Knicks Rumors: Latest Free-Agency Buzz on Jeremy Lin, Greg Monroe and More
Everything that the New York Knicks and team president Phil Jackson do will be put under a microscope and scrutinized thoroughly.
In many ways, that’s warranted. The Zen Master made some seriously questionable moves since taking the control of the ‘Bockers, so the criticism is definitely fair.
On the other hand, though, doubters and haters need to give Jackson this summer before stamping his campaign as a failure. The Knicks finally have cap room and a lottery pick in Kristaps Porzingis, along with a star in Carmelo Anthony, so this summer is enormous for Jackson as he fills out the roster.
Let’s put our ears to the rumor mill and check out how PJax is reportedly trying to strengthen the Knicks.
Linsanity: Act II
The legend is back.
Or, rather, Jeremy Lin could be back.
After becoming a global superstar in New York four years ago, the point guard has struggled to find that same Linsanity magic. Sure, he hasn’t been terrible, but the 26-year-old just hasn’t been the same.
Maybe a Big Apple comeback, which could be in the works, would revitalize Lin. Basketball Insiders' Alex Kennedy had it first on Sunday:
With the team in dire need of PG depth, Jackson would be wise to cast out a line to Lin and see if he can bring him back to where it all started.
"Every time I come back, I always have great memories," Lin said back in April following a Los Angeles Lakers loss to NYK, per Kevin Manahan of NJ.com. "I remember those great times. I'm always thankful. Coming back to New York with these fans at the Garden, that was very special to me and I'll always cherish that."
With both the player and team looking to rediscover what they once were together, it sounds like a reunion is more than possible.
David West-to-Knicks Almost Certain
Upon hearing this news, Knicks fans—tired and frustrated as they might be—will let out some sort of celebration, whether it be a Derek Jeter fist bump, cartwheel or Knicks City Dancers routine.
Or, you know, something like that.
Said party-worthy info comes to us from B/R’s own Jared Zwerling:
David West has spent the past four seasons patrolling the paint for the Indiana Pacers, averaging 14.0 points, 7.0 boards and 2.8 assists along the way.
The Knicks, though, are in a very different situation than the usually contending Pacers—they need help. West, a veteran with a strong voice and stronger game, would be an absolutely astronomical addition to the frontcourt.
Quick recap: One of the league’s roughest, toughest and most reliable big men is “very likely” to don blue and orange next season.
New York, bring in the dancing lobsters.
Greg Monroe Thinking Short-Term, Eying Knicks
Much like the potential West signing, Detroit Pistons big Greg Monroe would add some serious punch to a frontcourt that'd currently struggle to break through a newspaper.
According to Darrell Williams of the Advocate in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the 25-year-old, who put up 15.9 points and 10.2 boards per game for the Pistons this season, is ready to move on:
"[Coach Stan Van Gundy] had smaller teams in Orlando (Magic) years ago. [Andre Drummond] is like Dwight Howard. So Stan wants to put good players around him. The team has different plans, and I respect that. I don’t want to be anywhere I’m not wanted.
"
Monroe also added that he’s likely to take a two-year deal, which will allow him to make more money once the salary cap skyrockets.
“(Agent David Falk and I) are definitely looking at all our options,” Monroe added. “You can see the trend is everybody’s taking shorter deals right now. So, most likely, I might take that route, too, and when the new deal kicks in, get a longer-term contract.”
Monroe will meet with five teams starting on July 1, and one of the most likely to land him is New York. In April, Frank Isola of the New York Daily News wrote that “one league executive called it ‘about as close to a done deal as you can get.’”
It’s looking like the ‘Bockers are finally adding some legitimate, bona fide talent. Will Jackson make good on all these rumors or just continue to fend off criticism from his team’s massive fanbase?
Stay tuned. But always remember that no matter what...these are still the Knicks.
Stats are courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com.
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