After 47 games on the season, the New York Knicks' record stands at 21-26. Usually, at this point in the season, it's fair to say how far a team will go. For the Knicks, it seems as though they will be a fringe playoff contender at best. Then again, nobody expected the Knicks to be this good so far either. However, based on how their season has gone so far, it seems more likely that they won't make the playoffs.

This begs the question, what do the Knicks need to become legitimate contenders? They have a franchise player in Kristaps Porzingis, they have very solid role players in Courtney Lee, Enes Kanter, and Tim Hardaway Jr. and they have a very respectable bench. However, what they are lacking are two very important things. The first is a definitive point guard for the future and the second is more All-Star talent.

While Jarret Jack has done a more than a serviceable job as the starting point guard, he has a lot of deficiencies that the Knicks won't be able to depend on him for much longer. For starters, he is 34 years old. That means he probably won't be in the league much longer. Also, he doesn't possess the offensive or defensive firepower to keep up with the golden age of point guards. The Knicks are going to need someone who has a lot of years ahead of him and someone who can bring shooting and an up-tempo style to the court.

This brings us to the Knicks' possible future in Frank Ntilikina. Ntilikina has shown brilliant flashes of his defensive potential this season. That is what was expected of him when he was first drafted. If he can continue to work on his lateral quickness and disrupt the passing lanes, then there shouldn't be any doubt that he will be a lockdown defender one day.

However, the name of the game in today's NBA is offense. While he does have a bit of a shot, Ntilikina hasn't been as aggressive as he should be. He is always looking to pass, his shooting could use some improvement, and he doesn't drive as much as he should. While there is nothing wrong with trying to get your teammates open looks, he has to be able to also take it in himself. This will force his opponents to play up on him more, instead of focusing more of their attention on doubling other players, like Porzings or Hardaway. Of course, he is still just a rookie and who knows where his talent will max out, but with teams looking to trade one of their centerpieces, is it worth the risk if keeping him?

Specifically, I am talking about Kemba Walker. The Charlotte Hornets have made it publicly known that most of their core players are on the trading block and that includes Walker. The Knicks, of course, have an interest in acquiring him and rightfully so. He is coming off a season where he made the All-Star team and to put it simply; the Hornets are awful when he sits. His averages this season are also great with 21.7 PPG, 5.8 APG, 3.4 RPG and 1.2 SPG. Walker would be a guy that would put the Knicks in a perfect spot to make the playoffs this season. His team-friendly contract also doesn't hurt as he's set to make 24 million between this season and next season before he becomes a free-agent. The Hornets' asking price isn't too steep either. As with most rebuilding teams, they're asking for young players, draft picks or expiring salaries.

Those are all things the Knicks can very quickly provide. They have Ntilikina, as well as Willy Hernangomez and Doug McDermott to offer as young pieces; they have Michael Beasley, Jarret Jack and Trey Burke coming off the books by the end of the season and they have draft picks to offer up as well. However, despite the Knicks having what the Hornets want, the Knicks are reportedly hesitant to part with any of their young pieces and rightfully so.

Despite how great Walker has been, he really wouldn't do much for the Knicks' championship aspirations. Yes, he would get them to the playoffs, but what good are the playoffs if that's as far as they go? On top of that, not to say that Walker is old or anything, however, he is older than the Knicks' young nucleus, and they really should be developing their guys as much as possible, while adding another young potential superstar, most likely through the draft. Ntilikina's potential is very high considering he already has defensive chops. All he needs to do is add some more offense to his game, and he could be an All-Star one day.

Right now the Knicks should try building up the old-fashioned way through the draft and developing their young talent. Porzingis is still very young, so there is no need to rush acquiring an established star to play with him. Hardaway is also playing well this season and has been a huge help to Porzingis. The Knicks should be scouting as many players as they can and hope their front office can get the job done correctly. If they do, it can work wonders for them, just ask the Golden State Warriors.