Masai Ujiri to be the next Knicks GM?

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

It looks like the Knicks already know who they want as a replacement for Phil Jackson. They will be targeting Masai Ujiri of the Toronto Raptors. He has been one of the best GMs in the league as he turned the Raptors from a cellar team to a legit Eastern Conference contender. Their run in the playoffs the last four years, winning multiple division titles was very impressive. He is a good choice for the Knicks. But could be hard to get.

The Raptors just gave him a new job with more control as president of operation and so they can choose to deny or ask for compensation. The major reason I could see Ujiri taking the Knicks jobs is because the Raptors have peaked and look like a team that is done. Last year they added Tucker and Ibaka to get over the hump but struggled in the 2nd round, with those two guys plus Lowry all free agents, I think they know they don't have enough to compete with the Cavs. It makes sense for him to move on to a new project like the Knicks.

For Ujiri he has some niece young pieces in Porzingis, Hernangomez and Frank Nkitilina plus a star in Melo. There is talent in NY that just needs some direction. The biggest thing that Ujiri can bring is a winning culture, something the Knicks lack. I also think another candidate will be David Griffin, who also is available after the Cavs let him go. That would also be a good move as he did a good job with the Cavs plus with him in NY, would LeBron consider a move to the Big Apple next year? If we hire either guy the Knicks should be in good hands and finally have a really GM, who can help build this franchise back up. It finally looks like things should get better for the Knicks, a cloud has been lifted after they fired Phil Jackson.