New York Knicks: Likely 2015-16 Starting Lineup

Depending which side of the fence you stand, the New York Knicks either had a disappointing or successful offseason. From a strategic point of view, it’s difficult to condemn how they mechanically and tactfully approached the summer’s free agency period.

Not only did they set themselves up with key acquisitions but they in fact added three legitimate starters and six rotation players. The biggest overhaul of the Phil Jackson tenure happened without crippling future prospectus by making it a priority to sign deals that make sense.

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You know, the kind that come with the future flexibility to go in any direction – something they haven’t had the ability to do before.

There’s little mystery at this point who the Knicks will trot out on opening night. Barring any unforeseen changes it should look something like the following:

PG: Jose Calderon

SG: Arron Afflalo

SF: Carmelo Anthony

PF: Derrick Williams

C: Robin Lopez

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The three new names in the starting lineup (Afflalo, Lopez, Williams) will make $25 million combined next year. That’s a pretty economical number for three competent members of your starting lineup and even more so considering the approximately 29 percent rise in the salary cap the following year (2016-17).

Calderon, who was largely a let down during his first season in New York, played in only 42 games last season, averaging 9.1 points and 4.7 assists – all underwhelming numbers for a guy slotted on the Knicks payroll at $15.1 million the next two seasons.

The good news is right behind him on the depth chart is Jerian Grant, the first-round selection from Notre Dame whom the franchise has high hopes for taking eventual reign of the point guard position.

In a summer that saw swingmen across the league sign contracts teetering on gargantuan figures, the Knicks might have arguably snagged one of the steals of the summer in Afflalo at two years and $16 million. Afflalo experienced a breakout 2013-14 season in Orlando and has since been either out of sorts or out of place during stops in Denver and Portland.

If he’s any semblance of the guy who is a perimeter lock-down defender and a reliable three-point threat this becomes a marked upgrade for New York.

When the Knicks signed Carmelo Anthony to a five –year, $124 million deal it became clear the franchise would build and mold the team around him. In some ways it made sense. He’s one of the greatest offensive players of the last decade and has the Madison Avenue cachet that often brings the masses (and dollars) that fill the Garden.

Whether the deal will pan out long term is still unclear. Last year was a wasted season and with the drafting of Kristaps Porzingis it appears the team will take the long, patient road back to relevance.

April 9, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez (42) before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Trail Blazers 116-105. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

All eyes will be on the Knicks this season – partly to see the Porzingis/Grant development fit with Anthony – and partly in the event that it begins to go south quickly whether the team entertains the possibility of moving him.

Porzingis will see a fair share of minutes but there’s no mistaking he’s a long-term project. Hence, Derrick Williams was brought into the fold – and the likely starter at power forward. He was once a highly projected No. 2 pick in the 2011 draft but has yet to reach that potential or find a niche. He adds athleticism to the Knicks starting frontline but there is no one thing he particularly excels in.

Before the free agency period began, the Knicks sorely needed to address two things: guard play and defense. Robin Lopez adds the size and rim protection of the likes the team hasn’t seen since Tyson Chandler anchored their interior. The Knicks were so putrid on defense and creating second-chances for themselves on offense last season that it makes overpaying slightly for Lopez justifiable.

Around the league there’s been little hesitation in dispensing maximum-level contracts. The Knicks have opted to play the long game. So far their starting lineup reflects that – but it also reflects something that was noticeably absent last season. A functioning group of players that appears ready and fit to compete.

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