The Outlook: This is a team on the decline, totally dependent on Marcus Camby having a completely injury-free season, something he has yet to do in his career.

Without Camby, Kurt Thomas is their most physical inside presence, and he is no more than a journeyman. Sprewell and Houston don't have to fret about sharing the ball with Rice this season, but if things go badly early, don't be surprised if Sprewell doesn't demand a trade to a team with a chance at getting to the finals.

The New Rules and the Knicks: Again, Camby is the key, because with his quickness, he is well suited to roam in the paint without getting called for defensive three seconds.

Van Gundy is going to have to figure a way to optimize use of the new rules if the Knicks are going to remain a playoff team. Sprewell is one of the league's best and quickest defenders and is capable of creating havoc in a trapping scheme.

Prediction: 38-44, 6th in division.

can someone tell me where the Fox guys buy their hashish? Because it must be good. 38-44?

Posted by Andrew:

Sixth in the division? That means we are better than only 1 team in the Atlantic. Lets see. Boston, NJ, Washington. Two of those teams are suppose to finish ahead of us? You got to be kidding me.

Don't laugh. Any two of those *could* finish ahead of us. but it's not likely. Wizards might have a 40+ win season this year... and if Camby is out for 15+ games again this year... we might only win a third to a half of those, plus losses with Camby - we've got no sunshine.
Spencer "For Hire" can provide a little something in the middle, moreso than Knight.