Offseason Questions: KFTV Writers Roundtable

Grade the 2024-25 season. Was it a success or failure?

Geoff: A-. This past season included some of the highest highs I’ve experienced in my 20+ years of being a fan. Of course the way it ended was frustrating, but that doesn’t take away the first ECF birth in 25 years.

Jalen: An obvious success, and I would give it a B+. The struggles against Detroit, early holes against Boston, and consistent lapses against Indiana were frustrating, but they made it further than I'd ever seen in my life.

Omar: When you get to the Conference Finals for the first time in a quarter century, a season is undoubtedly a success. Considering the new additions in the offseason, that’s an impressive feat. I’d give this season an A.

Remi: I’m giving it a B. The Knicks made it as far as we’ve seen in 25 years, and we’re a blown lead away from game seven in the ECF. But the starting line-up struggled against better opponents, and Tom Thibodeau’s firing shows that even the front office felt there was room to be better.

What was the peak moment of the season?

Geoff: Beating the Celtics in 6. The Mikal steal in Game 1, the Mikal block on Tatum in Game 2.

Jalen: Mikal's defensive plays in Games 1 and 2 against Boston will be the lasting (positive) images in my head from this season.

Omar: Game 6 against Boston. Despite the success, there were times when the performances felt incomplete. In a close out game at the Garden, they played their best game and brought the fanbase happiness it hasn’t seen in decades.

Remi: Game 6 against the Celtics in Round 2 was like a 48-minute celebration. The Knicks were heading to the Conference Finals with homecourt, and they played their best game of the year to reach that spot.

What was the lowest moment of the season?

Geoff: Has to be the Game 1 loss to the Pacers in the ECF. All of the momentum gained from the Celtics was just wiped away.

Jalen: ECF Game 1 is the obvious answer, but the cherry-picking fastbreaks by Pascal Siakam in Game 6 still stick with me. Reminds me of Kevin Love's long outlets in 2023 vs. Miami.

Omar: For me, it has to be Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. A moment that hinged this team’s fate in so many ways. It went from elation to tragedy in a matter of moments. A game I will never not think about.

Remi: It’s not just that the Knicks blew a monster lead to Indiana in Game 1 at the Garden, or that Tyrese Haliburton hit the choke meme in awkward fashion. It’s that it felt exactly like the Knicks’ own Game 1 victory in Boston; we knew what that kind of momentum shift does to a series.

Biggest roster need this offseason?

Geoff: Someone not named Jalen Brunson who can break down the defense and get paint touches to create a shot for himself or someone else.

Jalen: A reliable ball-handler who can play alongside Brunson. It's been tiring seeing him as the only guy confident enough to dribble the ball past halfcourt.

Omar: Considering that depth was a concern and likely the reason the team needs a new coach, being able to assemble a proper 8-10 man rotation is essential. A stretch four off the bench has to be at the top of that list.

Remi: I know an additional ball-handler comes up a lot, but I think Tyler Kolek deserves a shot to be that player and Josh Hart returning to the second-unit will help. So, my big need is a power forward who can stretch the floor while keeping Mikal and OG in their best positions (SG and SF).

Jalen Brunson is clearly the only “untouchable.” Who should be in the tier below?

Geoff: KAT.

Jalen: OG Anunoby's defense doesn't get credit when the team looks bad, but it's still game-changing when he's engaged. I'd find it tough to trade him so long as Brunson is here, needing to be hidden on defense.

Omar: OG Anunoby. Even though he’s been mentioned in trade rumors, he offers elite defensive upside that this team will need to contend for a title. I would avoid including him in any trade if possible.

Remi: OG Anunoby’s defensive impact single-handedly carried the starters at times. His offense wasn’t always consistent, but he stepped up like a second option when one of the stars struggled. He’d be my next most valuable piece on the roster.

Who is your top choice for head coach? What's the most important characteristic a new coach should have to take this team over the top?

Geoff: I’m not super high on Jason Kidd, but he is probably the best candidate of the coaches that have been rumored for the position. The next coach needs to have a solid offensive foundation with the ability to adapt and adjust, try new things, and different lineups. I was a Thibs defender, but I can admit he fell short in that department.

Jalen: From what I know about Johnnie Bryant, he has a modern outlook on effective offensive schemes. I think that's important for a Brunson/KAT-led team. Empowering the depth is also important during this penny-pinching era of the CBA.

Omar: I think the plan for a long time was to have Johnnie Bryant as the natural Thibs successor when he was here. The team likely saw something in him and I think he is a strong candidate for the job. For any coach the team hires, a modern offensive philosophy and adjustability is a must.

Remi: Is it cheating to answer Erik Spoelstra? The Knicks are trying to poach from other teams as it is, and Spo has the characteristic I value most. That’s an ability to manage egos in the locker room and keep players happy in their roles. He did it with Bron, Wade, and Bosh; which had to be tougher than the Nova guys and KAT.

Should the Knicks be hunting for stars right now? Are you into the KD and Giannis ideas?

Geoff: Keep KD far away from the Knicks. Giannis is much more intriguing, but in general, I’m not in favor of a gut the team move for a superstar.

Jalen: The Giannis rumors feel like a pipe dream or leverage play, and he’d cost too much. The only way I'd entertain KD is if the price is just KAT, and I'd have to assess that trade's impact on their future salary cap before I even think about endorsing it.

Omar: I think these trade ideas sound great on paper but are really just offseason click generation. A Giannis package will likely require draft capital the Knicks don’t have, and the KD boat sailed long ago. I’m still of the belief they need to give this talent assembly that just came together more time to gel.

Remi: I can’t picture a trade for KD or Giannis that doesn’t gut the roster. The Knicks were close this year, and I think a bit of depth and innovation could go a long way. So, I don’t like the star hunting unless it comes at a shocking discount.

You can add +15 in overall rating to one of the rookies this summer (like it's 2K). Which one do you choose?

Geoff: Ariel Hukporti. Really like what I saw from him in limited minutes this season. Think he could crack the rotation if given a chance next season.

Jalen: Pacôme Dadiet all the way. It's actually pretty important that he becomes playable in the near future, given the potential luxury of having wing depth. The Knicks could use a Cam Johnson/tame-Kyle Kuzma kind of forward.

Omar: Ariel Hukporti. A true backup to Mitch that has some real upside as a rim protector and lob threat. Whoever they hire as a coach could definitely utilize an improved Huk.

Remi: I may have mentioned Kolek earlier, but I’d pick Hukporti for the major upgrade. Mitch is expiring soon, so I like the idea of an heir apparent and insurance in case of injury.

Lastly, name a lowkey free agency or trade target you're interested in?

Geoff: Dennis Schröder will probably command too much money on the open market, but he would check a lot of boxes

Jalen: I wrote the name Malcolm Brogdon for this before the rumor about him being available for a minimum. He struggles to stay on the court, but that gives the Knicks an excuse to play Kolek part-time if he suffers more injuries. When healthy, he’s solid.

Omar: A steady backup point guard to replace Cam Payne should be on the radar. Someone like Tyus Jones that can run an offense with KAT as its focal point would be a good wrinkle to add for this team.

Remi: I think the Spurs will chase KD and Giannis, and I’d be curious to sneak in as third/fourth team to get Harrison Barnes’ expiring contract out of the deal. As for free agents I haven’t seen mentioned; I’d love to catch Chris Paul ring-chasing. I think his presence in the locker room could have an impact beyond his floor game.

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