PG: Jose Calderon/Jerian Grant
SG: Langston Galloway
SF: Cleanthony Early
PF: Carmelo Anthony/Kristaps Porzingis
C: ???
2015 Free Agents
PF Quincy Acy (RFA)
G Alexey Shved (RFA)
PF Travis Wear (RFA)
C Cole Aldrich
PF Lou Amundson
C Andrea Bargnani
PG Shane Larkin
PF Jason Smith
F Lance Thomas
What They Did On Draft Night
Drafted Latvian power forward Kristaps Porzingis 3rd overall
Though I didn't think he was the forth best player in the draft, as a prospect, Porzingis is the real deal and should be good, but I am not sure New York is a great fit for him. Not because as soon as he misses a shot, their fans will be all over him, but because his position of power forward is one that should be filled by Carmelo Anthony. Anthony's defense is much more bearable at power forward, and his offense is absolutely devastating at that position. This makes even less sense when you factor Porzingis is somewhat of a project that won't be ready to play starters minutes for another year or two; during that time Carmelo will also be getting older (shocking I know) and he'll become even more of a defensive liability on the perimeter. Now if they trade Anthony and commit to a true rebuilding, giving Porzingis the minutes he needs to develop that is another matter. However I can't see the Knicks doing that, instead they'll likely go for the quick fix and Porzingis' development will stall. I can't fault New York for taking a player that has a chance to be very good, but it may cause some issues down the line when all of their players are ready to go full-out and fit together weirdly. I also worry they won't be patient with his development.
Traded Tim Hardaway Jr. to Atlanta for the 19th overall pick, drafted Notre Dame point guard Jerian Grant
As questionable as the first pick is, their second move looks brilliant. Tim Hardaway Jr. might not be an NBA player, but the Knicks got a first round pick for him. Better that that, they selected an excellent prospect at good value. Jerian Grant has starting potential for New York and has the size they want in the triangle. In a more traditional offense, Grant excels in pick-and-roll but is equally effective off the ball because of how well he moves off the ball. Defensively, he has potential to defend both guard spots at an above-average level. On a good team, Grant is probably the first guard off of the bench, but the Knicks are not a good team so he should probably start and be given every opportunity until a definitively better player comes along to move him to the bench.
Traded two future second rounders for Spanish center Guillermo Hernangomez, drafted 35th overall by Philadelphia
The Knicks basically owe Philadelphia every one of their second round picks from now until the earth collapses into a black hole (an apt metaphor for the Knicks), but they got a solid young prospect in this trade. Hernangomez is likely a stash for a year or two, but he fits well in the triangle because he can face up while having good feel passing and the handling the ball. Defensively he isn't a shot blocker, but is relatively mobile and could become a good below the rim defender. Hernangomez played on the same team as Porzingis in Spain, so they two have some chemistry. I doubt he becomes a starter, but for 10-15 minutes a night Hernangomez could be a decent backup center in the triangle.
What To Do Next?
What the Knicks shouldn't do is go for 30+ year-old free agents in an attempt to win now, unless they are on short term one, maybe two year deals. Instead they should focus on the years in the future when Porzingis will presumably become the star to lead their team. Center Robin Lopez still has a number of prime years left and could be the defensive anchor that the Knicks so desperately need while not costing them too much money. A less expensive center option would be restricted free agent Bismack Biyombo, who while certainly a flawed player can protect the rim and wouldn't cost much. They should also make a run at DeMarre Carroll, Danny Green, Wes Matthews and even Jimmy Butler, but without going overboard financially to get one. Forward Al-Farouq Aminu is a different type of player than those others, but he would compliment Carmelo very well. Trading Carmelo should definitely be on the table, especially if they can get back draft picks or a good young player.
A bonus trade sure to never happen
Carmelo Anthony to Dallas for Chandler Parsons, Justin Anderson, Dwight Powell, and Devin Harris
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