The New York Knicks have slowed down after what was an impressive start to their campaign. Their current 16-18 record leaves them on the outside of the playoff picture looking in. The Knicks were expected to be major contenders in the Eastern Conference after acquiring key players over the offseason such as Derrick Rose, Courtney Lee, Brandon Jennings, and Joakim Noah to accompany Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzinginis to mold a star-studded lineup.
The Knicks may be looking to shake things up via trade or once free agency rolls around. Apparently, before starting point guard and ex-MVP Derrick Rose joined Phil Jackson and company in the Big Apple this previous summer, Jackson had his eyes set on another stud floor general in Jrue Holiday. Following from ESPN’s Ian Begley:
The Knicks will have to decide if they want to re-sign Rose as a free agent this summer or ink him to an extension before he hits the market.
The take here is that it’s way too early to make any hard conclusions on a long-term commitment to Rose. But it’s worth noting that Jrue Holiday, who played well in a win over the Knicks and has had a strong season thus far, will be on the market as well. And if recent history is any indication, the Knicks may have interest in Holiday. Phil Jackson expressed interest in trading for Holiday earlier in his tenure as Knicks president, according to sources.
It’s unclear if Jackson’s opinion on Holiday has changed. The Knicks are probably evaluating all of their options at this point and should be able to afford one of the top point guards on the market. With a few minor roster moves, they can create the cap space needed to offer a max contract this summer.
Jackson’s interest in Holiday is certainly warranted as the ex-all star and Philadelphia 76er has turned into an excellent all-around player. Playing for the New Orleans Pelicans as the secondary star to Anthony Davis, Holiday has provided consistent scoring and distributing from either guard spot this season.
Scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency and only 26 years old, Holiday is an enticing option and there is still a chance his best years lie ahead if he can manage to avoid the injury bug that has plagued him in previous years.
As for the Knicks, their sub-.500 record has to be considered unacceptable after all the hype that surrounded them coming into this year. While Rose and Jennings have been serviceable from the point guard position, they are both set to hit free agency this coming summer and New York may very well let them walk.
Rose has certainly played well as a scorer but with Melo and Porzingis out there on the floor with him, his ability to set his teammates up leaves a lot to be desired. Perhaps Holiday seems to fit what Jackson is trying to do in New York better, but it remains to be seen how the Knicks’ point guard situation unfolds once free agency hits.
