Knicks · 2016 New York Knickerbockers a legimate East contender? (page 2)

CrushAlot wrote:

WaltLongmire wrote:Too many "ifs" with the Knicks, but I'm optimistic, and of course the big variable is health. Rose/Noah/Melo/Lance/Jennings...they all had significant injuries last year, or a history of being injured.

Does KP take the next step and how does Hornacek use him? I mean what happens if he KP really does seem ready to be a go to player, and focal point, as was hinted in Martin's thread. http://www.ultimateknicks.com/forum/topi...

Can Justin Holiday provide anything as a backup wing?

Do Hernangomez and the Lithuanian make an impact? Does "Kuz" replace Williams...Can Willy become a backup 5 his rookie year?

Is KOQ going to get splinters or will he show some pride and come in a new man?

Can Jennings show Phil that he belongs on the team after this season?

How do Rose/Melo/Noah work together?

If all of these questions are answered in a positive way, I don't see why we can be a top 4 team, and only the Cavs seem unbeatable at this point. Raptors, Bull, Celtics...they are all vulnerable, and if we are at the top of our game and uninjured, we can beat them.

Great questions. I don't know about Holiday but he is a guy that reporters that cover the Bulls have said they were surprised he was included in the trade.
I am really hoping OQuinn finds his game this year. Last year was really disappointing. His losing weight is a start. He may really benefit from being on a team with Noah.
I think Jenning is going to have a big year.
I tend to think the euros may not have much of an impact next year.

It's hard to tell what to expect from Willy and Kuz. Usually the Euros tend to perform about where you expect. I think playing in ACB tends to help them to make a decent adjustment. Usually the NBA skills translate. If they can shoot that tends to come thru. High BB IQ also works in their favor.
They probably get worked in slowly. So early on they may have very little impact.

crzymdups wrote:

SupremeCommander wrote:my immediate reaction is we will lose in the 2nd round, possibly make it and lose in the ECF. Maybe everything clicks. I love it on paper. But I am not expecting everyone to be healthy in May. That said, I want to watch May basketball and think that winning will be the best recruiter of all.

I also think winning is the best thing for KP's development, not playing 40 mins a night on a 33 win team.

Yes - this is where I am right now.

This maybe the greatest belief we have had in the team in the last 15 years.....