Maize's Knicks | Returning the Garden to Eden

[Maize08]

As the playoffs have started, I've caught the bug and wanted to do a franchise. Starting with the 2017 offseason, I wanted to pick a team that is facing a rebuilding effort.

The New York Knicks are currently in a predicament. They have a future franchise player in Kristaps Porzingis, whose last season was hindered by a roster loaded with veterans. It led to KP questioning his future in New York, skipping his exit interview.

Then there's Carmelo Anthony, whose future in New York has been openly questioned by Phil Jackson. Melo has been the franchise player before Jackson drafted Porzingis in 2015.

Carmelo's tenure in New York has endured numerous coaching changes, changes in style of play and a revolving cast of players. In total, Carmelo Anthony has made the playoffs in three seasons with the Knicks, appearing in 21 playoff games.

Things need to change and it starts at the top. This dynasty will simulate a big change in New York. I'll be trying to build a championship team. As always, I'll be trying to keep things realistic. Hope you enjoy!

The Rundown
Game: NBA 2K17 on PS4
Roster: Official 2K Roster (On April 12th)
Draft Class: EmbraceThaPace 2017 and 2018 Classes
Difficulty: All-Star
Gameplay: 10 Minutes with Custom Sliders

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History

Retired Numbers
10, 12, 15, 15, 19, 22, 24, 33, 613

NBA Championships 2 (1970, 1973)
Conference Titles 8 (1951, '52, '53, '70, '72, '73, '94, '99)
Division Titles 5 (1971, '89, '93, '94, '13)

New York Knicks Awards & Honors
Title	Player	Year
NBA Most Valuable Player	Willis Reed	1970
NBA Rookie of the Year	Willis Reed	1965
	Patrick Ewing	1986
	Mark Jackson	1988
NBA Defensive POY	Tyson Chandler	2012
NBA Sixth Man of the Year	Anthony Mason	1995
	John Starks	1997
	J.R. Smith	2013
NBA Coach of the Year	Red Holzman	1970
	Pat Riley	1993
NBA Scoring Champion	Bernard King	1985
	Carmelo Anthony	2013
All-NBA First Team	Harry Gallatin	1954
	Walt Frazier	1970, ‘72, ‘74, ‘75
	Willis Reed	1970
	Bernard King	1984, ‘85
	Patrick Ewing	1990

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Season Reviews

2016-17
Overall Record: 31-51
Final Standing: 12th in East, 4th in the Atlantic
Longest Streaks: 4 wins, 6 losses
Player Awards: None

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2016-17 NBA Awards
Award	Player	Pos	Team
Most Valuable Player	Russell Westbrook	PG	Oklahoma City
Rookie of the Year	Dario Saric	PF	Philadelphia
Sixth Man of the Year	James Johnson	PF	Miami
Defensive Player of the Year	Rudy Gobert	C	Utah
Most Improved Player	Nikola Jokic	C	Denver
Coach of the Year	Steve Kerr		Golden State
All-NBA 1st Team
All-NBA 1st Team	Russell Westbrook	PG	Oklahoma City
	James Harden	SG	Houston
	LeBron James	SF	Cleveland
	Anthony Davis	PF	New Orleans
	DeMarcus Cousins	C	New Orleans
All-NBA 2nd Team
All-NBA 2nd Team	Stephen Curry	PG	Golden State
	Jimmy Butler	SG	Chicago
	Kevin Durant	SF	Golden State
	Giannis Antetokounmpo	SF	Milwaukee
	Karl-Anthony Towns	C	Minnesota
All-NBA 3rd Team
All-NBA 3rd Team	Damian Lillard	PG	Portland
	Isaiah Thomas	PG	Boston
	Kawhi Leonard	SF	San Antonio
	Gordon Hayward	SF	Utah
	Hassan Whiteside	C	Miami
All-Defensive 1st Team
All-Defensive 1st Team	Russell Westbrook	PG	Oklahoma City
	Jimmy Butler	SG	Chicago
	Anthony Davis	PF	New Orleans
	Draymond Green	PF	Golden State
	Rudy Gobert	C	Utah
All-Defensive 2nd Team
All-Defensive 2nd Team	John Wall	PG	Washington
	Tony Allen	SG	Memphis
	Giannis Antetokounmpo	SF	Milwaukee
	Kawhi Leonard	SF	San Antonio
	Hassan Whiteside	C	Miami
All-Rookie 1st Team
All-Rookie 1st Team	Malcolm Brogdon	SG	Milwaukee
	Jamal Murray	SG	Denver
	Brandon Ingram	SF	LA Lakers
	Dario Saric	PF	Philadelphia
	Marquese Chriss	PF	Phoenix
All-Rookie 2nd Team
All-Rookie 2nd Team	Isaiah Whitehead	PG	Brooklyn
	Caris LeVert	SG	Brooklyn
	Andrew Harrison	SG	Memphis
	Buddy Hield	SG	Sacramento
	Tyler Ulis	PG	Phoenix

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Re: Maize's Knicks | Returning the Garden to Eden

Phil Jackson Resigns | May 1, 2017
Just as the calendar has turned to May, the Knicks find themselves without a President of Basketball Operations. Phil Jackson, having just finished his third season overseeing the Knicks franchise, abruptly announced his resignation from the New York Knicks.

Back on March 18, 2014 - The Knicks franchise was delighted to welcome Phil Jackson, who brought his championship pedigree to the Big Apple. Expecting big things with his arrival, what proceeded was a comedy of errors with few bright spots.

Overall, the team went 80-166 in Jackson's tenure. That included three Head Coaches in just three seasons, including interim Head Coach Kurt Rambis going 9-19 to close out the 2015-16 season.

Jackson started out by hiring Derek Fisher as Head Coach. A disciple of Phil's in Los Angeles, it marked Fisher's first coaching job after retiring from the NBA. Fisher struggled with the locker room, off-the-court issues and translating the Triangle to today's NBA. Ultimately, he was fired and replaced with another Jackson prodigy, Kurt Rambis.

The coaching moves spoke to Jackson's commitment to the triangle offense. Something he even forced on new Head Coach Jeff Hornacek. Hornacek found success with a fast-paced motion offense in Phoenix. In New York, he struggled to meld his ideas with the triangle. Further, having to accept Kurt Rambis as "Defensive Coordinator" was just another move to show Jackson's continued interest in coaching, without actually having to coach.

Beyond the coaching moves, New York marked the first time Jackson was in charge of a team's personnel. While he will likely be remembered for correctly drafting Kristaps Porzingis, there was a litany of trades and free agent signings that continue to haunt the franchise.

Here a quick timeline of transactions made by Phil Jackson:

June 25, 2014 - Traded Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton to Dallas for Jose Calderon, Samuel Dalembert, Wayne Ellington, and Shane Larkin. Felton and Chandler remain solid rotations players in the NBA. Dalembert has since retired and Shane Larkin spent last season out of the NBA. None of the four players New York received spent more than two seasons with the Knicks.

October 27, 2014 - Traded Travis Outlaw and a 2019 second round pick to Philadelphia for Arnett Moultrie. The move initially opened up some cap and a roster spot (Moultrie was quickly waived), and Jackson signed Travis Wear with that final roster spot before the 2014-15 season.

January 5, 2015 - Traded J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert to Cleveland for Lou Amundson, Alex Kirk, Lance Thomas, and a 2019 second round pick. Smith and Shumpert were important wing players on Cleveland's championship team. Meanwhile, Amundson and Kirk did not remain with New York for long. Lance Thomas has proven to be capable, but not at the level of Smith or Shumpert.

June 25, 2015 - Traded Tim Hardaway for Jerian Grant. Grant would later be moved in the trade for Derrick Rose, while Hardaway developed in Atlanta and has become a starter for a playoff team.

June 22, 2016 - Traded Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon and Jerian Grant to Chicago for Derrick Rose, Justin Holliday and a 2017 second round pick. Lopez continues to be a defensive anchor and Grant has developed into a capable back-up point guard. Meanwhile, Rose's time in New York included going AWOL and struggling to regain his MVP caliber production. Rose enters the offseason as an unrestricted free agent.

That takes us to this upcoming off-season, a crucial time for the organization. They still have to decide what to do with Carmelo Anthony and the remaining four years on his max contract. Anthony also holds the power of a no-trade clause. Then there's the four year, $72 million dollar contract given to Joakim Noah.

Phil Jackson was an active President, but his moves did not yield the wins he projected. Now, Owner James Dolan will have to find someone new to rebuild the sputtering franchise.

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Western Conference Playoffs | First Round


#1 Golden State defeat #8 Portland in six games


#4 Los Angeles Clippers defeat #5 Utah in six games


#3 Houston defeats #6 Oklahoma City in six games


#2 San Antonio defeats #7 Memphis in six games

Western Conference Playoffs | Second Round


#1 Golden State vs. #4 Los Angeles Clippers


#2 San Antonio vs. #3 Houston

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Eastern Conference Playoffs | First Round


#1 Boston defeat #8 Chicago in seven games


#4 Washington defeat #5 Atlanta in six games


#6 Milwaukee defeat #3 Toronto in six games


#2 Cleveland defeat #7 Indiana in four games

Eastern Conference Playoffs | Second Round


#1 Boston vs. #4 Washington


#2 Cleveland vs. #6 Milwaukee

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Steve Mills Fired, Knicks Start Search | May 15, 2017
Following Phil Jackson's departure, there was some expectation that Steve Mills would not remain with the organization. After being hired by the Knicks prior to Phill Jackson joined the franchise, Mills oversaw a difficult time for the organization. In a swift move that signals more changes to the front office, the Knicks fired Steve Mills.

A rising executive with the NBA, Mills had never overseen a franchise personnel department when he was hired in 2013. Previously, he had worked his way up through the NBA front offices, and also worked for Madison Square Garden.

From 2003 to 2009, Mills oversaw the day-to-day operations with MSG as Chief Operations Officer and Sports Business President. He helped with the business relations for the New York Knicks, Rangers and the WNBA's Liberty.

His time with MSG made him familiar to the Knicks front office, making them comfortable to name him General Manager in 2013. Just before that time, Mills worked with Magic Johnson Enterprises.

A highly respected executive, his time with the Knicks was cut short as the Knicks announced "front office restructuring." That restructuring includes finding a new President of Basketball Operations and General Manager.

That could potentially be one individual. Many rumored candidates have emerged, including two that have held meetings with Owner James Dolan. They are Toronto Raptors General Manager Masai Ujiri and Thunder Assistant General Manager Troy Weaver.

The Knicks have also reportedly been granted an interview, through the Philadelphia 76ers, to speak with former General Manager Sam Hinkie. The controversial architect of "The Process," his name was recently floated in connection with a position with the Sacramento Kings.

Ujiri, Weaver and Hinkie are considered the favorites and would likely take over the role of President and General Manager. All three point to a change in how the Knicks are deciding to run their franchise. It is expected they will have an executive hired before the end of the NBA playoffs.

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Re: Maize's Knicks | Returning the Garden to Eden

Western Conference Playoffs | Second Round


#1 Golden State defeat #4 Los Angeles Clippers in six games


#2 San Antonio defeat #3 Houston in six games


Western Conference Playoffs | Conference Finals


#1 Golden State vs. #2 San Antonio

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Re: Maize's Knicks | Returning the Garden to Eden

Eastern Conference Playoffs | Second Round


#4 Washington defeat #1 Boston in seven games


#2 Cleveland defeat #6 Milwaukee in six games

Eastern Conference Playoffs | Conference Finals


#2 Cleveland vs. #4 Washington

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Knicks Hire Sam Hinkie as President | May 23, 2017
In surprising news that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, the architect of "The Process" in Philadelphia is now in charge of the New York Knicks. Known for compiling assets, namely draft picks, his time in Philadelphia was marred by the team's purposeful lack of success.

Hinkie, 39 years old, is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and Stanford's Graduate Business School. While attending Stanford, he started working part-time for the Houston Rockets under Carroll Dawson. When Daryl Morey became General Manager of the Rockets in 2007, Hinkie became a Vice President of Basketball Operations.

While working with the Rockets, the team became focused on advanced analytics and was on the cutting edge of basketball information technology. He was key in Houston, helping to overhaul a roster and is often credited for the team acquiring Kyle Lowry and Patrick Beverly.

His success in Houston would lead to a chance to run his own organization. On May 14, 2013 - Hinkie became the team's President and General Manager. He will hold the same position in New York, making his time in Philadelphia worth investigating.

His first major move with the 76ers came at the 2013 NBA Draft. He traded Jrue Holiday to New Orleans for Nerlens Noel and a top-five protected 2014 draft pick. Nerlens Noel developed into a strong defender and rim protector.

Prior to the 2013-14 season, he hired Brett Brown as Head Coach. Brown, a longtime assistant to Gregg Popovich in San Antonio, Brown has remained with the team since. Beyond hiring a respected Head Coach, Hinkie expanded the organization's scouting and analytics department.

During the 13-14 season, Michael Carter-Williams was named Rookie of the Year. He would be traded that off-season, in a shrewd move that netted the team a future first round pick. Beyond that, the team turned role players Evan Turner, Spencer Hawes and Lavoy Allen into five second round picks.

Right after the season, one of the worst in terms of record in the franchise's history, Hinkie continued reworking the future of the team. He traded Thaddeus Young for a 2015 first round pick.

The 2014 NBA Draft would prove to be the most pivotal moment in Hinkie's time with the 76ers. The team drafted Joel Embiid, even knowing his medical history and red flags, and stashed international forward, Dario Saric.

Embiid would miss the next two seasons, while Saric stayed overseas.

He also signed Robert Covington, a D-League star, to a four-year contract. Covington has become a top 3-and-D wing player for the 76ers.

The 2014-15 season ended with only 18 wins and another shot for Hinkie at the draft lottery and the top pick. He would again miss, leading to selecting Jahlil Okafor. Okafor was surprisingly selected over Kristaps Porzingis, luckily for the Knicks.

Hinkie's decision to draft Okafor remains the most questionable of his moves while having the reins in Philly. He should expect the New York media to focus on that, now that Hinkie's organization is led by Zinger.

The 2015 NBA Draft also included the teams selection of Richaun Holmes. Holmes has become a stellar back-up big man.

The 76ers would start the next season 1-21, and Jerry Colangelo was hired as Hinkie's superior. It led to Hinkie's resignation and Bryan Colangelo being named the team's General Manager.

Hinkie left the 76ers with Joel Embiid, Jahlil Okafor, the pick that became Ben Simmons, Dario Saric, Richaun Holmes, Robert Covington, Nik Stauskas, and a slew of future picks. Those picks include the right to swap picks with Sacramento in this year's draft. As well as the Lakers' first round pick, if it falls out of the top three. If it stays in the top three, the Lakers must convey their 2018 first to Philly.

Thanks to Hinkie, the 76ers also own the rights to Sacramento's 2019 first, Oklahoma City's 2020 first, and potentially 11 second round picks including the Knicks' picks in 2021 and 2022.

The 76er's recent trade of Nerlens Noel to Dallas was considered a net-negative for Philadelphia, who received two second round picks and Justin Anderson.

While fans endured difficult seasons on-the-court, it has led to many assets that make the 76ers' future bright. Hinkie realized that a team needs an identity and a superstar if they want to be a title contender. It didn't make sense to build a subpar roster or grasp for middling success. Hinkie wanted to build a title contender, and those are his plans in New York as well.

"I've been given the task of building a championship team." said Hinkie at his introductory press conference. "The Knicks already have a future Hall of Famer in Carmelo Anthony, a bona fide superstar (Porzingis) and the allure of being the franchise that plays at Madison Square Garden."

Sam Hinkie knows the significance of the franchise and what it means when the Knicks are good. His focus is to do exactly that; build a winner.

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Re: Maize's Knicks | Returning the Garden to Eden

Western Conference Playoffs | Conference Finals


#2 San Antonio defeats #1 Golden State in seven games


Eastern Conference Playoffs | Conference Finals


#2 Cleveland defeats #4 Washington in six games

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Knicks Reorganize Front Office | June 1, 2017
Sam Hinkie has wasted no time in putting his own touches on the Knicks front office. Many expect the organization to have an increased focus on analytics. This shift has led Hinkie and the Knicks brass to reorganize the front office, including hiring and firing numerous front office personnel.

"Before the draft, I wanted everyone in place." said Hinkie, in a recent sit-down interview with the New York Times. "I thought it was important to make sure everyone, including ownership is on the same page. That means understanding roles and positions... It's something I took away from my time in Philadelphia."

Likely a result of the clash in Philadelphia, Hinkie is making sure that James Dolan and the Knicks understand his vision for the franchise. That includes the power structure.

After Steve Mills left, Hinkie assumed his role along with Phil Jackson's as President of Basketball Operations. There won't be an acting General Manager, most of those common responsibilities fall on Hinkie's shoulders.

Hinkie's "second in command" is now Ben Falk, recently named the team's Vice President of Basketball Operations. Falk caught the attention of many basketball fans and insiders during this year's NBA playoffs. After being let go from his position with the 76ers, Falk started a website called "Cleaning the Glass" and his insights were picked up by many on social media.

Falk spent eight years in NBA front offices, including years under Hinkie as the 76ers' Vice President of Basketball Strategy. Previous to that, he ran the Trail Blazers' analytics department.

Falk's role will include overseeing the Knicks pro scouting and analytics departments. In relation to basketball operations, he will be tasked with salary cap management as well.

Ben Falk replaces Jamie Mathews, who spent 14 years with the Knicks organization. The organization did retain Mike Smith as Director of Pro Scouting and Analytics.

Joining Hinkie and Falk from their days in Philadelphia is Sachin Gupta. Gupta has been named Assistant General Manager & Director of Basketball Operations. He will work alongside Falk, answering to Hinkie and helping with "roster construction and keeping an eye on the league."

Sachin Gupta and Sam Hinkie worked together in Houston under Daryl Morey and Gupta has been instrumental in numerous successful NBA trades. Beyond that, his computer science background has been key in developing programs to understand basketball statistics.

Hinkie's open dialog with the New York media has made it clear about each new person added to the front office. It's been made clear that Gupta and Falk answer to Hinkie, but are given roles to keep the Knicks ahead of the curve.

The Knicks also removed the title of "Assistant General Manager" from Alan Houston, making him the full-time General Manager of the Knicks' D-League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks.

The Knicks want to expand the importance of the D-League affiliate, and are giving Houston full control over Westchester. Houston will also be hiring a new coach for the upcoming D-League season.

Finally, the Knicks and Clarence Gaines parted ways. Gaines was a longtime confidant of Phil Jackson, dating back to their time in Chicago. Gaines was a former NBA and collegiate scout, he worked with Phil Jackson as the team's Vice President of Player Personnel.

In his position, Mark Hughes has been promoted to a Vice President's position, but will continue his work as Director of Player Personnel. Hughes is a former NCAA Champion, as the co-captain of the Michigan Wolverines 1989 team.

Hughes played professionally in the NBA as well as in France. After his playing time, he became a coach in the CBA and an Assistant Coach in Orlando and Sacramento. He was hired by the Knicks as a scout in 2010 and promoted in 2011.

There is also discussion of the Knicks expanding their scouting department, but that hasn't been formally announced. For now, Hinkie has opened up about the power structure, giving the media a look into the new Knicks front office.

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Re: Maize's Knicks | Returning the Garden to Eden

Game One: Cleveland 89, San Antonio 102
Game Two: Cleveland 93, San Antonio 95
Game Three: San Antonio 88, Cleveland 79
Game Four: San Antonio 101, Cleveland 108
Game Five: Cleveland 93, San Antonio 99
San Antonio Wins the NBA Title

Finals MVP: Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio

[Maize08]

Re: Maize's Knicks | Returning the Garden to Eden

Players Retiring
Paul Pierce, LAC (Hall of Fame)
Jason Terry, MIL
Metta World Peace, LAL
Richard Jefferson, CLE
Manu Ginobili, SA (Number Retired)
Matt Barnes, GS
Leandro Barbosa, PHX
Dahntay Jones, CLE
Alan Anderson, LAC