New York Knicks Building For The Future

LeBron James may have said no to the New York Knicks, but that must not dampen the spirits of the organization. All things considered, President Donnie Walsh has put plenty of building blocks in place to help generate a big time winning organization in a year or two.

The 2010 off-season might not be what every Knick fan has dreamed of, but there is certainly plenty to be optimistic about.

Walsh has successfully done what he has set out to do. Cap space has been cleared creating flexibility in adjusting and adding to the roster.

The Knicks will have the luxury of making a run at another big signing next year. Walsh has also signed the biggest free agent he could that would benefit from the Knicks system.

The Knicks have net Amar'e Stoudemire, the perfect fit for D'Antoni's system, with or without Steve Nash to create for him on offense. Stoudemire sets the base for what he calls "a new era" of New York Knicks basketball.

Probably the best part is that the Knicks were able to part ways with David Lee's contract and gain a load of value in return. It is by far the most bittersweet move, considering that Lee grew into a fan-favorite at the Garden, but it was a necessary one. Lee will be missed, but ultimately the Knicks have gained more all-around talent.

The Knicks and Warriors exchanged David Lee for power forward's Anthony Randolph and Ronny Turiaf, guard/swingman Kelenna Azubuike, and a 2012 second-round pick.

The deal gives the Knicks some positive depth off the bench that they are unfamiliar with. 

Anthony Randolph is a 6'10" forward who has been described as being freakishly athletic. He wasn't given the opportunity to play big minutes for Don Nelson last year, but still averaged over 11 points per game and six boards per game. He'll start at the four for the Knicks and will be another long-term centerpiece to the lineup.

Randolph could receive criticism for being a hit or miss, but with his young age and athletic potential, he has plenty of time to leave an impact while developing.

Donnie Walsh will look like a genius if Randolph fills the shoes of David Lee. Many feel that Randolph has more of an upside than Lee because he moves like a small forward on the court, while possessing size.

The Knicks also add a great team player in Ronny Turiaf who knows how to defend, swat shots, and utilize his bulky body on both ends of the court. He is smart and doesn't try to overdo things on the offensive end.

Kelenna Azubuike will prove to be a nice pickup as well. He is capable of being a strong sixth man and is smart on the defensive end. He balances off his game by having a good shot.

It is a matter of time before the Knicks make their final significant move in free agency. That would be picking up a point guard to make sure this offense is run smoothly for at least the upcoming season. With Raymond Felton and Luke Ridnour both on New York's radar, the Knicks will likely have a much improved point guard running the show during the upcoming season.

It has been reported that the Knicks are coming closer to reaching a multi-year agreement with Felton.

All of these moves have been made while keeping the team relatively young.

Andy Rautins and Landry Fields, both drafted by Walsh, clearly provide youth. A big presence was added when the Knicks bought the draft rights to seven foot center Jerome Jordan. As of right now, the entire Knicks roster is below the age of the 30.

The Knicks will be an improved team immediately, especially in a conference that is in shambles.

The Knicks already have a team that looks like it can compete and slide into the back end of the playoff picture late into the 2010-2011 season. This team is not ready for championship contention, but it certainly is off on the right foot; something that hasn't been said in about a decade.

All the building blocks are being organized and put in place for the New York Knicks organization to succeed down the road, and it might not be all that far off.