NBA Team Capsules And Predictions: New York Knicks

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New York Knicks: Missed Playoffs

Team Overview: The Knicks are in shambles and an embarrassment to the NBA. But that could have changed with a few huge moves, namely the hiring of Mike D’Antoni as Head Coach. Drafting Danilo Gallinari was a big mistake. I’m not sure what the Knicks expected from the young player, but it seems like every year, someone takes a European player and he does nothing. Most of the European players in the league have been successes without being drafted in the top 10.



Guys they can’t lose: David Lee, Nate Robinson. These are the only guys who put the necessary effort into consistent winning in the NBA. They may not be the most talented players on the team, but they work hard and play well as teammates.



Guys they should lose: Stephon Marbury, Eddy Curry, Zach Randolph. These guys were the ‘leaders’ of last year’s team. They are the guys with the talent and size that they should be NBA stars. But they lack the drive and determination to get into shape and understand the dynamics of winning. Marbury is a great player, but he is selfish, and while he might rack up the stats, the win column will always be neglected. Curry has the super-human ability to pop a medicine ball with his ass. While impressive, does not translate well to the hardwood. He is too slow and lazy to thrive in the D’Antoni system and should not see as many minutes as he is used to. Randolph still has potential but will likely be discouraged that he too does not fit in the run-and-gun style the Knicks will employ this season.



Burning Questions:



Will the Knicks develop enough chemistry to overcome talent deficiencies? Every bad team has an excuse for the next two years. Prepare to hear this line over and over, “We’re just freeing cap space to get LeBron, Wade, or Bosh.” Unfortunately, there are more than three bad teams and at least one of those players will stay put. I doubt the Knicks will be able to get any of those players unless they win some games and build some excitement for the young talent.

How will D’Antoni’s offense affect the Knicks win-loss record? The Knicks are almost guaranteed to score more points this season. But just as surely, they will give up more points. The fans might love to see the players run the floor, but they cannot stop other teams from scoring, so expect the Knicks to lose a lot of high scoring games. But losing was expected anyway, might as well provide some highlight plays while they rebuild.



2008-2009 Prediction – Miss Playoffs (29-53) – The Knicks have low expectations. But Mike D’Antoni is expected to turn the franchise around. Unfortunately for D’Antoni, he took over the franchise as it was headed over a cliff and it will be a long and trying process to turn the club around. Knicks fans have some solace in the fast-paced offense that will light up the scoreboard, but will be endlessly frustrated with the gaudy amount of points the Knicks will surrender. Not to mention the Knicks will battle in the toughest division in the East, against the Raptors, 76ers and Celtics. A realistic goal is to finish fourth ahead of the Nets and try to turn that into a bargaining chip for free agents. The Knicks need some patience from its fans and maybe an unexpected player to break out. The NBA can be unpredictable, and chemistry dominates but the Knicks need a miracle to even see the playoffs with binoculars.