Even though his pursuit of Donovan Mitchell fell through, Knicks president Leon Rose said on Friday in a television interview that he’s “thrilled” with the roster heading into training camp, relays Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News. Bondy points out that Rose made his comments to MSG Network, which is owned by Knicks owner James Dolan. Under Dolan’s direction, the team has been boycotting outside media apart from sessions that are mandated by the league.
“We went through that process (of trying to trade for Mitchell) and at the end of the day we made a decision to stay put,” Rose said. “And we’re thrilled with where we are. Taking a look at the summer, we feel great about what transpired.”
Rose emphasized “internal stability” that was created by re-signing Mitchell Robinson, giving RJ Barrett a four-year, $107MM extension that carries the largest yearly salary in team history and retaining the team’s 11 first-round picks over the next seven years. Rose also touted the free agency addition of Jalen Brunson, who is being counted on to solve a long-standing problem at point guard.
“He fills one of the biggest voids that we have. The starting point guard,” Rose said. “That is such an important role on our team. We needed that person that was going stabilize us.”
There’s more from New York:
- Even though he got his extension, Barrett was treated poorly by the Knicks this summer, Bondy contends in a separate story. Barrett had to listen to weeks of rumors that he was headed to Utah as part of the package for Mitchell, and Bondy called the eventual extension announcement “sloppy” because it was tweeted by the team shortly after news broke that Mitchell was headed to Cleveland. The Knicks also didn’t have a press conference to celebrate Barrett’s extension because of Dolan’s media blackout.
- Coach Tom Thibodeau may start to feel some heat if the Knicks get off to a bad start, Bondy adds. Thibodeau was criticized last year for not trusting his young players, and he may become an easy scapegoat for management.
- Zach Braziller of The New York Post (subscription required) grades the Knicks’ offseason moves, giving high marks to the addition of Brunson (B+) and the signing of backup center Isaiah Hartenstein (A-). He was less enthusiastic about the decision to hang onto draft assets instead of cashing them in for Mitchell (C+) and cites the risks of giving $60MM over four years to Robinson considering his injury history (C-).
Brunson makes a Knick weakness a strength. Rose, Quickley, McBride backing up. Just search Brunson stats without Luka. Here he will run the offense. Knicks biggest issue is Randle. I just hope Obi1 starts and they get rid of him. We still can make a major move. And I expect we will. This team right now. Is good enough to play for the playoffs. With a move we can challenge for 6th seed.
I’m expecting Mitch and RJ to have breakout yrs. Grimes, Quickley, McBride should all take a step forward this yr. Should be a fun yr.
And let’s hope Thibs understands that playing Obi more than 15 minutes a game is best for the team. I know he has defensive issues but he plays with a energy Randle could literally never dream of. Sure Obi will make a few bad plays on D but I think his hustle will make up for some of that. He should be playing 25-30 minutes every game and given the opportunity to make an impact (and having him just sit in the corner as a spot up 3 point shooter isn’t going to cut it anymore).
Both Knicks and Lakers GMs are thrilled about the summer success this year
Both team owners are also exciting
It’s all about the future
They’re both delusional
Everybody always hating on Julius Randle he is the best player on the Knicks not named Derrick Rose.
Lol. He’s only really had two good years as a pro. Once as a bench big for New Orleans and the other in a contract year for he Knicks which has become overrated as time goes by. His true colors were shown last season where all his effort fell off and he went back to bad mistake Julius. Now he’s got even Brunson and Barrett ahead of him in team importance and ball touches. I doubt he lasts the season in New York
Would honestly love for a Randle to suns deal to happen.
Randle for Crowder, Johnson and Craig
Just makes complete sense for both sides I feel.
Crowder is a perfect fit for Thibs and can share minutes with Obi. Johnson is the perfect addition after missing out on Donovan. Move Barrett to SG and Johnson plays the 3. Very good 3 and D and will work perfectly on the court with what you have. Love the height you’d have on the wings Brunson (6’1) Barrett (6’6) Johnson (6’8) Crowder (6’6) and Robinson (7’0). Ok one side of the ball you have 4 really good defenders and down the other end you have 4 good offensive players that can work together and shoot from outside.
As for the Suns, CP3 is getting old and not playing as well as he use too and Crowder was the weakest starter. You needed the upgrade and Randle is a solid fit at a cheap price. Don’t give up any picks and Johnson is on an expiring deal. Randle offers another go to scorer outside of Booker. He can space the floor, he rebounds really well and he’s athletic and will get after it. Think it’s a great environment for him under the guidance of Monty Williams and CP3 and long term with Booker Bridges and Ayton.
I always thought Randle was the prototypical power forward, 6’8 250, can play inside, can rebound the ball.
It’s nice that he can knock down the three ball, but that’s not his best game.
Knicks lose Randle they’ll lose a strong rebounder, and a four who can score the ball. Randle is a nice option in the half court set, has a game like Charles Oakley, but has fallen in love with the three point shot.
Obi Toppin is a nice high energy player in rotation at the three and in a small ball uptempo lineup at the four.
It’s nice to have both players in the rotation, Knicks are better with Randle than without him. Unless they can replace him with a superior player at the four (Zion) there is no reason to move on from Randle.
Obi has not shown he can play the 3 because when he does they shove him in a corner to be a spot up 3 point shooter which isn’t his strength. He needs to be in the paint, cutting, setting picks and being active. Randle is a prototypical PF…15 years ago.
He plays no defense. Has bad body language. Facts are the Knicks are a worse team when Randle plays. Part of it is his fault as being a ball dominant volume scorer. Part is Thibs fault for thinking he is a true superstar and force feeds him the ball. Randle isn’t Jimmy Butler bug Yhibs intends to act like he is.
Point is Obi Toppin can run the floor and Randle is better when the pace of the game slows down, nice to have both options.
Not with the current coach because he doesn’t know how to have multiple options. Randle is a detriment to the team because Thibs thinks he’s a star. He’s not. Obi and Randle can’t play at the same time either because Randal just clogs the paint along unless they think Hartenstein will play out more since he can shoot a little bug I still don’t see it. Randle is a good player on a bad team because of his bill scoring and ball dominance. I’m not convinced he can be a top 2 option on a team that advances beyond the 1st rd of the playoffs.
Thrilled is a bit much. But the roster looks better going into the season than it has in about a decade. I think they’re a .5oo or so team, and a likely play-in team if they play to par. That level of play for a full season, with a minimum of drama, will set them up nicely going forward.
You want to go analytical for last yr. WELL ….
Their defensive anchor was hurt. His backup (Noel) also got hurt. Kemba was never healthy. Then Rose got hurt. Randle had a down yr as a player (stats weren’t bad). And Fournier fit wasn’t done right. And we still managed 37 wins. In a much better East Conference. Our D who was one of best the yr before. Fell off. Randle who was an all star. Also fell off.
To make things worse. Randle went back to his old ways. And became the drama Queen he is today. Fought with fans and media. You could even see him sulking on the court.
With Mitch signed and healthy. Plus Hartenstein backing him up. The Center position should again be the anchor of the D. And Thibs coaching it. Our D should be much better. Brunson should bring stability to the offense. Knicks had the Best FA signing of the year. RJ getting his contract. Should enable him to shoot for the (All) Stars this yr. Very few 2way players like him. I’m rooting for Grimes to start. He looks leaner this yr. He is ready imo. Our young players all can take another step forward. Obi, Grimes, Quickley, McBride.
The only real issue is Randles HEAD. Personally I’m done with him. But I’m not the boss. So we have to wait this drama out. Knicks still have ALL their picks. So we still can make a big trade or two good trades. So after the Randle Drama. This year looks real promising to me. Definitely see the playoffs. And most important. I see the young players getting better. That’s what rebuilding is about.
This is Year Three ……. about to begin in the Rebuilding of Knicks. We got plenty to look forward to.