The New York Knicks are one of the teams on the hot seat this offseason, whether it be trying to make a splash in the NBA Draft later this month or in free agency after July 1. There need to be some visible improvements made to the roster before the Knicks can be considered worthy for the postseason.
Talking to Bruce Beck of NBC 4 New York, Knicks president Phil Jackson expressed pure optimism about the Knicks having a playoff-worthy roster in the 2016-17 season:
- “Do you believe that this franchise can rally and make the playoffs and maybe go even further?”
- Jackson: “Why not? I don’t know what’s so great about what’s out here in the East. We can fill that role.”
The Knicks finished 21 games short of a playoff appearance before the 2014-15 season, which was the last time Jackson prophesied the Knicks would make it to the postseason. After finishing 32-50 in 2015-16, you might be able to argue the Knicks made a small yet competitive step forward, particularly with the kind of rookie campaign Kristaps Porzingis had.
There’s no question the Eastern Conference has gaping holes asking to be filled. It’s why teams like the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets were able to make playoff appearances this season. Still, the Knicks have a serious hump to get over before Jackson’s prediction can become reality.
