New York Knicks news: Roster may make them immediate Eastern Conference threats

Derrick Rose (left) during his time with the Chicago Bulls. | Wikimedia Commons / 14tetsuok

After one of the busiest off-seasons in recent years, the New York Knicks seem to be embracing the fact that they have to focus on the present instead of worrying about the following seasons.

Many teams who faltered in previous campaigns often choose to rebuild in order to make the franchise a contender again. This might not be the case for the Knicks because their moves in the summer showed that they are desperately trying to win in the upcoming campaign.

With the recent steps they've taken, they are making a case to be real threats in the Eastern Conference.

For their starting players, New York only has Kristaps Porzingis and Carmelo Anthony. They were also around last year.

Management is also apparently maximizing Melo's prime as he is still their best player. They have tried to build the franchise around him.

New York even made changes in the coaching staff as they hired Jeff Hornacek to try and direct the Knicks towards the right direction.

Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah are great pieces to place in the team as they provide something that Melo has never really had in the past years — star power.

Rose may not be the player he was but, when healthy, he can turn back the clock in some games and release some pressure off Melo during plays.

With some very willing and capable pieces, the new facets of the Knicks' game bring in both excitement and lofty expectations from the players, critics and fans.

This may not be a smart idea given that the Knicks might not have a complete lineup after this campaign. However, some say that New York knows this and is just trying to go as far as it can with the players it has right now and not think too much about the future.

Some say that planning ahead is good. However, thinking and planning for the now may turn out to be a masterful idea.