The New York Knicks come into the 2013-2014 season looking to build on their strong season last year. The Knicks finished 2nd in the Eastern Conference and won their first round playoff series against their rivals the Boston Celtics. But this season, there isn’t as much hype and expectations for the Knicks. With Derrick Rose returning to the Bulls, the Nets adding Pierce and Garnett, the Pacers getting Danny Granger back, and the Heat still being the Heat, not many expect much from the Knicks this season. Many people are picking them to finished 5th in the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks are still led by hometown All-Star Carmelo Anthony. Carmelo is one of the NBA’s best players and arguably the most complete scorer in the NBA. He can opt out of his contract at season’s end, and it is likely that he will. This doesn’t mean he is leaving the Knicks, but it would allow him to re-sign with them on a new longer contract, which also means more money. There is a lot of speculation that the Lakers will push hard to convince Carmelo to switch time zones and sign with them this upcoming summer. I can’t imagine a scenario where Carmelo leaves the Knicks; he loves New York too much.
Having Carmelo this season makes the Knicks contenders in the East, as you have to have a superstar to seriously contend. For the most part, you know what you are going to get with Carmelo Anthony. The questions surrounding the Knicks arrive from the rest of the team.
Amar’e Stoudemire’s health is always a question and when he is healthy, it's questionable how much he can contribute. He isn’t the same explosive player he was with the Phoenix Suns, but he can contribute and score. The Knicks will desperately need Tyson Chandler to have a better season than he did last year. The Knicks really don’t care for Chandler to contribute much offensively from a points standpoint, but they need him to be a stud defender and protect the paint. Just like Stoudemire, Chandler’s health has become a concern over the past few seasons.
The Knicks re-signed J.R. Smith in the offseason, the reigning 6th man of the year. Smith is such an explosive player off the bench and can go off on any night for 30+ points. Smith improved defensively last season and the Knicks will hope he commits to that side of the ball again. Smith is just one of many backcourt players the Knicks have at their disposal. Raymond Felton will return as the starting point guard, while Iman Shumpert will be their starting shooting guard. The Argentine Pablo Prigioni is now in his second season with the Knicks and here in the USA. Prigioni was a pleasant surprise last season and he hit some big shots down the stretch for the Knicks. The Knicks also signed veteran guard Beno Udrih, who played for the Orlando Magic last season. Udrih is a strong option off the bench that can play both guard positions.
Two other good off-season additions the Knicks made were Metta World Peace and Andrea Bargnani. World Peace will provide the Knicks with some toughness and he is a strong defender. Metta He's also not afraid to get physical and battle and he is a good rebounder for a small-forward. Bargnani provides the Knicks with more size, although the Italian doesn’t use his seven foot frame to the best he could. Bargnani can stretch the defense by stepping out for a three pointer. If he can knock down threes, that will draw the opposing teams power-forward or center away from the basket, which opens it up for other Knicks to attack.
Kenyon Martin signed with the Knicks late in the season and played well for them. He returns now for a full season and like Metta World Peace he provides toughness and can snag some rebounds.
Mike Woodson is still coaching the Knicks and rightfully so. The Knicks finally appear to have found a coach that knows how to handle this collection of talent and characters. Woodson has a strong hand and no nonsense attitude with the team and holds all his players accountable. Woodson deals with the tough New York media well and is respected.
I expect the Knicks to have another solid season and despite what most think, I think the Knicks can finish in the top 3 in the Eastern Conference. A lot of the Knicks success will sit on the shoulders of their leader Carmelo Anthony, but he needs his teammates to play well and all do their role. They have to commit to the defensive side of the ball like they did last season, if not, they will struggle.
The pressure in New York is always high and demanding. New Yorkers want to see the Knicks win the NBA Finals. It’s time for Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks to deliver.