The Knicks have a year to prove that they’re legitimate. They have improved from last season but let’s be honest that wasn’t exactly a high bar to jump over. More than 20 wins, here’s a medal.
They have fired Derek Fisher with Kurt Rambis filling in. I was dumbfounded when I heard the news but after a day of thinking about it I understand it. Immediately you start to think about Luke Walton as a replacement because Phil can’t possibly go outside his Tree of Triangle.
But why did I say that they’ve got a year to prove that they’re legit? Well if they want to court Russell Westbrook, they’re going to need more than Melo and Porzingis. They need results, they need Playoffs.
The Knicks have a real chance to sell Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook in 2017 – New York and Porzingis have his attention, yes – and Jackson ought to start constructing an elite coaching staff to begin that process with Westbrook and with free agents beyond him.
This, in my opinion, is only possible if Kevin Durant bolts from OKC after this season. Now sure Westbrook could still leave, he has a mind of his own. But to the Knicks? No. There are way to many teams above them at the moment. And like I keep saying. Location doesn’t mean jack anymore. Just saying “MSG, Knicks, Spike Lee, sign here.” doesn’t work anymore. You need substance and at the moment the Knicks are lacking in that department.
