As the big three go, A'mare-Gallinari-Randolph, the Knicks playoff chances will follow. Fuggedabout picking individuals apart, basketball is a TEAM game and this is our core. Of course, Donnie has added some new components worthy of attention (Turiaf-Felton-Fields-Mozgov) but... this is our core.

This is the New Knicks Triangle

To the extent that A'mare-Gallinari-Randolph can manufacture productive minutes on a nightly basis, collectively, will determine how the Knicks as a team will flourish. On night when 2 of 3 show up with game faces on, we can feel good. On nights that all three share peak biorhythms it will be a beautiful thing.

Keys to their developing trust on offense will be the willingness to share the ball after Ray Felton initiates the offense. More important, when they are on defense, how willing are they to compete, sacrifice their bodies and cover for each other?

Investing hope for a franchise in two 21 year olds is risky business. The bad news? Somebody must play center.

The good news? The unusual skill sets (a powerful 6'10 All Star, a 6'10 imitation Jerry Lucas and a 6'11 bootleg facsimile of George Gervin...) just might work.

It will not be dull.

JrZyHuStLa wrote:41-41 sounds about right for this team.

Maybe 40-42 or 39-43.

Paging Debbie Downer... Debbie Downer please pick up...

EwingsGlass wrote:

JrZyHuStLa wrote:41-41 sounds about right for this team.

Maybe 40-42 or 39-43.

Paging Debbie Downer... Debbie Downer please pick up...

Honestly, i'm optimistic in general with my predictions every season, but i'm only saying 45 wins myself.

JrZ isn't that far off.

This thread recognizes that elite teams are built around it's most productive and consistent players. Just for discussion purposes, three men were selected.

As the median age of this core is 23, the 2010 season record is less important than how this core matures over the next 3-5 seasons when A'mare arrives at the ripe old age of 32, and Gallo and Randolph are 26.

EwingsGlass wrote:

kam77 wrote:

EwingsGlass wrote:

JrZyHuStLa wrote:41-41 sounds about right for this team.

Maybe 40-42 or 39-43.

Paging Debbie Downer... Debbie Downer please pick up...

Honestly, i'm optimistic in general with my predictions every season, but i'm only saying 45 wins myself.

JrZ isn't that far off.

Still pretty pessimistic AND raising a negative point that doesn't even relate to the topic in question. You want to say that you don't think the trio can gel in a triangle offense (especially since D'antoni doesn't run a triangle offense)-- ok... but it is just a downer move to respond to a thought out post with a losing record prediction. Why not just write "Knicks Suck"?

I consider myself optimistic and I predicted 46 wins in one of the threads, but that's mainly because I felt Amare was a major (if not the major) cause of the Suns many 50 and 60 win seasons (without disrespect to Nash who clearly won the MVP), but Amare thrives in the system and creates mismatches everywhere with his athleticism that a player like Nash can really take advantage of. That is an optimistic view of Amare, but I am sticking with it. In that sense, I think Gallo spreading the floor with Amare's athleticism able to use that space and Randolph's size and speed will wreak havoc on a lot of teams, especially with a fast run and gun PG like Felton. This team will be faster than the Suns' teams with Felton, a SG, Gallo, Amare and Randolph in the lineup. No front line will get down the court as fast and a guy like Azu-- who likes to release after the opponents shot will get innumerable fast break points with these guys all running the floor.

In summary, I am stoked.

Just because you consider yourself optimistic, doesn't mean every one else is pessimistic. I, along with other posters have this team winning games in the low 40s. What is so unrealistic about that ? What, just because we got Amar'e, who I love btw, we're going to win 50 games? Obviously you haven't considered the chemistry factor with this team since all of the off season acquisitions. Amar'e is the reason I have the Knicks at .500, isn't that respectable enough for a team that has been God awful for the past decade?

I think any prediction of a W-L record between 40-42 and 50-32 is probably pretty reasonable and could happen pretty easily if one or two things go right or wrong (chemistry, etc..).

But to only state .500 record at best or a losing record as your sole response without any further discussion seems like a pessimistic and negative response. Its not right or wrong, it just seems negative. You tell me what that is about. You want to say that the Knicks Triad will need time to gel (which may never happen)-- OK. You want to say that you don't think Anthony Randolph will overcome his mental toughness issues? OK. You think that Amare's prior medical history makes you not trust him to play all 82 games? OK. You think Gallo's development will be hindered by Randolph's presence since Randolph may be too small to play C? OK.

All I am saying is that Earl seems pumped for this trio and you respond with a non-sequitur statement about a potential losing record. Like Larry Brown trying to kill Nate's sunshine...

newyorknewyork wrote:Bobcats won like 45 games last season with Felton, Jackson, Wallace, Diaw, Chandler, Mohammad, Augusting and Larry Brown.

Charlotte won 44 games last season because they lead the league in OPP PPG at 93.8, the Knicks and Raptors were 27th in the league in that department. Charlotte was also 6th in OPP FG%. The Knicks ? Dead last.

Your commentary hits on some valid points about fans breaking out of a loser mentality as much as the players. Besides, there is no such thing as hijacking a thread. The conversation can take obtuse twists and turns and wind back up on point, if the point had a point to start with

When Debbie Downers refuse to back their pessimism it is only because they are stuck in the past or have nothing entertaining or educational to offer. That stubborn refusal to let go of the past sucks because this brand new roster (only 4 holdovers) is stocked with guys to feel good about.

The Answer Man told me personally that once (nice catch Marv)Amar'e-Gallo-Randolph understand their dance positions on the court, their ballet and ball movement could be a beautiful thing to watch.

Why?

Amar'e (oh snap!) operates from the foul line, in. Randolph operates inside the three point arc. Gallo circulates and matriculates around the deep perimeter to the foul line. Based on their strengths, Donnie visualized their symmetry. The best part? Each of them is fluid laterally. Our big guys can move. As a bonus, if needed they can dribble the basketball in moderate traffic. That creates space.

I'm widit.