Just one year removed from acquiring the likes of Derrick Rose, Courtney Lee and Joakim Noah with eyes set on contending, the New York Knicks are beginning to embark on a brand new journey: Rebuilding.
The team seems to be prioritizing young talents Kristaps Porzingis and Frank Ntilikina in the present day, as Knicks president Steve Mills penned in a blog to fans. Ironically, star forward Carmelo Anthony was once again not listed with the group:
As I said last month on the day we introduced Scott Perry as our new general manager, we are devoted to a bedrock principle — to restore the pride, work ethic and accountability that comes with playing in New York.
Dogged defense. Crisp, unselfish ball movement. Scraping for loose balls. These will be our hallmarks.
And our plan to become more youthful and athletic is underway with 22-year-old Kristaps Porzingis, the return of Tim Hardaway Jr., 25, Willy Hernangómez, 23, and with the debut of our 1st round draft pick, Frank Ntilikina, just 19.
The Knicks have aggressively shopped Carmelo Anthony since the trade deadline, hoping to acquire young assets geared towards contending down the road. Their plan to become ‘more youthful’ as Mills penned, is no secret.
And for Carmelo Anthony, it’s slowly becoming a reality — one he reportedly is content with.
The problem for New York, according to ESPN.com, is that Anthony is unwilling to waive his no-trade clause unless he gets dealt to the Houston Rockets.
