This is a tough one. This summer, NY has unloaded all its youth and promise except for Iman Shumpert. That was only because Nash turned NY down and went to LA.
Going forward, as I will, because I am Knick fan since the 1973 championship, here is what I am seeing.
A team that is built around a very good player in Carmelo but who has a questionable work ethic and attitude. This keeps him from being ELITE so far.
A team with a PF that has many injuries to get over just to perform. When healthy he is a force but does not defend.
A team with a C what can defend and lead but no offensive game other than dunks and putbacks.
A team with a 40 year old PG, who was once the best in the game but who most likely will not play 82 games and will be a question mark all season.
A team without a real SG. JR is a malcontent who throws up shots and thinks it is his job to take shots before Carmelo and STAT.
A team with a PG who is overweight and also has a questionable work ethic. WHen in shape and motivated Felton is a decent player but has no special quality to his game.
A team with an injured young SG. The most exciting player on the team with what he can be. Unfortunately, with his injury when he comes back he may find it tough to break into a veteran laden team that will limit his growth offensively. A player who will be traded at some point.
A team with a bench full of older Veterans who may have one year left and may not. Who knows.
A team that is now old and stripped of 2nd round picks and only a couple of first round picks for the next 4 years.
A team that is over the cap and cannot make moves freely.
A team that is owned by an emotional owner.
A team that is coached by an average coach, who has not won much at all and coaches a real boring system of ISOLATION.
A team that is not good enough to win a Championship.
SG is a hole. They need to get someone else there ASAP. As of now, JR will start at shooting guard and he will be a disaster. He will move back to the bench. They will struggle to find someone else until Shumpert gets back. Kidd will be overused and eventually break down. Going into the playoffs, Felton will be the starting PG. Prigioni will be playing big minutes. Shumpert will be working his way back but not there at all this season. The backcourt is not good and lacks depth.
The front court, if healthy, can be very good again. Hopefully, Camby and KT can play a bit and bring some more D to the 2nd unit. I am concerned about Novak getting open looks when Kidd is not on the floor.
7/18/2012 11:08 AM
