The Knicks Wall Roundtable: The Positives of the 2015–2016 Season
Yesterday, the bad. Today? The Kristaps aka the good.
Hello, Sir Kristaps. You have been a breath of fresh air for pessimistic Knicks fans everywhere.
Your arrival has christened a new era of New York basketball.
Your presence has changed how fans react in the Mecca.
You, out of everything else, headline the positives of the 2015–2016. Let’s dive in and check what the staff has to say:
Matt Spendley, writer:
Kristaps Porzingis was as good as anyone could have imagined in their wildest dreams this season. From being booed on draft night to putting up lines like 29–11, 24–14–7,and 26–6–2–2–2, he was the undeniable bright spot for this team.
Carmelo Anthony recorded the highest assist rate of his career, and earned the moniker “Dad Melo” by putting a little more faith in his teammates. It remains to be seen if the Knicks can surround him with better guys to lean on moving forward.
Robin Lopez turned into an animal after a slow start and solidified his role as the third most important Knick. At $13-$14 million a year over the next few years, his contract is going to look just dandy once the cap rises. His hook shot might be my favorite shot in the entire league to watch. I don’t want to hear any rumors about Dwight Howard coming to New York. Keep RoLo, don’t go for the starry name on the decline.
Jerian Grant’s emergence at the end of the year was promising, and it should give the Knicks a bit of comfort at the point guard position moving into next year. He still has a long way to go, but at least we saw the things he can do when given some burn. Their backcourt will still be their weak point, but at least there’s some upside.
Derrick Williams turned into a reliable (GASP!) bench piece, and while he was a little inconsistent, maybe he’s figured this basketball thing out. I’m hoping he makes his way back to New York next season.
Overall, while the Knicks’ final record was somewhat disappointing, it wasn’t all bad. They have some pieces in place and could easily improve their record next season with a smart head coaching hire and the addition of a couple key free agents.
trey, social:
Kristaps Porzingis. Okay, I’m an admitted stan already. But what’s not to like about his future? Outside of the obvious, the contracts the Knicks owe to players is a huge positive.
Jackson has not committed to any huge contracts, sans Melo, and remains cap flexible. Definitely on the roster next season, contract-wise, include; Anthony, Calderon, Porzingis, Grant, Lopez, O’Quinn, Wroten.
Galloway has the only team option while Afflalo and Williams have player options. The rest of the roster is gone (BYE SASHA). Even though cap space is essentially valued less this off season with the cap jump the Knicks being flexible is still a positive.
Reid Goldsmith, writer:
Jerian Grant. We can talk all day about Porzingis’ skill set and potential, but picking potentially TWO great picks from last year’s first round is a pretty incredible job by the front office (with the loss of Hardaway, Jr.).
The numbers are self-evident after he was thrusted into the lineup following Calderon’s season-ending injury and membership into the AARP. Grant started the final six games this year; he averaged 14.5 points, 3.7 assists and boards, while shooting 49.25% and an overall -14 in a heavily bench guys playing games (via BBall_Ref).
The Knicks won two games in that span largely without Anthony or Porzingis but saw some brilliance with Grant on the court. I believe Grant can be a truly competitive and elite point guard in this league and I’m not concerned for his jumper, it improved! I’m really looking forward to his sophomore campaign.
Kyle Maggio, writer:
Robin Lopez. Lopez was signed last summer to shore up the frontline for New York, largely in part because when Kristaps was selected with the fourth overall pick in the NBA Draft, much of the discussion surrounding his game regarded his defensive and rebounding deficiencies, and that he would need years (2–3) to really develop into a viable NBA player.
I mention Porzingis because I felt if Phil Jackson was truly hellbent on taking KP, Lopez would serve as insurance at the center position until Kristaps developed.
WELP.
Now, this isn’t to say Lopez then served no purpose. No, Lopez was absolutely terrific in spite of losing virtually every jump ball tossed in his ginger, curly-haired vicinity.
Lopez posted 10.3 points and 7.3 rebounds to go along with 1.6 blocks per game on 27 minutes per night, or 13.7 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per 36 minutes.
Lopez was efficient, and a stable force down low for the duration of the season. I would also love to believe that Kristaps’ sudden defensive prowess didn’t develop overnight, but with the help of Robin during practices, camps, film studies and such. Having a solid veteran on the team who is a more than solid player showing a rookie the ropes cannot be overstated.
Peter Saclarides, writer:
Godzingis. The Knicks don’t have a first round pick this year (thanks Bargs), but at least we have KP. The potential in a 7’3" 20-year-old with a jump shot, post game, decent ball handling for his size, and solid inside defense is ridiculous.
The near future isn’t that bright though, unless the Knicks can pull the shock of the century and sign Kevin Durant this offseason, we’re likely in for an 8th seed team at the very best next season.
