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New York Knicks: 2018-19 NBA season preview

By Kenneth Teape

TARRYTOWN, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: Kristaps Porzingis #6 and Mario Hezonja #8 of the New York Knicks talk during the New York Knicks Media Day on September 24, 2018 at the MSG Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: Kristaps Porzingis #6 and Mario Hezonja #8 of the New York Knicks talk during the New York Knicks Media Day on September 24, 2018 at the MSG Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks
Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images /

2018-19 Roster

Key additions: Kevin Knox (draft), Mitchell Robinson (draft), Mario Hezonja (free agency), Noah Vonleh (free agency)

Key subtractions: Michael Beasley (free agency), Kyle O’Quinn (free agency)

New York didn’t do much tinkering with its roster this offseason. The plan was to continue stockpiling young players seeing if a change of scenery would improve their performance. The Knicks also added two players in the 2018 NBA Draft and for once, received high marks for their offseason performance.

In the 2018 NBA Draft, New York landed two potential building blocks. Kevin Knox, the ninth overall pick, and Mitchell Robinson, the 35th overall pick, both took the NBA Summer League by storm. They will give fans a reason to tune in this season.

In free agency, only one-year deals were handed out. Mario Hezonja, the fifth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, was the biggest addition. A majority of the team’s mid-level exception was used to bring in Hezonja. If his confidence can translate onto the court, the Knicks are in business.

A one-year deal for Hezonja provided excellent value for this season but could cost the Knicks in the future. If Super Mario continues putting things together as he did at the end of the 2017-18 season and blows up under Fizdale, he will be costly to retain.

Noah Vonleh, the No. 9 overall pick in 2014, was also brought in. His roster spot could be in jeopardy if Allonzo Trier, who went undrafted, continues his torrid performance and earns more than a two-way deal.

This offseason, Kyle O’Quinn, Troy Williams, Jarrett Jack and Michael Beasley said goodbye to the Big Apple. Jeff Hornacek was relieved of his duties as head coach. Given the new direction of the organization, it can be argued they upgraded on every spot except O’Quinn. Robinson’s ceiling is sky-high, but he’ll need to adjust to the NBA after not playing collegiately last season.

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