The New York Knicks drafted Kristaps Porzingis to bring some size to their roster. Team president Phil Jackson had stated the Knicks would focus on defense in the draft in order to fill the hole left by Tyson Chandler back at the start of the 2014-15 season. The question is whether or not Porzingis, a player who's stock rose late, is an immediate starter. The Knicks clearly have that concern as they chase Greg Monroe.
Porzingis' career in New York began with boos from the draft audience, a raised eyebrow from Carmelo Anthony and now a hip injury. The Knicks will not get a look at the big man in Summer League like they were originally hoping as Porzingis is expected to be out with hip tightness. Ian Begley of ESPN New York is reporting that the power forward will likely rest following all of his pre-draft workouts and may or may not return for any of Summer League in Las Vegas.
With that, Anthony is taking matters into his own hands as free agency officially kicks off for the team. According to ESPN's Chris Broussard, Anthony has called DeAndre Jordan, LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Monroe about signing with the Knicks. All three players are expected to meet with team officials, but Broussard reports that New York is really only a frontrunner for Monroe. The Knicks originally attempted to trade for Monroe during the season, but the Detroit Pistons held on tight to the center. Now, the Knicks could get him on a two-year contract which would free up salary cap space for another move.
According to Begley, the Knicks have made an early push for Patrick Beverley who is a restrict free agent with the Houston Rockets. They are also eyeing several shooting guards to replace the traded Tim Hardaway Jr. They are hoping to be in the mix for Danny Green while Arron Afflalo and Monta Ellis remain options. If New York could land both Monroe and Afflalo that would greatly improve the roster around Anthony. Monroe would anchor the defense while Afflalo helped ease the scoring pain for Anthony. According to Jackson, building around Anthony has been in his mind during all of the offseason additions.
"Carmelo's always on my mind," Jackson said, via the New York Times. "He's our favorite son. At this point in his life, that's the way it should be. But the second most important thing is what we do for this franchise, and that's our consideration. And I let Melo know that as we made this choice."
