New York Knicks' fans are holding strong to the idea that free agency is just around the corner and that offers a brighter picture in the Big Apple. The Knicks will get a healthy Carmelo Anthony back along with money to spend on big names. The Knicks are pushing for big deals in the offseason, confident Anthony has the recruiting power to get in big names. With Rajon Rondo and Goran Dragic favored at the point guard position, will the all-or-nothing approach work for New York?
The issue for the Knicks is they are chasing the same players as everyone else. Most teams in need of a point guard including the Lakers and Rockets are keeping their fingers crossed that Rondo and Dragic do not return to the Dallas Mavericks or Miami Heat. Both point guards have expiring contracts, but mid-season trades might have altered their plans going forward. The Knicks certainly hope so.
According to ESPNNewYork.com, the Knick are all-in on recruiting Rondo, Dragic and even Kevin Love to the Big Apple this offseason, something that may or may not work out. So what is the Plan B in New York? The New York Daily News reports that Reggie Jackson is an unlikely option given the Detroit Pistons will make a big offer immediately on the point guard. A trade could be the best option for New York. Acquiring someone like Brandon Jennings to take over could be very productive. If the Pistons keep Jackson, Jennings will become available at the right price.
Marc Stein of ESPN reports that Jose Calderon is good as gone in New York. The point guard's position on the team never appeared permanent in the first place and injuries during the season have made that even clearer. Team president Phil Jackson confirmed that he was disappointed a deal for Calderon was not made at the mid-season deadline, but do not expect that to be the case again this offseason.
As of now, the Knicks cannot rebuild in the draft. The team lacks the first-round picks to truly make an impact for rookie players. That leaves free agency to be the best move for the franchise. Jackson expects to be aggressive, admitting this season simply did not work out. If they are going to get Rondo or Dragic, aggressive is the key word.
