The New York Knicks overachieved last season, winning 41 of 72 games and making a postseason berth for the first time in eight years. Yes, they made it to the playoffs, but the front office knows getting eliminated in a first-round slobber knocker will not cut it for this fan base.
The Knicks have some of the most raucous and passionate fans across all professional sports, and they are simply tired of being mired in mediocrity. The entire organization, from the owner James Dolan to the players and the equipment staff, is well aware of this fact and making an effort to change the franchise’s trajectory.
Grading the New York Knicks offseason moves so far
The y were very methodical during last year’s truncated offseason as the new regime entered the beginning stages of raising the franchise from the gutter of the NBA to the level of prominence and respectability it experienced through the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. This offseason, the New York Knicks front office was more aggressive yet still strategic.
Leon Rose and Co. went to work this offseason to build off of last season’s success without giving up too much long-term flexibility. Looking to improve the team’s offense, they brought in free agents Evan Fournier and Kemba Walker.
The front office re-signed almost every bench player from last season that entered free agency to preserve some continuity. The Knicks also added some long-term potential through the draft in Quentin Grimes, Miles McBride, Rokas Jokubaitis, and Jericho Sims.
To cap off a busy offseason, the front office rewarded Julius Randle for his improved play. Last season, Randle was named Most Improved Player and selected to his first All-Star game. Rose responded by offering Randle a four-year contract extension worth $117.09 million, locking him up through the 2024-45 season with a player option for the 2025-26 season.
There’s still a lot of basketball left before the playoffs, but the Knicks are barely over .500 sitting at seventh place in the Eastern Conference with an 11-9 record. Overall, the team needs to play better, but let’s take a closer look at the key offseason moves and their impact on the team 20 games into the season, grading each move.