Mar 18, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks new president of basketball of operations Phil Jackson is introduced at a press conference at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
18. New York Knicks
2014-2015 Efficiency Rating: 40.9
The Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers have something in common when it comes to their bench. They were both so bad that their bench statistics were inflated. With that said, there is some hope this season for the bench to improve.
Jerian Grant out of Notre Dame figures to play a significant role off the bench for the Knicks. He is a seasoned point guard, who is ready to play right away. His backup backcourt teammate, Langston Galloway, showed great potential last season as well.
Maybe the best move the Knicks made this offseason was re-shaping their frontcourt. Drafting Kristaps Porzingis was not a bad move, no matter how hard that kid fan cried. They were also able to bring in Robin Lopez. That enabled them to go out and bring in two guys who help improve their depth.
Kevin Seraphin and Kyle O’Quinn will both be solid players off of Derek Fisher‘s bench next year. The one question mark was signing Derrick Williams to a 2-year deal worth $10 million. For a player who has not performed up to his high draft expectation, that is a very high risk, low reward move.
It will be intriguing to see if the Knicks can stay healthy and how Fisher progresses as coach. His rotation will determine New York’s success and it will be interesting how he figures it all out.
Chances are the Knicks miss the playoffs, but they (and their bench) should be better next year.
Next: Detroit Pistons