The Time is Now: Fixing the Knicks (2013-2014 Edition)

The time is now: To rebuild that is – broken Knicks need new path

Following their 23-point loss to the Brooklyn Nets, at home, on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, it became as obvious as it ever has during this maddening season. The Knicks need to rebuild.

Yes, I said it, rebuild. R-E-B-U-I-L-D. It seems to be a word that is not in the lexicon of the front office for the entire duration of this franchise’s existence. But it should be now.

This Knicks team was supposed to be great, something I never really bought into. A 50-win team? Okay, maybe, I thought. As the season progressed, I knew they were flawed, I knew they were afflicted by injuries, but I never knew they would lack any type of ability to compete in a historically dismal Eastern Conference.

We are now mid-way through the season, in the middle of an eight game home stand that has yet to result in a win. Following the loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, who, at the beginning of the season were slated to be arguably the worst team in the NBA, it was never more apparent that this team doesn’t have it. As a fan, I’ve seen all I need to see. Some say maybe I was too patient in my criticism. I guess I believed in this team and this coach for too long.

Now is not the time for talk of competing for the East or a Championship. Now is the time to start discussing ways to break down this roster for the salvation of the Franchise’s future.

How to do it

First, the Knicks need to find a way to move Tyson Chandler. However, Chandler’s stock may be at an all-time low. He is known for his defense and rebounding, both of which he has provided little of in a season where he struggles to even stay healthy. But, in order to move the Knicks forward, they need to find a way to deal him, preferably for a draft pick. Although he is on the downside of his career, I am sure there is a market for a 7-footer who is known for rebounding, defense and great character. Some playoff contending team out there must be interested, and if they offered a first round pick, or a young player in return, I would be all for the deal.

Secondly, the Knicks must discuss trading Carmelo Anthony, to either the Lakers or the Bulls, the two destinations he is rumored to be attracted to. As much as I love Anthony’s game, and I’ve been a huge advocate of his in the past, this Knicks team needs to move on without him.  Their failure to surround him with complimentary players that fit his game is now well-established, and there really is no future of winning with this organization.

If a deal can be reached with the Lakers or Bulls that includes a lottery pick you do that deal in a heartbeat. You even take Pau Gasol of the Lakers back in the process. The Knicks lack first round picks for several years, and a chance to acquire a late first rounder in a Chandler deal would be beneficial, and the chance to snag a lottery pick for Carmelo would be monumental.  This upcoming draft class is probably the best since the LeBron draft of 2003, and the Knicks need to shed salary and get younger.

Why you do it

One of the main things lacking from this Knicks organization is young talent. Shumpert and Hardaway, Jr. must be considered untouchables at this point. I think you ride with those two guys, letting them grow and develop until Amar’e Stoudemire, Raymond Felton, and Andrea Bargnani’s massive contracts are off the books, which won’t be for a few more years. At that point, you are left with a ton of cap space and an opportunity to grab a top free agent or two.  In the meantime, you have several first round picks that are able to develop along with Shumpert and Hardaway, Jr. giving you a solid core to go forward with.

Now, to be honest, this plan would require extreme patience from Knick fans. It would take several years before the Knicks could compete in the Eastern Conference, and likely would take them out of the playoff picture all together. With that said, this current Knicks team isn’t fun to watch. I would rather have a bright future and be terrible for the next two or three seasons, then be mediocre for the next few seasons with absolutely no light at the end of the tunnel.

What do you think of my plan for the Knicks?  Should they go forward with Carmelo, Chandler, and Co. or should they start a rebuilding process mid-season? We would love to hear your thoughts. Reach out to us on Facebook or Twitter, or comment using the section below.