New York Knicks
Last Year’s Record: 29-53
Key Losses: David Lee, Al Harrington, Chris Duhon
Key Additions: Amar'e Stoudemire, Anthony Randolph, Kelenna Azubuike, Ronny Turiaf, Raymond Felton, Roger Mason
Prediction: 41-41, 2nd in Atlantic
Point Guards:
Felton won’t be mistaken for Nash but is an improvement over what the Knicks have had the past few seasons with Chris Duhon and the problematic Stephon Marbury. Felton showed he could help run a playoff team last season in Charlotte, where he averaged 12.1 points and 5.6 assists. Walsh said he tried to get Felton in the past. But Charlotte head coach Larry Brown wouldn’t let him go. Felton left on his own as a free agent for the opportunity to play a fast-paced game with more freedom under D’Antoni. He had three strong games against the Knicks, including a near triple-double in New York’s home opener. Walsh remembers Felton’s late-game defense in two losses in Charlotte last season. The Knicks are glad Felton is on their side now. His backup is second-year point guard Toney Douglas, who started 10 games late in the season and played his best ball then. He averaged 14 points and 4 assists in the final 17 games, earning raves from D’Antoni and probably more minutes this year.
2-Guards:
Unless Azubuike shows in camp and deserves to start, versatile fourth-year player Wilson Chandler could resume his role as the Knicks’ top shooting guard. Chandler started 38 games there early last season before moving to power forward after Tracy McGrady was acquired. Chandler averaged 15.3 points overall. To play the position, though, Chandler needs to improve his three-point shooting. He hit just 40-of-150 (26.7 percent) from deep and made 372-of-710 (52.3 percent) from everywhere else. He’s explosive going to the basket. Azubuike should be a valuable pickup and not just for his expiring contract that can be used in trades. Athletic and driven, Azubuike came from the Developmental League and started 51 games for Golden State two years ago and averaged 14.4 points, making 44.8 percent of his threes. Last year, Azubuike played just nine games because he needed knee surgery. Swingman Bill Walker, who has a scorer’s mentality, will give the Knicks depth. They also have rookie Andy Rautins, the sharpshooter from Syracuse. Also watch out for rookie Landry Fields who has been impressive in the summer circuit. The athletic wingman could be playing here or forward depending on Wilson Chandler.
Small Forwards:
Danilo Gallinari had a solid second season and has become a cornerstone for the Knicks. A fearless competitor, Gallinari has gained the respect of superstars like James and Carmelo Anthony and can knock down shots from just about anywhere. Gallinari averaged 15.1 points in 81 games last season. The Knicks expect the 22-year-old Italian import to continue to improve and flourish playing with Stoudemire. Gallinari made 186 three-pointers last season, the second-most in the league and in Knicks’ history. With Stoudemire drawing attention inside, which should open the perimeter, Gallinari may register 200 threes this season and perhaps challenge John Starks’ franchise record of 217. Chandler, Randolph, Walker could see time here. Walker, acquired from Boston in February in the Nate Robinson deal, averaged 11.9 points in 27 games with the Knicks and made 43.1 percent from deep (50-for-116). He slimmed down in the offseason and it could lead to more on-court work this campaign.
Power Forwards:
Stoudemire will play power forward, but might spend more time at center as he did in during his Phoenix years, with and without D’Antoni. When Stoudemire is not at power forward, Gallo should be playing here. Also Chandler can play this spot if they elect to go small. Randolph may be the early favorite to start at power forward, provided he’s healthy and puts in the work. The LSU product is only 21 and loaded with talent and untapped potential. The Knicks hope to bring it out of him. For Golden State last year, the 6-foot-10 Randolph averaged 11.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in just 22.7 minutes per game. Randolph’s length, shot-blocking ability and athleticism should help the Knicks get out and run. Chandler also could play some power forward. He started 26 games there last season and registered four double-doubles.
Centers:
The Knicks haven’t been able to rely on Eddy Curry and Turiafs status probably won’t be determined until D’Antoni sees everyone in camp, so pencil in Stoudemire as the opening-night starting center. No matter where Stoudemire plays, he’s a force inside and the best post player the Knicks have had since Patrick Ewing. The Knicks need Stoudemire to focus on defense and rebounding. Looking to protect their fully guaranteed and uninsurable five-year, $99.7 million investment, the Knicks prohibited Stoudemire, who has had multiple knee surgeries, from playing in the World Championships over the summer. Stoudemire is looking forward to being “The Man.” He always was No.2 in Phoenix behind Nash, but Stoudemire has no problem being the Knicks only star – for the time being. Behind or next to Stoudemire, the Knicks will have their choice of Curry, Turiaf and rookies Timofey Mozgov from Russia and rookie Jerome Jordan. Turiaf is the most reliable of the bunch. Curry, who has missed 154 of a possible 164 games the past two seasons, might be the Knicks’ biggest asset this year, though. If they can’t use his bloated expiring salary ($11.3 million) in a trade, he will be off their books next summer. A tough veteran, Turiaf plays physically and can block shots. Mozgov is somewhat of an unknown, but the Knicks liked him enough to give him $9 million over three years. Jordan needs work and experience, having played organized basketball for just six years.
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