The New York Knicks and their fanbase are nothing if not hopeful for the future. Unfortunately for them, their hope is largely misguided and overly optimistic, often leading to horribly-aged tweets like this.
Despite the constant swings and misses, the team and fans never slow down and thought the latest rumors is quite a step down from Zion Williamson, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving as a Big Three, it’s still wildly optimistic.
First, the Knicks are already reportedly focused on going all-in for LaMelo Ball, who they have atop their draft board. Despite the lottery having not yet taken place, the Knicks has already started engaging teams in potential trades to move up. The team’s clear intention in the 2020 NBA Draft is to leave with Ball on the roster.
But with eyes always focused on the future, the team isn’t ready to stop at a young core of Ball, RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson and instead are eyeing a big fish in the 2021 free agency class.
In a piece examining some of the impacts the NBA’s restart will have on the league and players, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps had a section discussing Victor Oladipo and his comeback. After a long rehab process following a major leg injury, Oladipo was rocky in his 13 games upon his return.
If he’s able to return to the All-Star form he had pre-injury, it could lead to a huge payday for the former Indiana Hoosier. Set to enter free agency in 2021, Oladipo’s return this season and play next season could determine how much he gets paid. And if he does look like the Oladipo of old, one Western Conference coach could see the Knicks lining up to sign him.
“I think there’s a lot riding on him coming back. There’s major concerns with these injuries. If Vic comes back and plays well — and he works his ass off, so he could — I think he’s gonna give a reminder to everyone how good he can be.
“If he proves he looks the part, you’re gonna see teams like the Knicks, and other teams trying to build something, try to go get him.”
On paper, a backcourt of Ball and Oladipo complement one another well. What Ball lacks on the defensive end can be covered up by Oladipo, who is a former All-Defensive First Team selection. And what Oladipo lacks in playmaking on the offensive end can be made up for by Ball.
There is a list of reasons why it may not work, though. Oladipo has found success in Indiana and it is entirely likely he and the Pacers want to work together on a contract extension that doesn’t allow him to enter free agency. And if he does make it to free agency, the Knicks aren’t going to be the only team looking to sign him.
But what would a Knicks dream scenario be without overlooking multiple potential pitfalls as they dream of Ball and Oladipo under the Madison Square Garden lights in two seasons.