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New York Knicks 2021 Roster: What the Team Looks Like After Trades and Free Agency Signings

Published 12/10/2020, 5:15 AM EST

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Off-seasons come and go, but the New York Knicks stay the same. While they have done nothing to improve the team despite having the cap space to do so, it could possibly be a ploy to tank, maybe one last time.

The 2019-20 season wasn’t the best for the Knicks. They missed out on the playoffs once again and ended the season as the eighth seed. Currently, their roster isn’t good to improve from that performance, and so, they are likely to miss the playoffs.

New York Knicks: Confirmed incoming players

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The Knicks started their off-season by signing a solid player in Alec Burks. He averaged 15 points last season, which is his career-best. During his time at both Warriors and 76ers, he showed that he is a reliable outside shooter, and can provide a spark off the bench. But Burks will probably start for the Knicks.

The Knicks then strengthened their big man department with the signing of Nerlens Noel. Noel is a great backup for Mitchell Robinson and will provide healthy competition for that starting spot. Veteran guard Austin Rivers also joined the team and will be a bench piece for them.

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During the draft, the Knicks selected hometown hero, Obi Toppin and also Immanuel Quickley. Both look promising and will add quality to the team. The Knicks also picked up undrafted free agent Myles Powell.

Other additions to the team include Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Elfrid Payton, and Omari Spellman.

New York Knicks: Confirmed outgoing players

The Knicks had signed many bad contracts in the 2019 Free Agency. But since most of them were on team options, they made the right decision and let them walk. Leaving in this team option exodus were Bobby Portis, Taj Gibson, and Wayne Ellington.

Damyean Dotson also left after the Knicks decided to not give him a qualifying offer. Finally, they also lost Mo Harkless, who had arrived via a trade from the Clippers in February.

What does the new Knicks roster look like so far?

New Frontcourt

  • Ignas Brazdeikis (F)
  • Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (F)
  • Kevin Knox (F)
  • Nerlens Noel (C)
  • Julius Randle (F)
  • Mitchell Robinson (C)
  • Omari Spellman (F)
  • Obi Toppin (F)

New Backcourt

  • RJ Barrett (G)
  • Reggie Bullock (G)
  • Alec Burks (G)
  • Frank Ntilikina (G)
  • Elfrid Payton (G)
  • Theo Pinson (G)
  • Myles Powell (G)
  • Immanuel Quickley (G)
  • Austin Rivers (G)
  • Dennis Smith Jr. (G)

This Knicks team is not good enough to make the playoffs, but if this roster has been assembled for one last year of tanking before they start rebuilding, then they could be on the right path.

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Written by:

Aaron Mathew

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Aaron Mathew is a sports analyst at EssentiallySports. A graduate in Mass Media from Xavier’s College, Aaron has been a part of EssentiallySports since May 2020 where he covers both NBA and NCAA basketball news, and has also covered NBA 2K. In the past, Aaron has worked at the Sports Desk of Mumbai Mirror.
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