The Knicks are sprinting full speed towards no-man's land. They won't be good enough to make the playoffs (or make any noise if they get in) and won't be bad enough to land a top lottery pick...
I also would prefer to pass on Brunson and let IQ run the show. I don't have concerns about the money but I think Brunson is a good (but not star) player who won't fit very well with RJ, Randle and Mitch. I think IQ is a much better fit. The upside of not getting Brunson is we would get to see what IQ is. If IQ's good, it's a win, if he's really a 6th man, then we have a lottery pick next year and potentially several other first rounders. On the other hand, as you point out, if they do succeed in getting Brunson, presumably he will be an upgrade over Kemba / Burks at the point and we should be at least .500 and be a play in team.
But, emotions aside, the Knicks tanked to the worst record in the league the year before Leon was hired and still didn't get the number one pick. He was brought in after the Fizdale dumpster fire and wasted lottery picks on Frank and Knox. The cupboard was pretty bare. We have been two games over .500 for the last two years with one playoff appearance. We have a young core and we have more future first round draft picks than when we started. There is coaching continuity and player development. Taking a step back and reflecting on front office performances over the last 20 years, it's hard to argue that Leon hasn't significantly improved the team.
Really well said. The Knicks are most likely the worst run franchise in the NBA. And have been for a long time. We really can't blame Rose anymore. Or Phil Jackson. Or Isiah Thomas. Or Donnie Walsh. Or Scott Layden. Yes, all were poor GM's (maybe not Donnie but he was not here long enough to make an impact) but there is only one common denominator. And that's the owner. And sad to say if you are Knick fan, an owner doesn't fired. Last night was a rotten night for Knick fans. And I'd say the Knicks are head for dark times ahead. But no need to say it because ever since Dolan took the reigns, the Knicks have been in dark times.
Thanks Tommy
I also would prefer to pass on Brunson and let IQ run the show. I don't have concerns about the money but I think Brunson is a good (but not star) player who won't fit very well with RJ, Randle and Mitch. I think IQ is a much better fit. The upside of not getting Brunson is we would get to see what IQ is. If IQ's good, it's a win, if he's really a 6th man, then we have a lottery pick next year and potentially several other first rounders. On the other hand, as you point out, if they do succeed in getting Brunson, presumably he will be an upgrade over Kemba / Burks at the point and we should be at least .500 and be a play in team.
But, emotions aside, the Knicks tanked to the worst record in the league the year before Leon was hired and still didn't get the number one pick. He was brought in after the Fizdale dumpster fire and wasted lottery picks on Frank and Knox. The cupboard was pretty bare. We have been two games over .500 for the last two years with one playoff appearance. We have a young core and we have more future first round draft picks than when we started. There is coaching continuity and player development. Taking a step back and reflecting on front office performances over the last 20 years, it's hard to argue that Leon hasn't significantly improved the team.
Really well said. The Knicks are most likely the worst run franchise in the NBA. And have been for a long time. We really can't blame Rose anymore. Or Phil Jackson. Or Isiah Thomas. Or Donnie Walsh. Or Scott Layden. Yes, all were poor GM's (maybe not Donnie but he was not here long enough to make an impact) but there is only one common denominator. And that's the owner. And sad to say if you are Knick fan, an owner doesn't fired. Last night was a rotten night for Knick fans. And I'd say the Knicks are head for dark times ahead. But no need to say it because ever since Dolan took the reigns, the Knicks have been in dark times.