New York Knicks Preview

Hello All,

Remember before reading that these are all my opinions, but they are usually pretty accurate.

NEW YORK KNICKS

Key Additions: Jason Kidd (FA), Raymond Felton (trade), Marcus Camby (FA), Ronnie Brewer (FA), Kurt Thomas (FA).

Key Losses: Jeremy Lin, Jared Jeffries, Landry Fields, Baron Davis

Projected Starting Lineup:

PG: Raymond Felton
SG: JR Smith
SF: Carmelo Anthony
PF: Amare Stoudemire
C: Tyson Chandler

Role Players: Kidd, Thomas, Camby, Steve Novak, Brewer, Iman Shumpert

Comments:
Let's start with this little gem.
Oldest Players in the NBA: 1) Kurt Thomas 3)Jason Kidd 5) Marcus Camby 6) Rasheed Wallace.
The Knicks decided that this year, they were going to go for a championship, and that they would try to gather as many veterans that they thought would make it happen. The Knicks need team chemistry, and old players are supposed to provide leadership and guidance. However, 3 of those players will have to play very significant roles for the team to be elite, and it will be very difficult to accomplish.

When Mike Woodson took over, I was impressed by the defense the Knicks played. Woodson somehow got Melo and JR to try on defense, which allowed them to make the playoffs without Stoudemire, Lin, or a bench. They have very good defensive players this year in Chandler, Kidd, Camby, Brewer and Shumpert, so offense may be more of their problem.

The PG position for the Knicks sees a complete turnover from last year. They signed Kidd to mentor Jeremy Lin, but after (smartly) letting Lin go (see Rockets preview for opinions on Lin), they got Felton. Felton was one of the more laughable players last year. He was out of shape, and was so slow that he was completely ineffective scoring or playing defense. Supposedly he is back in shape to where he was when with the Knicks a few years ago. He gelled really well with Amare, and the Knicks desperately need a player that can get Amare Stoudemire the ball in places where he can be effective. If Felton can provide the solid shooting and good decision making that he once did, the Knicks will have found an upgrade over Lin. Kidd as the backup is still a solid player. He has gotten to the point where he can't play 30 minutes a game. The Knicks last year had a wild bench, so Kidd will be able to provide some stability. If JR Smith in fact starts, this bench will have major problems scoring. Personally, I would start Kidd and have Felton and Amare lead the bench. More on why later.

Anyone who knows me knows that my favorite player in the NBA is JR Smith. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGgK-RvTnDY Even after joining the traitor that is Carmelo Anthony, I still really like him. He has the offensive talent of Kobe Bryant in his prime. He can score from anywhere, create his own shot, attack the basket, finish at the rim, and is actually a good passer as well. He is the true one man come-back. His obvious problem is his ego. He will make a 3, and take an even tougher one just to one-up himself. However, what should never be questioned is his effort. He tries hard on defense (sometimes causing problems), but I hope they do start him, it is about time he got 35 minutes a game. Brewer is a god awful offensive player. He is a defensive stopper, but will see his playing time greatly reduced when Shumpert returns. Shumpert is injured, but surprised everyone with his really good defense. I still think Smith is the best of the bunch, and should get the most playing time. But, I have thought this for years, so what do I know.

Which brings me to Carmelo Anthony. I am really torn on Melo. For one, I hate him and want to see him lose in the first round of the playoffs every year for the rest of his career, because that is what he deserves. But, I am in awe of his offensive abilities. This video makes me sad. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lQgTwiwVfk. It proves though that there is nothing he can't do on offense. Driving, posting up, spot up shooting, fadeaways, shooting off the dribble, 3 point shooting. And if he keeps up the defensive improvement, he is even scarier. All that said, Melo came in and ruined the team chemistry, and can not play with Amare Stoudemire. More on that in a bit. Steve Novak is another fun player to watch. He is the best 3 point shooter in the NBA if wide open, and is a solid hustle player.

Alright, Amare. He is the best example of a player that can play in only one type of offense- the pick and roll. With Steve Nash in Phoenix and part of his first year in NY with Felton, Amare was very good offensively when he can catch the ball off of screens to either drive or shoot a mid range jumper. He is also a solid rebounder. Amare can't really post up, and he isn't an offensive rebounder. Melo, is not a pick and roll player. You give him the ball in his spots and he will do his thing. Which is very effective (see Nuggets offense for 8 years, consistently a top offensive team). Amare gets in the way, and eats up possessions when he is trying to create offense for himself. I don't see the two every playing well together, unless Melo sacrificed some of his offense to play pick and roll with Amare. This will never happen, nor should it. That is why I propose the Knicks go with these lineups.
Starting: Kidd, Smith, Brewer, Melo, Chandler
Bench: Felton, Shumpert, Novak, Stoudemire, Camby
In my opinion, that maximizes both Melo and Stoudemire's ability, and balances the offense between the two units, with enough defense in both. This will not happen unfortunately, because you don't pay a player 100 million dollars to play 25 minutes of the bench. Thomas is a serviceable backup, but he is just so old. Another reason to try avoid using him.

Chandler is a very good NBA center. He is one of the best defensively at roaming the paint and blocking shots. He can also finish alley-oops and put backs very effectively. He is also good at sticking to exactly these things on offense (and tipping the ball out on offense), so he is an integral piece to this team. Camby is a very similar player on defense. He doesn't have the same strength as Chandler, but he is one of the best shot blockers of all time.

The Knicks need to sort out their chemistry issues (Amare and Melo), and need to have their bench score effectively. I see them as a 5th or 6th seed in the East, 4th seed at best. I hope they lose in the first round, but I could see them going to the second round. But that is it. And the problem is that the team has no identity right now or for the future. If they adopted my lineup ideas, maybe they would. If not, they will have to choose Melo or Amare, and build a team around that persons strength.

Next Up, Dallas Mavericks