NBA New York Knicks

Building The Ideal New York Knicks Starting Lineup For 2015-16

Fresh Videos

By @JosephMCrevier

Building The Ideal New York Knicks Starting Lineup For 2015-16

New York Knicks
Nathaniel S. Butler-Getty Images

Aside from the recent string of victories, the New York Knicks have performed so badly that fans have showered the team with a collection of boos and "Fire Fisher" chants. What the fans fail to realize is that Phil Jackson likely devised this master plan: Gut the roster, tank for one year when the franchise coincidentally owns their pick, and then go all-in in free agency with excess of $30 million to spend.

PG: Goran Dragic

New York Knicks
Alex Goodlett-Getty Images

PG: Goran Dragic

Phoenix Suns
Alex Goodlett-Getty Images

Goran Dragic holds a player option for next season set at $7.5 million, which he is fully expected to decline to enter unrestricted free agency. During his second, most recent stint with the Phoenix Suns, Dragic emerged as a crafty point guard with a knack for attacking the basket. While Rajon Rondo would be a nice pickup, Dragic should have a lower price tag and offers a more exciting brand of basketball.

SG: Wesley Matthews

Phoenix Suns v Indiana Pacers
Nathaniel S. Butler-Getty Images

SG: Wesley Matthews

Portland Trail Blazers
Nathaniel S. Butler-Getty Images

The Portland Trail Blazers have plenty of flexibility this offseason to re-sign both LaMarcus Aldridge and Wesley Matthews to luxurious long-term contracts. The question is if they are willing to do so. Portland is a small-market team. Aldridge is undoubtedly receiving a max contract, as is Damian Lillard a year from now. Is Matthews worth bringing back for $12 million per year?

SF: Tobias Harris

Orlando Magic
Nathaniel S. Butler-Getty Images

SF: Tobias Harris

Orlando Magic
Nathaniel S. Butler-Getty Images

Tobias Harris couldn't make his desire to play in New York any more obvious. The fourth-year swingman was raised about an hour from Madison Square Garden and has hinted at his desire to return home to suit up for the Knicks. At 22-years-old, Harris is a tremendous young talent, averaging nearly 18 PPG and seven RPG. Considering the Orlando Magic's upcoming cap situation, he should be easy to pry away.

PF: Carmelo Anthony

New York Knicks
Nathaniel S. Butler-Getty Images

PF: Carmelo Anthony

New York Knicks
Nathaniel S. Butler-Getty Images

Carmelo Anthony has remained a true professional throughout this daunting process. He continues to perform at an elite level despite his teammates' sheer lack of production. As co-host of the 2015 All-Star weekend, Anthony has hobbled his way through the season on a bum knee, and will likely shut it down after the All-Star game. He will certainly be fresh when the new season comes around.

C: Jahlil Okafor

Duke
Grant Halverson-Getty Images

C: Jahlil Okafor

Duke
Grant Halverson-Getty Images

Jahlil Okafor and Karl-Anthony Towns are nearly interchangeable in this situation. Because of Okafor's sky high potential, though, he should be the team's primary target entering the 2015 NBA Draft. The big man is extremely talented down low, offering some much-needed defensive relief for a team that allows the ninth-most points in the league. Okafor is just a monster and would be the perfect complement alongside Anthony in the frontcourt.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on