Knicks Offseason To-Do List: Bring Back OG
With OG on the court, New York somehow operated as the most efficient/effective offensive team in the NBA and the best/stingiest defensive team in the league.
Since New York was eliminated last weekend, there has been plenty of talk about whether Knicks fans should be "happy" with the team's 2023-24 season.
I find it surprising that folks feel this is worthy of debate. First, let me state that I understand there isn't one way (or a "right way") to be a fan. To each his own. Obviously, everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, I feel sorry for fans who can't appreciate the journey even if it falls short of the desired destination. Unfortunately, the minds of so many lost folks have been infected by the RINGZ culture.
Context matters. The Knicks played the fourth quarter of Game 7 without their five highest-paid players and four leading scorers. There is no ignoring the fact injuries decimated this squad. Yet they fought every second of every game and made their city proud.
Thankfully, I sense that most Knicks fans are walking away from this season with a shared sense of pride and gratitude.
With that said, no one is suggesting that Knicks players/coaches/fans should be completely satisfied by simply being competitive and advancing to the second round. New York proved this year that they are legitimate contenders with a chance to win a championship. However, they will not take that next step towards greatness by standing still and hoping the other clubs in the East fall back. The Knicks front office has to get to work this summer and build up the franchise's foundation.
With that in mind, here's the "To Do" list for the Knicks front office this offseason.
1. Offer Jalen Brunson a four-year, $156.5 million extension, hoping he signs on the dotted line. Earlier this week, I went into depth as to why there is a legit possibility Brunson agrees to spend the heart of his prime in New York.
2. Re-Sign OG Anunoby
After attempting to lock up Brunson, the Knicks' top priority this summer should be bringing back Anunoby.
Yes, it's true losing OG via free agency six months after trading two of their best young players (RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley) to acquire him would be a bitter pill to swallow. Such a scenario would be embarrassing for Leon Rose and the NY front office. However, that's far from the only reason the Knicks are motivated to do everything within reason to make sure Anunoby re-signs.
The primary factor and driving force is what Rose, the Knicks coaching staff, and the rest of the league realized while watching OG during his brief stint in orange and blue: Anunoby is an absolutely ideal fit alongside Brunson. The perfect Robin to JB's Batman. In terms of complementing Brunson and Julius Randle and rounding out this particular roster, OG is arguably more suited to do so than any other player in the NBA.
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