Free Agency Grades: New York Knicks

This is the first off-season under the leadership of new Team President Leon Rose; while it didn't pack the blockbuster trades or splash signings some fans had clamored for, it was most certainly a step toward stability. The Knicks seem content on playing the "long" game. John Calipari stated as much in a post-draft presser, "the Knicks are not going to do anything now to try to win ten more games now and screw up the next 15, they're not going to do it…... if they could snatch somebody that could help them win[they would]. But they're not going to do it where it hurts the next seven years."

These signings may not resonate with the fan base, but they provide insight into Rose's intentions moving forward; player development and cap flexibility. On the asset side of things, the Knicks were able to turn Marcus Morris' expiring contract into a late first round pick; it wouldn't surprise me to see the Knicks as sellers yet again before the trade deadline.

Alec Burk signs 1-year, $6 million deal

Price: A-

Like most of the Knicks signings this offseason, this is a short-term, cap-friendly deal. There is a possibility that Burks carves out a role for himself on the second unit, and his stay in New York gets extended, but that seems doubtful. Burks signing has less to do with his productivity and more to do with his potential trade value.

Fit: B+

Burks has some ties to the current Knicks administration: he was drafted by assistant GM Walt Perrin and coached by assistant coach Johnnie Bryant in Utah. One area Burks should help the Knicks is in the shooting department, where he shot 38.5 from three last season. The Knicks were in the bottom five in three-point shooting last season. At 6’6, Burks should provide Thibodeau with leeway to flirt with some different perimeter looks defensively. Having a veteran like Burks should also prove beneficial to the development of R.J. Barrett in the long run.

Overall: B

Burks is now an elder statesman with close to 10 seasons under his belt, making him the most experienced professional on the roster. Barring injury, I can't fathom a situation in which Burks plays starters minutes, but if he should factor into the rotation. If Burks is productive on the second unit, he could prove to be a desirable asset for teams lacking that perimeter punch from their 2nd unit

Nerlens Noel 1-year, $5 million deal

Price: A-

The former #6 pick's career hasn't turned out the way many had planned, injuries have gnawed away at some of Noel's tantalizing athleticism, and his offensive game still leaves much to be desired. Noel is still an effective rim protector, and at only 26 years old, Noel still has his best basketball in front of him.

Fit: B+

Noel is one of the few Knick signings this offseason that may have found a long-term home in the Big Apple. Noel's an athletic, defensive-minded rim runner who should do well in spot relief for Robinson. Noel should have ample opportunity to prove his worth to Thibodeau and company.

Overall: B+

Mitchell Robinson is now in his 3rd year in the league and seems ready to take the next step. The addition of Noel gives Thibodeau two quality rim protectors, which is a rarity in today's NBA. The jury is still out on whether Noel fits into the Knicks' plans. If he can stay healthy, the Knicks might have a keeper on their hands.

Austin Rivers 3-year, $10 million deal

Price: B+

Austin signed a 3-year deal, but only the first season is guaranteed, making him another viable piece down the road for teams looking to add rotational firepower heading into the playoffs. To his credit, Rivers is saying all of the right things regarding his move to New York; he understands that this is a young team working toward finding their identity,

Fit: B+

Austin averaged 8.8 PPG in 23.4 MPG coming off the bench for the Houston Rockets. Austin may not have lived up to the hype of his ballislife mixtapes, but he has most certainly carved out a role for himself as an effective, albeit streaky bench scorer and facilitator. The beauty of Rivers' game is that he can play on and off the ball, which should allow for some creative pairings in the backcourt. Coaches are hoping that some of his professionalism and pedigree rubs off on some of his younger teammates. I'm not expecting Austin to have a career renaissance in New York, but his style of play and on-court demeanor should make him a fan favorite.

Overall: B

The Knicks point guard is still a bit hazy. Dennis Smith Jr and Frank Ntilikina are competing with recently re-signed Elfrid Payton for the starting nod. It looks like the team may be using the "point guard by committee" approach early on. Austin wouldn't be the ideal pick to start at point guard, but his skills may come in handy if the team's carousel of guards proves ill-prepared to take the reins.

Elfird Payton 1-year, $4.67 million deal

Price: B

The Knicks decided to bring Payton back on a one year deal in hopes of having some stability at the point guard position. Payton doesn't have the game of some more prominent names on Knick fan's wish list like Chris Paul or Russell Westbrook, but on the plus side, he doesn't carry the same cap baggage either. Payton won't be the Knicks' long-term answer at the point guard, but that doesn't mean he can't fill in serviceably as the team's "stop gap" option.

Fit: B

On paper, Payton seems a perfect match for Thibodeau's brand of basketball. A pass-first point guard with comparable size and defensive acumen. The biggest knocks on Payton are tied to his abysmal shooting percentages and inability to stay healthy. Point guard seems to be one of the more significant question marks heading into the regular season.

Overall: B

The Knicks have a logjam at point guard; there is an adage in football "If you've got two starting quarterbacks, you've got none." I don't believe the Knick fanbase is stoked about any of their options at the position, but Payton's ability defend and attack in the pick and roll should land him some minutes for an otherwise underperforming unit

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist 1-year, $2.3 million deal Exhibit 10 contract

Price: A

It's a homecoming of sorts for the NJ bred Saint Patrick's (now known as the Patrick School) Alumni. The former #2 pick of the 2012 draft is only 27 years old and was on the cusp of being out of the league. The Kenny Payne-Kentucky connection is there, but it seems like a reach. There is a possibility that MKG doesn't make the final roster.

Fit: B

If there is one thing that MKG does well, it's defending. MKG is a defensive swiss army knife, using his strength, length, and quickness to clog passing lanes and stifle ball handlers. There isn't a team who couldn't make use of talents defensively, but his shooting woes should ultimately place him at the bottom of the Knicks depth chart.

Overall: C

MKG's inability to score and create on the perimeter continues to overshadow his defensive impact. The Knicks were one of the worst shooting teams last season; unless MKG has wholly revamped his jump shot, I can't imagine a scenario where he is getting anything more than some spot rotational minutes.