Leon Rose

New York Knicks should let Scott Perry go before the draft

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The New York Knicks aren’t in the market for a new GM just yet.  Current GM Scott Perry will remain in that position for the upcoming NBA draft.

Knicks new team president Leon Rose will do his “due diligence” later on.

Perry hasn’t been the problem.  He put together a decent looking roster.  The Knicks are one of the youngest teams in the league so that’s a start.  However, if Perry isn’t going to be in the Knicks future, why keep him around for the draft.

Perry shouldn’t be making decisions for the organization if he isn’t going to see them through.  They should just cut ties with him now.  Let the new regime begin the long quest to turn the franchise around.

Perry, unfortunately, should’ve gotten the axe when Steve Mills was relieved of his duties.  The Knicks needed to totally clean house.  They’re shouldn’t be any person in the front office that was been there the past few years, maybe even decade.  They need a clean slate.

What the Knicks have been trying to do hasn’t been working.  Yes, they did get younger and have a few good building blocks for the future.  That’s in partial part of Perry drafting well and being a decent elevator of talent, not Mills.

And while the New York Knicks have greatly under-performed, it’s not totally Perry’s fault.  However, Perry still shouldn’t be making decisions for the Knicks if Rose doesn’t want to keep him around.

New York Knicks: 3 star players Leon Rose could acquire in his first year as GM

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New York Knicks, Donovan Mitchell

Could the New York Knicks find a way to acquire a star player for the 2021 season?

Even when the Knicks attempt to piece things together through free agency, optimism turns into anguish faster than anyone imagined. The signing of Julius Randle and Marcus Morris represented a light at the end of the tunnel, but Morris didn’t even last one season before being traded, and Randle has been more of a ball-hog than Carmelo Anthony with 20 seconds left on the clock.

The Knicks have been connected to big-name players for years — the latest being Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving before both signed on with the Brooklyn Nets. They continue to lose out in the superstar sweepstakes, but things could finally change directions with NBA super-agent Leon Rose taking over the reins for the Knicks.

Earlier in March, Rose detailed how he intends to rebuild the tumultuous roster Steve Mills left behind.

“Nothing about this is easy, or quick, so I ask for your continued patience. What I promise you in return is that I will be honest and forthright. We will develop a plan that makes sense, both to jumpstart our short-term growth and ensure our long-term success.”

Here are three players Rose might be able to lure to New York:

1.) Donovan Mitchell

Unless you live under a rock, you know what’s going on between Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. Gobert, jokingly touching everything in sight before coronavirus wrapped its arms around society, contracted the virus, giving it to numerous people, including Mitchell, who was angry at his teammate, rightfully so.

If the Jazz are forced to trade one of them away, the Knicks could be a team looking to benefit. While I don’t imagine a deal, including Mitchell, will ever go down, they’re in a great position with seven draft picks over the next four drafts to steal a premium talent away.

2.) Jrue Holiday

Holiday is one of the league’s premier isolation scorers and defensive point guards — essentially what everyone wishes Frank Ntilikina could be. This last season he was as dynamic as ever, breaking down opposing defenses and was the NBA’s second-most efficient iso-scorer (57.7 eFG).

With the Pelicans already stocked full of talent, the Knicks could trade for Holiday, using their ample draft capital and lock down the PG position for the next few years with an elite scorer and defensive player. While he’s not the most effective three-point shooter, he’s adequate to great in various other categories.

3.) Aaron Gordon 

Gordon, who is a frequent flier at the Dunk Content, is a solid target for the Knicks who could be looking to steal a significant piece away from the Orlando Magic, who are flush with front-court options.

Averaging 14.4 points per game this past season doesn’t make him an elite scorer, but he’s electrifying around the rim and disruptive defense. There’s still potential to be unlocked with Gordon, which is why he’s an attractive target for Rose. Adding Aaron to a Knicks team in need of front-court talent would be beneficial, but he’s not slotted into the “elite” category of players.

 

New York Knicks ‘on the fence’ whether to exercise Knox’s 4th year option

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New York Knicks, Kevin Knox

The New York Knicks new team president Leon Rose has a lot on his plate in his first months on the job.  One decision he’ll have to make regards Kevin Knox.

Rumors are out there that Rose is ‘on the fence’ on whether to exercise Knox’s 4th year option.  The Knicks took a chance on Knox and it really hasn’t paid off.  Knox will be earn $5.8 million in his 4th year.

Even out of college, Knox’s college coach John Calipari said Knox is a ‘project’.  However, there was plenty of upside in his game.  Recently, Calipari said that the Knicks shouldn’t trade him as those rumors are out there as well.  Rose and Calipari have a close relationship.

In his first few seasons, Knox would start then get benched.  It’s a rollercoaster when it comes to minutes.  That‘s why his confidence was slow low in his 3rd year.

It didn’t help Knox’s confidence when the Knicks signed a bunch of forwards, pushing him to the bench.  Marcus Morris took a lot of Knox’s minutes this season.

Knox is only 20-years-old.  He’s still very young and has the skills to be a contributor for the Knicks in the future.  Rose should exercise his option but being ‘on the fence’ comes as no surprise.

The Knicks need to see how Knox bounces back after a terrible start to his season.  Before the season was suspended due to the COVID-19, Knox started to play better.  He was contributing on both sides of the floor and showing confidence.

It seems like Knox is getting the same treatment that Frank Ntilikina got to start his Knicks career.  Fans soured on Ntilikina but the organization had patience when it came to his development and his game is starting to progress.  The New York Knicks shouldn’t give up on Knox like they didn’t give up on Ntilikina and exercise his 4th year.

Ntilikina has persevered as a member of the New York Knicks

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New York Knicks, Frank Ntilikina

New York Knicks point guard Frank Ntilikina is staying put, for now.  Leon Rose isn’t shopping the 3rd year man, according to SNY’s Ian Begley.

The 21-year old Ntilikina has had a wild rollercoaster ride to start his NBA career.  The Knicks, & then team prisoner Phil Jackson, selected him 8th overall in 2017.

Ntilikina had, still has, a high ceiling. When selected, he was ‘no-name’ for most American basketball fans.  Coming out of France, he somewhat of ‘project’.  He was known for his defensive capabilities, not so much offense.  Ntilkina wasn’t the best shooter so that’s what needed the most work.

Many fans wanted Ntilikina traded for the longest time or not selected by the Knicks at all.  He’ll be linked to a lot of players in that draft that have had better careers already.  For example, Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell, selected 13th, and Heat center Bam Adebayo, 14th.

Despite all the negativity that surrounded Ntilikina thus far, he’s persevered.  He’s had 5 head coaches in his 3-year tenure with the Knicks. Ntilikina has also been the consistent professional dealing with numerous other guards being brought in by the Knicks.  We’ve seen the likes of Dennis Smith Jr., Trey Burke, Emmanuel Mudiay, Timmy Hardaway Jr., Elfrid Payton, etc.

Some Knicks fans may not believe it but Ntilikina has improved his game each season.  First, he improved his defense to adapt to NBA style of play.  Then, his passing.  After the FIBA basketball World Cup, his confidence, aggressive and shot all improved.

Before the NBA season was suspended due to COVID-19, Ntilikina’ game was outstanding.  He was aggressive, seeing the floor beautifully, providing lockdown defense and a fan favorite.  Ntilikina hasn’t given up on being a valuable asset for the future and, hopefully, Rose & the New York Knicks haven’t either.

Brooklyn Nets: Why the Media Continues to Breakdown KD to Nets Decision

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Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets

If you are a Brooklyn Nets fan in the Tri-state area, you are most likely in the minority. The majority of people in Manhattan are Knicks fans. Even the majority of people in their 20s in New Jersey are Knicks fans since many of their parents were Knicks fans, and many former NJ Nets fans swore off the franchise after their move to Brooklyn. It is 100% a fact that MSG is the Mecca of basketball and the Knicks are a more popular franchise, both now and historically than the Brooklyn/NJ Nets. These facts make it extremely difficult for Knicks fans and the NYC media to fully accept Durant’s choice to play for the Nets over the Knicks.

It has been close to 10 months since Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving’s announcement to sign with the Brooklyn Nets. While this shocked the entire NBA community, it had a lasting effect on New York Knicks fans and the local NYC sports media. Reasons were spun as to why KD chose the lesser popular franchise of the two; Durant and Irving couldn’t handle the spotlight at MSG, they didn’t want to take on the Knicks challenge, Kevin Durant is too sensitive, the list goes on. At the time, this was all conjecture as to why the Knicks whiffed on superstars (again). With all the information we know now, let’s break down the practical reasons as to why Durant might have chosen Brooklyn over NYC.

3 Reasons Justifying Durant’s Decision to Sign with Nets

The Ineptitude of the New York Knicks

In a recent interview with The Athletic, former Brooklyn Net Jared Dudley said that “if the Knicks are run halfway decent, they get KD and Kyrie. Like, (the Nets) literally had to do everything right and they got them.” (full article here) Dudley’s simplistic explanation makes perfect sense on the surface; the Nets, in the past 2-3 years, have been a better run organization than the Knicks. Coming off a surprising 2018-19 playoff appearance, the Nets appeared to be on the rise and growing a winning culture. The Knicks were coming off one of their worst seasons in franchise history, with no real leadership, both on the court and in the front office. Many Knicks fans will argue that no matter how messed up the front office is, the aura of the Knicks is still greater than 95% of other franchises in the NBA, but this decision proved that just being “the Knicks” will not bring in superstar level talent.

Kyrie Made the Decision (for KD) To Play in Brooklyn

Weeks before the decision, a report came out that James Dolan and the Knicks would not be interested in just retaining the services of Kyrie Irving, but would only want to bring him in if Durant joined. There were never any reports from the Nets claiming to be unhappy if they just signed Kyrie. Many feel this led to Irving’s dismissal of the Knicks and ultimately persuaded him to sign with Brooklyn. The media also felt that, because of Durant’s quiet disposition in the off-season, that Kyrie was the real decision-maker in the process. This assumption seems misguided since Durant is the more accomplished player out of the two. I believe he had had just as much of a desire to play in Brooklyn as Irving did, and he wouldn’t allow another player to make such a significant decision for him.

Durant’s Achilles Injury in 2018/19 Finals

According to Ian Begley of SNY, “some people in touch with the Knicks said members of the organization expressed confidence that Durant would have signed with New York if he hadn’t suffered the Achilles injury in the NBA Finals.” (full article here) What has never been explained, is how did the injury completely change his decision on where to sign? The Nets have boasted one of the better training and medical staffs in the league, so obviously from that standpoint, it makes sense a player coming off a serious Achilles injury would choose Brooklyn. But as to why members in the Knicks organization felt so confident Durant would have signed with NYK barring his injury, my question is why? How did they know that? The Nets had a roster that was much closer to championship aspirations than the Knicks did.

Final Verdict

There are several other reasons one can list to justify Durant’s decision, including Deandre Jordan’s negative experience with the Knicks, and eventual signing with Brooklyn shortly after KD and Kyrie made their announcement. Durant has expressed publicly that he did not give the Knicks much consideration in free agency and I find this to be the toughest pill for the New York media and Knicks fans to swallow, as stories continue to arise that support the contrary. At the end of the day, only Kevin Durant knows the real reasons as to why he chose to play for the Nets fans instead of the Knicks. And if you are Leon Rose and the Knicks, you have to ask yourself, how do we prevent this from happening again in the future?

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ESPN has New York Knicks selecting Deni Avdija in upcoming NBA draft

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New York Knicks, Deni Avdija

According to ESPN’s latest mock draft, the New York Knicks will be selecting Deni Avdija, SF/PF, Maccabi Tel Aviv in the upcoming NBA draft.  Avdija, 19-years old, stands at 6’9″ and could have the skills for the modern game. However, do the Knicks take a chance on another “project.”

2 years ago the Knicks took a chance on another project, Kevin Knox with the 9th pick.  The Knicks knew that Knox was project going when selecting him.  This also came from Knox’s head coach at Kentucky, John Calipari.  There’s still time for Knox to develop into what everyone hopes.  But that window is closing and fans are getting restless.

Avdija does have a lot of upside to his game.  Guru’s looking at his game say that his basketball IQ and versatility is what makes him so appealing.  He can also play multiple positions and be a big time contributor on both ends of the floor.  He can also shoot, which is something the Knicks desperately need.  The Knicks can certainly use all of that, especially the basketball IQ and versatility parts.

However, the Knicks do need a consistent, everyday point guard.  But, you can’t draft for need.  In today’s game, teams always have to draft the best player available.  This all depends on where the Knicks pick, of course.

The Knicks could get a point guard in a trade, the 2nd round or find an undrafted gem.  Rumors circulated about the possibility of trading for Chris Paul with his connection to Leon Rose.  They could also eye Fred Van Vleet in free agency but who knows what direction Rose wants to go.

ESPN does have the Knicks scooping up Duke’s Tre Jones in the 2nd round to compete for point guard minutes.  Could he be another Van Vleet?  Smaller point guards seem to be the hot thing these days.

Some may see Avdija as a project and some may think he’s the right choice.  It all depends.  Either way Knicks fans will argue with whoever they pick.

Avdija could be the next foreign superstar behind the like of Luka Doncic and former Knick Kristaps Porzingis.  The game translates to the US differently.  Doncic and Porzingis are the exceptions. Not every foreign player is going to be a star, even enough some may think that.  The Knicks had their guy and traded him away.

Knicks fans can watch film on Avdija until their eyes bleed.  Some will want him and some will want nothing to do with him.  It all comes down to this new Leon Rose regime and what his scouts think is best for the New York Knicks.

3 moves the New York Knicks have interest in for the off-season

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With the NBA season in limbo, the New York Knicks rumors are starting to circulate.  The newest one is the likelihood of the team picking up Reggie Bullock’s contract for next season.

Add this rumor to the other Knicks ones thus far.  One’s that are already swirling are interest in signing free-agent big man Christian Wood and bringing back Maurice ‘Moe’ Harkless.

While these are only a few, these aren’t big headlines for next season.  It could be give fans that odd feeling that the lineup could be similar to begin next season despite their high upcoming draft pick.  Hopefully there’s a lot of changes that’ll happen in Leon Rose’s first season.

As much as Knicks fans might dislike the rumors of the team going after the biggest names in free agency, at least it’s something. Now we know that the season isn’t over but in a time with no sports, fans need something to talk about.  Resigning players that have no future with the team doesn’t move the needle.

However, this could be a good thing. Rose said that he’ll be move behind the scenes when it comes to Knicks.  So these rumors could be click-bait.  The team is always in the news whether it’s good or bad.  So, being quieter and behind the scenes could be for the best.  Just got to hope that the Knicks owner falls in suit with taking a more quite approach.

The Knicks are always linked to the biggest names in the NBA whether they’re partially true or not.  We all know about last off-season with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.  However, it seems like a good move considering how much of a headache those two can be despite their talent.  A few months go, the Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors were hot and that’ll start again after next season.

The interest in Christian Wood makes the most sense.  Wood is has freakish athleticism for a big man who can shoot from behind the arc.  He’ll also be an upgrade defensively which would pair nicely with Mitchell Robinson.  Bringing back Harkless is a possibility since he’s young but Bullock is a toss up.  Leon Rose will have his hands full in his first season with the New York Knicks.

Could Mike Miller be the head coach of the New York Knicks next season?

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New York Knicks, Mike Miller

The New York Knicks were suppose to be in the market for a new coach next season.  However, new team president Leon Rose already likes interim coach Mike Miller.

SNYs Ian Begley reports that after 10 days on the job, Rose has a positive outlook on Miller.  Rose likes how Miller has handled the team under throughout it all.  Miller took over the Knicks after the David Fizdale was let go after a 4-17 start to the year.  Currently, the Knicks are 17-27 under Miller.

The players backed Fizdale upon being fired but then liked the way Miller began to orchestrate the team.  Miller has been a better coach than Fizdale.  With the amount of talent on the roster, Miller is doing better with rotations and playing the youth.  However, Miller does have his moments where his rotations and lineups leave Knicks fans scratching their heads.

Once Miller took over, the Knicks had a better offensive scheme and more ball movement.  But the Knicks love falling back into their old ways.  It’s what it is.

Julius Randle will go back into one-on-one isolation and others will be standing around the perimeter without moving.  The Knicks defense  has always been a struggle.  But under Miller, there’s more intensity and they push the upon getting a steal or rebound.

Miller has done a remarkable job with this Knicks team.  Fans would like to see what Miller can actually do with a group of more talented players.  The front office still has decisions to make regarding the coach.  If Miller is the guy, Rose better have some big moves up his sleeves for the New York Knicks.

The New York Knicks want Carmelo Anthony to be a mentor?

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New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony

The New York Knicks have a lot of young players to develop and mentor.  Rumors are starting that Carmelo Anthony may be the perfect role model.

While that all sounds good, Anthony can’t fill that role.  He isn’t the type of player that’s going to take a backseat to anyone.  But new team president Leon Rose has already been linked to possibly bringing Anthony back to the Knicks.

When the Knicks made their last playoff run in 2012, Anthony was surrounded by players similar in age.  It wasn’t until the end of his Knicks tenure when the youth movement began.  And we all know how his departure went.

Unless this is a new Anthony that no one knows about, him being a mentor isn’t the smartest idea.  He has always been a ball hog and a player that puts himself first.  Even in his latest venture with the Portland Trailblazers, Anthony is always looking to be the main guy.

In his time with other teams, Thunder, Rockets and Trailblazers, Anthony always found issues with his teammates, or vice versa.  He didn’t seem to fit in with their schemes.  If someone can’t fit in the Rockets run-and-gun system then something is seriously wrong.

He’s never been one to shy away from taking control of the game or taking unnecessary shots.  In his prime with the Knicks, Anthony didn’t shy away from putting up major shots.  He always wanted the ball at all times despite other having the hot hand.  That hasn’t changed with any team he’s been with and it won’t.

As Anthony gets older, there’s no indication that he’s a different player or can be a mentor.  That’s not his style and won’t event be.  The Knicks, possibly, have higher hopes for an aging Anthony, it’s not for the best.

It’s always been the same selfish Melo despite great memories and Knicks records.  Rose might think that Anthony could mentor the younger generation but if it hasn’t happen already it most likely won’t.  The New York Knicks-Melo ship has sailed.

New York Knicks interested in Detroit Piston Christian Wood

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New York Knicks

With the entire sports world at a stand-still, the New York Knicks rumors live on.  It’s being reported that the Knicks are ‘enamored’ with Detroit Pistons Christian Wood, according to SNYs Ian Begley.

Recently, Wood became the 3rd player who’s been diagnosed with the coronavirus.  The first being Utah Jazz center Ruby Gobert then teammate Donovan Mitchell.  The members of the Knicks awaiting to be tested after being one of the last 5 teams to play against the Jazz.  However, their have been 4 unnamed Brooklyn Nets players that have just tested positive.

Wood went undrafted out of UNLV in 2015.  He’s averaging 13.1 points and 6.3 rebounds in 21.4 minutes per game. Wood took over after Andre Drummond was traded to Cleveland and his stock keeps rising.  He’s currently on the final year of a two-year contract and could be looking to cash in on a good end of the year, or whenever the NBA returns.

New Knicks team president, Leon Rose, could be looking to give Mitchell Robinson a partner to wreak havoc in the paint.  It would make sense to add another young center since Taj Gibson might not return after his one-year deal.

While adding another big man will help the Knicks, there are more areas of concern.  The team can use a consistent shooting guard along with an everyday point guard.  The Knicks also need a coach too.

There will be a lot of decisions to be made to start the Leon Rose era.  Instead of focusing on players, Rose needs to get his front office and coaching staff in tact first.  It would be best to say that this is just a rumor with the NBA currently suspended.  More New York Knicks speculation to come.