ranking: 12
2023 title odds: +3500

The Timberwolves made the shocking move of the offseason when they unloaded several draft picks to bring in Rudy Gobert, arguably the NBA's best defensive player, to pair with another All-NBA center in Karl-Anthony Towns. Between watching how well those two mesh and how budding star Anthony Edwards evolves, there will be few more intriguing teams to watch next season than Minnesota -- a sentence that has rarely been said throughout the franchise's 30-plus years. -- Bontemps

12. Toronto Raptors
Post-Finals ranking: 15
2023 title odds: +2800

The Raptors didn't make any waves this offseason, retaining Chris Boucher and Thaddeus Young to continue to boast a roster with as many interchangeable 6-foot-8 players as any team in the NBA. And while the ongoing drama surrounding Durant continues to linger around the franchise, it's been made clear Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes won't be part of any potential package. -- Bontemps
2022-23 NBA Schedule

13. Brooklyn Nets
Post-Finals ranking: 10
2023 title odds: +1800

The summer of discontent continues for the Nets. Where Kevin Durant ultimately lands remains the single biggest question in the league -- and Kyrie Irving's future in Brooklyn might be the second biggest. The Nets added Royce O'Neale and T.J. Warren and were able to retain Patty Mills and Nic Claxton. Brooklyn could have a dangerous roster in place if Ben Simmons can return to form next season -- but Durant's future hovers over everything. -- Friedell

14. Chicago Bulls
Post-Finals ranking: 13
2023 title odds: +5000

Chicago made a few minor additions -- veterans Andre Drummond and Goran Dragic -- in free agency, but the health of Lonzo Ball will be perhaps their biggest storyline heading into training camp. The Bulls were a different team with Ball on the floor, but the club has remained vague about the status of his recovery from a season-ending left knee injury suffered in January. The Bulls are hopeful he will be ready for the start of camp. -- Collier

15. Atlanta Hawks
Post-Finals ranking: 19
2023 title odds: +5500

The Hawks made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason in late June when they traded for All-Star guard Dejounte Murray for three first-round picks (two unprotected). Now the Hawks move forward with a backcourt of Murray and Trae Young. Atlanta also added Justin Holiday and Aaron Holiday in separate deals, reuniting two of the league's three Holiday brothers while also picking up Frank Kaminsky. But all eyes will be on how Young and Murray mesh once training camp begins. -- Lopez

16. New Orleans Pelicans
Post-Finals ranking: 16
2023 title odds: +3500

It's been a relatively quiet offseason in New Orleans, aside from Zion Williamson inking a five-year designated rookie max extension. But that's what happens when you enter the offseason with 14 guaranteed contracts and a first-rounder. The Pelicans selected Dyson Daniels with the No. 8 overall pick they received from the Lakers in the Anthony Davis deal. Now, the focus will be on Williamson getting up to speed after missing the entire 2021-22 season. -- Lopez

17. Cleveland Cavaliers
Post-Finals ranking: 18
2023 title odds: +12500

The Cavs addressed a few items on their offseason checklist: signing Darius Garland to a five-year max extension, bringing back Ricky Rubio after his ACL tear in December and adding backup big Robin Lopez. Yet, Collin Sexton still remains unsigned after Cleveland extended a qualifying offer before the start of free agency, making him a restricted free agent. -- Collier

18. Los Angeles Lakers
Post-Finals ranking: 17
2023 title odds: +950

The Lakers hired highly regarded Darvin Ham as coach and wisely prioritized youth in free agency, filling out their bench by signing Troy Brown Jr., Thomas Bryant, Damian Jones, Juan Toscano-Anderson and Lonnie Walker IV. After signing LeBron James to a two-year extension, can they now find a way to trade Russell Westbrook for Kyrie Irving? If not, Ham's biggest challenge will be figuring out how Westbrook fits. -- Pelton

19. Portland Trail Blazers
Post-Finals ranking: 23
2023 title odds: +12500

The Blazers are hoping last year's lottery trip was a gap year due to Damian Lillard's abdominal surgery. They extended Lillard, dealt for starting forward Jerami Grant and re-signed Jusuf Nurkic and Anfernee Simons before signing Gary Payton II to strengthen the bench. Long term, No. 7 pick Shaedon Sharpe -- sidelined minutes into an NBA Summer League title run -- offers potential, but Portland's vets will be counted on to deliver an improved season. -- Pelton

20. New York Knicks
Post-Finals ranking: 22
2023 title odds: +7500

The Knicks -- finally -- have a point guard of both the present and future, landing Jalen Brunson as a free agent and giving the team a much-needed floor general. Will the Knicks, who have the most to offer in a Donovan Mitchell trade, find a way to add the Westchester native, too? -- Bontemps

21. Charlotte Hornets
Post-Finals ranking: 20
2023 title odds: +25000

The Hornets re-signed Cody Martin to a four-year deal and drafted big man Mark Williams out of Duke -- but the biggest news continues to revolve around Miles Bridges. The restricted free agent is facing three felony domestic violence charges and his future in the league is hazy at best. -- Friedell

22. Washington Wizards
Post-Finals ranking: 24
2023 title odds: +50000

The Wizards re-signed Bradley Beal to a max deal and he remains the focal point of everything the organization does. Washington also snagged Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis with the 10th pick in the draft, which should help take some offensive pressure off Beal. They also signed big man Taj Gibson, who will fit nicely as a veteran presence in the locker room. -- Friedell

23. Sacramento Kings
Post-Finals ranking: 25
2023 title odds: +35000

"We're getting 40 wins this year" is the rallying cry for Sacramento fans eager to crack the postseason for the first time since 2006. There's reason to believe the play-in at minimum is possible after No. 4 pick Keegan Murray impressed as MVP of the NBA Summer League, and the Kings added Kevin Huerter (via trade) and Malik Monk (via free agency) to their backcourt. Optimism is justified for Mike Brown's first season as coach. -- Pelton

24. Detroit Pistons
Post-Finals ranking: 27
2023 title odds: +50000

The Pistons came away from draft night feeling like one of the biggest winners in the league, landing guard Jaden Ivey at No. 5 and center Jalen Duren at No. 13. Together with Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart, they give Detroit a solid foundation. -- Collier

25. Utah Jazz
Post-Finals ranking: 14
2023 title odds: +30000

After trading Rudy Gobert to Minnesota for a boatload of draft picks and mostly expiring contracts, it is a new era in Salt Lake City. The only question now is how much longer Donovan Mitchell will remain there -- and how much the Jazz will get for him when he is inevitably moved. -- Bontemps

26. San Antonio Spurs
Post-Finals ranking: 21
2023 title odds: +100000

The rebuild is a full-go in San Antonio. The Spurs dealt Dejounte Murray, let Lonnie Walker IV walk and waived Danilo Gallinari -- the player they received in the Murray deal -- outright. With three first-round picks, the Spurs added Baylor's Jeremy Sochan, Ohio State's Malaki Branham and Notre Dame's Blake Wesley. All three players will be 19 when the season starts. The Spurs hope to have plenty of draft success in the future, especially after prying away three first-rounders from Atlanta in the Murray deal. -- Lopez

27. Indiana Pacers
Post-Finals ranking: 26
2023 title odds: +50000

The Pacers launched further into full rebuild mode, trading Malcolm Brogdon to the Celtics in the latest move to accumulate assets. Drafting Bennedict Mathurin and adding Jalen Smith gives the Pacers more intriguing young players next to promising young guard Tyrese Haliburton. -- Collier

28. Orlando Magic
Post-Finals ranking: 30
2023 title odds: +100000

Orlando's big decision came down during a dramatic draft night, when it selected Paolo Banchero with the No. 1 overall pick. The hope is that Banchero can develop into the face of the franchise star it hasn't had since Dwight Howard. The Magic re-signed Mo Bamba and Gary Harris -- now they have to hope Jonathan Isaac can still be a difference-maker as he returns from missing over two years because of a knee injury. -- Friedell

29. Oklahoma City Thunder
Post-Finals ranking: 28
2023 title odds: +50000

As usual, the Thunder were busy on draft night, making three of the first 12 picks. No. 2 selection Chet Holmgren showed his potential during summer league and immediately joins guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey in Oklahoma City's core, while Ousmane Dieng and Jalen Williams give the Thunder two more promising wings. -- Pelton

30. Houston Rockets
Post-Finals ranking: 29
2023 title odds: +100000

The Rockets continued their youth movement by drafting a pair of forwards -- Jabari Smith Jr. (third overall) and Tari Eason (17th) -- in June's draft. Smith now slots in alongside Jalen Green as the centerpieces of Houston's rebuild in the post-James Harden era, as the Rockets will have a very young, yet intriguing roster to follow. -- Bontemps
 

Kiyaman

Legend
The T'Wolves adding a top leadership veteran player in Rudy Gobert to the rotation may result in the Ant-Man T'Wolves having 50 wins in the up-coming season !!!

The Brooklyn Nets will be the top interesting & intriguing NBA team at the start of training-camp .. who will show-up ???

Now, the Knicks may look improve from last season at every position.
However, Thibs foolishness are still the Knicks head coach.

The Center position looks young and improve, having MitchRob signed for 4 yrs, and having a older PF/C Hartenstein as back up, plus having a valuable 3rd wheel in the young PF/C Sims.

The PF Randle ??? Plus 3rd season PF Obi Toppin are looking to have an exciting season to gain a contract extension this time next season.

The SF RJ Barrett and SF Cam Reddish are in their final rookie contract season, and should be working hard to step-up their level of performance, before the February deadline.

The SG Fournier and SG Quickley as backup are two dynamic scorers in the back court rotation, plus having a raw 2-Way dazzler in young SG Grimes (surprise-surprise!).

The Knicks new starter PG Brunson, plus a healthy D.Rose as the 4th qtr. Game-Closer, plus having Quickley's dynamic combo-guard services to change-up scenarios in a game.
Having (Charlie Ward) Mcbride on the bench .. much improvement from last season PG rotation.

P.S. would like to keep Randle at the 28-32 minute range, to give fans a 16 to 20 minute show of Quickley & Toppin above the rim dynamics !!!
 

tiger0330

Legend
Can't disagree with these rankings seeing the teams in front of us. Minnesota might be more surprising with the addition of Gobert and moving KAT to PF, Anthony Edwards also looks to make a leap by the looks of his off season workouts.

Thibs is going to be on the hot seat if the Knicks are only going to be a marginal play-in team though. Heat on him to out-perform will be even greater if Rose does get Spider.
 

mafra

Legend
Sounds about right, but if D-Rose is healthy and Randle is more 2020 self than 2019 & 2021, then this team could be a top 8 in EC.

Personally, I would see if LAK would do Westbrook for Evan, Rose, and Cam. Trade works financially?

If LAK would give NYK their 2027 & 2029 first rounders?. Then I would scratch DM for now and make that deal.

1) Those LAK picks would be gold! Knicks would have a king?s treasury of draft assets?.

2) Let Brunson acclimate and take over the team?. Run the offense without pressure to fit with DM.

3) Let RJ blossom, along with development for Grimes, Obi, IQ

4) Preserve depth and save ammo for another day.

5) Cap jumps up big time after 2024 season.

Westbrook can slide into that D-Rose roll. 6th man and closer. He?s way more dependable?.

This gives team a season to repair Randle?s rare value while seeing what kids have before the dump them.

Revisit DM come deadline. If it goes bad early, then tank for Wamby.

Imagine being a EC contender in 2027 and landing number 1 pick bc of LAK.

NYK would be able to get the next star when he?s available with all that ammo.

I would welcome DM for Obi, IQ and 4 picks?. But why? This route is almost as good?. Test run? to see what we have with Brunson, Randle, RJ.
 

tiger0330

Legend
Props to Mafra for the above post and though off topic props to him for being on point about an article that I saw in THE Athletic that RJ Barrett is the first draft pick in 23 years to be extended since Ward. Mafra mentions that fact all the time as evidence of what's wrong with the Knicks. RJ is somewhat controversial around here and in the media as to whether he is going to be a star but the Knicks signed him to a generous contract but did not sign him to a max deal as was rumored.
 
This was a ?Save Face? move by the FO. By all accounts by numerous sources RJ Barrett at best is a ?Decent player?.

Frank was decent. Knox was decent. Dotson was decent(much better than decent).

So what was proven here?? Nothing more than Knicks are trying to save face in the public eye(those that don?t know nothing). All the GM, Coaches and sportswriters know the truth.

Fooling yourself!!
 

Kiyaman

Legend
Props to Mafra for the above post and though off topic props to him for being on point about an article that I saw in THE Athletic that RJ Barrett is the first draft pick in 23 years to be extended since Ward. Mafra mentions that fact all the time as evidence of what's wrong with the Knicks. RJ is somewhat controversial around here and in the media as to whether he is going to be a star but the Knicks signed him to a generous contract but did not sign him to a max deal as was rumored.

The Knicks change of GMs every 3 to 4 yrs were the reason (and Problem) the Knicks got rid of several potential Knicks draft picks (Ariza, David Lee, Nate Robinson, Gallinari, Chandler, and KP) in the past decade.

Ainge did make Knicks Leon Rose look like an amateur in the business throughout the 2022 offseason .. Sad!
Leon Rose had to do something crazy in the past two offseason, after not being able to sign any of the young FA PG in the 2021 offseason, Leon gave Randle an extension after all the young FA PG signed on to a team.
Now, having NBA fans and the NBA league during the month of July believe the 3 all-star Donovan Mitchell was just a phone call and extra draft pick away from being traded to the Knicks .. and it does't happen! Because the Cavs entered the Donovan Mitchell trade-talk the first day of September, and get the Donovan Mitchell trade completed over the weekend.
Could u imagine Leon Rose face when told Ainge already traded Donovan Mitchell to the Cavs over the weekend? Sad! Sad!
I guess, to try to drown out the sports news of Donovan Mitchell been traded to the Cavs .... Leon Rose make news of giving the first draft pick in 23 years an extension contract .. RJ Barrett !!!

During the early month of February 2023. the question will arrive ..
How will u Grade RJ Barrett's 4 season performance ???
A - 4 season Keeper
B - 2 season keeper
C - Trade-Table
 

Kiyaman

Legend
Sounds about right, but if D-Rose is healthy and Randle is more 2020 self than 2019 & 2021, then this team could be a top 8 in EC.

Personally, I would see if LAK would do Westbrook for Evan, Rose, and Cam. Trade works financially?

If LAK would give NYK their 2027 & 2029 first rounders?. Then I would scratch DM for now and make that deal.

1) Those LAK picks would be gold! Knicks would have a king?s treasury of draft assets?.

2) Let Brunson acclimate and take over the team?. Run the offense without pressure to fit with DM.

3) Let RJ blossom, along with development for Grimes, Obi, IQ

4) Preserve depth and save ammo for another day.

5) Cap jumps up big time after 2024 season.

Westbrook can slide into that D-Rose roll. 6th man and closer. He?s way more dependable?.

This gives team a season to repair Randle?s rare value while seeing what kids have before the dump them.

Revisit DM come deadline. If it goes bad early, then tank for Wamby.

Imagine being a EC contender in 2027 and landing number 1 pick bc of LAK.

NYK would be able to get the next star when he?s available with all that ammo.

I would welcome DM for Obi, IQ and 4 picks?. But why? This route is almost as good?. Test run? to see what we have with Brunson, Randle, RJ.


A heathy D.Rose and Randle will need a 30 minute hustling Bullock's chemistry in the rotation to be an above .500 record team in the Eastern Conference.
Last season the Knicks had no chemistry on the court, once Kemba & Rose went out of the rotation.
Hopefully, weeks before training camp start .. Brunson, Barrett, and Cam Reddish trio could get together to put some time on the court to get on the same-page.
I'm a Big Fan of the Knicks 2nd unit scoring-depth trio D.Rose, Quickley, and Obi Toppin .. the chemistry they bring to MSG .. Dynamic !!!

I already selected how the Atlantic Division will turn out in the 2022-23 season ..
1) Philly 76ers .. above .500 b.ball
2) Brooklyn Nets .. above .500 b,ball
3) Boston Celtics .. .500 b.ball
4) Toronto Rapters .. .500 b.ball
5) N.Y. Knicks .. ???
 
A heathy D.Rose and Randle will need a 30 minute hustling Bullock's chemistry in the rotation to be an above .500 record team in the Eastern Conference.
Last season the Knicks had no chemistry on the court, once Kemba & Rose went out of the rotation.
Hopefully, weeks before training camp start .. Brunson, Barrett, and Cam Reddish trio could get together to put some time on the court to get on the same-page.
I'm a Big Fan of the Knicks 2nd unit scoring-depth trio D.Rose, Quickley, and Obi Toppin .. the chemistry they bring to MSG .. Dynamic !!!

I already selected how the Atlantic Division will turn out in the 2022-23 season ..
1) Philly 76ers .. above .500 b.ball
2) Brooklyn Nets .. above .500 b,ball
3) Boston Celtics .. .500 b.ball
4) Toronto Rapters .. .500 b.ball
5) N.Y. Knicks .. ???

I wish the chemistry between Rose, Q and Obi was something that I could see. I?m not sure if D.Rose wants chemistry with anyone on this team. He knows he is the Alpha male on this team.

You forgetting about a few other teams that will be surprisingly good. Something been saying to me Washington and Cleveland.
 
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tiger0330

Legend
JVG said it?s no guarantee that the Knicks even make the playin. Says a lot of things have to go right for them to make the playoffs this season and he?s a Knicks fan but I have to agree with his assessment. Thibs may be on the hot seat as I said above if the boys are a sub .500 team this year.
 

tiger0330

Legend
Jeff Van Gundy: 'A lot has to go right' for Knicks to make postseason
By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 9/8/22

Last season, the New York Knicks failed to meet expectations, finishing with an unremarkable 37-45 record.

After missing the playoffs for the eighth time in nine years, the Knicks made another huge offseason splash, signing free agent guard Jalen Brunson to a four-year, $104 million deal.

With expectations rising again for the Knicks, former head coach and current NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy isn't sold.

Van Gundy told the New York Post the Knicks, while improved, weren't at "the same level" as the rest of the competition in the Eastern Conference.

"They're not even close to a lock for the play-in," Van Gundy said. "A lot has to go right."

Van Gundy added that despite the addition of Brunson, the Knicks are still looking for a "No. 1" to lead them.

Earlier this offseason, the Knicks were seen as the runaway favorite to land All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell in a trade with the Utah Jazz. Ultimately, the Knicks balked at the asking price for Mitchell before the Jazz traded him to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"If you're going to make a significant jump in the Eastern Conference ? when you have Tatum, Brown, Durant, Antetokounmpo, Butler, and Harden and Embiid in Philly, you need a top-20 player in the league," Van Gundy said. "That's what you build around. They're still searching for that."
 
Jeff Van Gundy: 'A lot has to go right' for Knicks to make postseason
By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 9/8/22

Last season, the New York Knicks failed to meet expectations, finishing with an unremarkable 37-45 record.

After missing the playoffs for the eighth time in nine years, the Knicks made another huge offseason splash, signing free agent guard Jalen Brunson to a four-year, $104 million deal.

With expectations rising again for the Knicks, former head coach and current NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy isn't sold.

Van Gundy told the New York Post the Knicks, while improved, weren't at "the same level" as the rest of the competition in the Eastern Conference.

"They're not even close to a lock for the play-in," Van Gundy said. "A lot has to go right."

Van Gundy added that despite the addition of Brunson, the Knicks are still looking for a "No. 1" to lead them.

Earlier this offseason, the Knicks were seen as the runaway favorite to land All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell in a trade with the Utah Jazz. Ultimately, the Knicks balked at the asking price for Mitchell before the Jazz traded him to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"If you're going to make a significant jump in the Eastern Conference ? when you have Tatum, Brown, Durant, Antetokounmpo, Butler, and Harden and Embiid in Philly, you need a top-20 player in the league," Van Gundy said. "That's what you build around. They're still searching for that."

Tiger, where/How do you get a Top 20 player?
Draft, Trade or F.A.??

Think about the money just spend and no Top 20.
Think about the draft that we had a pick in the top 5.
Think about where a Transformative player comes from? that would be out of the Top 20?

Think about IT? then look at the video attached to of your every post.
Then think of the very position the Knicks are in now!!
 

Kiyaman

Legend
JVG said it?s no guarantee that the Knicks even make the playin. Says a lot of things have to go right for them to make the playoffs this season and he?s a Knicks fan but I have to agree with his assessment. Thibs may be on the hot seat as I said above if the boys are a sub .500 team this year.

Well, I have to agree with JVG .. several things have to go right throughout the season for the Knicks to make the playoffs, starting with the overrated COY Tom Thibs.

All the pressure are being put on a 26 yr old Brunson to make four players (Knicks starters) co-exist in the starter lineup on both sides of the court.
Brunson's 4 yr NBA experience have 1 yr of being a starter in his career, thanks to Jason Kidds philosophy/confidence, plus Bullocks same-page chemistry in the lineup.

Do Leon Rose know the direction to the playoffs ???
The signing of Brunson, are when you sign an experience player like Kemba-knees to MLE to sit on the bench as a injury back-up to Brunson & D.Rose.
In the 2020-21 Covid season the 41-31 Knicks Top-3 winning players in the rotation were D.Rose, Randle, and Bullocks.
How come the Knicks did not sign FA Dinwiddie & FA Kemba-knees, plus resign SF Bullocks after the playoffs?
How come on the first day of the FA market the owner Cuban Dallas Mavs gave Reggie Bullocks an offer-sheet ???
Bullocks average 40 minutes a game in all 18 of the Mavs postseason games!
How come the same week the Knicks waive 37 yr old Taj Gibson, the Washington Wizards sign him ???
 

Kiyaman

Legend
Good read on why and how Jalen Brunson is going to help upgrade the offense and improve efficiency.

https://www.nba.com/news/film-study-jalen-brunson-brings-off-the-dribble-success-to-new-york

Yes, good read! However, Luka Doncic drawing double-team were left out of the article, along with Luka Doncic control over the ball as the main PG for 35 min each game.
Don't forget, the Mavs 2nd star player F/C KP were traded for a PG Dinwiddie (not forward Harrell).
And PG Dinwiddie creativeness became a strong force in helping the Mavs get to the WCF !!!
 

mafra

Legend
Doncic missed 17 games in the regular a season and we saw what JB did without him in the playoffs. Remember what happened when Steve Nash left DAL and Dirk? He kind of blew up with Suns?

JB win chips in HS and college. He?s a winner. If Randle and Rose play like they did 2 years ago? Knicks will be a top 6 seed.

JB a solid player.
 

Kiyaman

Legend
Doncic missed 17 games in the regular a season and we saw what JB did without him in the playoffs. Remember what happened when Steve Nash left DAL and Dirk? He kind of blew up with Suns?

JB win chips in HS and college. He?s a winner. If Randle and Rose play like they did 2 years ago? Knicks will be a top 6 seed.

JB a solid player.

Wsup Mafra .. Don't get me wrong I have big props for Brunson performance.
All I'm saying, the media are putting super-big expectation on Brunson making the Knicks a playoff team.
When the Knicks biggest problem winning wasn't just the missing PG last season.
The Knicks starter lineup (Fournier/Barrett/Randle) could never pull it together as a trio to perform like team-players throughout the 82 game season.
And coach Thibs decision-making was never able to fix any of the problems in the starter lineup !!!
 
Question:
When has someone seen Thibs do anything that resemble coaching?

Example: Remember when Mike Miller pulled his entire starting unit and put in the second unit consisting of Frank and Co.

Ever seen Thibs go with a different lineup in the 4th quarter?
Ever seen Thibs stay with the player with the hot hand?
Ever seen Thibs say/do play another player more minutes because he is having a better night?

That just a few and there are more. The last coach to do any coaching was Mike Miller, period!
 

Kiyaman

Legend
Another Question:
With two open roster spot. Why not go after Denner Schroder??

Then give the other spot to Hunt.

https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3032979/dennis-schroder

I would quickly sign Iggy and Gallinari to mentor RJ Barrett & Obi Toppin ..
Our forwards became our biggest weakness last season .. It were the reason the MSG fans kept downing Randle .. Randle & Barrett did a very poor job last seasons at the forward position. Losing a game after having a 20 point lead is bad, but losing two games ..... made me miss Bullocks great multi-position defense !!!
 
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