Well, it seems as if the New York Knicks won’t be in on Giannis Antetokounmpo next offseason after he signed a six-year extension with the Bucs earlier this week, indicating president Leon Rose will have to target alternative star options.
Before the Knicks can even consider signing a star player, they have to be an appealing option for one first. That means winning games in 2021, indicating that focusing on player development will be lower on the totem pole of priorities. Head coach Tom Thibodeau has already indicated that the Knicks will start the best five players on the roster, even if it means young options not earning significant playing time.
Winning and potential the only two things that draw star players to different teams, and Thibodeau is keen on acquiring one next off-season.
“I think it’s critical,’’ Thibodeau said Tuesday on Zoom of adding a big name. “When you look at every team in the league, particularly the playoff teams. … There’s a lot of different paths to getting stars. Sometimes it’s the development phase. I think when you look at Jimmy Butler when he came in, he hardly played as a rookie. He played more each year and then would become a top-10 player in the league. It’s a testament to his work ethic and how he approached things.
The Knicks do have some players who can develop into quality players down the road, notably RJ Barrett and Obi Toppin. Barrett has looked great offensively during the first two preseason games of the year, and Toppin looks the part of a great transition athlete who can dominate down low.
“So some guys continue to get better year after year. Sometimes you have to do it through trades, sometimes it’s free agency. But I think you have to be very aggressive in seeking out those opportunities. They just don’t happen by accident. You have to make them happen.â€
The New York Knicks have solid options to choose from next offseason:
The options are dwindling regarding star players in 2021, but the Knicks will likely pursue Kawhi Leonard, Jrue Holiday, Victor Oladipo, and even Kyle Lowry. Others could fit the bill, but finding an above-average point guard/shooting guard should be the focus.
Lowry represents a fantastic option who could bring veteran leadership and experience to the roster. He has made six consecutive All-Star games, averaging over 15 points per game in all but one season since 2014.