According to Phil Jackson, everyone is a critic. The New York Knicks team president has certainly learned that as the franchise has come under fire for their lack of offseason moves in free agency. The Knicks were expected to be serious contenders for players like Greg Monroe and LaMarcus Aldridge and instead were forced to walk away with second-tier options. According to Jackson, he has no issues with the roster currently in place as the Knicks continue to eye other potential moves.
In an interview with Charley Rosen via ESPN.com, Jackson said that while he has been critical of the moves made with the Knicks, overall he thinks the team achieved the goals they wanted by getting quality players and flexible contracts to help for future success. He denies the idea that he upset after the team was forced to resort to players like Robin Lopez, Derrick Williams and Kristaps Porzingis.
"Above all, we needed cap space and draft choices to start to right the ship," Jackson said, via ESPN.com. "And we had to do everything right now simply because we don't have another first-round draft pick until [2017], and no second-round picks until 2017. The various trades gave us what we needed -- cap space and future draft choices. In truth, this is our last chance for a while to build through the draft."
Jackson did not deny the fact that he would be chasing big names again next offseason. According to Ian Begley of ESPN.com, Kevin Durant and Mike Conley are expected to be at the top of the list come next season, but there are still options for the team this year. SheridanHoops.com has the Knicks linked to several size players at this point in the offseason with free agent contracts options for Carlos Boozer, JaVale McGee and Glen Davis. The Knicks could also eye Mike Miller with a deal after he was traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers and released. As Lopez remains the only true center on the roster, the Knicks could be wise to add depth.
Jackson did admit that Langston Galloway struggled at the end of last season, something that has some people concerned. After adding Jerian Grant in the draft, many believed that signaled the end of Jose Calderon's New York career. However, with Galloway needing to improve in the coming year, the chances Calderon stays put are good.
"We signed him to a non-guaranteed contract for next season, and he's projected as a combo 1-2 guard. After a terrific start when we called him up from the D-League, he's hit the wall and banged off it. But I still think he can be a productive player for us," Jackson said.
