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2011-12 Team Preview: New York Knickerbockers
No team has made more power moves over the past 17 months than the Knicks! They signed Amar’e Stoudemire in the free agency frenzy of July 2010. At the trade deadline last season, they were able to acquire Carmelo Anthony for just about everyone on the roster not named Amar’e. In a circus of a season, the Knicks found themselves in the playoffs for the first time in seven years. With little-to-no depth, there wasn’t much to expect from their playoff run but their very presence in the postseason spelled a bright future for the franchise. Just recently, the Knicks were able to acquire C Tyson Chandler in a 3-way trade sending PF/C Ronny Turiaf to the Wizards and G Andy Rautins to the Mavericks (I don’t see how this deal goes through smoothly but CP3 to the Lakers is veto instantly!) Thanks to the amnesty provisions, Chauncey Billups was given the boot and Baron Davis has been welcomed to the party in New York!
Key Players: Amar’e Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony & Tyson Chandler
You have to have lived under a rock to not know where the scoring will come from in New York. Melo & Amar’e were the 2nd leading scoring duo (50.9ppg) in the league behind LeBron & D-Wade (52.2ppg). But defense has never been a priority for either All-Star. Throw Tyson Chandler into the fold, and you’ve got the safety net Anthony & Stoudemire both need to chuck up more shots. More shots means more points so don’t be surprised if this season they’re the #1 scoring combo in the NBA. Tyson has the potential to be a league-leading rebounder this season but that still remains to be seen. What’s for sure is that he’ll be what KG is to Boston for the Knicks defensively. He’s the heart & soul of the defense and his intensity should become infectious in this locker room.
X-Factor: The Entire Backcourt
The turnover at the PG spot has been kinda ridiculous over the past few seasons. What once was a duo of Chris Duhon & Nate Robinson became Chris Duhon, Eddie House (not really a PG but whatever) & Sergio Rodriguez. Only to transform into Chauncey Billips, Toney Douglas & Anthony Carter. Now it’s Toney Douglas, Mike Bibby & Baron Davis. The jury is still out on the personnel but this entire backcourt will be a vital to the progression of the Knicks this season. Landry Fields has a defensive prowess that’s to be respected and rookie SG Iman Shumpert could find himself playing a strong role for the 2nd unit. If Mike Bibby & Baron Davis don’t look to revitalize their careers but rather help in the development of Douglas, there’s a strong chance the Knicks can make it out of the 1st round and beyond.
There’s definitely much to be excited about if you’re a Knicks fan. You get a “full” 66-game season with Amar’e & Carmelo together. You’re not forced to watch Jared Jeffries attempt to be a center. And for the first time in a long time, you don’t have to wonder if your team will reach the postseason. It’s a matter of how deep into the playoffs will they go. I still question the depth in the frontcourt but there’s no question this team is scary as is. I can’t help but wonder what the next power move will be from this organization.
Projected Record: 43-23
The knicks are going to be unstopable this year. Coach d’antoni knows exactly what to do with this team, baron davis is gonna throw lobs to amare and tyson, i think melo is gonna be more agressive this year while working on his 3 point shot, Amare said hes got a 3 point shot and Iman shumpert is gonna be nasty too! Go knicks!