3 ways the Knicks can salvage this season

Carmelo Anthony controls his own future with a no-trade clause

The Knicks have had a wash of a season, and continued that trend after last night's loss to the Sacramento Kings. Although New York is still in the playoff race mathematically, they are realistically looking at their third straight season without a playoff berth, as they sit at 28-43 with 11 games left to play. Since the team does not have a 1st round pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, the future is in question. 

Here are 3 things that the team must do in order to prepare for next season:

1. Play the young guys

- Like any rebuilding process, it is important to see what you have in your inexperienced players to determine who will be around for the foreseeable future. Personally, I really like Jerian Grant, and although he has trouble from the perimeter, the potential is there for him to be an above-average floor general.

Grant could be a very useful player in the future

Let's take a closer look at Grant's numbers...

Jerian Grant (23 years old): 15.5 minutes per game, 4.9 PPG, 2.3 AST, .183 3P%, .804 FT%, 0 starts.

Now let's look at the numbers of Sasha Vujacic, who is arguably taking minutes from the youngster...

Sasha Vujacic (32 years old): 13.0 minutes per game, 3.7 PPG, 1.2 AST, .291 3P%, .788 FT%, 14 starts.

As you can see, there is really no major difference in the two players, except the age. This is where I don't understand the thought process that coach Kurt Rambis currently has. Vujacic is probably not going to be on the team next season, and Grant was a 1st round selection from the 2015 NBA Draft, thus meaning he'll be around for at least another season or two. 

The Knicks, who are in desperate need for a point guard that can drive in the paint, absolutely need to give Grant an extended look as the season comes to a close. Jose Calderon, the team's current starting point guard, can still shoot from the perimeter, but isn't anything more than a decent backup on a good team. 

2. Start recruiting for a new coach ASAP

The Knicks are 5-12 since Rambis took over

I'm going to ignore all of the reports that claim Phil Jackson would willingly coach the team next season, because they are utterly false and unrealistic. While Jackson has had an excellent coaching career, to say the least, he is better suited in a front office role at this point.

The main issue is going to be pleasing Carmelo Anthony with the coaching selection, as it seems that his preference would be Tom Thibodeau, formerly of the Chicago Bulls. Thibodeau had a career record of 255-139 record over 5 seasons with the Bulls, but was fired in May 2015 after tension between he and the front office. 

The problem with hiring someone like Thibodeau would be that he would ditch the current offensive system the Knicks have, which is the triangle system. Thibodeau has his own unique style of playing the game, and while it has generated plenty of success, it seems like Phil Jackson is hellbent on keeping the triangle system going. 

Another option is Kurt Rambis, who is currently serving as the team's interim coach. The only way, however, that Rambis returns to the team next year is if the Knicks finish strong. With 11 games left, and the Knicks amidst a horrible 6-21 record in their last 27 games, the team looks like it will be limping to the finish line. 

It will be very interesting to see who Jackson chooses, because he massively struck out on Derek Fisher and will need to be more careful this time around. As any NBA fan knows, the coaching is just as important as the talent on the floor, so I expect the organization to take it's time in deciding it's next leader. 

3. Give Carmelo Anthony a limited amount of minutes

Carmelo has had a very fine season, averaging 21.8 PPG with an impressive 8 AST per game, but there is no reason to push him any further in the home stretch, as the Knicks are likely not going anywhere this year. It isn't as much about throwing in the towel, however, since I would like the team to beef up the minutes for forward Derrick Williams, an upcoming free agent.

Williams, who is now 24, has made good work in the small work that he has received in 2015-2016. In just 16.9 minutes per game, he has posted 8.8 PPG, shown excellent transition offense, and has a knack for getting to the free throw line. Like I said before, he is an upcoming free agent because it is anticipated that his player option for 2016-2017 will be declined. 

I want the Knicks to bring back Williams for next season, as he makes for a very nice SF-PF combination off the bench, and a strong ending to the year for him could motivate the team to do so. I'd still like to see Carmelo Anthony start, but only receive about 20-25 minutes per game, which is a far cry from his current 35.4.