We, at Empire Sports Media, recently posted an article about possible free agents that could bring their talents to the New York Knicks this upcoming off-season. While many fans love to hear rumors about what players could come to the Big Apple, sometimes we have to be realistic.
Empire Sports Media do not contradict articles, which some may think this is. But, let’s be real. The Knicks aren’t getting any big name free agent this off-season.
Players always say that they would love to play in New York, the Mecca of basketball. But, often times, they don’t end up coming over on a mega-deal.
The Knicks have not landed those types of players since Tyson Chandler, A’mare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony tried to resurrect the Knicks. A quick fix, as some have said. The Knicks made one playoff appearance and only made it to the second round.
Build Through the Draft:
Teams are built through the draft. Case in point, the Golden State Warriors. With that being said, the only way players are going to play for the Knicks is if they get drafted by the organization. Free agents talk a big game and say it would be a blessing to play in the Garden, but they really don’t mean it.
New York, for basketball, isn’t a draw anymore for players to come play. You would think it’s the exact opposite.  The big stage and lights? Perhaps. But, with that comes pressure and the New York media. The Knicks just aren’t what they used to be.
Rumors are Fun, but False:
As much as I like to dream and hear rumors about players coming to New York, it just isn’t going to happen. Do people really think Kevin Durant is going to come basketball in New York?  Do you really think any above average player wants to play for the Knicks? The answer is no.
People think that Durant wants to rebuild his image and show that he can lead a team to a championship. That all sounds great, but is Durant really going to take the Knicks to the next level? Even with a healthy Kristaps Porzingis?  We simply don’t know.
Things I do know, players want to win and they want to win now. Players also want the big pay-day in a place where they have the best chance to win. Currently, New York is not one of those places.
Positive Draws to New York:
As of now, I believe no big free agent will come to New York. However, that all depends on how Porzingis looks when he returns to the court. If Porzingis looks like his former self, the possibilities are endless. Players will now be saying that they want to play with Porzingis.
The Knicks will also have another high draft pick this upcoming draft. This will also pair with their most recently lottery pick, Kevin Knox, who has begun to look better and better each game.
We can’t forget that Emmanuel Mudiay is in the driver’s seat for the point guard of the future, whether people like it or not.  He’s only 22 years old. Therefore, the Knicks are young and have a youthful, likable head coach.
Those are the biggest draws New York, currently, has to offer.  Players don’t care about the bright lights and stage.  The Knicks have the foundation to build a winning team.  It’s simply all about putting all the correct pieces of the puzzle together.