New York Knicks: The future is looking bright in New York…finally

For years, the New York Knicks have been a disgrace to the city of New York. Yet, in a post-Phil Jackson world the future looks bright.

1999 was the last time the New York Knicks played in the NBA Finals. From that point, Knicks history is full of unqualified general managers, failed coaches and underachieving players. Ten different head coaches over the next 16 years highlight an organization that excels in failing.

The ineptitude of the Phil Jackson regime is seen as a low point in recent Knicks history. However, Isiah Thomas did as much or more damage to the Knicks than anyone ever has. Thomas traded away draft picks for players he overrated, lost a sexual harassment lawsuit and became an NBA punchline.

PLAY FANDUEL: New users win first contest or get credited up to $120!

In the years following Thomas, flashes of NBA legitimacy appeared only to be wrecked once again by James Dolan and Phil Jackson. Phil gave Carmelo Anthony a no-trade clause, signed Joakim Noah to a horrible contract and then publicly feuded with Carmelo to force a trade that still hasn’t happened.

The direction of the New York Knicks in the present day stands in stark contrast to both Isiah Thomas and Phil Jackson. James Dolan has finally stepped back and that is a wonderful thing.

Furthermore, the team has a highly qualified GM in Scott Perry and a supportive team president in Steve Mills. No one can predict the future, especially the Knicks’ future. Yet, all indicators point to a bright future for the New York Knicks.

From the top down

Real organizational change comes from the top and trickles down into the body of the organization.

The head of the Knicks organizational body has been incompetent at best and schizophrenic at worst in recent years. Knicks owner James Dolan has always been a major problem. His forced hires and continual meddling led to years of instability inside Madison Square Garden.

However, it seems as if Dolan has turned over a new leaf. Not only has he pledged to stay out of basketball decisions, but Dolan has yet to even meet the new GM of his New York Knicks. In the press release announcing Steve Mills as team president and Scott Perry as GM, Dolan said:

"“As Steve and Scott move forward, I will continue to not be involved in the operations of the team.”"

Since the hiring of Scott Perry, the team has yet to make any significant personnel moves. Yet, Kyrie Irving put the Knicks on his shortlist of preferred teams to be traded to. A trade for Kyrie is still unlikely, but for the Knicks to be on his list speaks volumes.

Carmelo Anthony will eventually be traded and probably to the Houston Rockets. The New York Knicks, however, were patient enough to pause the trade talks upon the hiring of Scott Perry.

Consequently, the foresight shown to not make any rash decisions is a major step in the right direction.

Youth movement

Throughout the 2000s, the New York Knicks executed trades for big name players while sending away multiple draft picks. The result? Unbalanced teams with name recognition but little success.

In all professional sports, championship teams have been built through the draft and salary cap management. Scott Perry has made it clear that building on youth and managing the salary cap are his main concerns. According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News:

"“According to a team source, Perry is also considering hiring another front office executive who would be responsible for managing the salary cap.”"

Proper salary cap management and a young roster is exactly how the Boston Celtics became a contender. If the Knicks continue on their current path there is nothing but success in their future. Holding onto and obtaining draft picks (see Boston) is also paramount to the rebirth of Knicks basketball.

Room to grow

It is true that James Dolan, Steve Mills and Scott Perry seem to be all going the right direction. However, that doesn’t mean mistakes haven’t been made this offseason. New York Knicks fans must understand that growth via youth is a slow process.

One of the mistakes made this offseason was the contract given to Tim Hardaway Jr. Signing Hardaway Jr. away from the Atlanta Hawks was a great move. The $71 million contract given to him, however, was not smart. Any future contracts given by the Knicks must be better planned than the one given to Hardaway Jr.

Questions also remain about the choice to draft Frank Ntilikina instead of players like Malik Monk or Dennis Smith Jr. The jury will be out for a few years, but passing on Monk and Smith Jr. could come back to bite the Knicks in the short-term.

Furthermore, the Knicks looked horrible in the Orlando Summer League, thus casting doubt on the supposed youth movement. The lack of any veteran presence at point guard remains a major issue for New York as well.

Next: 5 teams that should make a trade offer for Kyrie Irving

No matter how the upcoming season turns out, the New York Knicks are going in the right direction. Yet, both management and ownership must know one wrong move will derail their positive momentum. In a basketball world without James Dolan and Phil Jackson, the New York Knicks travel delicately on the path to victory.