The New York Knicks roster is taking shape and while it might not be with the players Phil Jackson had intended on using, the team president's strategy could be built for the long-term. With plenty of short-term deals on the pay roll, Jackson might be able to do more good in free agency in 2016 than he did this year. However, for the short-term there are still some questions to be answered like who will be the starting point guard in 2015?
The Knicks have three true point guards on their current roster. Jose Calderon and Langston Galloway both return for their second seasons in New York while Jerian Grant arrives as the rookie. Calderon's season was forgettable while Galloway turned out to be a late break-out star for New York. However, it could be Grant that is eyed as the future.
According to the New York Post, Grant could turn out to be the favored starter in 2015. He is a more seasoned rookie having played al four season at Notre Dame, so he comes into the league at 22 and more mature than the normal prospect. While Anthony made it clear he did not like the idea of a rookie starting at the point guard spot, Grant is more athletic than someone like Calderon while also being more explosive to the rim. He faced tough talent while playing in the ACC and knows what it is like to go face-to-face with someone like Jahlil Okafor.
Calderon is not a long-term option and Galloway still has plenty of questions to answer. Grant will be the player viewed for the future. The Knicks are thinking bigger picture when it comes to their roster. That was made clear when Arron Afflalo and Derrick Williams were signed to two-year contracts with player options. Jackson is helping the Knicks be equal players in free agency in 2016 in order to capitalize on other big names emerging.
There will also be a battle at the forward position. Rookie Kristaps Porzingis will battle Williams and Kyle O'Quinn for the starting spot. Knicks fans were not thrilled at the drafting of Porzingis considering no one has really seen him play. The forward will get his first chance in the national spotlight during NBA Summer League and the Knicks will adjust accordingly depending on how he looks.
According to the Post, the Knicks will chase both Kevin Durant and Mike Conley in 2016, while they hope to rebuild some this year to prove New York is headed somewhere. Last year's dismal record proved to hurt the Knicks in free agency this year and their modest grab of players might be enough to slightly turn things around
