JesseDark wrote:https://empiresportsmedia.com/new-york-knicks/knicks-projected-to-face-western-conference-powerhouse-in-nba-finals/

Surprised this isn't a topic already.
It's way too early but a fella can dream.
We are a player away from making this happen. Either a trade or massive player development is needed, RJ I'm looking at you.

It was bought up and discussed. Bobby Marks said it. He did not cite "we a player away". He just said our continued roster was the reason.
Injuries are always part of any teams season. If Randle was 100% do we get past Miami? If so, then it was just Boston. Logic says if we had beaten Miami then of course we do Boston, but logic don't play.

Marks made his call. That can change as trades could happen or injuries to us or others mount. Always the case.
"one player away" is too easy. To do that your obviously making a trade and thus subtracting another and then picks.
Leon is not talking. Rosas not even officially the GM. Knicks keep it close to the vest.

EwingsGlass wrote:… Boston traded Smart for Plantar Fasciaitus. …

🤣

Nalod wrote:

EwingsGlass wrote:Been a while since the Knicks got a prediction. Hope
They can live up to it.

Here’s why it can.

1) Brunson and Randle were nursing injuries in the Miami series. Butler was hotter than hot and Miami got a sick number of calls their way. Knicks took the season series 3-1. Miami gets a lot of FA signings taking their talents to South Beach, but this year they lost some key rotation players. The Knicks trade Obi for peanuts but got DDV for nothing. They are a Vet Minimum signing of a PF away from having a better squad than last year, if pundits want to say don’t already.

2) No one in the East got remarkably better, either. Toronto lost FVV. Boston traded Smart for Plantar Fasciaitus. Philly has a Harden problem. Nets, well, they were reeling after the Durant trade, maybe they tighten up a bit with a full training camp, but not sure they are better than the Knicks on paper. Of Chicago (injuries), Bucks (age, but still a contender), Cavs (up and coming, but we owned them), Washington (Nope), Miami (lost some key players), Atl (not really sure how to interpret their trades yet, they seemingly gave away Collins, but had some depth), Orlando (still a year away from being 2 years away if everything goes right), Indiana (I mean, I like their squad but it hasn’t clicked yet).

3) Brunson clicked. Randle clicked. IQ clicked. I’m looking at Barrett, Robinson and Grimes to see who else can click. Hart and DDV are bringing a depth and tenaciousness that are hard to match. We need a backup PF to replace Toppin. But, man, this team looks close. Gosh, if Mitch Robinson just woke up and played a heads up passing game with a 60% FT%? If Barrett just increased his eFG to .530? If Grimes kept the same percentages on 16 shots a game?

4) Picks. We have a lot of picks to ply with. Yeah, some may not be valued that highly by other teams, but this team has some real depth and an ability to find that last piece. If they can move Fournier for 1 more rotation player and/or two rotation players for a 3rd all-star caliber player in their late 20’s, i don’t se whey this team would t be in more conversations.

Herro out hurt Miami some. I know we took series 3-1 in regular season but Miami also was hit with injuries. I believe they lost more games to injury to all but one other team in the regular season. Perhaps both teams full strength would have yielded a knick win is reasonable. Lowrey was far from his usually self as he was coming back from an injury. He had a few moments but looked awful at times.

Jesse, I got that Marks did not say “One player away”. My point is to get that “one player” would dilute the depth and continuance he speaks of. One has to figure one starter at the very least (Rj or Jules), and one of IQ or grimes, then the plethora of picks. Perhaps MItch is in the mix. I would agree adding one player of extreme substance without giving up much would be great, but……Marks pegged us as is.

I mean giving up future picks doesn't affect our current roster and chances to win it all. So if the package is centered around RJ & IQ for a superstar it's not a huge blow to our depth or continuity. On the contrary this roster could USE a 2 for 1 trade as the minutes are very tight right now.

nycericanguy wrote:

Nalod wrote:

EwingsGlass wrote:Been a while since the Knicks got a prediction. Hope
They can live up to it.

Here’s why it can.

1) Brunson and Randle were nursing injuries in the Miami series. Butler was hotter than hot and Miami got a sick number of calls their way. Knicks took the season series 3-1. Miami gets a lot of FA signings taking their talents to South Beach, but this year they lost some key rotation players. The Knicks trade Obi for peanuts but got DDV for nothing. They are a Vet Minimum signing of a PF away from having a better squad than last year, if pundits want to say don’t already.

2) No one in the East got remarkably better, either. Toronto lost FVV. Boston traded Smart for Plantar Fasciaitus. Philly has a Harden problem. Nets, well, they were reeling after the Durant trade, maybe they tighten up a bit with a full training camp, but not sure they are better than the Knicks on paper. Of Chicago (injuries), Bucks (age, but still a contender), Cavs (up and coming, but we owned them), Washington (Nope), Miami (lost some key players), Atl (not really sure how to interpret their trades yet, they seemingly gave away Collins, but had some depth), Orlando (still a year away from being 2 years away if everything goes right), Indiana (I mean, I like their squad but it hasn’t clicked yet).

3) Brunson clicked. Randle clicked. IQ clicked. I’m looking at Barrett, Robinson and Grimes to see who else can click. Hart and DDV are bringing a depth and tenaciousness that are hard to match. We need a backup PF to replace Toppin. But, man, this team looks close. Gosh, if Mitch Robinson just woke up and played a heads up passing game with a 60% FT%? If Barrett just increased his eFG to .530? If Grimes kept the same percentages on 16 shots a game?

4) Picks. We have a lot of picks to ply with. Yeah, some may not be valued that highly by other teams, but this team has some real depth and an ability to find that last piece. If they can move Fournier for 1 more rotation player and/or two rotation players for a 3rd all-star caliber player in their late 20’s, i don’t se whey this team would t be in more conversations.

Herro out hurt Miami some. I know we took series 3-1 in regular season but Miami also was hit with injuries. I believe they lost more games to injury to all but one other team in the regular season. Perhaps both teams full strength would have yielded a knick win is reasonable. Lowrey was far from his usually self as he was coming back from an injury. He had a few moments but looked awful at times.

Jesse, I got that Marks did not say “One player away”. My point is to get that “one player” would dilute the depth and continuance he speaks of. One has to figure one starter at the very least (Rj or Jules), and one of IQ or grimes, then the plethora of picks. Perhaps MItch is in the mix. I would agree adding one player of extreme substance without giving up much would be great, but……Marks pegged us as is.

I mean giving up future picks doesn't affect our current roster and chances to win it all. So if the package is centered around RJ & IQ for a superstar it's not a huge blow to our depth or continuity. On the contrary this roster could USE a 2 for 1 trade as the minutes are very tight right now.

Conceptually, yes I would agree. But you have to include Mitch too. That worth it? Perhaps. Who is our three? Josh Hart. That works. Our depth now takes a hit.
I don't have the stones to do it. But its not my job. I for sure would not hate it. Those three players represented hope for the last few years. Its a starphuch with great promise.

nycericanguy wrote:

Nalod wrote:

nycericanguy wrote:

Nalod wrote:

EwingsGlass wrote:Been a while since the Knicks got a prediction. Hope
They can live up to it.

Here’s why it can.

1) Brunson and Randle were nursing injuries in the Miami series. Butler was hotter than hot and Miami got a sick number of calls their way. Knicks took the season series 3-1. Miami gets a lot of FA signings taking their talents to South Beach, but this year they lost some key rotation players. The Knicks trade Obi for peanuts but got DDV for nothing. They are a Vet Minimum signing of a PF away from having a better squad than last year, if pundits want to say don’t already.

2) No one in the East got remarkably better, either. Toronto lost FVV. Boston traded Smart for Plantar Fasciaitus. Philly has a Harden problem. Nets, well, they were reeling after the Durant trade, maybe they tighten up a bit with a full training camp, but not sure they are better than the Knicks on paper. Of Chicago (injuries), Bucks (age, but still a contender), Cavs (up and coming, but we owned them), Washington (Nope), Miami (lost some key players), Atl (not really sure how to interpret their trades yet, they seemingly gave away Collins, but had some depth), Orlando (still a year away from being 2 years away if everything goes right), Indiana (I mean, I like their squad but it hasn’t clicked yet).

3) Brunson clicked. Randle clicked. IQ clicked. I’m looking at Barrett, Robinson and Grimes to see who else can click. Hart and DDV are bringing a depth and tenaciousness that are hard to match. We need a backup PF to replace Toppin. But, man, this team looks close. Gosh, if Mitch Robinson just woke up and played a heads up passing game with a 60% FT%? If Barrett just increased his eFG to .530? If Grimes kept the same percentages on 16 shots a game?

4) Picks. We have a lot of picks to ply with. Yeah, some may not be valued that highly by other teams, but this team has some real depth and an ability to find that last piece. If they can move Fournier for 1 more rotation player and/or two rotation players for a 3rd all-star caliber player in their late 20’s, i don’t se whey this team would t be in more conversations.

Herro out hurt Miami some. I know we took series 3-1 in regular season but Miami also was hit with injuries. I believe they lost more games to injury to all but one other team in the regular season. Perhaps both teams full strength would have yielded a knick win is reasonable. Lowrey was far from his usually self as he was coming back from an injury. He had a few moments but looked awful at times.

Jesse, I got that Marks did not say “One player away”. My point is to get that “one player” would dilute the depth and continuance he speaks of. One has to figure one starter at the very least (Rj or Jules), and one of IQ or grimes, then the plethora of picks. Perhaps MItch is in the mix. I would agree adding one player of extreme substance without giving up much would be great, but……Marks pegged us as is.

I mean giving up future picks doesn't affect our current roster and chances to win it all. So if the package is centered around RJ & IQ for a superstar it's not a huge blow to our depth or continuity. On the contrary this roster could USE a 2 for 1 trade as the minutes are very tight right now.

Conceptually, yes I would agree. But you have to include Mitch too. That worth it? Perhaps. Who is our three? Josh Hart. That works. Our depth now takes a hit.
I don't have the stones to do it. But its not my job. I for sure would not hate it. Those three players represented hope for the last few years. Its a starphuch with great promise.

we have plenty to trade we could keep Mitch. He was never in the Utah talks for DM.

I dont see how our depth takes a hit in a 2 for 1 trade, the reality is we NEED to make a 2 or 3 for 1 trade eventually, there simply aren't enough minutes for everyone as is. And guys like Miles and Sims deserve some playing time too. Not to mention we have Rokas overseas.

DM is not the same as MVP Embiid and I suppose Mitch on a very good contract would be attractive to PHilly given they would need a center. BUt we have no idea what an EMbiid trade would look like. DM, and even Paul George went for very high prices.

I agree we are in a very good place to do a big trade. THe final price would be high. Four number ones, two we own ourselves (Need be protected to some degree) and the Dallas/WIz picks are ok by me.
I see RJ as a good piece but beyond that IQ is redundant as they have Maxy. Logically Mitch and Randle makes sense, they can slide Harris to the 3 for one season left on his deal.

Not sure who I want to stay or go. Who ever affords us the best chance to win is my choice!

the fact that 3 years later ANYONE is predicting a finals berth for us is quite amazing. And this is despite us "missing out" on all the "superstars".

Gotta give props to Thibs and the FO, they have really turned this thing around faster than anyone could have imagined. And the great thing is we are doing this with a very young roster and flush with picks. This isn't some last gasp with a bunch of older vets.

nycericanguy wrote:

Nalod wrote:

nycericanguy wrote:

Nalod wrote:

nycericanguy wrote:

Nalod wrote:

EwingsGlass wrote:Been a while since the Knicks got a prediction. Hope
They can live up to it.

Here’s why it can.

1) Brunson and Randle were nursing injuries in the Miami series. Butler was hotter than hot and Miami got a sick number of calls their way. Knicks took the season series 3-1. Miami gets a lot of FA signings taking their talents to South Beach, but this year they lost some key rotation players. The Knicks trade Obi for peanuts but got DDV for nothing. They are a Vet Minimum signing of a PF away from having a better squad than last year, if pundits want to say don’t already.

2) No one in the East got remarkably better, either. Toronto lost FVV. Boston traded Smart for Plantar Fasciaitus. Philly has a Harden problem. Nets, well, they were reeling after the Durant trade, maybe they tighten up a bit with a full training camp, but not sure they are better than the Knicks on paper. Of Chicago (injuries), Bucks (age, but still a contender), Cavs (up and coming, but we owned them), Washington (Nope), Miami (lost some key players), Atl (not really sure how to interpret their trades yet, they seemingly gave away Collins, but had some depth), Orlando (still a year away from being 2 years away if everything goes right), Indiana (I mean, I like their squad but it hasn’t clicked yet).

3) Brunson clicked. Randle clicked. IQ clicked. I’m looking at Barrett, Robinson and Grimes to see who else can click. Hart and DDV are bringing a depth and tenaciousness that are hard to match. We need a backup PF to replace Toppin. But, man, this team looks close. Gosh, if Mitch Robinson just woke up and played a heads up passing game with a 60% FT%? If Barrett just increased his eFG to .530? If Grimes kept the same percentages on 16 shots a game?

4) Picks. We have a lot of picks to ply with. Yeah, some may not be valued that highly by other teams, but this team has some real depth and an ability to find that last piece. If they can move Fournier for 1 more rotation player and/or two rotation players for a 3rd all-star caliber player in their late 20’s, i don’t se whey this team would t be in more conversations.

Herro out hurt Miami some. I know we took series 3-1 in regular season but Miami also was hit with injuries. I believe they lost more games to injury to all but one other team in the regular season. Perhaps both teams full strength would have yielded a knick win is reasonable. Lowrey was far from his usually self as he was coming back from an injury. He had a few moments but looked awful at times.

Jesse, I got that Marks did not say “One player away”. My point is to get that “one player” would dilute the depth and continuance he speaks of. One has to figure one starter at the very least (Rj or Jules), and one of IQ or grimes, then the plethora of picks. Perhaps MItch is in the mix. I would agree adding one player of extreme substance without giving up much would be great, but……Marks pegged us as is.

I mean giving up future picks doesn't affect our current roster and chances to win it all. So if the package is centered around RJ & IQ for a superstar it's not a huge blow to our depth or continuity. On the contrary this roster could USE a 2 for 1 trade as the minutes are very tight right now.

Conceptually, yes I would agree. But you have to include Mitch too. That worth it? Perhaps. Who is our three? Josh Hart. That works. Our depth now takes a hit.
I don't have the stones to do it. But its not my job. I for sure would not hate it. Those three players represented hope for the last few years. Its a starphuch with great promise.

we have plenty to trade we could keep Mitch. He was never in the Utah talks for DM.

I dont see how our depth takes a hit in a 2 for 1 trade, the reality is we NEED to make a 2 or 3 for 1 trade eventually, there simply aren't enough minutes for everyone as is. And guys like Miles and Sims deserve some playing time too. Not to mention we have Rokas overseas.

DM is not the same as MVP Embiid and I suppose Mitch on a very good contract would be attractive to PHilly given they would need a center. BUt we have no idea what an EMbiid trade would look like. DM, and even Paul George went for very high prices.

I agree we are in a very good place to do a big trade. THe final price would be high. Four number ones, two we own ourselves (Need be protected to some degree) and the Dallas/WIz picks are ok by me.
I see RJ as a good piece but beyond that IQ is redundant as they have Maxy. Logically Mitch and Randle makes sense, they can slide Harris to the 3 for one season left on his deal.

Not sure who I want to stay or go. Who ever affords us the best chance to win is my choice!

i mean if we're getting Embid why in the world would we keep Mitch anyway?

I'd prefer DM though. Embid at 31 with his injury history and a big man of his size might not last much longer.

we will def need to pay, but in terms of roster pieces, it will probably be centered around RJ & IQ and that would definitely alleviate the logjam.

I hear you, but Mitch could be traded for picks or another player if not in this deal.

Embiid is 29. He turns 30 in march.