Being a lifelong fan of the New York Knicks is not fun. We haven't gotten out of the second round of the players since 2000, and have been mediocre for the majority of that time. Even when we won 54 games in 2012-13, we weren't that good. That team overachieved because of veterans like Jason Kidd, Rasheed Wallace, and Kenyon Martin being in the locker room. This coming offseason—after a year when the Knicks will likely win under 20 games—is one of the most important summers in team history. We locked up Melo for the next five years, gave away players like Tyson Chandler, Iman Shumpert, and J.R. Smith to create some extra cap space, and should have a guaranteed top-four pick along with around $30 million to burn.
Marc Gasol, Paul Milsap, LaMarcus Aldridge, Wes Matthews, Rajon Rondo, Goran Dragic, and Patrick Beverley will be among the free agents this summer. Each of those players can help the Knicks immensely, except for maybe Rajon because the triangle requires a point guard who can shoot.
At this point, though—who cares? We'd still take him regardless.
One of my favorite pastimes is building a Knicks team of my liking in NBA 2K. Sometimes I get ridiculous and basically build a fantasy team, but for the most part I try to be a little realistic to make the games competitive. Recently, I documented a Franchise mode for the 2016 Knicks, simulating through the 2014-2015 season (because we stink this year) to get to the fun part: the 2015-2016 season. Check out how the Knickerbockers can become title contenders next season as we begin Building the 2016 NBA Champion New York Knicks With NBA 2K15.
Angel Diaz is a staff writer for Complex Media. Follow him @ADiaz456.
The Real Beginning of the Phil Jackson Era
Hall of Fame Because I'm Nice
Trade Override Because I'm Real
Knicks Up
First Order of Business
Simulate the 2015 Season
James Harden is your 2015 MVP.
Andrew Wiggins is the Rookie of the Year. The Cavs fucked up.
Reggie Jackson is the Sixth Man of the Year because he's not starting over Brandon Jennings (sucks to be him).
Anthony Davis is the Defensive Player of the Year and is the best player in the NBA right now.
Klay Thompson is the Most Improved Player which isn't a good sign because only one M.I.P has won an NBA championship (Boris Diaw with last year's Spurs).
Thibs is the Coach of the Year because he does a lot by only playing five players a game. You have to respect it.
The Spurs finally win back-to-back chips. Now they can all retire.
I can't wait to make this top five draft pick and spend this $30 million.
The 2015 NBA Draft
Building Through Free Agency, A Knickerbocker Tradition
Time to Make Some Trades
Again, blame Trade Finder. Bradley Beal must feel like Washington will be going in a different direction during the summer of 2016, because he wants out. I like Tim Hardaway, Jr. but gimme Beal any day of the week, twice on Sundays. Just sad I have to take back Kris Humphries and let go of Langston Galloway. I think that kid is special. Also, (not pictured) the Sixers were willing to give me D'Angelo Russell, and some scrub for the same guys I put on the table.
That lineup is type strong but I have too many forwards. Going to have to fix that.
Putting Trade Override to Work
It's fucking lit. I looked at my bench and sighed. I like Galloway's length and his ability to play both guard positions. So I made Washington take Kris Humphries back for him. At least I was nice and gave them two second round picks on top of Humphries' expiring contract. I am not a monster. And I'm also a true Knick. Fuck a draft pick. I can just force a team to give me some when the times comes.
Welcome Your 2016 New York Knicks
That five is one of the best in the league. I have ferocious defender in Patrick Beverly who can hit the three aka B.J. Armstrong/John Paxson. He's perfect for the triangle. Bradley Beal can shoot it from anywhere. Melo is the best all-around scorer in the game. Towns can run the floor, has decent post play, and is an exceptional defender. Marc Gasol is the best all-around center in the NBA. With him and Karlito down low, frontcourts can't live. I also have a good mix of shooters, size, vets, and young guys on the bench.
I might have to get a true sixth man like Jamal Crawford or Earl, but I'm willing to give Langston a shot. It's his gig to lose. This all adds up to a rating of 81? I'll take it. We're going to be in the high 80s when it's all said and done. And I smell a championship.
The Knicks are going to have make a statue of me as Phil Jackson after this season.
