Schmeelk: If Superstars Turn Knicks Down, Jackson Should Follow Mavs' Blueprint
By John Schmeelk
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With the Knicks at 4-11 and closer to the first pick in the draft than the NBA playoffs, chatter has already started about the Knicks' upcoming offseason.
Marc Gasol is most fans' top target (and rightfully so) with his two-way skills on offense and defense, but there is little reason to think he will leave Memphis, the town he grew up in on this side of the Atlantic. There are other big-money big men the Knicks could target, like Al Jefferson (if he opts out) and Greg Monroe, but will the bang be worth the buck with those two players?
Much like the Knicks learned the last time they saved up cap space, sometimes the stars don't come. The Knicks settled for Amar'e Stoudemire, which turned out to be a terrible mistake, and the team ended up with only one 50-win team during his Knicks tenure. Panicking and throwing max money at the wrong player who doesn't give max production is a fast way to a bad or mediocre team.
As Phil Jackson considers his Plan B, he would be wise to take a look at the team they play tonight, the Dallas Mavericks. They have their star, Dirk Nowitzki, a role that could be played by Carmelo Anthony here in New York. There is no second superstar, but rather a large number of veteran role players that fit will together on both ends of the floor.
The Mavericks added Tyson Chandler in the offseason, getting him from the Knicks for Jose Calderon. He plays the role of mobile defensive-minded big man who can finish near the rim. They replaced Calderon with Jameer Nelson, a solid point guard who plays both sides of the floor. Veterans Devin Harris, Ray Felton and J.J. Barea back him up. Monta Ellis is a starting point guard just below All-Star level.
Chandler Parsons, a young small forward who is still improving and holds his own on both ends of the floor, was their big free-agent addition. Veterans Brandan Wright, Richard Jefferson and Charlie Villanueva give frontcourt depth. The team even has young developing players in Al-Farouq Aminu, Ricky Ledo, Greg Smith and Jae Crowder.
Are the Mavericks favorites to win the championship like the Spurs are? No. But remember that last year they played the Spurs tougher than anyone, taking them to a Game 7 in the Western Conference playoffs. Dallas has put together a talented and well-balanced team that will win 50 games in a good conference and is fun to watch.
This is not the ideal solution for the Knicks, but it has its advantages. The Mavericks give their fans a winning team to watch, and also maintain their flexibility. They only have $45 million committed to the cap next year, and $28 million in 2016-2017. If a superstar becomes available, they can realistically pursue him and add to an already balanced and skilled roster. The team would automatically become a championship contender.
The Knicks couldn't completely copy the Mavericks' formula because Nowitzki was willing to sign a contract in which he is only making $8 million a year. But the Knicks could still operate under the same principles. Unfortunately, that formula requires patience, something the Knicks have never shown. When they get available money in free agency, they want to spend it immediately to try to build a contender, even if waiting might help the franchise in the long run.
The hope is that the Knicks will operate differently under Jackson. Perhaps James Dolan will stay behind the curtain and let Jackson do what he thinks is best. Maybe Jackson, though impatient as a coach, will be more willing to play the long game as an executive.
When the offseason gets here, if the superstars turn the Knicks down, maybe Jackson will opt for two-way players for mid-range contracts and limited years to maintain flexibility. Maybe he'll resist throwing max money at a mediocre player. We'll see if Jackson acts a lot more like the Mavericks and lot less like the Knicks.
You can follow me on Twitter @Schmeelk for everything Knicks, Giants and the world of sports.
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