TrueFan Projecting Perfect 2019 NY Knicks Off-Season
The
TRUEFAN Perfect 2019 New York Knicks Off-Season
Written By Kyle Crabbe
Twitter:@KthetruestKnick
The
New York Knicks Franchise is going into arguably their most important
off-season in teams' history this year. The Knicks have a opportunity
this off-season to acquire the caliber of players that could
completely change the narrative and outlook of the Franchise in terms
of basketball output. The Knicks in recent years have put together
championship talented rosters but haven't put together a team that
could crush through the playoffs and culminate with a NBA Finals run.
The
Knicks have had a spots of great teams, one led by All-World
Offensive Legend Carmelo Anthony and also the Knicks had the best
defensive teams all throughout the 1990's under Supreme Two-Way
Terror Big Man Patrick Ewing. But the Knicks have failed to put
together a team that had a group of star level players that could
compliment their one True Superstar on those teams.
So,
this off-season poses the opportunity for the Knicks to acquire not
one Star level talent to play under the brightest lights, but there
is a chance the Knicks could acquire up the 3 Star level NBA players.
Rumors have been swirling everywhere linking the Knicks to NBA stars
such as Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Jimmy Butler and
Kawhi Leonard.
However,
to have a Championship team require building a team that fits the
coach, the culture and that the core players compliment each other
well. So in this article I will be Knicks President and General
Manager all in one. I will take my shot at saving the greatest
Basketball Franchise in the NBA and allow the majestic Manhattan
borough get the much needed Knicks Championship Parade.
I'm
going to breakdown the 2019 Off-Season into 3 parts: 1) Pre-Draft, 2)
NBA Draft, 3) NBA Free-Agency. In each of these parts I will put
together a series of moves as we build the team that could be
Championship worthy in the 2019-20 NBA Season. Without further delay,
let's get into it.
Off-Season
Part 1: Pre-Draft
The
first move that must be made is changing the course of what is the
perception of the Knicks to the NBA world. That means changing what
possible Free Agents think about joining the Knicks, what other NBA
executives feel about dealing and trading with the Knicks, and what
young players from college, international, and the G-League feel
about the possibility being part of what the Knicks Franchise has
going on in New York City.
I
feel President Steve Mills and General Manager Scott Perry have done
a great job so far at making the Knicks a more respectful Franchise
and a more alluring destination for NBA players. But I feel this a
area in which we can have a huge impact on the future of the Knicks.
To
make the Knicks the premier destination in the summer of 2019, my
first attempt will be to trade for New Orleans Pelicans Superstar
Anthony Davis. I have a strong belief that if any established star
like a Kevin Durant or a Kyrie Irving wants to join your Franchise
they want to play with someone who is also on their caliber. If the
Knicks just use their draft pick on say Duke's RJ Barrett,
Vanderbilt's Darius Garland, or Texas Tech's Jarrett Culver; I
believe the Knicks will be only setting themselves up for blowing up
their roster again in 3-4 years.
Before
the Draft I would look to adjust the Knicks position in the draft as
well as the Knicks position for free-agency. Our first move will be
to add more draft capital, I would look to achieve this with a trade
with the Atlanta Hawks.
Move
#1
Trade
Details
Atlanta
Hawks Receive:
Knicks
3rd Overall 2019 1st Round Pick, SF Henry
Ellenson
New
York Knicks Receive:
Hawks
8th Overall 2019 1st Round Pick, Hawks 10th
Overall 2019 1st Round Pick( Via Dallas), 2020 1st
Round Pick(Via Cle)
Trade
Breakdown
This
Trade at first would look like a bad move for the Knicks Franchise
but it's a necessary move for what is to come next. This move allows
the Knicks to still be able to add a young piece courtesy of the 2019
NBA Draft and still be able to trade draft capital to New Orleans in
a deal for the likes of Anthony Davis.
The
reason why the Hawks might make this deal is the shot at adding a RJ
Barrett or another high-level prospect to pair with the likes of Trae
Young.
Move
#2
After
making the trade with the Atlanta Hawks, the next priority would be
to try to acquire Anthony Davis. Davis is available and has made it
publicly known that the New York Knicks are one of the teams he would
be happy going to and re-signing to long term. To obtain the services
of AD will require the Knicks to trade some of their young core
players. I believe a combination of these young players will have to
be in the deal, between; SF Kevin Knox, Guard Frank Ntilikina, Guard
Allonzo Trier, PG Dennis Smith Jr, and Center Mitchell Robinson.
Here's how I see the trade happening:
Trade
Details
New
Orleans Pelicans Receive:
Knicks
8th Overall 2019 1st Round Pick(Via Atl), 2021
1st Round Pick(Via Dallas), SF Kevin Knox, PG Dennis Smith
Jr, Shooting Guard Allonzo Trier, and PF Noah Vonleh
New
York Knicks Receive:
PF/C
Anthony Davis
Trade
Breakdown
This
Trade at first could look like the Knicks Franchise gave up too much
for the opportunity to obtain Anthony Davis. For me the Knicks would
have to give a considerable haul to the Pelicans to be get the
Pelicans to hand over AD. But once the Knicks land AD the Knicks
would be in prime position to net either two or one major free agent
in the 2019 Summer.
For
the Pelicans this trade would give them a great group of young
talented players that could play well with the Pelicans possible 1st
Pick in the 2019 Draft Duke's Zion Williamson.
Attack
The Draft
After
our front office is able to acquire Anthony Davis and set in motion
the process of adding another Big Name NBA Star to come with him in
New York the next move will be to have a great NBA Draft. After
Trading the 3rd pick to Atlanta the Knicks in our scenario
would be looking to pick at the 10th overall selection.
This isn't as great as picking in the Top 3 of the Draft, but after
acquiring a talent like Davis and still have a pick in the lottery
could be a major win for the New York Franchise.
To
me the 10th pick might be better for New York than the
third selection. At the 10th pick I believe New York will
be able to find excellent talents that can mature to be as good as
any player in the 2019 NBA Draft. There are three prospects our Front
Office would be looking at for the 10th Pick.
1)
Oregon's Center Bol BoL
 |
| BOL BOL COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS |
2)
Duke's Shooting Guard Cameron Reddish
 |
| CAM REDDISH COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS |
3)
France International Small Forward Sekou Doumbouya
 |
| SEKOU DOUMBOUYA PRO HIGHLIGHTS |
If
Bol is to fall to 10 our front office would consider that winning the
lottery. Bol is a very unique prospect who game and potential are
similar to former Knicks young cornerstone Kristaps Porzingis. I
believe Bol has as much potential and talent as any player/prospect
in the 2019 NBA Draft. Adding Bol at the 10th Pick and
then having him developed in New York behind players such as Anthony
Davis, Mitchell Robinson, and DeAndre Jordan could result in a
All-Star caliber player for New York.
However,
If Bol is not available when the Knicks come to pick at 10, there are
two other prospects our administration is very high on. If we aren't
able to land Bol we would strongly considered either Duke Star Wing
Cameron Reddish or France's Newest International NBA Prospect in
Sekou Doumbouya.
Duke's
Cam Reddish is a very intriguing young prospect who was ranked as the
3rd best player in his High School class, behind only his
two teammates on Duke( Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett). Reddish in my
opinion game is more developed for the NBA game and therefore he
suffered playing in the college game at Duke. I believe Reddish in
the right situation in the NBA can become a All-Star caliber
basketball performer. Bringing him to New York City and playing with
the likes of unselfish stars could maximize Reddish's talents and
potential.
The
last prospect we would look at, at the 10th pick would be
the best international prospect of the 2019 Draft in Sekou Doumbouya.
Sekou is a incredible athlete who could become the next Pascal Siakam
in the right situation when he comes to the NBA. Looking at Sekou's
game I believe he has a chance to be this next generation's Shawn
Marion aka “ The Matrix”. Given Doumbouya has a relationship with
Knicks current guard Frank Ntilikina and has been somewhat mentored
by Ntilikina could make New York more welcoming to Doumbouya if the
Knicks are to get the opportunity to draft Sekou.
We
will be right on the Championship track if our team is able to land
one of these three promising young prospects with the 10th
Pick for the 2019-20 Knicks.
Our
front office would also focus on having a complete draft and also
concentrating on acquiring high-level prospects in the second round
as well as undrafted free agents after the draft is completed to
continue to build the best possible basketball team in the entire
NBA.
In
the second round as well as prospects that might not be drafted, here
are the 7 top prospects I've identified for the Knicks to possible
select or sign from the 2019 Draft Class:
1)
Washington's SF Matisse Thybulle
2)
LSU PF/C Nazreon Reid
3)
St. Johns G Shamorie Ponds
4)
UCF's C Tacko Fall
5)
International Belgium SG Kostja Mushidi
6)
Michigan State PF Nick Ward
7)
Australia PF Matur Maker
These
7 young prospects I had identified from the 2019 NBA Draft class all
have what I would consider as high-skill sets that can translate to
the NBA game given the right opportunity. I will go further in depth
on these prospects in my mock drafts and draft previews.
However,
if our front office is able to land even two of these seven players I
believe the Knicks could be adding excellent pieces for the current
and future New York Knicks.
Free
Agency
The
biggest stage possible of the entire 2019 New York Knicks off-season
will be how we fare in Free Agency. Everything we have done up this
point of the off-season would be to set us up for a great free agency
period and run at acquiring top tier free agents. With all the rumors
running through the media, our job becomes to also make sure we get
the attention of the free agents that want to play in New York, that
want the challenge of winning in New York, and see themselves as
Championship Caliber players that can take the scrutiny of playing in
big games on the biggest stage in Madison Square Garden in May and
June.
The
first order of business for our Front Office during Free-Agency is to
re-sign and retain our own free-agents that will be part of this
Championship team were building for 2019.
Current
2019 Knicks Free Agents
1)
Center DeAndre Jordan
Fit
With 2019 Team: 4/5
TrueFan
Verdict: Re-Sign
TrueFan
Quick Take: Re-Signing DeAndre Jordan is a priority. Jordan is a
great defensive Center and was excellent mentor for Knicks Stud Young
Center Mitchell Robinson. Add to that mix Jordan has a relationship
with Superstar Kevin Durant, as Durant helped recruit DeAndre Jordan
to play his college ball at Texas University. Jordan can aid in us
trying to land KD in our free-agency.
2)
Small Forward Lance Thomas
Fit
With 2019 Team: 2/5
TrueFan
Verdict: Re-Sign
TrueFan
Quick Take: Lance Thomas is one of the solid bench guys that the
Knicks have had over the previous few seasons. If we can get Lance to
re-sign for a minimal deal then bringing Lance back could be a
excellent addition for depth, leadership, and Defense.
3)
Small Forward/Wing Mario Hezonja
Fit
With 2019 Team: 1/5
TrueFan
Verdict: Leaves in Free-Agency
TrueFan
Quick Take: Mario Hezonja is one of the more talented young players
in the NBA that has suffered from the league's politics. Hezonja
hasn't be put in a situation yet in his young career in which his
immense talents could have been developed on a consistent basis. At
this point in Hezonja's career I believe he needs to join a team
where the coach and organization see him as a priority and put
resources and opportunity into him so he can flourish.
4)
Point Guard Emmanuel Mudiay
Fit
With 2019 Team: 3/5
TrueFan
Verdict: Leaves In Free-Agency
TrueFan
Quick Take: Emmanuel Mudiay is coming off his best season in the NBA
and a season in which Head Coach David Fizdale implored confidence
and encouragement as he helped developed the young point guard.
Mudiay no doubt has a bright future comparable to his 2015 Draft
Class Point Guard Rival Brooklyn Nets Point Guard D-Angelo Russell.
Being pitted against one another as the best point guard prospects of
the 2015 Draft Class, Mudiay might have his best years in front of
him if he signs elsewhere with a team that also prioritizes his
development and potential.
5)
Power Forward/ Center Luke Kornet
Fit
With 2019 Team: 4/5
TrueFan
Verdict: Re-Sign
TrueFan
Quick Take: The last one of the Knicks Free Agents that I believe
take importance will be former Vanderbilt Star Luke Kornet. Kornet
has been a main figure on the Knicks G-League team and has made spot
appearances with the NBA Knicks team throughout the previous two
seasons. Kornet is a nice piece and fits well in the modern NBA game.
A true floor spacer with Rim Protection capabilities makes Kornet a
valuable piece on any roster in today's NBA. Bringing Kornet back on
a minimal deal would be a huge win for the 2019 Knicks' depth,
spacing and team defensive abilities.
Now
that our front office has squared away our own free-agents, we would
now have a clear picture of our cap situation as well as which
players we want to target specifically in free-agency. I believe the
sooner we can identify why and who we want the sooner we can make the
free-agent pitches to the prospective players we want to acquire.
Now
we will breakdown which free-Agents we will prioritize and hope to
add to the 2019-20 potential Championship Caliber New York Knicks.
Without
further a due, here is what most fans what to see the most:
2019
NBA Free Agency Bonanza
The
biggest Names in the 2019 Free-Agency class stand as Kevin Durant,
Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler, Klay Thompson, Kemba Walker, Kawhi
Leonard and well as other great NBA players. For our administration
and our team we will only be looking at securing a few select names
out of this elite group. I want my team to be looking and recruiting
only the players that want and can handle the pressure that comes
from not just playing in New York but being able to compete and earn
the respect of the world playing in Manhattan. We aren't looking for
big stars for their celebrity because the Garden sells out on it's
own, so we are looking for stars that don't mind pulling their selves
up and dealing with the BS that comes from the bright lights and
major market coverage. We want players like Carmelo Anthony, Clyde
Frazier and Patrick Ewing that could play at a high-level with a
large amount of noise in the background.
So
without further delay here are the players my team will be trying to
pursue for the 2019-20 New York Knicks:
Tier
One
1)
Point Guard Kyrie Irving
Fit
With 2019 Team: 5/5
TrueFan
Why Kyrie Irving: I feel the most important player for the 2019 New
York Knicks Off-Season is no other than New Jersey Native Point Guard
Kyrie Irving. I believe Irving has the mental make-up and
self-confidence that is rare for a player to be able to rise to
whatever level the game calls for. That mental make-up is essential
for any Top Player playing in New York. Irving is a Offensive genius
and top-tier closer of basketball and one of the best the NBA has
ever seen. I believe Irving might not be the player you build a
Championship team around, but he's the caliber of player that is
absolutely essential to any NBA Championship Team.
Me
and my staff would work countless hours to secure Irving coming to
New York as the main piece to our 2019 Off-Season. Irving has the
prestige and stature that could immediately change the outlook of the
Knicks Franchise. I also like the idea of pairing Irving in the
back-court with Frank Ntilikina. I believe having Frank and Kyrie
practicing against each other and playing in the same back-court
would allow Frank to become an elite player as well as allow Irving
to flourish defensively as well as being dominate offensively. I see
that back-court as something like the great Detroit Pistons
back-court of Isaiah Thomas and Joe Dumars.
2)
Small Forward Kevin Durant
Fit
With 2019 Team: 4/5
TrueFan
Why Kevin Durant: There's no question about this; Kevin Durant is and
has been the best Scorer in the NBA of the past 5-8 Seasons. Durant
is a Legendary level Basketball Offensive weapon that could push any
team from good to great.
To
get Durant in New York during the 2019 Off-Season would be a home
run. Pairing Durant with Kyrie or even the young talent the Knicks
already have would make the New York a Top 5 team in the Eastern
Conference.
I
believe that just adding Durant as the lone star from the 2019 Free
Agency would be poor for the Knicks outlook. Durant as the main
Superstar in the hyper-critical New York market to me would create
the same environment that Carmelo Anthony had to bear in the Phil
Jackson years. To ensure that a kind of atmosphere of such doesn't
result in New York again after the 2019 Off-Season makes it essential
to build a complete team that can balance between Stars, Superstars
and role players.
Tier
Two
1)
Shooting Guard/Small Forward Danny Green
Fit
With 2019 Team: 5/5
TrueFan
Why Danny Green: The Long Island Native in Shooting Guard Danny Green
I believe has to be one of the main free-agent targets for the 2019
Knicks. I see Green as a needed piece to a Championship Level NBA
team. Green could bring needed defensive skills, leadership, winning
habits and mentality, excellent perimeter shooting, as well as being
familiarity with New York and the New York market/environment.
Green
could be a great piece for depth as well as mentoring Knicks young
guard in the same mold, Damyean Dotson.
2)
Point Guard Patrick Beverley
Fit
With 2019 Team: 5/5
TrueFan
Why Patrick Beverley: As we continue to prioritize bringing in
players that fit the bill for Championship level performers, Guard
Patrick Beverley is high up on our list for free agent targets.
Beverley brings a defensive intensity and competitive mentality that
I believe is tailor-made for the New York. Beverley would bring much
needed defensive prowess, a perfect mentality for the type of
pressure and team the Knicks would be, as well as a excellent mentor
for Frank Ntilikina.
3)
Small Forward Carmelo Anthony
Fit
With 2019 Team: 4/5
TrueFan
Why Carmelo Anthony: Adding the 10X NBA All-Star and former Knicks
Franchise Cornerstone in Carmelo Anthony would be the final touches
on a great 2019 Off-Season. Carmelo would become the sniper off the
bench and the grizzly veteran that could provide much needed buckets
in crucial moments when the Knicks most need it.
For
the fans of New York City it would be heart felt and a form of
redemption to have Melo as part of a Knicks run for a NBA
Championship. I also believe Melo could be a great protector/Big
Brother for the incoming stars like a Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant.
Anthony could serve as a mentor and off-court teacher to aid in those
players dealing with the pressure and media scrutiny of playing under
the brightest lights.
Tier
Three
1)
Center Pau Gasol
Fit
With 2019 Team: 5/5
TrueFan
Why Pau Gasol: We would also target Pau Gasol as a experienced
veteran who has been in big games and has been a valved member of
Championship teams. Gasol is one of the greatest international
players basketball has ever seen, so if we were able to add him to
the team, Gasol could be a major piece.
Gasol
could add needed depth, playoff experience, Basketball knowledge and
IQ, as well as being able to give productive minutes when the games
become highly contested.
2)
Small Forward Thabo Sefolosha
Fit
With 2019 Team: 4/5
TrueFan
Why Thabo Sefolosha: Bringing in free agent Thabo Sefolosha would be
the final addition for the 2019 Knicks Off-Season. After being torn
between Thabo Sefolosha and former Knicks Forward Wilson Candler, we
decided Sefolosha could offer greater valve to the overall 2019-20
Knicks team.
Sefolosha
is a great defender that brings a High Basketball IQ to the
basketball court. Sefolosha could add excellent depth and could
become a valuable player that Coach Fizdale could use in spot minutes
to guard the other team's best perimeter ball handler or perimeter
shooter.
Final
Projections
2019-20
TrueFan New York Knicks Roster
Starting
Lineup
PG
Kyrie Irving
SG
Frank Ntilikina
SF
Kevin Durant
PF
Anthony Davis
C
Mitchell Robinson
Bench
C
DeAndre Jordan
SF
Carmelo Anthony
PG
Patrick Beverley
SG
Damyean Dotson
2019
1st Round Pick
SG
Danny Green
C
Pau Gasol
SF
Thabo Sefolosha
SF
Lance Thomas
PF
Luke Kornet
Now
that we have went through a full off-season as President and General
Manger of the New York Knicks, this is how the final roster would
look under our administration. In this mock 2019 Off-Season we looked
at this different players that could be possibly donning the Knicks
jersey in the 2019-20 NBA season and determined which players could
be a great match.
The
argument that I can easily see for how I would handle the 2019 Knicks
is in speeding up the rebuild. I understand Knicks fans wanting the
Knicks to develop the young players like Kevin Knox, Dennis Smith Jr,
Frank Ntilikina, Allonzo Trier, and Mitchell Robinson. I do believe
these young players could develop in New York into a very good team
with the addition of say Murray State Ja Morant or Duke's RJ Barrett
with the 3rd Pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. But the point of
this off-season and the way I viewed this off-season was to build a
team that could compete for a Championship next season, not in 2022,
not in the future but next season. And undoubtedly this team we
constructed would be one of the best 4 teams in the entire NBA come
2019.
Now
that my job here is done, I hand the position back to Knicks current
President Steve Mills and General Manager Scott Perry. I think they
have done a great job positioning the Knicks Franchise for this
off-season but now they have to actually come through. We'll see how
the 2019 NBA Off-Season fares for the 2019-20 New York Knicks.
Thanks
For Viewing!!!
Would
love to hear what you think, What moves you think could work? What
moves you support? Which moves you didn't like?
Please
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