As things currently stand, New York has bet that roster continuity and internal development can help the club take the next step in ’21-’22.

As is always the case in New York, if it works out, the Knicks will be praised. If things go sideways, Leon Rose & Co. will be criticized.

But the way they’ve structured their free agent deals in the 2021 offseason gives them some flexibility moving forward.

Roster Crunch

The Knicks announced the signings of Dwayne Bacon and Aamir Simms on Thursday. They currently have 14 players signed to guaranteed contracts. Simms, Bacon, Luca Vildoza are on non-guaranteed deals. Jericho Sims is on a two-way contract.

New York can carry 20 players through training camp. The club will have to cut the roster to 17 players by opening night. They can have 15 players on traditional contracts and two players on two-way deals. So as things currently stand, they have one opening for a traditional contract and one opening for a two-way player.

As of earlier this week, there was no indication that free agent guard Frank Ntilikina was in New York’s 2021-22 plans.

The Knicks didn’t extend a qualifying offer to Ntilikina prior to free agency. He is an unrestricted free agent.

CLEMONS BACK ON COURT

It seems like Chris Clemons is well on his way back from the Achilles tear he suffered last December.

A few weeks ago, Clemons was scrimmaging in the gym with some Hornets players and looked ‘strong’ according to one person who saw the scrimmages.

Clemmons, 23, is a free agent. The 5-9 guard tore his right Achilles in a preseason game last December. At the time, Clemons seemed slated for a regular role as John Wall’s backup in Houston.

With training camp less than a month away, it’s worth noting that several teams have been monitoring Clemons’ rehab progress.

The fact that he was scrimmaging with NBA players a few weeks ago seems to indicate that Clemons – who is known for his athleticism and scoring - has been cleared for contact for at least a month.

GRUNGY LOOK

Jace Lipstein and his company, Grungy Gentleman, have collaborated with the NBA on t-shirts and shorts that feature the Knicks, Nets, Lakers, Clippers, Celtics, Heat and Sixers.

“My vision for our NBA guy is rocking a luxury matching set paired with a vintage watch and clean trainers,” Lipstein said. “Shorts come down to fit, fabric and comfort. I obsessed over these three characteristics to create a pair of NBA shorts that customers will wear forever.”

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