2013-2014 Finish: 66-16
Season Highlight
The Knicks had one of the strongest NLL seasons ever, losing only 16 games. GM
Dunadan assembled an excellent squad of players, a team designed to fend off
Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. They clinched the Atlantic Division
and looked poised to go deep in the playoffs…
Season Lowlight
So much for that elite team. The Knicks fell in the first round to Kevin Durant
and the Toronto Raptors in a six game series, never even getting the chance to
test things out against Lebron and the Cavs. It always seems like that each
season will be the one where GM Dunadan gets his ring, yet it still has yet to
happen for the poor guy.
Best Trade
The New York Knicks send Al Jefferson and Ronnie Brewer to
the Orlando Magic. The Orlando Magic send Jose Calderon and Greg
Monroe to the New York Knicks.
The New York Knicks trade -3 GM points.The Orlando Magic receive 3 GM points.
GM Dunadan almost always makes good
trades. This past season, he only made a handful, but this one was the best. Al
Jefferson is an injury liability and he gets a similar-caliber center, plus a
starting grade guard, for Big Al. Add in Monroe’s cheap salary for this coming
season, Dunadan scores a winner!
Worst Trade
The New York Knicks send Patrick Patterson to the Atlanta Hawks. The
Atlanta Hawks send Michael Beasley to the New York Knicks.
Beasley played hard when he was on
the Hawks. His bad attitude didn’t help the Knicks much. He will be playing
overseas next season. I’d rather have Patterson still than nothing.
Other Notable Trades
The Knicks were relatively quiet
this season on the trade front.
Best FA Signing
Jodie Meeks- The Knicks outgunned other teams for Jodie Meeks, more to keep him
from other teams rather than using the guard on the floor. Meeks is a good shooter
and the Knicks got him for a cheap price.
Worst FA Signing
The Knicks signed only two free agents this past season and both were good.
Star
James Harden- The Beard continues to grow! Harden had his best season yet for
the Knicks, averaging 24.9 ppg on 45% shooting. He hit 98% of his free throws
and 48% of his threes. Not bad, Mr. Harden. Not bad at all! (Fun fact: the
Knicks got Harden from the Jazz for Rudy Gay. Proid was the Gm of the Jazz
then. His first move when he took over the Heat? Trade Stephen Curry for Gay).
Surprise
Kenneth Faried- Faried took Paul Millsap’s job away from him. The young forward
ripped it up this past season, scoring 15 ppg and hauled in 11.5 rpg. He
deserves a big extension at the end of this season.
Goat
Evan Turner- Remember when Dunadan used to start Turner at PG? Now he barely
uses him. The ex-2nd pick overall started in just 4 games this
season, eking 8 ppg on 43% shooting.
Draft Report Card
Knicks only had pick #59 in the draft, sending Glenn Robinson III off to the
Hawks right after. They picked Baylor forward Cory Jefferson. It is unlikely he
will even make the team.
Looking to the Future
The Knicks come into next season looking pretty strong with one glaring
exception: they need a starting SF. In drills they have been using Harden at
the three and Calderon starting at SG, but that isn’t going to cut it. GM
Dunadan is going to have to make some moves or sign some FAs to fill the spot.
Upcoming Free Agents
Greg Monroe- It looks like Monroe will be returning. Rather than enter the FA
market as restricted, Monroe will sign his qualifying offer, making him a Knick
for at least one more year. After that, he will be looking for big bucks. Look
for Dunadan to use that extra cap space now.
Evan Turner- Dunadan hasn’t put a QO
on Turner yet, but I expect him to be back in New York. There is a chance he
will draw some fierce offers on the market, but the Knicks will likely match them.
Nick Calathes- Expect him to be
back.
Shawn Marion- The Matrix may look
for another way to win the ring. Watch him end up in Cleveland.
Chris Kaman- The Big Scary Center
will also test the market and likely play for another team in the fall.
Josh McRoberts- McBob has said he
wants to play for the Knicks next season.
Jodie Meeks- The Knicks won’t get
him for cheap again next season. If they want to keep him, they will have to
pay up. I bet he’s gone.
