I think the Knicks put themselves in a position to potentially be better this coming season, while keeping things flexible for the big FA year.
With a little luck, we end up with Carmelo, Lebron, and some other third fiddle.
But in the meantime, going into the season we'll have a better roster than the team we ended last season with. The big complaint last year was that we were too old. This season we've managed to improve (for the most part), shore up some holes, all while getting younger.
The additions of Bargnani/World Peace/K Mart are excellent, rounding our existing core. Plus we're investing in young'uns - at least that seems to be the plan. We're rounding out the bench with Hardaway might be a better pro, the jury's still out on Leslie (they all say "first round talent"), plus we'll see what happens with Tyler, Murry, and perhaps Brown or a center.
Who's gone? Rasheed, KT40, Camby, Kidd, Q-Rich, Barron, White, Novak, Copeland (though I've often wondered why the Knicks don't just bring him back). Novak and Copeland were nice role players; Copeland has upside. But Bargnani has even more upside - good defender or not, a 7 footer can just put his arms up and that changes things up from a defensive standpoint.
A tremendous X-factor will be Amare. I just watched the Amare movie on netflix, and it's a damned shame that he broke down, because he looked like he was in killer shape. It'll be interesting to see what he can contribute this season. If we can get 60+ games out of him (preferably in the 2nd half into the playoffs), he could easily be the best backup big in the NBA.
8/5/2013 1:36 PM