- Kristaps Porzingis’s Improvement
In Porzingis’ first year, he provided Knicks fans some much needed hope and proved that he was worthy of the fourth overall draft pick. There was talk before the season began that he wouldn’t even play this time around, instead taking time to gain muscle and work on other aspects of his game. Porzingis decided to forgo the weight training, however, and in spite of his thin, lanky build, he was able to hang with the stronger and heavier players at the center position and seemed more than comfortable against fellow power forwards. Throughout the season, he noticeably improved his post game and defense.
Following the all-star break, though, Porzingis began to encounter difficulties. He hit something of a “rookie wall,” struggling to shoot, and appeared more and more fatigued as the season wore on. To add to his troubles, he battled recurring shoulder injuries that took him out of six of the Knicks’ last eight games.
There is still much from Porzingis to look forward to next year in spite of all this. Look out for Porzingis to add more muscle and gain a little weight to be able to battle with NBA bigs. With some training, Porzingis will be able to utilize his post moves to a higher degree and become a nightmare for defenders. Knicks fans should also expect less injuries and less fatigue from the Latvian, as he now knows the rigour and brutality of a full 82-game NBA season.
- A New Coach
Following the firing of Derek Fisher, assistant coach Kurt Rambis was appointed as interim head coach. Rambis, one of general manager Phil Jackson’s best friends, struggled mightily in his first stint as head coach: the Knicks were consistently abysmal throughout this season. And despite his interim position, Rambis seemed to be given much more leeway than Fisher ever received. There has been talk that the Knicks are thinking about Rambis as full-time head coach, which seems a little ridiculous considering the team has been much worse under him than it ever was with Fisher. Most likely, a new head coach will be appointed this summer.
With Phil Jackson still in charge of all basketball operations in New York, the head-coach-to-be-hired will most likely be one of his former colleagues who will run the famous triangle offense effectively. Some names to consider are Brian Shaw, Luke Walton, and possibly even former Knicks great Patrick Ewing. As this season concludes and the offseason begins, look for the Knicks to take some time to survey their options and hire a new coach.
- New and Improved Roster
As seems to be the case every season, the Knicks roster simply lacks talent. The addition of players signed in as free agents doesn’t seem to be doing the job. Yes, Robin Lopez and Derrick Williams were solid pickups, but players such as Arron Afflalo, Kevin Seraphin, and Jose Calderon never played up to expectations. Afflalo has been undoubtedly the most disappointing. Signed from the Trail Blazers, Knicks fans thought Afflalo was going to be the franchise shooting guard for years to come. However, a mixture of poor defense and horrific shooting have led this former perennial all-star to fall out of the starting lineup and onto the bench. Afflalo has had back and forth arguments with Coach Rambis and appears to be unhappy in New York.
Luckily for the Knicks, they will have the cap room and players to make trades and sign some quality players this summer. Their major goal would have to be luring either Russell Westbrook or Kevin Durant to the Big Apple. Also look for the Knicks to pursue Kent Bazemore, a hard-nosed player who has gained the respect of Lebron James for his play on the defensive end. The biggest need the Knicks have is for a true point guard. There aren’t many great options available this summer, but a few names to consider are Brandon Jennings, Rajon Rondo, and Mike Conley. These players would all be significant upgrades from Jose Calderon.
The Knicks roster next season will be full of young faces, and hopefully, more talent.