The New York Knicks had one of the more underwhelming free agency periods this offseason; however, they did bring in multiple veterans to help solidify the starting unit and bench. They will also play a part in establishing a culture of experience and discipline.
Players such as Marcus Morris and Julius Randle, who have both been on winning teams, know what it takes to build a roster and have success as a cohesive unit. That will be extremely beneficial for a team stacked with youth.
The New York Knicks are ready to make the next jump:
In 2018, the Knicks only recorded 17 total wins, which admittedly took a toll on the minds of the younger players. The veteran leadership they now have will change their mentality. Head coach David Fizdale will also be a factor in establishing the culture and atmosphere.
Fizdale is a very likable coach and meshes well with players. The turnover on the team this offseason, though, will present a challenge for the coach, and signing players on two-year deals with a team option after the first doesn’t necessarily scream chemistry.
The idea is for the free-agent signings to perform so well that they eventually prove they deserve a second contract/extension. This is the ideal/best-case scenario, and it’s possible for Morris and Randle. The latter especially, who is the team’s most dynamic scorer and will be an instant starter.
Losing out on Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant surely didn’t send a positive message towards the Knicks’ culture.
Veteran center, DeAndre Jordan stated:
“Not to knock the culture the Knicks are creating, but we like what Kenny’s doing, and Sean’s been awesome and the organization, from top to bottom, has been great,†Jordan stated regarding Nets coach Kenny Atkinson and GM Sean Marks. “So you want to be a part of something like that, especially when you have a chance to play with other great players and build something.â€