National Basketball Association

Phil Jackson: "We need to win" to attract free agents

Published Jul. 14, 2015 11:57 a.m. ET

foxsports

By David Kenyon

The New York Knicks finalized a few terrific moves in free agency, but the signings weren’t glamorous, flashy superstars. They missed out on LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Monroe, two frontcourt talents several New York fans desired.

However, team president Phil Jackson admitted the franchise must rebound from a couple disappointing seasons in order to become a top destination once again. Per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Jackson said:

“We need to win, be a competitive team. I think we showed agents and players around the league a serious nature of what we’re trying to accomplish. People who know basketball will recognize that, and we’ll have people who want to come here.”

Center Robin Lopez and shooting guard Arron Afflalo were the headline-worthy additions, while Kyle O’Quinn and Derrick Williams were decent depth-focused moves.

Jackson acknowledged New York took a defense-first approach to free agency, though Afflalo is more of a scorer. He joins Carmelo Anthony and—the Knicks hope, at least—2015 first-round draft pick Kristaps Porzingis as the preeminent offensive weapons.

New York, which finished 17-65 last season, has a favorable road to the postseason, since it plays in the Eastern Conference. Granted, the conference is steadily improving, so the Knicks won’t simply qualify for the playoffs if Carmelo stays healthy throughout the 2015-16 campaign.

Regardless, New York supporters must realize the Knicks cannot build the roster through free agency until they consistently win on the court.

The offseason acquisitions might not be popular, but Jackson and Co. are building a struggling franchise the best way possible: slowly, wisely and efficiently.

More from Sportsnaut: