Knicks Rumors: Potential Moves New York Can Make Before Playoff Rosters Are Set

The New York Knicks have been making a move or two the last couple of years.

The team has had a total of 44 players suit up for them in the last three seasons. Even when you consider the teams that blew up their rosters to get LeBron James, that's a lot of players. 

As an example, Chicago has used 31 players. The Heat have used 30 players. 

Essentially, the Knicks have had four different teams.

There was the "David Lee" team that they blew up, Then, there was the "Raymond Felton" team that they had running up into the Anthony trade. Then, the "Chauncey Billups" team that came after the trade.

Now, there's the "Lin/Chandler" team that includes the series of moves they've made this year. 

New York has  also had two different coaches—this team has more changes than a Paris Hilton wardrobe. 

While the Knicks may need a couple of weeks to settle in before there are more roster changes, there could be some tweaking as they get ready for a postseason run. 

Give Jeremy Lin a Long Term Contract

Jeremy Lin is proving himself as more than just a flash in the plan.

Lin might not be Derrick Rose, but he has averaged 18.1 points and 8.1 assists as a starter. Those are more than reasonable numbers. 

Certainly they are sufficient to earn a chance to come back next year, but there is no contract yet. The New York Times reports, 

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Lin is auditioning too, for the entire league, as a free-agent-to-be. A few weeks ago, it seemed a certainty that the Knicks would re-sign him, even if they had to use their entire mid-level exception. But D’Antoni is gone, the offense is changing and everyone has an interim title. A new coach and general manager could decide to spend the money elsewhere. 

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If he keeps proving himself, don't be surprised to see the Knicks agree to a long term contract with Lin before season's end. 

More Steve Novak, Less J.R. Smith

Steve Novak and Jeremy Lin have developed marvelous chemistry together. Only Carmelo Anthony (35) has been the recipient of more Lin assists than Novak (34). 

Combine that with this gem from Elias Sports Bureau as reported by the New York Times:

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The Elias Sports Bureau says that since Novak has entered the N.B.A., a little more than 72 percent of his shots have been from 3-point range, the highest percentage of any player in the league over that period, based on a minimum of 500 total field-goal attempts.

Most players who are as tall as Novak prefer to take shots closer to the basket. But not Novak. And certainly not this season, when the number of 3-pointers compared with his other field-goal attempts — 113 to 27 — means almost 81 percent of his shots come from behind the arc. Only the Mavericks’ Jason Kidd is devoting a higher percentage (85) of his shots to 3-pointers this season. But Kidd has converted just 29 percent of his 120 3-point attempts, nowhere near the 46.9 percent success rate that Novak has had (53 of 113). 

Through Wednesday, that left him ranked fourth in the N.B.A., behind Mike Miller of the Miami Heat (51.7 percent), Brandon Rush of the Golden State Warriors (51.1 percent) and Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics (48.6 percent).

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Combine that with this from the Newark Star-Ledger:

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Woodson appeared to have a stern talk with Smith at one point, but when asked about it Woodson simply replied that the situation is “in house” and he’s “just trying to keep everybody on board and on the same page.”

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When you put those two things together, it's not hard to see the writing on the wall.

More Steve Novak, less J.R. Smith—it's only a matter of time. 

Sign Mike Woodson

Mike Woodson is "auditioning" for the permanent head coaching job according to Al Iannazzone, 

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Mike Woodson said he "learned a lot" from Mike D'Antoni and knows he's auditioning for a job now: “He decided to step away and I was asked to come on board to be the head coach. It’s a great opportunity for me to be back in New York. I’m on the hot seat again I guess you could say. Hey, I’m cherishing the opportunity and I’m going to push these guys to compete each time they step out on the floor. And hopefully that can convert into wins.

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If his audition keeps going the way its started, four straight double-digit wins, don't be surprised if the Knicks sign him long term.

Eventually he's going to need to "coach" Carmelo Anthony and a permanent title will help him with that. 

Start Baron Davis

Prior to the D'Antoni departure, there was this report form ESPN.com,

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On top of that, Baron Davis, who just returned from a back injury, is unhappy with his limited role as Lin's backup. Davis, averaging just 17 minutes a game, has already spoken to D'Antoni about giving him more playing time, according to the sources. While Lin wants to run D'Antoni's system, Davis is more in line with running the offense through Anthony and Stoudemire, the sources said. 

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Initially there was some concern that Lin might not benefit from Woodson's 

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Lin, not so much. One scout says Baron Davis's skills fit better. Another says change "probably going to cost Lin millions in new contract."

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I'm not predicting that Baron Davis will end up as the starter, but there's a good chance that he's gong to be on a short leash.

Right now with Davis hurt, Lin has a bit of a reprieve but when Davis comes back, it'll be something worth keeping an eye on. 

More Coaching Changes?

Mike Woodson is in the process of putting his staff together. He's already recruited Darrell Walker and Jim Todd to come join the team. 

At this point, it's more about the Knicks getting stability in their team and their rotations.

Coaching is going to be crucial down the stretch if the Knicks are going to overtake the Sixers for the Atlantic Division lead.

At the moment, there's no indication of other coaches joining the team, if the need arises, it's apparent that the Woodson is getting the freedom to choose the people around him.