The New York Knicks will have a transformed roster going into training camp this fall. With the acquisition of former MVP point guard Derrick Rose, the Knicks have added one of the NBA‘s best scoring point guards when healthy, and a player who can be relied on to contribute offensively, night in and night out. Rose’s presence alone makes New York a much improved team, considering the point guards the Knicks have had in recent years. The addition of Rose will make them, at the very least, a respectable team, but it’s the Knicks’ free agent acquisitions that will make them Eastern Conference threat.
How the Knicks Free Agent Acquisitions Will Fit in New York
Joakim Noah‘s Path Back Home
When the Knicks traded for Rose, the biggest piece sent to the Chicago Bulls was center Robin Lopez. Lopez, while not a star, is one of the more underrated centers in the NBA. He is a defensive backbone, he’s a rim protector, and he’s developed an under-the-radar offensive game, thanks to his signature hook shot. However, considering the bevy of centers that were available via free agency this off-season, Lopez was expendable for New York. His departure led to the Knicks’ signing of Bulls center Joakim Noah. Noah inked a four-year, $72 million contract to come back to where it all began for him; Noah grew up in New York, and was a Knicks fan himself as a kid. Noah’s return to New York is huge for the Knicks. He is a defensive demon, he’s aggressive in the paint, and he plays with a motor like no other player. Noah is a two-way threat because of his aggressive play; with the emotion and passion that he plays with, he is the last player who anyone wants to get tangled up with. He represents everything that New York City stands for. Noah signing with the Knicks is huge, but Courtney Lee signing with the Knicks was just as big a move.
Courtney Lee, the Prototypical “3 and D” player
To round out the starting five, the Knicks brought in now-former Charlotte Hornets shooting guard Courtney Lee on a four-year, $50 million dollar deal. In this market, Lee’s new contract is a complete steal. With players like Evan Turner and Kent Bazemore getting $70+ million, the Knicks getting Lee at $50 million is a steal. Lee is the prototypical modern day “3 and D” shooting guard, which is a skill set that’s vital in today’s NBA. He’s a good perimeter shooter, but it’s his perimeter defense that makes him so valuable. Lee is the perimeter defender of which the Knicks have been deprived in recent years. Lee, like Noah, was a great pickup for the Knicks, but former Detroit Pistons point guard Brandon Jennings may have been the Knicks’ best signing.
Brandon Jennings, the NBA’s Forgotten Point Guard
The Knicks and Brandon Jennings agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal for him to become Derrick Rose’s backup. However, despite that being his role, Jennings is more than just a reserve. He is capable of being the go-to option on offense, and he’s one of the more aggressive guards in the league. The Knicks got Jennings at such a huge discount because of a nasty injury that he sustained nearly two years ago. At that time, Jennings tore his Achilles, sidelining him for roughly ten months. When he returned, his role was immensely reduced. With budding star Reggie Jackson on the rise in Detroit, there was no scenario in which Jennings could return and start; however, that wasn’t a knock on Jennings. Jackson was playing at a near-elite level and making a strong case to be an All-Star. There was no scenario in which Jackson could be removed from the lineup in favor of Jennings. While he will be serving the same backup role in New York, Jennings will have a larger role. With Rose’s injury history and the Knicks potentially playing small ball, Jennings will get plenty of playing time. He will be the scoring punch off the bench that the Knicks haven’t had since J.R. Smith‘s 2012-13 campaign. Jennings will likely be a potential Sixth Man of the Year candidate.
Noah, Lee, and Jennings Make the Knicks a Legitimate Eastern Conference Threat
The Knicks have transformed themselves into a different team. With Rose, they add a top-flight scoring point guard, when healthy. Their free agent acquisitions will be useful pieces on both ends of the floor. Noah will be a shot blocker and defensive presence in the paint, while Lee will be the perimeter defender and shooter that the Knicks have been looking for. Jennings will provide a spark off the bench with his scoring ability. These three players will fit in very well with the Knicks during this upcoming season, and they’ll push New York to a potentially deep playoff run in 2017.
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