Kristaps Porzingis‘ injury forced the Knicks to change their organizational vision and take a long-term approach to roster building, Nick Zappulla of RealGM writes.
New York enters the season with few short-term expectations, something that will make developing the team’s prospects the priority. Instead of signing veterans this offseason with an eye on wins, the team was able to take low-risk chances on players with high-potential to be long-term fits, such as Noah Vonleh and Mario Hezonja.
With Porzingis, Kevin Knox, and a team of young prospects, the Knicks are finally in a position to build toward the future.
Here’s more from the Eastern Conference:
- Frank Ntilikina has the chance to steal the show in for the Knicks this season, Zappulla adds in the same piece. Zappulla compares the point guard to Dante Exum minus the injury concerns.
- The Pistons were limited in what they could do this offseason due to cap constraints and they’ll need to find success with continuity on the court and change in leadership off of it, Ben Dowsett of Basketball Insiders writes. Dowsett has Detroit finishing third in the Central Division.
- Matt John of Basketball Insiders (same piece) expects the Pistons to be on the lookout for a deal should a starter-level player become available on the trade market. John believes any player outside of the expensive Blake Griffin–Andre Drummond–Reggie Jackson trio is movable in the right deal.
How can Noah Vonleh fit anywhere long term? Hezonja might be a good addition though.
Detroit should do everything possible to get rid of Jackson, he is way too expensive but with him they will never challenge. They need a good PG to get the best out of Blake & Drummond.