Worst Season in Knicks History Comes to an End

Tim Hardaway, Jr. takes a shot in a game against Atlanta on April 13, 2015. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The worst season in New York Knicks season has finally come to an end. The team finished with a franchise worst 17-65 record in what was a season that was looking forward to the offseason not too far into the season.

The team did not get off to a good start, winning only five contests in the first 41 games.  Phil Jackson decided to shed some contracts, and pretty much threw in the white towel early on and got rid of Iman Shumpert, JR Smith, Pablo Prigioni to let some players who may be lost on some team’s bench and acquired some 2^nd round draft picks. This was a tryout for some players so they can prove they can be every day NBA players and play a role coming off the bench for the Knicks next season at a discounted price.

The first player that stood out with his new opportunity was Langston Galloway who was the Knicks first D-League call in franchise history from Westchester. He got off to such a good start; they Knicks signed him for the remainder of this season as well as the next. Galloway ended up averaging 12 points per game with 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. He proved he can show leadership and his ability to knock down some shots. This will be a key factor for the Knicks second unit in the 2015-16 season.

Two other players that I feel will be key contributors and not hurt the Knicks on the defense end will be Lou Amundson and Lance Thomas. They have displayed their determination and effort on the defense end which is something the Knicks can lack at times. Alexey Shved has shown some great offense potential before his injury.

With the Knicks losing the last game of the season to the Detroit Pistons and the Minnesota Timberwolves losing to the Thunder, this places the Knicks with the second worst record in the league. So when it comes down to the NBA Lottery on May 19, the Knicks are guaranteed a top 5 pick in the draft. They have an 88% chance for a top 4 pick, 56% for a top 3 pick, 39% for a 2 pick and 20% chance for the most important first overall pick.

The Knicks have cleared cap space without too many returning contracts, a guaranteed top 5 draft pick, and Phil Jackson running the show to attract free agents to come play with Carmelo Anthony. Will it be Jahlil Okafor or Karl-Anthony Towns coming off the draft board and into Madison Square Garden? Will Phil go after Marc Gasol as the top free agent in this summer’s class? The Knicks need to sign 4-5 B and B+ players to play alongside Carmelo. If the Knicks get just one star, yes it might look and sounds awesome but it won’t do the trick. The Knicks need a roster overhaul and the process is in place to begin tomorrow morning.

Let’s Go Knicks!!