Storylines Connecting the Knicks to the NBA Finals
Introduction
As the NBA Finals approach, Knicks fans may be feeling left out, but there are several storylines that connect the team to the championship series. While these connections may not necessarily make Knicks fans feel better about not being in the Finals, they do provide some interesting narratives worth exploring.
The Draft Pick
One storyline that connects the Knicks to the Finals is the draft pick owed to them by the Mavericks. Last season, the Mavericks tanked their final two regular-season games to secure their place in the lottery. This decision allowed them to obtain Dereck Lively II, who has become an integral part of their playoff rotation. The pick owed to the Knicks will now fall to No. 25 due to the Mavericks’ success, but it still highlights the value of unprotected picks in the NBA.
The Brunson-Kyrie Swap
Another connection between the Knicks and the Finals is the Jalen Brunson-Kyrie Irving trade. If it weren’t for the Knicks tampering and offering Brunson a contract he couldn’t refuse, Kyrie Irving may never have ended up in Dallas. The Mavericks traded for Irving as a way to compensate for the loss of Brunson, and this move has paid off as Irving found his basketball groove this season. Knicks fans can take solace in the fact that Brunson is succeeding in New York while Irving’s impact has been inconsistent.
Kristaps Porzingis
The Kristaps Porzingis saga is another storyline that connects the Knicks to the Finals. After being cast aside by three different teams, Porzingis now finds himself on the Celtics and is considered a key X-factor in the series. The Porzingis throughline highlights the Knicks’ role in his career, from drafting him fourth overall to trading him to Dallas. If Porzingis can help lead the Celtics to a title, he would become the highest-drafted Knicks player to win a championship since Bill Cartwright.
The Others
There are also four other former Knicks playing in the NBA Finals. Luke Kornet, who entered the NBA on a two-way contract with the Knicks, has become a valuable big man off the bench for the Celtics. Svi Mykhailiuk, who didn’t see much playing time with the Knicks, is also on the Celtics’ roster. Tim Hardaway Jr., known for his streaky scoring with the Knicks, has had a limited role in the playoffs for the Mavericks. Finally, Jason Kidd, who played his final NBA season with the Knicks, is now trying to become the first Hall of Fame player to coach a team to a championship since KC Jones.
If at First You Don’t Succeed
Rokas Jokubaitis, the only draft pick by Knicks President Leon Rose who hasn’t played for the team, is another storyline connecting the Knicks to the Finals. Jokubaitis has been playing in Europe for FC Barcelona but may participate in the NBA Summer League if Lithuania doesn’t qualify for the Olympics. His future is uncertain, but he is garnering interest from Lithuanian club Zalgiris Kaunas if a move to the NBA doesn’t happen. Jokubaitis represents the potential for future connections between the Knicks and the Finals.
Value Proposition
Finally, Miles McBride’s value as a player on a relatively modest salary connects the Knicks to the Finals. McBride signed a three-year, $13 million extension last season and became an important piece of the Knicks’ playoff run. Despite ranking 12th on the team in salary, he finished fifth in playoff minutes. His value highlights the importance of finding talent at an affordable price in the NBA.
Conclusion
While Knicks fans may be disappointed that their team isn’t in the NBA Finals, there are several storylines that connect them to the championship series. From draft picks to player connections, these narratives provide a unique perspective on the Finals and showcase the impact the Knicks have had on the league. Whether it’s through draft picks, trades, or player development, the Knicks continue to play a role in the NBA landscape.
