New York Knicks can change the NBA landscape
Credit to Author: MICHAEL ANGELO B. ASIS| Date: Sun, 31 Mar 2019 16:30:40 +0000
It is the worst-kept secret in the NBA that every Commissioner’s wish is for the league’s most valuable franchises, the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers, to become relevant again. This has led to some interesting conspiracy theories which included allegations of rigging the first ever draft lottery in 1985, which awarded the Knicks with franchise player Patrick Ewing.
That notion was challenged in 2011, when former Commissioner David Stern vetoed the trade that would’ve sent Chris Paul to the Lakers, capped by Stern’s now infamous “Basketball Reasons” statement. The possibility of a Lakers’ dynasty was quashed, and a new dynasty emerged.
Nevertheless, the Lakers got LeBron James and became the talk of the basketball world, but the Knicks are still sorely missed.
The Big Apple boost
The NBA needs a boost right now. Last year’s Finals had the lowest TV ratings as fans got tired of LeBron James’ impression of Don Quixote chasing the Warriors’ windmills. They are hoping that a new team, or a new hero could actually give Golden State a worthy challenge.
The Celtics didn’t give them any favours, and the bloodbath in the East almost guarantees that their champion would be battle-weary. In contrast, if the playoffs started now, the Warriors will take on the slumping Thunder, the winner of the Blazers (without injured Nurkic) versus Jazz match-up. They could even avoid the Houston Rockets entirely. The path seems aligned for the team with five All-Stars.
The Lakers having LeBron James guaranteed their relevance despite their standing. However, it is the Knicks who can blow the league wide open this summer for various reasons.
Reason No.1: Cap space
The Knicks have the highest potential cap space if they renounce all cap holds. Spotrac listed it at $72,910,109. Considering the rich free agent market this summer and the surfacing of rape allegations against Kristaps Porzingis, their controversial trade is suddenly making sense.
The Knicks, ideally, could pick any two of: Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, DeMarcus Cousins, Jimmy Butler, Khris Middleton, Kemba Walker, Tobias Harris, Al Horford, Nikola Vucevic, Marc Gasol, Julius Randle and even DeAndre Jordan.
If they miss out on those, there are still guys like JJ Reddick, Derrick Rose, Goran Dragic, Harrison Barnes, Malcolm Brogdon and Brook Lopez. It’s a Sale and the Knicks have the most money. Even if they don’t get the big fish, they won’t go home empty-handed.
Reason No.2: NBA Draft odds
The Knicks are the worst team in the NBA, and if there’s one thing they did the right way, it was tanking. If you really want to tank, go hard and be the worst. The Knicks have a 14% chance of landing the top pick. Not as much as before since the NBA recalibrated the lottery odds starting this year, but it is the highest chance, although they share it with the other two worst teams.
The projected no.1 pick, Zion Williamson of Duke, is totally worth tanking for. He has had NBA owners salivating and is hailed as the best prospect since Anthony Davis.
Reason No.3: The big trade possibility
Speaking of Davis, The Lakers and Celtics’ trade assets for the Unibrow devalued since February. Brandon Ingram was diagnosed with a blood disease raising serious question marks and their relations with the Pelicans turned sour. Celtics’ Jayson Tatum has looked pedestrian as of late, and he was supposed to be the reason for the hold-up.
This opens the door for new players. If the Knicks land Zion Williamson and offer it to the Pelicans along with fillers like Kevin Knox, Dennis Smith, Jr, New Orleans would take it over a Tatum-centered Boston package.
If the three reasons pan out, the Knicks could parade Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis on opening night. It has gone from pipe dream to actual possibility. The next step is reality. What is certain is that 2019 is the summer of the Knicks.
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