The New York Knicks want to solidify themselves as a threat for the Eastern Conference crown, and according to guard Iman Shumpert they have a special certain number in mind for next season's goal-60 wins.
"How many did we win last year?,'' Shumpert said at his summer basketball camp Tuesday in White Plains. "Fifty-four, hopefully we can win 60 next year. We want to build on what we already have. We started off not getting out of the first round. Now we just have to build.''
In an interview with the New York Post, Shumpert was critical over the Knicks disappointing exit in the second round of the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers, saying their effort wasn't good enough.
As for next season, Shumpert has high expectations of making the Eastern Conference Finals.
" We want to lock in on our division, set ourselves up in the playoffs and get into the Eastern Conference Finals. We can't want anything less.''
Unfortunately for Shumpert and the Knicks, reigning Sixth Man of the Year and second-leading scorer for the Knicks J.R. Smith is using his player option to the upcoming season to become a free agent this offseason.
This becomes a complication for the Knicks, who are going to have to work in order to keep Smith, which they are expected to do.
However, they'll face competition in keeping Smith because the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons are "among several teams" eyeing his services.
The Knicks also have the concern Chris Copeland's contract to deal with as well.
In 56 games last season, Copeland proved his worth and value to the team as he opened more space on the floor, while averaging 8.7 points per game and shooting 42 percent from the three-point line.
Copeland is rumored to be eyed by several teams with the Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz and Washington Wizardsall vying for the rights to Copeland's services.
Lastly, there's Tyson Chandler's situation that the Knicks have to sort out this offseason.
The Knicks have talked to the Minnesota Timberwolves about acquiring Derrick Williams in place for Chandler. New York would also get guard Luke Ridnour as a replacement for Jason Kidd, but at the same time they would be losing their best defensive player in order to build their roster depth with youth.
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