Runnng it back for back to back? Its not a high probability unless the "Playoff Knicks" are the new baseline going forward.
That is a 64 win team!
What these guys did was incredible but it also opens the question: What held them back prior? Diva's not happy with touches? Their role? Money? extensions? Legacy's? This was a 53 win team! We know what happend but is it sustainable?
Leon is tasked with keeping most of the team for the fans to enjoy one more year with keeping under apron not in my opinion for monetary sake, but to stay flexible and keep the team relevant going forward.
Leon as a contributor will get enshrined one day in the HOF. He reached the pinicle of his trade as an agent both with a gaudy stable of clients and then built CAA basketball to a top department. He reached the top of his profession and then pivoted as team president created a championship roster without a legacy pick(s).
My hope is when its time to depart he leaves a culture that can continue. Great owners don't drive the bus, they hire great people and delegate.
Until then the window might still be open but its a different view now. He did a masterful job assembling this team in this CBA/Parity era. Obviously we can't keep eveyone and there is a future to consider. Tough decisions to make and faith in a process that need to include the cultivation of talent.
Next up? Is it yoot? Dadiet? Mo? Huk? McCuller? Kolek? My guess is two are not coming back.
Brunson recently summed it up best when asked about winning at various levels.......
“I think the one thing that stays constant with all that is I’ve always told myself and always been taught by my parents to never be afraid to fail.”Same holds true for the FO. And I think Leon fits this same mold. IMO winning is more about evolving than "Holding-On". Evolving might mean taking some risks/chances......which Leon has certainly done. Some moves have been questioned is not downright condemned by fans and media but still turned out extremely well.....moving on from Randle/DDV for KAT, getting OG for Barrett & IQ. Replacing Thibs with Brown. Even signing JB and/or the moves made to clear space in order to sign JB While he's not been perfect (Kemba, Fournier, Obi) .....to his credit.....he does not linger and moves on from mistakes.
Nothing lasts forever and too many pundits and fans seem to covet the exact same roster as if that formula will win the exact same way. I'm on board with evolving.....if you look at any successful dynasty, while the core generally stays intact, there are roster changes from year to year.
