The Knicks’ 2015/16 season has quickly spiraled out of control and with an overall record of 25-37, the team’s playoff chances appear to be slim at best. One reason for New York’s woeful record has been the performance of the team’s point guards, who have done little to distinguish themselves this campaign. Starter Jose Calderon has looked far older than his 34 years of age while contributing just 7.6 points and 3.4 assists per contest. Backing up Calderon are second-year playmaker Langston Galloway and rookie Jerian Grant, neither of whom appear to be the short-term answer, much less the long-term solution for the team at the one spot.
With 2015/16 all but over for the Knicks, the focus should shift toward finding players who can help the team next season. New York apparently won’t re-sign Jimmer Fredette after his 10-day contract expires at the end of today, which isn’t a surprise given his lackluster track record since entering the NBA and relative ineffectiveness during his brief run with the team. The Knicks will also take a pass on signing Ty Lawson, who’s poised to become a free agent in the wake of his buyout from the Rockets, according to Marc Berman of The New York Post. The Knicks reportedly spoke with the Rockets about trading for Lawson before last month’s deadline, but New York’s playoff hopes have faded since then.
While Lawson reportedly remains a possibility in free agency this summer for the Knicks, the team currently has a specific interest in adding younger players, according to interim coach Kurt Rambis. This raises the possibility that New York could look to ink Ray McCallum, who cleared waivers today following his release from the Spurs, former Trail Blazer Tim Frazier or former Sixer Tony Wroten, whom the team recently met with. New York is more likely to ink McCallum or Frazier than Wroten, according to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News.
This brings me to the topic for today: Which available point guard should the Knicks sign?
Should the Knicks take a chance on Lawson despite the potential baggage he brings with him, or should the team look for younger players it can develop? If the younger route is the one you’re advocating, then whom should the team target and try to develop? Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions. We look forward to what you have to say.
Although I believe Lawson can still be a solid PG, I think they should just wait for off season and try to go after guys like Conley, Rondo, and Jennings. Quite frankly I’m bamboozled that they went into season with the PG’s they do have on their roster…
Nobody out there is going to get the Knicks into the playoffs, but signing a young guy with proven results like Wroten would be the best bet for the future. Sign him and hope he accepts a team option or unguaranteed money for next season and then have him practice with the team and maybe spend some time in Westchester to get his legs back, then go through an off-season with the staff and see what he has next season. Phil might opt for pursuing a max level guard and having an athletic combo guard like Wroten developing would benefit the team greatly if they land that big name or not. Low risk-High reward scenario, IMO.
Unless Melo personally dislikes Lawson, I don’t see how the Knicks can pass on him. They need a talented ball handler on that team.
I agree that they should gamble on Lawson, but his game has been in decline for a while. There were warning signs before he got to Houston.
I would release Sasha and buyout calderon. They I would sign both Kevin Martin and Ty Lawson. They also have to let Jerian Grant play and develop. Even if they don’t make the playoffs, with better players they can stop the embarrassment of futility that is currently going on.
I would release all the deadweight aka sahsa, amundson.call up thanasis anf sign wroten.
The problem with the Knicks point guard situation is that they run the triangle. The point guard in the triangle has to be a shooter (i.e. Derek Fisher). None of the available point guards (or even major point guards available in free agency next year, Conley or Rondo) are necessarily knock down shooters. Yeah Lawson, Conley, Rondo would be an obvious upgrade in the short term, but they just don’t fit with the system long-term. Jennings is probably the only guy, who is/will be available, that can be an ideal fit in the triangle.