As celebrations continue for the Knicks’ first title in 53 years, New York already has a target on its back as the NBA’s newly-minted defending champs. Team president Leon Rose put on a masterclass in roster building over the past few years, from the Jalen Brunson signing to numerous bold trades and an even bolder decision to part with Tom Thibodeau after a trip to the Eastern Conference finals last year.
The Knicks’ success and savvy moves proved there’s more than one way to build a championship roster in the NBA despite what many teams seem to think with the egregious tanking put on display each year. New York’s title roster looks different from those we’ve seen in the past. And while the team certainly benefits from playing in the biggest market with the most iconic arena, Rose’s roster building still provides a less-traveled pathway for success.
