The New York Knicks have made it clear that their first conference finals appearance in 25 years isn’t the peak of this current team.
After bringing back superstar Jalen Brunson, along with Karl-Anthony Towns and the rest of their starters, they have one final roster spot to fill in hopes of completing what is expected to be a title-contending team.
While there are multiple free agents still available, it doesn’t look like they will land former MVP Russell Westbrook or former first overall pick Ben Simmons. Instead, New York should turn their attention to a veteran with a title under his belt, who could come in on a minimum salary and positively contribute to the team.
That name is Cory Joseph. The 35-year-old was named one of the best remaining free agents this offseason by Bleacher Report, and has the resume and style of play that would benefit this Knicks team.
Cory Joseph Possible Addition
For starters, the Knicks lost Delon Wright and Cam Payne over the summer, two players who didn’t have massive roles on the team, but were used in postseason action as backup point guards when Brunson was resting.
While Joseph might not bring the same youth or top-tier playmaking ability that New York would love, he would come in as a veteran with championship experience (2014 with the San Antonio Spurs) on a contract that brings little to no risk.
“Nearly 36, Joseph offers experience and stability to a younger team needing a mentor. Last season, he was pushed into the starting lineup with the Magic through five playoff games,” Eric Pincus of B/R wrote.
While this Knicks team isn’t necessarily considered a ‘young squad,’ the oldest player on their roster is new addition Jordan Clarkson at 33 years old. After losing P.J. Tucker, they could use someone who might not see a lot of action, but would bring valuable leadership and experience to this team, looking to get over the hump in the Eastern Conference.
Joseph has career averages of 6.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists on 44% shooting in 21.1 minutes per game. His production has dropped a bit over the past few years, but spending the past two seasons on the Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic, he’s been on above-average teams that have benefited from his presence on their rosters.
Knicks Next Season
The biggest change for New York this summer was firing head coach Tom Thibodeau and bringing in Mike Brown as his replacement.
The Knicks also brought in Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele in free agency in hopes of having a deeper roster, with Thibodeau’s tightened lineups a thing of the past.
The wing depth is there, with Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby, but New York is missing out on another player behind Brunson who can lead an offense. They have Miles McBride, but even as he’s taken leaps over the past few years, the Knicks can’t count on him to bring the same level of play that Brunson does.
Joseph, on the other hand, started in all of Orlando’s playoff games this year, and while they only won one of them, he has the experience that New York needs if they want to take the next step. As he signed a veteran minimum contract with the Magic last year, he would likely do the same for the Knicks this year.
While they were linked to either Westbrook or Simmons in terms of filling out their last roster spot, both would likely need the ball in their hands to be impactful, taking it away from Brunson, Towns, and their other top offensive options.
While another name might sound better, the Knicks shouldn’t overthink this decision. They need to find someone who can come in on a low-risk and fill in the gaps for a team that has the chance to be the top squad in the East.
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