martin wrote:HofstraBBall wrote:fishmike wrote:totally fool hardy and fools gold. The formula is ride RJ/Randle, protect the rim and lean on your depth. I love guys like Bullock/Burks but the simple truth is those players are easy to acquire and if the roster is loaded with high end talent they will be even easier, because low tier veteran FAs will be happy to come and play here.Noel is the only Knick FA that is really critical to sign. The other guys are NOT AS GOOD as Conley/Powell/Derozon/Schroder and you would be stupid to waste an opportunity like $60-$70mm whatever in cap space to bring back inferior players than whats currently on the market
Makes ZERO sense.
Think chemistry and familiarity trump just being able to replace key pieces. The fact is Bullock has been exceptional defensively and has accepted his role on the team. As has Burks. Something that is not easy to predict or find. Can't underestimate the importance of not only adding vets that one thinks would fit a team and system but keeping the ones that actually do. For me, it is absolutely crucial that we finally stick with the pieces that are working. We have been the turnstile of the NBA the last few years and our record has reflected that. The theory behind these one-year deals was to find out which vets fit. Well, these guys fit. Why go after replacements that we do not know will buy in, fit in or work well together, when we already have ones that do. I also think that Burks is one of those fringe guys that are on the brink of next-level stuff.
IF we look at what we all wanted at the beginning of the year, it was more 3pt shooting, good defense and a solid PG. Knicks have shown they are now a very good 3pt shooting team(4th in the NBA and almost 2nd if not for small clicks). They have Rose who is playing exceptional basketball at PG spot and a top-ranked defense. Think its reason enough to make keeping the core roster together a priority. Sure, if we can add a decent PG and another shooter like Powell, I am all in. But again, think this is a roster that you just trim some fat ( Frank, Knox, Pinson, Pelle, and Payton), add a draft asset, and a couple of value FA's to an already well put together core.
I think there is something to be said about chemistry and familiarity and building on what you have accomplished but let's also be very explicit: IQ, Rose, Burks, Noel are players who didn't need the previous year's familiarity to get to the point where the Knicks are today. And I really don't know how the chemistry of RJ, Payton, Mitch, Julius, Taj really carried over from last year.
I think there will be some carry over from this year to next - Rose, Taj - are vet min shoe in's. I'm there with Fish on Noel being a priority with Mitch.
I'm also with Fish in the you NEED to maximize the cap space this year especially with Mitch, Julius in looming extension modes.
It's nice to say we want to bring back Burks but there are just higher talent guys out there that would do the same or much more than him.
Bullock has the Early Bird rights attached to him, so I can see the Knicks going over the cap and then signing him; the others, not so much. Noel maybe with the MLE?
Good descriptor of what Bird rights are and how much we can sign each player for: https://www.nba.com/news/free-agency-explained
Agree that chemistry does not need multiple years to be created. Point was that the best gauge for chemistry and fit is how a team performs. Ie Wins. And clearly, this is our best team since 2012. So why mess with it? Makes sense that Key pieces should be resigned. Burks was a key piece off the bench. Bullock has been a key piece in the starting line up. Rose has been key as closing PG. Noel has been good on defense. As mentioned, IF we can add a key FA , I am all in. But who? And for how much? Also, do they add more value than the guys who have been successful.
Would also disagree about Noel. Love him but I think a defensive Center who can be a blue-collar guy is much easier to find than a guy like Burks who is a versatile wing and has great range and is shooting 41% from the three-point line. He is also a candidate for a big last-second bucket. Not to mention he fits well with Randle and RJ. I mean would you rather pay big money for Derozan? Just do not think he fits well with those two. IMO
For me, keeping these guys is absolutely a priority. There is the danger of what we Knick fans do. Underestimate our own and overestimate old names. ie. Conley, Derozan etc. Sticking with the same thinking as last year when I was one of a few who thought Randle was a solid player. We need to stick with what is working and with the players that are showing they have potential to reach another level. Rather just add another draft winner like IQ and a fringe FA PG that is not overpriced and overaged. Do not think anyone is talking about Leonard or another superstar. We have seen that tune before and know where that will end.
'Knicks focus should be on players that have grown up playing soccer or cricket' - Triplethreat 8/28/2020