Of all speculation about the next move in the coaching search, the New York Knicks are set to tackle drafts and free agency.
A pivotal moment for the New York Knicks has come and Kevin Durant can use it to trade away from the Phoenix Suns.
Despite Durant’s interest in moving to New York, the Knicks were unwilling to trade with Durant, and the superstar ended up moving to the Houston Rockets instead.
There was also a speculative link to Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the Knicks will have to give up much and weaken the roster while strengthening to make it happen.
Former star Junior Smith believes this is a wrong move and supports the decision not to chase Kevin Durant.
The Knicks in New York already have strong options, including Karl Anthony Towns, Jalen Branson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson.
Speaking to WFAN, Jr Smith argues that all the Knicks actually need is to build around this core and not try to do so.
He explained: “It’s not a knock on KD or Giannis, it’s an incredibly talented player, but it also requires the right ingredients. You can’t throw chicken into the pot with anything else.
“Deep is definitely where we should get and the Knicks have a great core, and those guys can get better in certain areas.
“Otherwise, just add two or three major pieces and if you get into foul trouble, the extra guy, the 3 and D guy, the guy that’s really like a spark.”
Jr Smith cited Cameron Payne to nominate one player as the perfect expression of the type of player the New York Knicks need.
Payne signs the Knicks on a one-year contract and heads for free agency, but JR Smith likes what he brings to the team.
He said: “We had Cameron Payne, who came out of the bench where he could adjust and score. I think we’re fine.”
Payne was a solid veteran who played in the final against the Suns and had a Knicks moment, but former coach Tom Thibodeau couldn’t really give him a fair amount of opportunity, trusting his rotation.
One of the big tasks for Thibodeau’s alternatives is to find a better balance between his starter and the other groups.