Why The Knicks Are In Crisis

[RealGM Articles]

Before you write any piece about the New York Knicks, it’s a good idea to lay the blame squarely on the shoulders of James Dolan. From top to bottom, the Knicks are not the most well-run organization in the league. That we can all admit. That said, the latest crisis isn’t directly the result of his mismanagement. As soon as Tyson Chandler got hurt, the whole thing fell apart. Few NBA teams can survive the loss of their most valuable player.

Carmelo Anthony is their leading scorer, but the Knicks have managed without him before. In the regular season, it’s fairly easy to redistribute field goal attempts and stay afloat for a few weeks when a volume scorer goes down. Linsanity was the ultimate proof of that. The NBA is like the NFL -- people focus too much on the guy with the ball in his hands. As the Knicks are finding out, the irreplaceable guy was the seven-footer anchoring the defense and finishing on the pick-and-roll.

There are not many players in the NBA who can do what Chandler does. At 7’1, 235 with a 7’2 wingspan, he is a physical marvel. When he’s healthy, he’s usually the tallest and the most athletic player on the floor. He has the strength to defend the post without a double team, the quickness to cut off dribble penetration and the length to play above the rim. There’s a reason he went No. 2 overall at the age of 18, even without much discernible basketball skill.

Over the last 13 years, he slowly turned himself into an effective two-way player. While he will never be a featured scorer, he’s very efficient on offense: in the last three seasons, he shot 66 percent, 68 percent and 64 percent from the field. He’s got the hands and leaping ability to catch alley-oops and he can knock down free throws, shooting 69% from the line in 2013. He’s the rare big man who knows how to play -- where to position himself and how to create space by cutting.

A big man with Chandler’s skill-set makes everyone on the floor better. His defensive impact is obvious -- it’s much easier to play poor defenders when you have a Defensive Player of the Year as the second-line of defense. On the offensive end, the pick-and-roll with Chandler creates ball movement. The defense has to react to his cut to the rim, which creates a gap for one of the perimeter players. From there, you rotate the ball to an open shot, preferably a corner 3.

There’s a reason the Knicks and the Mavs liked to start the game by throwing lobs to Tyson Chandler. It’s a reminder: if the defense doesn’t shade over, they can do that all night. The four-out offense allows Chandler to play in space just as much as Carmelo. When there’s more space on the floor, there are fewer people in the way of the lob at the rim. It’s an opening move: there are ways to defend it, but that leaves the defense open to counter measures.

Chandler is the kind of big man who can turn around a franchise. If that seems far-fetched for a guy who averages 10 points a game, look at the Dallas Mavericks. In the four years before Chandler got there, the Mavs won a grand total of one playoff series. That had nothing to do with Dirk Nowitzki either -- he was pretty much the same player he was in 2008 as he was in 2011. He added a post-game after the Golden State loss; after that, he could score at will.

Nevertheless, just like in New York, as soon as Chandler left Dallas, things crumbled quickly. A year after they won it all, the Mavs got the No. 8 seed and were swept out of the first round. Two years later, they missed the playoffs entirely. Dallas is only now starting to recover from that decision, with the signing of Monta Ellis adding a new element to their offense. The real irony is that the one thing their current roster is missing is a dynamic two-way center.

There were a lot of similarities between the 2011 Mavs and the 2013 Knicks, a point Chandler and Jason Kidd made many times. There was, however, one overriding difference -- in the playoffs, Dallas had Dirk defend quality 4’s, something New York was unwilling to do with Carmelo. In 2011, Dirk matched up with LaMarcus Aldridge and Pau Gasol. In contrast, the Knicks did not want Carmelo banging with a guy like David West for seven games.

For many Knicks fans, that’s where they went wrong in 2013 -- not going with the small-ball line-ups that got them to the second round in the first place. Knicks management, though, learned the opposite lesson -- if they were going to beat a team like the Pacers, they would need a second big man to match up with the likes of West and Roy Hibbert. At the same time, he also had to stretch the floor in order to maintain their offensive spacing. Thus, Andrea Bargnani.

There is a certain logic to the moves they made in the offseason, although it may not hold up to much scrutiny. The presence of Bargnani isn’t going to move the needle much in a hypothetical playoff match-up with the Miami Heat. In the regular season, bad teams have an easier chance of matching up against Bargnani at the four than Carmelo. That’s the trade-off with one-dimensional players: improve one facet of the line-up and subtract from 2-3 others.

Either way, it becomes a moot point if Chandler misses too much time. Even in the East, if the Knicks have another 3-7 stretch over the next few weeks, they will be digging themselves out of an awfully large hole. They might want to try Cole Aldrich: he’s 26 and he has the size (6’11 250) of a center picked in the lottery. Last season, in 15 games with the Sacramento Kings, he had a 15.7 PER. He’s still young enough to turn his career around.

If Chandler gets back quick enough, New York can still salvage a 45-win season with him, Carmelo and their shooters on the perimeter. From there, they just have to bide time until some of the dead weight comes off their salary cap. In a best-case scenario, Chandler and Carmelo can lure Aldridge or Kevin Love in the summer of 2015. It’s unlikely, but as long as Chandler is healthy, they are only 1-2 moves away from being a legitimate contender.

[Arsilva]

Imagine if the deal to Thunder hadn't been cancelled: Tyson Chandler, Ibaka, Jeff Green, Kevin Durant, and Westbrook!

[batumall]

One word, 'Dolan'.

[Mister247]

The team has NO SECOND STAR!

Amare is DONE, Felton is Midcore, Chandler is Hurt, Smith is Streaky, and the rest are barely ROLE PLAYERS.

The team needs a trade but the only player of value outside of Melo is Chandler.

[Walla86]

The team has NO SECOND STAR!

Amare is DONE, Felton is Midcore, Chandler is Hurt, Smith is Streaky, and the rest are barely ROLE PLAYERS.

The team needs a trade but the only player of value outside of Melo is Chandler.

If Philly is really looking to tank and build from the draft the Knicks could pluck there veteran talent but at the hands of a few first rounders. A trade could be formulated with Amare and several first rounders (3 to 4) for Turner, Hawes, and Young. This would help Philly in there tank season and give them future assests. The Knicks would be hurt in the long run pick wise but would have what they need to make a championship run now. If they can resign Hawes, they will have a contender of the future as well. Hawes is a great big and could pair well with Both Chandler and Barg's on the floor. He can also fill in for Chandler now. Young brings in another great talent with a bargain contract and Turner can get it done as well. The Knicks would also be in position to make some trades, maybe even bring some picks back.

A second scenario would maybe include a third team to give up a first rounder for Turner so the Knicks would safe themselves a pick.

I think this is feasible. Both sides are getting what they want.

[Mister247]

The team has NO SECOND STAR!

Amare is DONE, Felton is Midcore, Chandler is Hurt, Smith is Streaky, and the rest are barely ROLE PLAYERS.

The team needs a trade but the only player of value outside of Melo is Chandler.

If Philly is really looking to tank and build from the draft the Knicks could pluck there veteran talent but at the hands of a few first rounders. A trade could be formulated with Amare and several first rounders (3 to 4) for Turner, Hawes, and Young. This would help Philly in there tank season and give them future assests. The Knicks would be hurt in the long run pick wise but would have what they need to make a championship run now. If they can resign Hawes, they will have a contender of the future as well. Hawes is a great big and could pair well with Both Chandler and Barg's on the floor. He can also fill in for Chandler now. Young brings in another great talent with a bargain contract and Turner can get it done as well. The Knicks would also be in position to make some trades, maybe even bring some picks back.

A second scenario would maybe include a third team to give up a first rounder for Turner so the Knicks would safe themselves a pick.

I think this is feasible. Both sides are getting what they want.

AIN"T GONNA HAPPEN!

They would NOT trade Turner for Amare. Turner is averaging over 20pts a game and filling out the stat sheet. They are coming up nicely and may sneak into the playoffs. This is the case of if it ain't broke don't fix it.
All Philly needs is time and maybe another solid role player...for now anyway.
If I'm Philly, I'm standing pat. I mean Chandler would be enticing, paired with Bargs but I really don't see them making a move like that right now. Hawes can give you both Offense and Defense (Chandler is the better Defender but still). The idea would be to PAIR Chandler WITH Hawes...not give him up.

Turner is their #1 Scorer.

You may have to look into another team for a Chandler Bargnani deal.

I think the Knicks could still swing a similar deal but the team can't be on the rise like Philly.

[Walla86]

The team has NO SECOND STAR!

Amare is DONE, Felton is Midcore, Chandler is Hurt, Smith is Streaky, and the rest are barely ROLE PLAYERS.

The team needs a trade but the only player of value outside of Melo is Chandler.

If Philly is really looking to tank and build from the draft the Knicks could pluck there veteran talent but at the hands of a few first rounders. A trade could be formulated with Amare and several first rounders (3 to 4) for Turner, Hawes, and Young. This would help Philly in there tank season and give them future assests. The Knicks would be hurt in the long run pick wise but would have what they need to make a championship run now. If they can resign Hawes, they will have a contender of the future as well. Hawes is a great big and could pair well with Both Chandler and Barg's on the floor. He can also fill in for Chandler now. Young brings in another great talent with a bargain contract and Turner can get it done as well. The Knicks would also be in position to make some trades, maybe even bring some picks back.

A second scenario would maybe include a third team to give up a first rounder for Turner so the Knicks would safe themselves a pick.

I think this is feasible. Both sides are getting what they want.

AIN"T GONNA HAPPEN!

They would NOT trade Turner for Amare. Turner is averaging over 20pts a game and filling out the stat sheet. They are coming up nicely and may sneak into the playoffs. This is the case of if it ain't broke don't fix it.
All Philly needs is time and maybe another solid role player...for now anyway.
If I'm Philly, I'm standing pat. I mean Chandler would be enticing, paired with Bargs but I really don't see them making a move like that right now. Hawes can give you both Offense and Defense (Chandler is the better Defender but still). The idea would be to PAIR Chandler WITH Hawes...not give him up.

Turner is their #1 Scorer.

You may have to look into another team for a Chandler Bargnani deal.

I think the Knicks could still swing a similar deal but the team can't be on the rise like Philly.

I think you misread my comment. Early stories were suggesting that Philly may trade there veterans for future assets. If Philly is trying to tank they will want to ditch these guys. They have no plans of re-signing Turner. That has been established, they may at a discount. And Hawes most likely will sign somewhere else. Young is on a cap friendly contract. I never mentioned giving up Chandler.

And there is absolutely no Chandler or Bargnani deal out there. Chandler is hurt and Bargnani is not garnering any interest. Awkward comments to my post, they don't really make sense.

[Mister247]

If Philly is really looking to tank and build from the draft the Knicks could pluck there veteran talent but at the hands of a few first rounders. A trade could be formulated with Amare and several first rounders (3 to 4) for Turner, Hawes, and Young. This would help Philly in there tank season and give them future assests. The Knicks would be hurt in the long run pick wise but would have what they need to make a championship run now. If they can resign Hawes, they will have a contender of the future as well. Hawes is a great big and could pair well with Both Chandler and Barg's on the floor. He can also fill in for Chandler now. Young brings in another great talent with a bargain contract and Turner can get it done as well. The Knicks would also be in position to make some trades, maybe even bring some picks back.

A second scenario would maybe include a third team to give up a first rounder for Turner so the Knicks would safe themselves a pick.

I think this is feasible. Both sides are getting what they want.

AIN"T GONNA HAPPEN!

They would NOT trade Turner for Amare. Turner is averaging over 20pts a game and filling out the stat sheet. They are coming up nicely and may sneak into the playoffs. This is the case of if it ain't broke don't fix it.
All Philly needs is time and maybe another solid role player...for now anyway.
If I'm Philly, I'm standing pat. I mean Chandler would be enticing, paired with Bargs but I really don't see them making a move like that right now. Hawes can give you both Offense and Defense (Chandler is the better Defender but still). The idea would be to PAIR Chandler WITH Hawes...not give him up.

Turner is their #1 Scorer.

You may have to look into another team for a Chandler Bargnani deal.

I think the Knicks could still swing a similar deal but the team can't be on the rise like Philly.

I think you misread my comment. Early stories were suggesting that Philly may trade there veterans for future assets. If Philly is trying to tank they will want to ditch these guys. They have no plans of re-signing Turner. That has been established, they may at a discount. And Hawes most likely will sign somewhere else. Young is on a cap friendly contract. I never mentioned giving up Chandler.

And there is absolutely no Chandler or Bargnani deal out there. Chandler is hurt and Bargnani is not garnering any interest. Awkward comments to my post, they don't really make sense.

First of all...you said IF...Philly is looking to tank. CLEARLY, they are NOT looking to tank.
Second, Hawes is their tallest and best big man. Borderline 20 and 10 guy that can pop 3s, Turner is putting up All Star numbers and Improving each game. They Ain't giving them up for a deal based around Amare and picks.

THEY DON'T NEED TO.

Only thing I mis read was you trading Chandler and Bargnani. That actually would've been a BETTER DEAL along with picks. LOL!
No WAY they do that deal and they shouldn't. They have a situation similar to OKC where they're current young picks/players could become Stars in the near future and are starting to have success. Heck, they could make the Playoffs, especially with the Bulls falling off now.

So... even though I misread that little detail in your post, I still know what I'm talking bout.

Philly is NOT looking to tank and especially not for that Knicks deal. Wiggins ain't promised to know one.
The best bet is to do a similar deal to a different team.

[armchairgm]

A trade could be formulated with Amare and several first rounders (3 to 4) for Turner, Hawes, and Young. I think this is feasible. Both sides are getting what they want.

Sorry for so loosely quoting you, but I didn't want to add another super long post. I just learned this recently, but you can only promise future picks in a 7 year window. http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm#Q85
Since this season started in 2013, the last pick that can be traded away is in the 2020 draft. Also included in that link is some talk about the Ted Stepien rule. It's the one that says you can't trade away future picks in back to back years. NYK owes Denver a first in 2014 (from Anthony trade) and Toronto a first in 2016 (from Bargnani trade). Combine the 2 rules previously mentioned and NYK could only offer a 2018 first rounder and a 2020 first rounder in any potential trades going forward.
I think that the trade you put together would be great for Philly's tanking project. Intentionally destroying cap space with Amare's contract and adding 4 future first would be great for Sam Hinkie. If Shumpert and Hardaway Jr. can be routed to other teams it would get the 76ers the picks they would need to push this deal through like you have currently drawn up.

[Walla86]

A trade could be formulated with Amare and several first rounders (3 to 4) for Turner, Hawes, and Young. I think this is feasible. Both sides are getting what they want.

Sorry for so loosely quoting you, but I didn't want to add another super long post. I just learned this recently, but you can only promise future picks in a 7 year window. http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm#Q85
Since this season started in 2013, the last pick that can be traded away is in the 2020 draft. Also included in that link is some talk about the Ted Stepien rule. It's the one that says you can't trade away future picks in back to back years. NYK owes Denver a first in 2014 (from Anthony trade) and Toronto a first in 2016 (from Bargnani trade). Combine the 2 rules previously mentioned and NYK could only offer a 2018 first rounder and a 2020 first rounder in any potential trades going forward.
I think that the trade you put together would be great for Philly's tanking project. Intentionally destroying cap space with Amare's contract and adding 4 future first would be great for Sam Hinkie. If Shumpert and Hardaway Jr. can be routed to other teams it would get the 76ers the picks they would need to push this deal through like you have currently drawn up.

Thanks for the post, you learn something new every day.