Well okay, maybe 2nd.

AnubisADL wrote:Melo is not the issue.

We have no idea what kind of production we are going to get from Lin and Amare this year.

I think we actually do know what kind of production we'll get from Lin and STAT. For one thing we know that Lin was still effective even after the Linsanity thing was over. He settled down into a nice level of play before his Knee shut him down. Lin is still a key player IMO. Melo, Lin and STAT are the main options for this team on offense IMO. The reason being that Lin handles the ball and is a penetrating PG. He has all kind of shots in his bag and showed that he can score everywhere on the court. Lin has a nice midrange and long range shot in addition to being able to finish at the rim. Lin is quick and actually big for a PG.

STAT is likely gonna be back to his old self since he is actually able to workout this summer unlike last summer. So many people forget that STAT was unable to work on his game or fitness and the extra weight seemed to hold him back. From all reports he's slimmed down a lot and should be ready to dominate again. Hopefully STAT comes back with some post moves, which would really be great.

Knicks should win the Atlantic and be a top 3 seed IMO. I feel that defense is going to be the reason this team is top 3. This team really could defend last year and now they're even deeper and tougher inside. We have more shotblocking and rebounding than we did last year and we have more solid PG as well. The team is just flat out better!!!

AnubisADL wrote:Melo is not the issue.

We have no idea what kind of production we are going to get from Lin and Amare this year.

You're joking...right??

So you don't think that "production" from Lin and Amare is linked (in many ways) to Anthony, and how he chooses to play, or not play?

An offense that is centered on one player will have an affect on everyone else. Lin, Amare, Chandler, and Novak will all be influenced by how Woodson organizes the offense and whether or not we are an isolation offense designed for Anthony, or a more opportunistic one that plays to everyone's respective strengths.

Watching how Kidd runs the offense when he is on the floor will be an interesting thing to see, IMO.

Seeding is difficult to project because we will be playing without Shumpert for about half the season. I just want to be the hot team at the end of the year. You also want to be in a bracket away from the Heat.

a lot depends on amar'e's outlook/performance next season and lin's sophomore campaign. if both things work out well and the team stays healthy, they could do better.

one thing to mention is that dwight and drose may be out at least as long as shump is. injuries will surely play a factor. as much as the knicks are relying on some 38yr old backups, the celtics are relying on a 38yr old starter.

it'll be fun to watch how it plays out.

but it would be disappointing if they didn't secure home court in the first round at least.

one thing to note - the last time melo played in the olympics, the next season he had arguably his best season and took the nuggets to the WCF.