Phil Jackson says Knicks' priority this summer is to build through free agency

First round picks are all well and good, but Phil Jackson feels the New York Knicks have concerns in the short-term that need addressing.

Jackson spoke to reporters on Thursday prior to the Knicks' showdown with the Los Angeles Lakers. He took the opportunity to shed light on the their offseason plans.

"We have 190 players or so who will be free agents… That’s where our priority stands," Jackson said, as relayed by Marc Berman of the New York Post.

In the present day in the NBA, 19, 20 years old, coming into league, it’s really hard to project what that player will be like in his first contract situation. 

So what we’re trying to do what advancement can be made in the short term. How quickly we can get back in the hunt and right away to [compete] for the championship? We know what the first-round pick will mean to us, but we also know we will build the team on free agents.

Although Jackson undersold the immediate impact of a lottery pick, he was careful with his words, adding that, "you get movers and franchise players from the draft."

The Knicks are projected to have a wealth of cap room this offseason, perhaps enough for two max contract-type players. Given Jackson's emphasis on free agency and building for the short run, the Knicks figure to be active players this summer.

However, the Knicks aren't exactly stocked with talent as it is. Having Carmelo Anthony locked into a long-term deal is a start, but the Knicks are a league-worst 12-51 and mostly devoid of significant, young talent. 

It's imperative for Jackson to balance their short and long term interests. Signing free agents to improve in the interim is a grand idea, but the Knicks would be wise to keep the future in mind and to not undervalue what will likely be a top-five pick in the upcoming draft.