Changing a roster by that much means that some of the pre-existing players may get left behind, something that the New York Knicks are about to find out.
Another year, another season for the New York Knicks and for that oh so loyal fanbase. Even though the team is clearly worse than last year, the 2020 offseason was quite a success for the culture of the organization.
Instead of splashing around their money towards some borderline stars like Danilo Gallinari, they decided to invest in their youth development, while simultaneously signing a few veterans on short-term deals.
The idea to build around RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson and this year’s draft selection Obi Toppin seems to be one that NY fans can actually get behind. Now, just a few short days prior to the preseason tip-off, fans are anxiously waiting to see this newly-formed trio in action.
After seven consecutive seasons of having a losing record, resulting in a playoff absence, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Knicks have become a huge laughing stock around the league. Signing Tom Thibodeau as their new head coach is a great first step towards fixing it.
Honestly, it’s extremely hard to predict the list of players bound to thrive or struggle in a season, given the uncertainty of the starting lineup. With very few positions already filled up, Thibodeau either has been keeping his secrets safe or will just try to wing it on opening night.
Out of the total of 18 players currently on the New York Knicks roster, only nine of them were members of the team in 2019-20. This has created an unstableness in the team where even the greatest basketball analyst couldn’t predict the outcome of this season.
Let’s give it a go, though, shall we?