{"id":120662,"date":"2021-08-06T13:00:33","date_gmt":"2021-08-06T17:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dailyknicks.com\/?p=120662"},"modified":"2021-08-06T11:26:08","modified_gmt":"2021-08-06T15:26:08","slug":"knicks-2021-offseason-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailyknicks.com\/2021\/08\/06\/knicks-2021-offseason-review\/","title":{"rendered":"New York Knicks: The Complete 2021 Offseason Review"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Evan Fournier, Knicks.. (Photo by Aris MESSINIS \/ AFP) (Photo by ARIS MESSINIS\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

Managing The Knicks\u2019 Expectations<\/h2>\n

The consciences of the Knicks\u00a0<\/a>offseason is that it has been underwhelming. The Kemba Walker signing is viewed as a nice surprise, but not one that elevates the team to contender status. Even some pro-Knick media outlets and fellow content creators rated the Knicks\u2019 offseason as a 6<\/strong> out 10<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Well, I am here to tell you that is way off. Let me explain why.<\/p>\n

First things first, people need to level-set expectations. There were no moves that the Knicks could have made to acquire a star(s). This free agency class did not have any true superstars. Kawhi Leonard is a free agent, but he will miss next season with a torn ACL and isn\u2019t expected to change teams, just renegotiate his deal.<\/p>\n

As for trades, the two stars that have been talked about switching teams, Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal haven\u2019t requested a trade<\/a> and their franchises don\u2019t want to trade them. Even if there was a star made available for trade the Knicks didn\u2019t have the assets to make a deal. The highest pick New York possessed was their own, 19th overall, which is not getting you a star.<\/p>\n

So the real objective of the offseason was to improve the team for next season without sacrificing the future. The Knicks accomplished that by making nice under-the-radar moves. Just because a move isn\u2019t splashy doesn\u2019t mean it isn\u2019t good. Let\u2019s start by reviewing the draft.<\/p>\n

\n \n Next:<\/span>\u00a0Knicks Draft\n <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n

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New York Knicks, Quentin Grimes (Photo by Carmen Mandato\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

The Knicks approach to the draft<\/h2>\n

The Knicks came into the draft with 4 picks; 19th, 21st, 32nd and 58th. The likelihood of them finding an impact player in those spots was minimal. Since trading up was not a viable option, they did the next best thing, they traded back for more picks while still acquiring players they liked.<\/p>\n

They finished the night selecting 4 players and a future 1st round and 2nd round pick. They added 2 young players that can play right away and a 3rd draft-and-stash player. Rokas Jokubaitis<\/a> is a young and upcoming player who will play for one of the best teams in Europe, Barcelona. His value can increase dramatically next year if he plays well. The Knicks can end up having a player develop for them without using a roster spot.<\/p>\n

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The fact the Knicks got Rokas Jokubaitis is mind boggling awesome. Love that kid!!! Scouting. Elite!<\/p>\n

\u2014 David Zenon (@DaveZenon) July 30, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n