Phil Jackson Reassures New York Knicks Season-Ticket Holders in Video Message
The New York Knicks are in the midst of the worst season in franchise history, so it's no surprise the front office is engaging in a bit of damage control to quell concerns regarding the club's long-term outlook.
According to ESPNNewYork.com's Ian Begley, Knicks president Phil Jackson sent both a letter and video to season-ticket holders urging them to remain patient as the team gears up for a summer lined with high draft picks and cap space.
Jackson's explained the teams stance thusly, per Begley:
"We have made key roster moves to free up significant cap space that will provide us greater flexibility to acquire talent in this summer's free agency. And for the first time in many years, we expect to have a top pick in the NBA Draft this June.
These are key steps to building a roster of players that have both the talent and character to win in New York and who, alongside Carmelo Anthony, will become a team that can become a consistent winner.
...
We have a clear plan and expect our efforts to take [sic] really take shape as we enter the 2015 draft and free agency in the months ahead. I ask that you remain optimistic and hope you will join us on our continued journey as we build a team that once again reflects the spirit of being a New York Knick.
"
It's hard to argue with the Zen Master's request.
Yes, the Knicks have endured a woeful campaign that has produced—at present—a franchise-worst 60 losses and the league's worst net rating (minus-10.5 points per 100 possessions), according to NBA.com.
However, that futility is going to pay dividends in the form of a top-tier lottery selection come June, when the Knicks will have a chance to select one of college basketball's brightest talents. Whether it's Jahlil Okafor, Karl-Anthony Towns, D'Angelo Russell or some wild card who tickles their fancy, the Knicks picked a swell year to hit rock bottom.
Then there's the cap space.
With Amar'e Stoudemire out of the picture, Andrea Bargnani's contract expiring and few long-term commitments on the team's books, New York will have the financial means to chase free agents this summer.
That is, if they can entice them to sign with so much uncertainty shrouding the franchise at the moment. But nevertheless, the Knicks will have loads of flexibility. According to BasketballInsiders.com, Jackson and the Knicks will have a guaranteed total of $32.4 million on the books entering this summer, $22.9 million of which will be paid to Carmelo Anthony.
Anthony, who averaged 24.2 points and 6.6 rebounds before undergoing season-ending surgery on his left knee, represents a major piece of the team's quest to make a postseason return considering he's signed through 2017-18 with a player option for the 2018-19 season.
But he'll need some help, particularly with Jose Calderon, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Cleanthony Early the only other players guaranteed to be with the team next season. Fortunately, an impending cap spike in 2016 will allow the Knicks a shot at redemption should they strike out in their pursuit of another A-list name, according to the New York Post's Tim Bontemps.
"It will be an incredibly rare chance for a team to double-dip at the top of the class in free agency and one the Knicks hope will finally be able to get them back on track after a disastrous 2014-15 season," Bontemps wrote.
Pining for Marc Gasol this summer and Kevin Durant the next is admittedly wishful thinking on the part of Manhattanites, but there's no denying New York has the blueprint necessary to assemble a winning core before long.
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