The New York Knicks are not among the teams set to resume their season next month. Hence, focus for them right now is rebuilding, something they have been doing for several years now The first order of business is finding the right player to build around on. Heading into the NBA offseason, there are several targets to consider.
However, most of these free agents are unlikely to prioritize joining Gotham. Some prefer to join teams with better chances of winning than become the new leader. Though anything is possible, it will depend on how the Knicks present their case. If none of the free agents this coming summer are interested, perhaps New York can up it a bit and try to deal for players who will become free agents next summer. One player that has been linked to the Knicks is Victor Oladipo of the Indiana Pacers.
The former top pick hardly made an impact this season on account of an injury. He played in only 13 games for the Pacers and his performance was far from the Oladipo most know. The COVID-19 pandemic made even worse, dampening his intent of getting back to form. The 6-foot-4 guard has a chance to recall his old form, assuming he is part of the Pacers that will resume their season next month.
That performance could be the yardstick of things to come. The Pacers could be convinced to give him a contract extension at some point. If not, the Knicks could enter the picture and pitch a deal to the Pacers. New York would assume the remainder of Oladipo’s contract and probably try to negotiate a new deal, ESPN reported.
At 28, there is no question that Oladipo has shown signs of brilliance in the NBA. However, critics feel that he is far from reaching his potential. Injuries have slowed down his progress but things could change if he considers a change of team. The Pacers are unlikely to let him go easily. That is unless the team sees better opportunities with other players they have in the fold.
On Oladipo joining the Knicks, the chances of that are unknown. At this point in his career, Oladipo wants to be part of a contending NBA team. Though he could be paid handsomely joining a rebuilding team, time is not on his side. He is not getting any younger and injuries are piling up. It seems like an odd outlook but plausible if the Knicks and Oladipo see some sense in it.
