5 players that should be part of New York Knicks long-term core
Beginning the 2019-20 season with a new and young roster, the New York Knicks will need to decide who they will keep long term.
Four wins in 15 games is less than ideal for the New York Knicks. Two of those wins coming against former Knick Kristaps Porzingis has given fans something to smile about, for now.
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That happiness, though, is short-term and trivial in the long run if the Knicks can’t keep their core together for more than a few years.
Since the 2016-17 season, the Knicks have featured 36 new players, which is 12 more than the Toronto Raptors, seven more than the Boston Celtics and three more than the Brooklyn Nets.
The Knicks are, however, tied with the Philadelphia 76ers, but what separates the two is star power — the Knicks have yet to find it.
New York let go of Porzingis — one of the few bright spots of the organization — in late January. The package of DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews, Dennis Smith Jr., two first-round picks and cap space in return has yet to prove its worth, especially after the Knicks failed to sign Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks — despite losing twice to the Knicks in one week — are 9-5 and Porzingis is averaging 18.2 points per game, 9.0 rebounds per game and 2.2 blocks per game on 40.1/35.4/71.7 shooting splits.
Identifying key talent and keeping it around is crucial for the Knicks’ long-term success.
Here are five players that the Knicks need to hold on to.