New York Knicks Players Wishlist for NBA 2016-17 Season -- Who's In and Who's Out?
New York Knicks Expected to Make Big Plans Next NBA Season
Phil Jackson has a big task to bring quality players to the New York Knicks and make the team a contender once more. After the Derrick Rose trade, the Knicks now lack a center, a starting SG and bench shooters.
The team has five players on its roster to date: Justin Holiday, O'Quinn, Porzingis, Anthony and Rose. With $30 million to spend for free agents, here are some of the best players the New York Knicks should target.
1. Kevin Durant
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Phil Jackson hopes that getting Derrick Rose will convince Kevin Durant to play for the Knicks. After all, he said he would consider playing for New York if they got a good point guard. Rose is a great point guard, albeit past his prime, but the Knicks franchise believes he will get back to being an All-Star this season.
Everyone wants to get Kevin Durant; 2014 MVP, league leading scorer for 4 seasons, 5 time All-NBA first team. So it's totally clear why Jackson wants to pursue him. Kevin Durant plans to visit at least six teams: Thunder, Spurs, Warriors, Clippers, Celtics and Heat. Durant is expected to finalize his decision by July 9.
Durant averaged 28.2 points, 5.0 assists, 8.2 rebounds, 1.0 steal and 1.2 blocks per game. The stats say it all. Getting Durant will likely guarantee the Knicks' success in the NBA Playoffs.
2. Joakim Noah
On Joakim Noah, Derrick Rose said, "I want him. He knows that. His family knows that. Even last night, I was talking to him about it. He's in a position where he got injured twice last year, it was his contract year and he had to figure out what he wants to do."
After having sent out Robin Lopez while acquiring Rose, Jackson only has five players under contract. Joakim Noah would be a great fill for the center position left by Lopez, mainly because Rose feels Noah "is willing to do whatever it takes to win." Rose has played alongside Noah for eight years.
On the other hand, the Wizards are actively pursuing Noah according. Money may play a key factor here, as Washington is willing to offer Noah max contract.
3. Pau Gasol
Gasol is one of the big-named big men in the free agency this season, along with Noah and Dwight Howard. But compared to both players, Gasol has better statistical averages last season. Gasol had 16.5 points, 4.1 assists and 11.0 rebounds per game.
Gasol may also give better defense near the rim than Howard and Noah, at least when comparing shooting percentage stats of opponents attacking the players on the rim.
Aside from those great stats, Gasol is a Phil Jackson favorite, which may draw him to play for the Knicks. Another lure might be the chance for Gasol to groom another co-European potential in Kristaps Porzingis.
