The Knicks are entering their 2023-24 season with a nearly identical roster to last year’s, save for trading Obi Toppin and signing Donte DiVincenzo.
Coming off a second-round exit with an offseason lacking many options, New York emphasized continuity and patience over finally making the big swing many fans have been waiting for.
After three years of accumulating capital and slowly building up a competitive team, many hoped the Knicks would make a big move to upgrade the roster via a star and jump into contention. Instead, New York is trusting what they have and waiting for their moment, and it should turn out the right move.
Those that witnessed the back end of last season understand why the front office might want to see a full season of this roster. After the rotation change that saved their season, the Knicks went on a 15-6 run, then closed the season 17-8 after trading for Josh Hart.
They finished among the top of the league in point-differential during that span, spanked the upstart Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs, and took a Finals team in the Miami Heat to six games while battling injuries. To see what they could do with a full year together, now with a more natural fit in Toppin’s place and another year of development in the books, is a sensible step.
This is especially the case when going over their options this offseason. With no cap room and limited trade options, the alternatives didn’t look promising.
The only A-list star clearly available is Damian Lillard, but the Knicks aren’t on his list and already feature a small scoring guard at his position. James Harden has a preference for the Los Angeles Clippers, and would also be an odd fit in New York due to age and style of play.
New York reportedly made calls on Karl-Anthony Towns, Zach LaVine and Paul George, but asking prices were far beyond what they were willing to pay. While we don’t know the exact details, we know sending a large portion of your picks and prospects for one of those names isn’t the all-in move they’re waiting for.
Ditto for OG Anunoby or Kristaps Porzingis, who went for a key player and two first-round picks. Bradley Beal appeared set on Phoenix and would also make for an awkward defensive pairing with Jalen Brunson.
There were more benefits to playing it safe this summer. People forget despite their recent successes, this Knicks team is still very young and continuously improving.
RJ Barrett had a postseason leap after an up-and-down season, while Immanuel Quickley put up a career year in which he nearly took home the Sixth Man of the Year award. Quentin Grimes solidified himself as an NBA starter, fleshing out his off-the-dribble game while guarding the best player every night.
Mitchell Robinson is coming off his best season, Miles McBride showed real signs and their two best players are just entering their primes after All-NBA efforts. Brunson especially looks like he can evolve even more and Julius Randle proved his 2021 campaign was no fluke.
There’s also something to having continuity going into the new season as other teams adjust to their big roster changes. The core of this Knicks team has been together for four-plus seasons now and Tom Thibodeau’s culture has been embedded over three years.
As we saw from recent championship contenders like Denver, Golden State, Miami, Boston and others, that multi-year chemistry is invaluable, especially come the postseason. These Knicks have now battled through two of them and know what it takes to make a real run.
In the meantime, they save their picks and improve the outlook on their trade pieces in wait of a real haul — someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Joel Embiid. New stars become available every year and the Knicks are due to get an opportunity at one with their continued strong play and plethora of assets.
After two decades of Knicks impatience that crippled a winning franchise, fans should be thankful this front office is slowly building a foundation for the future instead of mindlessly chasing talent. This offseason may not have delivered a big move, but it kept the window open for one while setting the team up for their best year yet.
