The New York Knicks are champions, yet they are already under fire. CBS Sports contributor Sam Quinn gave the team a C-plus for their offseason work. This grade feels harsh after ending a 53-year championship drought. The team beat the San Antonio Spurs last month to secure the trophy. But the roster changes have sparked a loud debate among fans. Quinn believes the front office failed to fix a specific weakness.
The Center Position Problem
Mitchell Robinson left for the Boston Celtics on a three-year deal. His departure created a massive hole in the middle of the defense. Quinn wrote that the Knicks must figure out a new plan at center. He noted the team does not even have a third big man on the roster. The only better grades went to teams like the Bulls and the Hawks. The Knicks responded by signing Andre Drummond from the Philadelphia 76ers. Drummond played in Philly for the last two seasons before this move.
A Plan Better Than Nothing
Some might say the team should have just kept Robinson. But the Knicks made a choice to replace him rather than wing it. They also brought back Landry Shamet and Jose Alvarado for another shot. Jordan Clarkson and Muhammad Diawara are returning as well. The team stayed under the second apron while making these moves. That is a very difficult task for any general manager to pull off. Quinn suggested they might trade for someone during the season if needed. He also mentioned a failed offer sheet for Moussa Cissé in Dallas.
The Grade Needs a Boost
The C-plus grade ignores the difficulty of the current rules. The Knicks took care of their own while staying under the cap limits. They lost only one free agent in Robinson. That is a rare feat in today’s salary cap world. I would amend this grade and give the Knicks a solid B. They have a clear plan instead of hoping for a lucky break. The community on Posting and Toasting is asking what grade fans would give. Let us know in the comments if you agree with the C-plus or the B.
