Knicks team president Leon Rose doesn't speak much, so when he does, it usually carries some weight.
Season ticket holders certainly hope that's the case for what they heard Thursday, when Rose's name was attached to an email they received addressed "To the best fans in the world" that expressed disappointment in the just-finished season, but optimism for the future.
"The 2021-22 season did not end the way we would have liked, but it will serve as an integral learning experience for our team," the email began. "When I arrived at this organization just over two years ago, I shared with you my commitment to building a winning, hardworking group, worthy of your support, while emphasizing player and team development. These commitments remain true to this day, and I am particularly proud of the growth, improvement, and fight of our young core this season."
The Knicks, as Rose's email noted, have "nine players 24 years of age or younger and eight players who are still on their first contracts," so he preached patience as the young core continues to develop and the team continues to be rebuilt.
"We recognize this team-build will be a steady climb, but there are real examples of progress and success, especially from our young core, that we can acknowledge and celebrate," the email said. "In our ongoing commitment to deliver winning basketball to New York, we will continue to utilize the valuable assets we have at our disposal."
Those assets include four first-round picks and nine second-round picks over the next three NBA Drafts, which Rose said gives the Knicks "a variety of ways to improve our team and complement our young core."
The email also noted the team has "worked hard to maintain financial flexibility," although with 13 guaranteed contracts already on the books for next season, the Knicks may need to rely more on those draft picks – whether using them, or packaging them in deals to shed contracts – to make any big changes over the next two off-seasons.
Whatever it takes, though, Rose said the plan is to build a "winning culture" and an "exciting future."
"We plan to build a winning culture thoughtfully and we have the means to do so through the players and assets I outlined above. The future of New York Knicks Basketball will be exciting, and I will continue to work relentlessly to make this team one you can be proud of."
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