Knicks · We loaded up on players who were hurt and a bunch that have no history (page 1)

So we arent going to get any respect--the Knicks simply have to prove it-- and if you take 1 step back--you have to agree that some negativity could be warranted until proven otherwise.

Thanks for your opinion and comments. last year the Knicks beat the projections and had a chance to beat them by a lot if not for Melo stepping on that ref and Lance going down. Not to mention the coaching issues. The actual talent on the roster was capable of more wins if things went right. Now this year there's lots of reasons to anticipate that the Knicks will win more games than predicted again. Just saying that the Knicks "loaded up on players who were hurt and a bunch that have no history" is LAZY. There's more details that can be researched to come to a better conclusion than that.

Starting with the Head Coach. He's been almost completely absent for any consideration. Hornacek has shown he can get a team to improve and play above expectations. He was sabotaged by his Front Office IMO but before that he was fairly successful with an OK team. Here Phil is fully supporting Hornacek and at least he has the kind of players with whom he can do a lot of the things he believes in. Playing uptempo, early offense, spread offense, 3's, PnR and scoring at the basket.

BRIGGS wrote:So we arent going to get any respect--the Knicks simply have to prove it-- and if you take 1 step back--you have to agree that some negativity could be warranted until proven otherwise.

... an feline AIDS is the #1 killer of domestic house cats.

Briggs, that's a reasonable statement. So many new players, many with questions. This is going to be an interesting season. I'll enjoy seeing how it develops.

Knickoftime wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:So we arent going to get any respect--the Knicks simply have to prove it-- and if you take 1 step back--you have to agree that some negativity could be warranted until proven otherwise.

... an feline AIDS is the #1 killer of domestic house cats.

Not kidney disease??

BRIGGS wrote:So we arent going to get any respect--the Knicks simply have to prove it-- and if you take 1 step back--you have to agree that some negativity could be warranted until proven otherwise.

Could be wrong...but ANY team, injuries or no injuries, with the player turnover we had must "prove it."

I would say that this Knicks team just might have the widest potential win total that I can remember, but I think its a team that will have great potential to surprise, and it is hard not to be enthusiastic about this group.

The major players on the team are set at this point...now its time to wait and hope.

Really looking forward to training camp.

WaltLongmire wrote:

Knickoftime wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:So we arent going to get any respect--the Knicks simply have to prove it-- and if you take 1 step back--you have to agree that some negativity could be warranted until proven otherwise.

... an feline AIDS is the #1 killer of domestic house cats.

Not kidney disease??

I don't know, that's what Debbie says.

With upgrades at several positions, it seem improbable that the team only registers a 6 game improvement. Granted, some of the players have had injuries, but each of them look ready to face the new season, and to prove their worth! Everything points to a more cohesive team, with the ability to win a larger share of the games played. I'm excited by our new team members, and hope for the best.

nixluva wrote:Thanks for your opinion and comments. last year the Knicks beat the projections and had a chance to beat them by a lot if not for Melo stepping on that ref and Lance going down. Not to mention the coaching issues. The actual talent on the roster was capable of more wins if things went right. Now this year there's lots of reasons to anticipate that the Knicks will win more games than predicted again. Just saying that the Knicks "loaded up on players who were hurt and a bunch that have no history" is LAZY. There's more details that can be researched to come to a better conclusion than that.

Starting with the Head Coach. He's been almost completely absent for any consideration. Hornacek has shown he can get a team to improve and play above expectations. He was sabotaged by his Front Office IMO but before that he was fairly successful with an OK team. Here Phil is fully supporting Hornacek and at least he has the kind of players with whom he can do a lot of the things he believes in. Playing uptempo, early offense, spread offense, 3's, PnR and scoring at the basket.

--->Just saying that the Knicks "loaded up on players who were hurt and a bunch that have no history" is LAZY.

FG% top 6 players 2015-2016

1 Courtney Lee 44.5% games missed 2
2 Carmelo Anthony 43% games missed 10
3 Derrick Rose 42.7% games missed 16
4 Kristaps Porzinigis 42.1% games missed 10
5 Joakim Noah 38.3% games missed 53
6 Branden Jennings 36.8% games missed 38

Not only do we have the worst collective fg% and eFG in the ENTIRE NBA with our top 6 they collectively missed 129 games

We dont really have a proven NBA post scorer on the team from the C or pF position.

5 of our 15 will have never played 1 minute of nBA basketball

Our team 3 point shooting collectively is among the worst in the NBA.

So maybe you should go back and stop being lazy:)

Sangfroid wrote:With upgrades at several positions, it seem improbable that the team only registers a 6 game improvement. Granted, some of the players have had injuries, but each of them look ready to face the new season, and to prove their worth! Everything points to a more cohesive team, with the ability to win a larger share of the games played. I'm excited by our new team members, and hope for the best.

I agree. Also, I think Hornacek is a huge upgrade from Rambis/Fisher.

BRIGGS wrote:

nixluva wrote:Thanks for your opinion and comments. last year the Knicks beat the projections and had a chance to beat them by a lot if not for Melo stepping on that ref and Lance going down. Not to mention the coaching issues. The actual talent on the roster was capable of more wins if things went right. Now this year there's lots of reasons to anticipate that the Knicks will win more games than predicted again. Just saying that the Knicks "loaded up on players who were hurt and a bunch that have no history" is LAZY. There's more details that can be researched to come to a better conclusion than that.

Starting with the Head Coach. He's been almost completely absent for any consideration. Hornacek has shown he can get a team to improve and play above expectations. He was sabotaged by his Front Office IMO but before that he was fairly successful with an OK team. Here Phil is fully supporting Hornacek and at least he has the kind of players with whom he can do a lot of the things he believes in. Playing uptempo, early offense, spread offense, 3's, PnR and scoring at the basket.

--->Just saying that the Knicks "loaded up on players who were hurt and a bunch that have no history" is LAZY.

FG% top 6 players 2015-2016

1 Courtney Lee 44.5% games missed 2
2 Carmelo Anthony 43% games missed 10
3 Derrick Rose 42.7% games missed 16
4 Kristaps Porzinigis 42.1% games missed 10
5 Joakim Noah 38.3% games missed 53
6 Branden Jennings 36.8% games missed 38

Not only do we have the worst collective fg% and eFG in the ENTIRE NBA with our top 6 they collectively missed 129 games

We dont really have a proven NBA post scorer on the team from the C or pF position.

5 of our 15 will have never played 1 minute of nBA basketball

Our team 3 point shooting collectively is among the worst in the NBA.

So maybe you should go back and stop being lazy:)

BRIGGS wrote:

nixluva wrote:Thanks for your opinion and comments. last year the Knicks beat the projections and had a chance to beat them by a lot if not for Melo stepping on that ref and Lance going down. Not to mention the coaching issues. The actual talent on the roster was capable of more wins if things went right. Now this year there's lots of reasons to anticipate that the Knicks will win more games than predicted again. Just saying that the Knicks "loaded up on players who were hurt and a bunch that have no history" is LAZY. There's more details that can be researched to come to a better conclusion than that.

Starting with the Head Coach. He's been almost completely absent for any consideration. Hornacek has shown he can get a team to improve and play above expectations. He was sabotaged by his Front Office IMO but before that he was fairly successful with an OK team. Here Phil is fully supporting Hornacek and at least he has the kind of players with whom he can do a lot of the things he believes in. Playing uptempo, early offense, spread offense, 3's, PnR and scoring at the basket.

--->Just saying that the Knicks "loaded up on players who were hurt and a bunch that have no history" is LAZY.

FG% top 6 players 2015-2016

1 Courtney Lee 44.5% games missed 2
2 Carmelo Anthony 43% games missed 10
3 Derrick Rose 42.7% games missed 16
4 Kristaps Porzinigis 42.1% games missed 10
5 Joakim Noah 38.3% games missed 53
6 Branden Jennings 36.8% games missed 38

Not only do we have the worst collective fg% and eFG in the ENTIRE NBA with our top 6 they collectively missed 129 games

We dont really have a proven NBA post scorer on the team from the C or pF position.

5 of our 15 will have never played 1 minute of nBA basketball

Our team 3 point shooting collectively is among the worst in the NBA.

So maybe you should go back and stop being lazy:)

Jennings and Noah obviously get the bulk of the missed games. 91 if them! Rose was right to take some games off even if not hurt after all he has been thru. If Jennings was super healthy reliable his salary would be much higher and he is not on roster.
Regarding field goal %, there is cause to be concern. Rose and Jennings did shake off rust and its a good reason. KP does take some off balance shots and has to work on that. Im not sure he instinctively understands his size yet. With a slow release due to his length it can be fixed with better selection.

What I'd be curious is the breakdown of Rose in his last 3rd of the season and if it improved over the season. same for jennings. Noah seemed to be out of sorts not just physically, but lost in Hoilbergs system.

Basketball is not like baseball were we can transpose last years stats going forward. Briggs does bring up some good points that could be concerns and it will be interesting to see if the variables I mentioned, or others will factor.

On the surface the fear that Phil Starphucked is always in the back of our minds.
If everything "goes right", this is a 53-55 win team. If not, .500 should be about right

Nalod wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:

nixluva wrote:Thanks for your opinion and comments. last year the Knicks beat the projections and had a chance to beat them by a lot if not for Melo stepping on that ref and Lance going down. Not to mention the coaching issues. The actual talent on the roster was capable of more wins if things went right. Now this year there's lots of reasons to anticipate that the Knicks will win more games than predicted again. Just saying that the Knicks "loaded up on players who were hurt and a bunch that have no history" is LAZY. There's more details that can be researched to come to a better conclusion than that.

Starting with the Head Coach. He's been almost completely absent for any consideration. Hornacek has shown he can get a team to improve and play above expectations. He was sabotaged by his Front Office IMO but before that he was fairly successful with an OK team. Here Phil is fully supporting Hornacek and at least he has the kind of players with whom he can do a lot of the things he believes in. Playing uptempo, early offense, spread offense, 3's, PnR and scoring at the basket.

--->Just saying that the Knicks "loaded up on players who were hurt and a bunch that have no history" is LAZY.

FG% top 6 players 2015-2016

1 Courtney Lee 44.5% games missed 2
2 Carmelo Anthony 43% games missed 10
3 Derrick Rose 42.7% games missed 16
4 Kristaps Porzinigis 42.1% games missed 10
5 Joakim Noah 38.3% games missed 53
6 Branden Jennings 36.8% games missed 38

Not only do we have the worst collective fg% and eFG in the ENTIRE NBA with our top 6 they collectively missed 129 games

We dont really have a proven NBA post scorer on the team from the C or pF position.

5 of our 15 will have never played 1 minute of nBA basketball

Our team 3 point shooting collectively is among the worst in the NBA.

So maybe you should go back and stop being lazy:)

Jennings and Noah obviously get the bulk of the missed games. 91 if them! Rose was right to take some games off even if not hurt after all he has been thru. If Jennings was super healthy reliable his salary would be much higher and he is not on roster.
Regarding field goal %, there is cause to be concern. Rose and Jennings did shake off rust and its a good reason. KP does take some off balance shots and has to work on that. Im not sure he instinctively understands his size yet. With a slow release due to his length it can be fixed with better selection.

What I'd be curious is the breakdown of Rose in his last 3rd of the season and if it improved over the season. same for jennings. Noah seemed to be out of sorts not just physically, but lost in Hoilbergs system.

Basketball is not like baseball were we can transpose last years stats going forward. Briggs does bring up some good points that could be concerns and it will be interesting to see if the variables I mentioned, or others will factor.

On the surface the fear that Phil Starphucked is always in the back of our minds.
If everything "goes right", this is a 53-55 win team. If not, .500 should be about right

So a good GM ignores the previous season stats? Briggs is not raising valid points?
I think he's right here. Most of the predictions from the media and statistical models are going to look low to people on this board.

BRIGGS wrote:So we arent going to get any respect--the Knicks simply have to prove it-- and if you take 1 step back--you have to agree that some negativity could be warranted until proven otherwise.

I think that's a fair and objective statement. Sure on PAPER, the squad looks good but their core players are either aging or have injury history.

Knickoftime wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:So we arent going to get any respect--the Knicks simply have to prove it-- and if you take 1 step back--you have to agree that some negativity could be warranted until proven otherwise.

... an feline AIDS is the #1 killer of domestic house cats.

lol...I don't think many on here get the joke.

I don't know this for a fact, but I bet if you analyzed most of the teams in the NBA the Knicks current injury history is probably no different than the majority. Look at Golden State for instance. Iggy hadn't played 70+ games 4 out of the last six seasons. Bogut was always hurt. Livingston and Curry had a history of injuries. In San Antonio, Kawhi Leonard has only played 70+ games once in his career, Ginobili has an extensive history of injuries and this season was the first time Tony Parker played 70+ games in five seasons. Everybody is talking about Westbrook, the two seasons before this one he played 46 and 67 games.

Because this is the Knicks and there are a lot of haters out there, this injury angle is going to get played up to the max. And it is true that three of the main additions have had injury issues the past couple of years. But I don't think we're in a dramatically different position than a lot of teams we going to be battling against for a playoff spot.

Welpee wrote:I don't know this for a fact, but I bet if you analyzed most of the teams in the NBA the Knicks current injury history is probably no different than the majority. Look at Golden State for instance. Iggy hadn't played 70+ games 4 out of the last six seasons. Bogut was always hurt. Livingston and Curry had a history of injuries. In San Antonio, Kawhi Leonard has only played 70+ games once in his career, Ginobili has an extensive history of injuries and this season was the first time Tony Parker played 70+ games in five seasons. Everybody is talking about Westbrook, the two seasons before this one he played 46 and 67 games.

Because this is the Knicks and there are a lot of haters out there, this injury angle is going to get played up to the max. And it is true that three of the main additions have had injury issues the past couple of years. But I don't think we're in a dramatically different position than a lot of teams we going to be battling against for a playoff spot.

The issue is a combination of age, injury history, and recent under-performance.

Bonn1997 wrote:

Nalod wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:

nixluva wrote:Thanks for your opinion and comments. last year the Knicks beat the projections and had a chance to beat them by a lot if not for Melo stepping on that ref and Lance going down. Not to mention the coaching issues. The actual talent on the roster was capable of more wins if things went right. Now this year there's lots of reasons to anticipate that the Knicks will win more games than predicted again. Just saying that the Knicks "loaded up on players who were hurt and a bunch that have no history" is LAZY. There's more details that can be researched to come to a better conclusion than that.

Starting with the Head Coach. He's been almost completely absent for any consideration. Hornacek has shown he can get a team to improve and play above expectations. He was sabotaged by his Front Office IMO but before that he was fairly successful with an OK team. Here Phil is fully supporting Hornacek and at least he has the kind of players with whom he can do a lot of the things he believes in. Playing uptempo, early offense, spread offense, 3's, PnR and scoring at the basket.

--->Just saying that the Knicks "loaded up on players who were hurt and a bunch that have no history" is LAZY.

FG% top 6 players 2015-2016

1 Courtney Lee 44.5% games missed 2
2 Carmelo Anthony 43% games missed 10
3 Derrick Rose 42.7% games missed 16
4 Kristaps Porzinigis 42.1% games missed 10
5 Joakim Noah 38.3% games missed 53
6 Branden Jennings 36.8% games missed 38

Not only do we have the worst collective fg% and eFG in the ENTIRE NBA with our top 6 they collectively missed 129 games

We dont really have a proven NBA post scorer on the team from the C or pF position.

5 of our 15 will have never played 1 minute of nBA basketball

Our team 3 point shooting collectively is among the worst in the NBA.

So maybe you should go back and stop being lazy:)

Jennings and Noah obviously get the bulk of the missed games. 91 if them! Rose was right to take some games off even if not hurt after all he has been thru. If Jennings was super healthy reliable his salary would be much higher and he is not on roster.
Regarding field goal %, there is cause to be concern. Rose and Jennings did shake off rust and its a good reason. KP does take some off balance shots and has to work on that. Im not sure he instinctively understands his size yet. With a slow release due to his length it can be fixed with better selection.

What I'd be curious is the breakdown of Rose in his last 3rd of the season and if it improved over the season. same for jennings. Noah seemed to be out of sorts not just physically, but lost in Hoilbergs system.

Basketball is not like baseball were we can transpose last years stats going forward. Briggs does bring up some good points that could be concerns and it will be interesting to see if the variables I mentioned, or others will factor.

On the surface the fear that Phil Starphucked is always in the back of our minds.
If everything "goes right", this is a 53-55 win team. If not, .500 should be about right

So a good GM ignores the previous season stats? Briggs is not raising valid points?
I think he's right here. Most of the predictions from the media and statistical models are going to look low to people on this board.

I think we have a 43 win team or so. The two big things will be Derrick Rose and our bench

If Jeff implements a good offense where Derrick and Brandon can break down defenses and the other players are taking the shots, the collective efficiency can increase a lot. There were no facilitators last year. Jose moved the well given his limitations but it was a very slow team that could not get to the rim or pressure defenses. This change alone should give Melo and KP better looks and increase their %. Health is something that's up to the basketball gods. I feel like this team has to be very good defensively in order to be relevant this year. I'm hoping Noah and Jeff bring the defensive knowledge because I already know Joakim is bringing the energy and passion. Players need to be held accountable like they were in Chicago.

Bonn1997 wrote:

Nalod wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:

nixluva wrote:Thanks for your opinion and comments. last year the Knicks beat the projections and had a chance to beat them by a lot if not for Melo stepping on that ref and Lance going down. Not to mention the coaching issues. The actual talent on the roster was capable of more wins if things went right. Now this year there's lots of reasons to anticipate that the Knicks will win more games than predicted again. Just saying that the Knicks "loaded up on players who were hurt and a bunch that have no history" is LAZY. There's more details that can be researched to come to a better conclusion than that.

Starting with the Head Coach. He's been almost completely absent for any consideration. Hornacek has shown he can get a team to improve and play above expectations. He was sabotaged by his Front Office IMO but before that he was fairly successful with an OK team. Here Phil is fully supporting Hornacek and at least he has the kind of players with whom he can do a lot of the things he believes in. Playing uptempo, early offense, spread offense, 3's, PnR and scoring at the basket.

--->Just saying that the Knicks "loaded up on players who were hurt and a bunch that have no history" is LAZY.

FG% top 6 players 2015-2016

1 Courtney Lee 44.5% games missed 2
2 Carmelo Anthony 43% games missed 10
3 Derrick Rose 42.7% games missed 16
4 Kristaps Porzinigis 42.1% games missed 10
5 Joakim Noah 38.3% games missed 53
6 Branden Jennings 36.8% games missed 38

Not only do we have the worst collective fg% and eFG in the ENTIRE NBA with our top 6 they collectively missed 129 games

We dont really have a proven NBA post scorer on the team from the C or pF position.

5 of our 15 will have never played 1 minute of nBA basketball

Our team 3 point shooting collectively is among the worst in the NBA.

So maybe you should go back and stop being lazy:)

Jennings and Noah obviously get the bulk of the missed games. 91 if them! Rose was right to take some games off even if not hurt after all he has been thru. If Jennings was super healthy reliable his salary would be much higher and he is not on roster.
Regarding field goal %, there is cause to be concern. Rose and Jennings did shake off rust and its a good reason. KP does take some off balance shots and has to work on that. Im not sure he instinctively understands his size yet. With a slow release due to his length it can be fixed with better selection.

What I'd be curious is the breakdown of Rose in his last 3rd of the season and if it improved over the season. same for jennings. Noah seemed to be out of sorts not just physically, but lost in Hoilbergs system.

Basketball is not like baseball were we can transpose last years stats going forward. Briggs does bring up some good points that could be concerns and it will be interesting to see if the variables I mentioned, or others will factor.

On the surface the fear that Phil Starphucked is always in the back of our minds.
If everything "goes right", this is a 53-55 win team. If not, .500 should be about right

So a good GM ignores the previous season stats? Briggs is not raising valid points?
I think he's right here. Most of the predictions from the media and statistical models are going to look low to people on this board.

The very words after you highlighted were:

Briggs does bring up some good points that could be concerns and it will be interesting to see if the variables I mentioned, or others will factor.

Your a college professor, you tell me?

Then I further looked at a break down to inquire if anyone considered, as I have read, that he really improved on the back end of the season. So the numbers when broken down might tell a more complete story.
A good GM should consider the previous season, but at the same time the variables. Lets be real, if Rose had a 1st team type year he would not be a knick. A good GM has to ascertain if there is value and at what risk. Did I say a Good GM does not ignore stats? No, basically said a good one considers the variables as to what happened.

IF you just look at models and transpose them to a 38 win season, then why did Phil do this? I mean why bother right?
Answer: There are variables to how numbers are derived. Jennings missed a lot of games. Phil did not say "you SHOULD be 6th man of the year", he challenged him to it.
And, he is not being paid starters money either. He is getting Derrick Williams "Resurrection" money. A chance to play up to the bigger money.

38 wins. I said 41 if everything does not go right. That's just a 3 game variable. How far is that? 3.72% game differential.

So besides being quick to jump on my post, what excactly is your point? That your a hard stat kind of guy and variables don't play?
Appreciate the chance to respond. If your bored with no school to teach, why not go reorganize your sock draw AGAIN as the brown and black socks are touching each other, and you know how you hate that!!

BRIGGS wrote:

Bonn1997 wrote:

Nalod wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:

nixluva wrote:Thanks for your opinion and comments. last year the Knicks beat the projections and had a chance to beat them by a lot if not for Melo stepping on that ref and Lance going down. Not to mention the coaching issues. The actual talent on the roster was capable of more wins if things went right. Now this year there's lots of reasons to anticipate that the Knicks will win more games than predicted again. Just saying that the Knicks "loaded up on players who were hurt and a bunch that have no history" is LAZY. There's more details that can be researched to come to a better conclusion than that.

Starting with the Head Coach. He's been almost completely absent for any consideration. Hornacek has shown he can get a team to improve and play above expectations. He was sabotaged by his Front Office IMO but before that he was fairly successful with an OK team. Here Phil is fully supporting Hornacek and at least he has the kind of players with whom he can do a lot of the things he believes in. Playing uptempo, early offense, spread offense, 3's, PnR and scoring at the basket.

--->Just saying that the Knicks "loaded up on players who were hurt and a bunch that have no history" is LAZY.

FG% top 6 players 2015-2016

1 Courtney Lee 44.5% games missed 2
2 Carmelo Anthony 43% games missed 10
3 Derrick Rose 42.7% games missed 16
4 Kristaps Porzinigis 42.1% games missed 10
5 Joakim Noah 38.3% games missed 53
6 Branden Jennings 36.8% games missed 38

Not only do we have the worst collective fg% and eFG in the ENTIRE NBA with our top 6 they collectively missed 129 games

We dont really have a proven NBA post scorer on the team from the C or pF position.

5 of our 15 will have never played 1 minute of nBA basketball

Our team 3 point shooting collectively is among the worst in the NBA.

So maybe you should go back and stop being lazy:)

Jennings and Noah obviously get the bulk of the missed games. 91 if them! Rose was right to take some games off even if not hurt after all he has been thru. If Jennings was super healthy reliable his salary would be much higher and he is not on roster.
Regarding field goal %, there is cause to be concern. Rose and Jennings did shake off rust and its a good reason. KP does take some off balance shots and has to work on that. Im not sure he instinctively understands his size yet. With a slow release due to his length it can be fixed with better selection.

What I'd be curious is the breakdown of Rose in his last 3rd of the season and if it improved over the season. same for jennings. Noah seemed to be out of sorts not just physically, but lost in Hoilbergs system.

Basketball is not like baseball were we can transpose last years stats going forward. Briggs does bring up some good points that could be concerns and it will be interesting to see if the variables I mentioned, or others will factor.

On the surface the fear that Phil Starphucked is always in the back of our minds.
If everything "goes right", this is a 53-55 win team. If not, .500 should be about right

So a good GM ignores the previous season stats? Briggs is not raising valid points?
I think he's right here. Most of the predictions from the media and statistical models are going to look low to people on this board.

I think we have a 43 win team or so. The two big things will be Derrick Rose and our bench

an 11 game improvement would be great for Bonn... that's a nice chunk of wins for the incremental improvement crowd.

Knicks were a .500 team at the midpoint and trending upwards last year. Melo got hurt, KP hit a wall, Lance got hurt and the rest of the crew were about as good as the 17 win team the year before. Now THAT team had no depth. Once Melo went down there was no player who take over a game or impose their will. It just wasn't a good enough squad to get wins.

To me the biggest reason the Knicks will improve is their upgraded backcourt. Knicks still won 32 games and were 20-20 with Jose, AA, Grant and Langston. AA and Calderon were horrific on defense. It was a turnstile. Langston plays hard on D but is limited and his effectiveness on defense wavered. Grant had a rough rookie season. You replace them with Rose, Jennings, Lee and Holiday. Lee and Holiday are excellent defenders, long and athletic. Rose and Jennings are not great defenders, but they are very fast players and Rose has shown to play well in a system defensively... on the other side of the ball Rose and Jennings can do things Jose and Langston simply cant. Its not even close. We have backcourt difference makers where as before we did not.

Knicks can protect the rim, and they can certainly rebound very well. They have upgraded the backcourt on both sides of the ball. Really the only question marks are the guys who haven't played. Kuz, Willy, NDour, Plumlee... who knows what we get. However Jennings and Lance are a good start. One brings scoring and the other can defend 2-3 positions very well. We will see who wins the other bench roles. I wouldn't call it deep, but its not a weakness either. Last year we had DWill off the bench and that was a nice boost. Someone will have to pick that up.

I mean to me its still about KP/Melo and how well those two played together. Knicks were even with them (as indicated by the early record and their +/-) and really bad when they were off the floor. To boost those guys we needed to improve the defense on the perimeter and add more scoring. On paper it looks good for that.

This should be a .500ish playoff team. I mean if Melo and KP get hurt and Rose/Noah are iffy thing could be bad. If they all play reasonably well and stay reasonably healthy Knicks could be playing the Cavs in round 3. I think if you look at it in the middle its a .500ish playoff team with cap space, all their future first rounders and a young franchise player to build around going forward. After 3 years I think this is what most would have hoped for. KP is the part that make everything rosy. He's the coveted cornerstone, but we have the pieces to be good now and we should be.