NFT: State of the Knicks (after Durant)

Achilles is torn then I am not sure anymore. He may never regain that explosiveness again. Now he has a decision, does he opt into his 31 mil and stay in GS, rehab and hopefully come back and be somewhat near what he was? Does he still try to come to the Knicks, maybe at a lower rate then the Max deal, this way he can begin his ventures in NY which he has rumored to be setting up for a while?

the only sensible option is to draft Barrett and take on some bad deals for current and future (unprotected) picks.

this is a really unfortunate hit to the offseason mojo, even if Durant was far from a lock for NYK.

Perhaps Durant reads a lot of posts from Knicks fans who convert his injury into an opportunity to only feel sorry for themselves, along with accusations of Bob Myers (who he and Kleiman love) faking his press conference emotions, and then simply says, "Fuck these guys, I'm not gonna play for their team."

the kids a winner and he's performed in the garden before... wouldn't mind kemba on the knicks

In comment 14469146 bigbluehoya said:

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the only sensible option is to draft Barrett and take on some bad deals for current and future (unprotected) picks. this is a really unfortunate hit to the offseason mojo, even if Durant was far from a lock for NYK.

I am with you, draft Barrett, go hard after Kawhi (Offer him his own MSG show etc etc) and entice him with either a second star or some lesser players like Danny Green etc. If he is unwilling to come, take on contracts and acquire future picks

In comment 14469152 santacruzom said:

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Perhaps Durant reads a lot of posts from Knicks fans who convert his injury into an opportunity to only feel sorry for themselves, along with accusations of Bob Myers (who he and Kleiman love) faking his press conference emotions, and then simply says, "Fuck these guys, I'm not gonna play for their team."

It's not only Knicks fans who think Bob Myers was faking it, its the whole goddamn internet and every damn sports radio show out there

In comment 14469152 santacruzom said:

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Perhaps Durant reads a lot of posts from Knicks fans who convert his injury into an opportunity to only feel sorry for themselves, along with accusations of Bob Myers (who he and Kleiman love) faking his press conference emotions, and then simply says, "Fuck these guys, I'm not gonna play for their team."

Knicks fans will be suffering long after KD is given a clean bill of health. He hasn't been diagnosed with a terminal illness - just surgery (most likely) to repair a torn tendon. He's still a young, millionaire athlete with rings and MVPs.

crying? I think his emotions were legit. He probably feels horrible for what happened to KD & his hand in it.

and should have been the plan all along.

If you can run a Kawhi/AD/Robinson front court, that is a hell of a start to a great defensive team and still pretty good offensively.

did you watch Barrett play at Duke? I wouldn't call him a chucker in the slightest. He averaged 23 points a game on 18 shots. That's a decently good number at 18 years old.

In comment 14469159 SFGFNCGiantsFan said:

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crying? I think his emotions were legit. He probably feels horrible for what happened to KD & his hand in it.

feeling guilty yes, i dknt think he felt bad

In comment 14469153 Platos said:

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the kids a winner and he's performed in the garden before... wouldn't mind kemba on the knicks

Most of these kids were winners in college. In the pros?? He's been to the playoffs 2 times and hasn't yet won a series.

heard in a long time.

I think KD being broke down and lame substantially increases the likelihood of the Knicks signing him to a long term free agent mega deal.

Anyhow, the state of the Knicks remains unchanged; they’re gonna be a joke as long as JD & The Straight Shot is playing at the World’s Most Dysfunctional Arena.

Then a roster of scrubs and those three would still be a legit contender.

Gutting your roster for AD, without another star, much less two, makes no sense. If NO wants a deal before draft and free agency, screw them.

And I don’t want to give max contracts to anyone other than Klay or Kawhi, but we know they are not coming. No one is coming here by himself except as part of an ensemble. KD was the only one to do that but now that dream is gone too.

Just build through the draft. I hope they don’t feel the need to make a splash because they traded away KP.

In comment 14469000 Pep22 said:

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In comment 14468982 Anakim said: Quote: I wonder if this could be the framework: Knicks get: Anthony Davis Pelicans get: Bradley Beal, Kevin Knox, Dennis Smith Jr., two first rounders Wizards get: the third overall pick, Frank Ntilikina Well thought out proposal.

Thank you

In comment 14469109 Heisenberg said:

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have been doing. Pick good players, develop them, play smart two way basketball - These things are called having a functional basketball operation and neither team has a long history of success of that. The Knicks are just behind the Nets on a similar timeline.

Exactly. Basing your model on player development does not preclude you from going after premier FA's. You need a superstar to win, and you have to get damn luck y to find one in the draft. Draft good players and develop them to make your team attractive to potential FA's.

This may just be a blessing in disguise. We should be in on the youth movement still and not some expedient hope that we can land 3 of the top 10 available stars and win next year. That was always a pipedream.

Back to the grind for the FO. They've been doing fine under this new leadership. And RJ Barrett looks like a stud. We likely get the two firsts from DAL after the lottery too. We could be worse off. We could still have THJ and Burke playing 30 minutes a piece and a rape-y KP not willing to extend.

#TrustTheProcess

In comment 14469184 Anakim said:

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In comment 14469000 Pep22 said: Quote: In comment 14468982 Anakim said: Quote: I wonder if this could be the framework: Knicks get: Anthony Davis Pelicans get: Bradley Beal, Kevin Knox, Dennis Smith Jr., two first rounders Wizards get: the third overall pick, Frank Ntilikina Well thought out proposal. Thank you

Why would DC do that? Beal is better than the 3rd pick in the draft. Unless someone is willing to take Wall, DC is not dealing Beal.

person who doesn't think the plan should change. KD having this at 30 is different than Kobe having it at 35. KD is also a far less explosive athlete than Kobe, and his shooting based game should age well.

In comment 14469200 Jon in NYC said:

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person who doesn't think the plan should change. KD having this at 30 is different than Kobe having it at 35. KD is also a far less explosive athlete than Kobe, and his shooting based game should age well.

I think a lot of people are just not expecting KD to hit FA is the thing. If he did, I don't know how many would be opposed now... you might be right.

Not just the Knicks. I've read today if he opts in with GS it makes it more difficult for them to do a legit deal with Klay, no strings attached. Probably pushes Davis more towards Lakers, and in that regard one has to wonder if Kyrie will now be open to the Lakers as well if AD went there. And if Durant decides to stay with GS long-term post injury what does that do for Green who's contract is up soon as well. The shoe companies must be losing their shit over this. You just know they had the marketing plans ready to go for these players and their new locations.

It's pretty incredibly actually when you think how one moment in time may have such a big effect on the entire coming 5 or 6 years in the league.

In comment 14469200 Jon in NYC said:

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person who doesn't think the plan should change. KD having this at 30 is different than Kobe having it at 35. KD is also a far less explosive athlete than Kobe, and his shooting based game should age well.

i would still do it, you have room for 2 maxes, that 2nd max with the vet signings to surround him should be able to make this team a playoff team and give kd time to rehab and get right and come back 100 for the laat coupldnof months of season and be ready for playoffs

This is brutal, but it’s honest...

No one wants to see Kd hurt. But once he got hurt last month, last night may have been the best possible outcome for the Knicks. Everyone knew KD was coming. Everyone.

But

Last month, once he got hurt - Last night was inevitable. Whether it happened last night. October. Or next April. It was happening. For the Knicks, it was best to happen BEFORE they signed him, not after.

As brutal as last night was for KD personally. As much as it blows up the Knicks plans. Be glad it happened, when it happened. As terrible as that sounds.

can they still re-sign Klay?

If not, then the plan should be Kawhi/Klay.

Before everyone lost their mind.Build through the draft,and if possible acquire more picks.Because RJ Barrett alone isn't gonna save jobs.

In comment 14469207 nygiants16 said:

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In comment 14469200 Jon in NYC said: Quote: person who doesn't think the plan should change. KD having this at 30 is different than Kobe having it at 35. KD is also a far less explosive athlete than Kobe, and his shooting based game should age well. i would still do it, you have room for 2 maxes, that 2nd max with the vet signings to surround him should be able to make this team a playoff team and give kd time to rehab and get right and come back 100 for the laat coupldnof months of season and be ready for playoffs

The Knicks signing KD after a major injury would be the most Knicksy move possible. Right in line with all the other post injury stars we have had over the years...McDyess, Penny, Stoudemire, Noah, Rose, etc.

I reserve the right to change my mind 15x about this before July 1st.

In comment 14469200 Jon in NYC said:

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person who doesn't think the plan should change. KD having this at 30 is different than Kobe having it at 35. KD is also a far less explosive athlete than Kobe, and his shooting based game should age well.

This was kind of my first thought. Maybe this can make Durant 100% when who knows if he was before. I think if you can make the AD trade you do it. Durant can definitely be a #2 when he gets back.

This Leonard talk is laughable. Why is he coming to the Knicks- the worst team in the league? And please spare me the uncle talk- he has zero ties to the knicks. And same applies for Thompson- zero chance he’s coming to the Knicks.

I would still sign Durant even with the torn Achilles. To me the risk outweighs the rewards to get him for 3 years even if he “redshirts” his first year rehabbing. Still use the remaining cap space to sign Kemba or multiple good players.

What this really changes is the AD trade. I would be very worried emptying the cupboard and having him walk at the end of the year because Durant is our for next year. And I am not high on the Knicks young players.

John Wall is going to miss at least almost two full seasons, an injury that has completed eliminated the Wizards from competing for years since Wall got a max deal.

Would be insane, had he arrived healthy this summer you’re probably buying 1-2 iffy seasons in exchange for 3 (hopefully) late-prime, superstar level seasons.

Signing him now the best case scenario is he’s like 80-90% of what he was in two years? And then he’s 33 years old.

The Knicks don’t have a lot to lose, in that respect I would understand it. But it’s a very risky move. Given that they have a roster full of 18-25 year olds I think the right move is to focus on a slow rebuild. They have picks in future years, develop the roster and see what unfolds. I know it’s a tough sell because everyone was counting on a complete overhaul but I think it is the smart route to go.

Why move to a shit weather loser?

I am looking forward to the constant recalibration of best remaining outcomes until the only one left is tank again / youth movement. Fuck basketball.

the Knicks get Leonard there is probably 0.001% chance they get Klay. Klay is a west coast kid through and through, no chance he comes to New York.

But still, you’re writing off the first year, the second will probably be a far cry from vintage KD, so you’re hoping he recaptures form at age 33-34? I don’t see it.

This scenario is now making its rounds, that the Knicks will still try to sign Durant, not use their other max slot on a free agent, draft Barrett and take another year of player development. They could have 2 high picks in the following draft, which is deeper for trades and etc.

I think we are in for another year of "player development."

I'm actually fine with this scenario.

the landscape of the NBA I think it's likely that even a healthy KD/AD squad would struggle.

I do like the idea of an uber athletic DSJ-Barrett-Knox-Mitch core while staying flexible with picks. Get another top pick next year, shoot for KD/AD in free agency next year after KD opts in/has healed and AD is unrestricted? They should still have plenty of cap space assuming they spend wisely.

a barebones KD/AD squad, assuming they'd have to trade away basically everything for Davis.

In comment 14469339 Pete44 said:

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This scenario is now making its rounds, that the Knicks will still try to sign Durant, not use their other max slot on a free agent, draft Barrett and take another year of player development. They could have 2 high picks in the following draft, which is deeper for trades and etc. I think we are in for another year of "player development." I'm actually fine with this scenario.

This makes the most sense to me. Zero pressure for Durant to rush back, the Knicks will have all of their assets in case a guy from a loaded 2021 FA class winds up available via trade. At that point the Dallas pick will have more value than it does today since it'll be coming up sooner and the Knicks will know better what they have in Barrett, Knox, etc by then vs today. I also think the KD injury makes it more likely that a team like Denver or Portland steps up and winds the AD trade sweepstakes seeing a window open to go for it next year. In that case, it's possible AD is available as a FA and they could potentially sign him in a year.

Durant is headed to new york for further evaluation

In comment 14469339 Pete44 said:

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This scenario is now making its rounds, that the Knicks will still try to sign Durant, not use their other max slot on a free agent, draft Barrett and take another year of player development. They could have 2 high picks in the following draft, which is deeper for trades and etc. I think we are in for another year of "player development." I'm actually fine with this scenario.

I also don't hate this. Maybe they still try to get Kawhi, but if they can't, stay flexible and go for it again in 2021 with a mostly healed Durant and room for another max (AD being the obvious target).

In comment 14469346 nygiants16 said:

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Durant is headed to new york for further evaluation

Sorry i'm on a rapid fire post thing here, but another thought that crossed my mind:

Knicks may make even more sense for KD now if he can get superior medical care here. I mean Kawhi rehabbed in NY too, so it's not like it's a prerequisite, but it certainly ties it into a nice little bow if he rehabs by his home.

In comment 14469339 Pete44 said:

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This scenario is now making its rounds, that the Knicks will still try to sign Durant, not use their other max slot on a free agent, draft Barrett and take another year of player development. They could have 2 high picks in the following draft, which is deeper for trades and etc. I think we are in for another year of "player development." I'm actually fine with this scenario.

I’m fine with this while leaving the possibility of Davis as a FA in 2020. To me the risk with Durant is well worth it. Even if he’s reaching 90%, that’s still a top 10-15 player in the league ages 32 to 34. This is an all time player we are talking about.

as you could end up getting another top 5 pick. Plus as others have said it gives a year of player development for Knox, RJ, Mitch, etc.. that said you have to hope that KD can come back the same.

In comment 14468999 nygiants16 said:

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Bob Meyers crying was fake as hell last noght? He knew damn well the warriors pushed kd to play and now he is going to sit there and cry because he got hurt? I thinknit was all bullshit

You’re the second person to speculate on this. No, I think you and WFAN’s Gio are both reaching.

I do not think that will happen at all

In comment 14469368 Heisenberg said:

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I do not think that will happen at all

Actually, that's a very Knicks thing to do. Scott Layden would be drooling over that scenario

In comment 14469346 nygiants16 said:

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Durant is headed to new york for further evaluation

I actually know where his doctor is located. I've seen jerseys of Durant (and other athletes) at the office.

In comment 14469361 djm said:

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In comment 14468999 nygiants16 said: Quote: Bob Meyers crying was fake as hell last noght? He knew damn well the warriors pushed kd to play and now he is going to sit there and cry because he got hurt? I thinknit was all bullshit You’re the second person to speculate on this. No, I think you and WFAN’s Gio are both reaching.

every person on the tv has speculated this..

In comment 14469346 nygiants16 said:

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Durant is headed to new york for further evaluation

Does this suggest it could be a partial tear? If it's a full tear, it's pretty easy to diagnose and the only option is surgery. It's possible he's flying to NY to have the surgery but wouldn't news of the MRI results have come out by now?

Note: I realize it's a long shot but it's a dark day for a Knicks fan so I'm okay grasping for straws.