We’re preparing for the coming NBA season by scouting the conference opponents of the Miami Heat. Next up on the list is the New York Knicks.
The Knicks had one of the busiest off-seasons in the league, and while maybe not in the way they desired, they still put together an interesting team. If injuries to other borderline playoff teams occur, and the Knicks play to full potential, they have the talent to make a surprise run at the playoffs … or crash, burn, and sell players for more picks. While the team missed out on big-name free agents, the Knicks still managed to put together an interesting squad for the season.
OFF-SEASON ADDITIONS
The team started off the off-season by drafting R.J. Barrett out of Duke, the once consensus number one player in the draft, before the blow-up of phenom Zion Williamson. While the league-worst Knicks probably would have rather been able to add Williamson to attract other stars, Barrett is no small consolation prize and could prove to be one of the more skilled players in the league.
The team also continued its impressive second-round track record, by adding Ignas Brazdeikis to the squad, who looked great in Summer League. In free agency, the Knicks looked to be major players for Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and others. But, none of the dominoes fell in their favor and both of the aforementioned stars made their way to state-rival, Brooklyn.
The Knicks then turned their attention to adding players on one or two-year deals (with options or partial guarantees). This was in order to prepare for either the 2020 free agency class, which is potentially headlined by Anthony Davis, or the 2021 free agency group, which will be potentially headlined by Giannis Antetokounmpo. This is a smart move, as the young corps will still almost certainly be under contract.
After all the major players were getting signed away, the Knicks threw a three year, $62.1 million contract at Julius Randle. They made the third year essentially a team option, with just around $4 million guaranteed.
This is an excellent contract for Randle, who averaged 21.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and .7 steals last season for the New Orleans Pelicans. He also shot 52.4% field goal percentage and 34.4% from deep on 2.7 attempts per game last season for the Pelicans as well. Randle filled in for Davis a ton last season, who sat out for a good part of the season with a trade demand.