From his arrival in 2008, through the end of last season, D'Antoni has coached 49 players — the most in the N.B.A. over that period, and the equivalent of four teams.
“We’ve got a good team and good guys,” D’Antoni said. “I’m going to enjoy this year no matter what.” He quickly added, “It’s easier said than done.”
The truth is, the Knicks are effectively a brand-new team, with no established chemistry, a thin bench and precious little time to work out the kinks because of the lockout-shortened schedule.
The Knicks have seven new players, two new starters and a former All-Star point guard — Baron Davis — waiting to join the fray once his back heals. Even Anthony, the new face of the team, just arrived in February.
The starting backcourt features a third-year point guard, Toney Douglas, and a second-year shooting guard, Landry Fields. Two rookies could be in the rotation.
Every team is dealing with a short two-week training camp and a compressed 66-game schedule that will hardly allow for practice time. But it will be harder on teams with multiple new faces.
- Howard Beck, NYT
“It does seem like the third team I’ve played for since I’ve been in New York,” said Stoudemire, who arrived 18 months ago. “But I’d rather play for the third team right now, because we’re looking pretty good.”