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ESPN power rankings, Knicks #20
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martin
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8/22/2022  8:38 AM
Hard to argue that ESPN is doing it's usual click-bait by putting Knicks at #20.

Gonna be a dogfight for teams in the 12-22 range.

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34323187/nba-power-rankings-where-nets-lakers-all-30-teams-stand-ahead-2022-23-season

1. Golden State Warriors
Post-Finals ranking: 1
2023 title odds: +550

The Warriors lost Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr., but they brought in Donte DiVincenzo and JaMychal Green -- two players that, on paper, fit the Warriors' system. If they look as good with Golden State in reality as they do hypothetically -- in addition to their youngsters taking the next step and their core remaining the same -- the Warriors should be just as dangerous in 2022-23. -- Andrews

2. Boston Celtics
Post-Finals ranking: 2
2023 title odds: +450

After struggling offensively during the playoffs, Boston added two significant weapons -- guard Malcolm Brogdon and forward Danilo Gallinari -- without sacrificing a single player from the eight-man rotation that got the Celtics to last season's NBA Finals. Barring any blockbuster moves, Boston will go into next season as one of the deepest teams in the NBA. -- Bontemps
Editor's Picks

3. Milwaukee Bucks
Post-Finals ranking: 3
2023 title odds: +800

Would the Bucks have made it back to the NBA Finals if Khris Middleton had been healthy for their second-round matchup with the Celtics? We'll never know the answer, but Milwaukee is bringing back virtually its entire roster -- the Bucks re-signed Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, Wesley Matthews and Jevon Carter. The Bucks did add Joe Ingles, who will be 35 in October and is coming off an ACL tear, but if he can bounce back to his pre-injury form he could add some much-needed wing depth. -- Collier

4. Memphis Grizzlies
Post-Finals ranking: 4
2023 title odds: +2000

Memphis' biggest move of the offseason was landing a full five-year max deal for superstar guard Ja Morant. Signing his backup, Tyus Jones, on a new deal was no small feat, either. The impact of losing Kyle Anderson, a key part of their frontcourt rotation, will be one to monitor next season. -- Bontemps

5. Phoenix Suns
Post-Finals ranking: 7
2023 title odds: +800

What happens when Deandre Ayton returns to camp? The big man signed an offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers during free agency, but that deal was quickly matched by the Suns. Ayton averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds last season and has averaged a double-double in each of his four seasons in the league. Now, he gets the chance to continue building with the Suns, who are coming off a league-best 64 wins. -- Lopez

6. LA Clippers
Post-Finals ranking: 8
2023 title odds: +800

With Kawhi Leonard returning, the Clippers have put together one of the most expensive rosters in NBA history by re-signing Nicolas Batum and Amir Coffey, extending Ivica Zubac with a raise and adding John Wall. The Clippers do have one spot remaining for a training-camp battle, which could go to a replacement for departed Isaiah Hartenstein as a backup to Zubac in the middle. -- Pelton

7. Miami Heat
Post-Finals ranking: 6
2023 title odds: +1400

Losing P.J. Tucker hurts -- he was popular in the locker room and an important piece of a team that came within a couple plays of making the Finals. The Heat did re-sign Victor Oladipo and Dewayne Dedmon, but they have not found that extra piece that would help push them over the top in the East. The rumor mill will continue to connect them to Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell, but it remains to be seen if they have the pieces to make either deal a reality. -- Friedell

8. Dallas Mavericks
Post-Finals ranking: 5
2023 title odds: +2200

While the Mavericks traded for Christian Wood and signed JaVale McGee to dramatically change the look of their frontcourt, the move that will hang over Dallas heading into next season is Jalen Brunson leaving to sign with the Knicks. Now, Dallas will enter training camp with just two ball handlers on their roster -- though they are two pretty good ones in superstar Luka Doncic and 2021-22 midseason trade acquisition Spencer Dinwiddie. -- Bontemps

9. Denver Nuggets
Post-Finals ranking: 9
2023 title odds: +2000

The Nuggets will finally be healthy next season with the return of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., which should help Denver take a step forward. The loss of Monte Morris stings, but acquiring Ish Smith as a backup point guard helps. Signing Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope puts more impact players around two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. -- Andrews

10. Philadelphia 76ers
Post-Finals ranking: 11
2023 title odds: +1600

The 76ers knew they needed to shore up some weaknesses this offseason, namely athleticism, rebounding and toughness. By adding De'Anthony Melton, Danuel House Jr. and P.J. Tucker, Philadelphia did just that. Those moves were made possible largely because James Harden took a pay cut, which signaled everyone in the franchise is pulling in the same direction. -- Bontemps

11. Minnesota Timberwolves
Post-Finals ranking: 12
2023 title odds: +3500

The Timberwolves made the shocking move of the offseason when they unloaded several draft picks to bring in Rudy Gobert, arguably the NBA's best defensive player, to pair with another All-NBA center in Karl-Anthony Towns. Between watching how well those two mesh and how budding star Anthony Edwards evolves, there will be few more intriguing teams to watch next season than Minnesota -- a sentence that has rarely been said throughout the franchise's 30-plus years. -- Bontemps

12. Toronto Raptors
Post-Finals ranking: 15
2023 title odds: +2800

The Raptors didn't make any waves this offseason, retaining Chris Boucher and Thaddeus Young to continue to boast a roster with as many interchangeable 6-foot-8 players as any team in the NBA. And while the ongoing drama surrounding Durant continues to linger around the franchise, it's been made clear Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes won't be part of any potential package. -- Bontemps
2022-23 NBA Schedule

13. Brooklyn Nets
Post-Finals ranking: 10
2023 title odds: +1800

The summer of discontent continues for the Nets. Where Kevin Durant ultimately lands remains the single biggest question in the league -- and Kyrie Irving's future in Brooklyn might be the second biggest. The Nets added Royce O'Neale and T.J. Warren and were able to retain Patty Mills and Nic Claxton. Brooklyn could have a dangerous roster in place if Ben Simmons can return to form next season -- but Durant's future hovers over everything. -- Friedell

14. Chicago Bulls
Post-Finals ranking: 13
2023 title odds: +5000

Chicago made a few minor additions -- veterans Andre Drummond and Goran Dragic -- in free agency, but the health of Lonzo Ball will be perhaps their biggest storyline heading into training camp. The Bulls were a different team with Ball on the floor, but the club has remained vague about the status of his recovery from a season-ending left knee injury suffered in January. The Bulls are hopeful he will be ready for the start of camp. -- Collier

15. Atlanta Hawks
Post-Finals ranking: 19
2023 title odds: +5500

The Hawks made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason in late June when they traded for All-Star guard Dejounte Murray for three first-round picks (two unprotected). Now the Hawks move forward with a backcourt of Murray and Trae Young. Atlanta also added Justin Holiday and Aaron Holiday in separate deals, reuniting two of the league's three Holiday brothers while also picking up Frank Kaminsky. But all eyes will be on how Young and Murray mesh once training camp begins. -- Lopez

16. New Orleans Pelicans
Post-Finals ranking: 16
2023 title odds: +3500

It's been a relatively quiet offseason in New Orleans, aside from Zion Williamson inking a five-year designated rookie max extension. But that's what happens when you enter the offseason with 14 guaranteed contracts and a first-rounder. The Pelicans selected Dyson Daniels with the No. 8 overall pick they received from the Lakers in the Anthony Davis deal. Now, the focus will be on Williamson getting up to speed after missing the entire 2021-22 season. -- Lopez

17. Cleveland Cavaliers
Post-Finals ranking: 18
2023 title odds: +12500

The Cavs addressed a few items on their offseason checklist: signing Darius Garland to a five-year max extension, bringing back Ricky Rubio after his ACL tear in December and adding backup big Robin Lopez. Yet, Collin Sexton still remains unsigned after Cleveland extended a qualifying offer before the start of free agency, making him a restricted free agent. -- Collier

18. Los Angeles Lakers
Post-Finals ranking: 17
2023 title odds: +950

The Lakers hired highly regarded Darvin Ham as coach and wisely prioritized youth in free agency, filling out their bench by signing Troy Brown Jr., Thomas Bryant, Damian Jones, Juan Toscano-Anderson and Lonnie Walker IV. After signing LeBron James to a two-year extension, can they now find a way to trade Russell Westbrook for Kyrie Irving? If not, Ham's biggest challenge will be figuring out how Westbrook fits. -- Pelton

19. Portland Trail Blazers
Post-Finals ranking: 23
2023 title odds: +12500

The Blazers are hoping last year's lottery trip was a gap year due to Damian Lillard's abdominal surgery. They extended Lillard, dealt for starting forward Jerami Grant and re-signed Jusuf Nurkic and Anfernee Simons before signing Gary Payton II to strengthen the bench. Long term, No. 7 pick Shaedon Sharpe -- sidelined minutes into an NBA Summer League title run -- offers potential, but Portland's vets will be counted on to deliver an improved season. -- Pelton

20. New York Knicks
Post-Finals ranking: 22
2023 title odds: +7500

The Knicks -- finally -- have a point guard of both the present and future, landing Jalen Brunson as a free agent and giving the team a much-needed floor general. Will the Knicks, who have the most to offer in a Donovan Mitchell trade, find a way to add the Westchester native, too? -- Bontemps

21. Charlotte Hornets
Post-Finals ranking: 20
2023 title odds: +25000

The Hornets re-signed Cody Martin to a four-year deal and drafted big man Mark Williams out of Duke -- but the biggest news continues to revolve around Miles Bridges. The restricted free agent is facing three felony domestic violence charges and his future in the league is hazy at best. -- Friedell

22. Washington Wizards
Post-Finals ranking: 24
2023 title odds: +50000

The Wizards re-signed Bradley Beal to a max deal and he remains the focal point of everything the organization does. Washington also snagged Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis with the 10th pick in the draft, which should help take some offensive pressure off Beal. They also signed big man Taj Gibson, who will fit nicely as a veteran presence in the locker room. -- Friedell

23. Sacramento Kings
Post-Finals ranking: 25
2023 title odds: +35000

"We're getting 40 wins this year" is the rallying cry for Sacramento fans eager to crack the postseason for the first time since 2006. There's reason to believe the play-in at minimum is possible after No. 4 pick Keegan Murray impressed as MVP of the NBA Summer League, and the Kings added Kevin Huerter (via trade) and Malik Monk (via free agency) to their backcourt. Optimism is justified for Mike Brown's first season as coach. -- Pelton

24. Detroit Pistons
Post-Finals ranking: 27
2023 title odds: +50000

The Pistons came away from draft night feeling like one of the biggest winners in the league, landing guard Jaden Ivey at No. 5 and center Jalen Duren at No. 13. Together with Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart, they give Detroit a solid foundation. -- Collier

25. Utah Jazz
Post-Finals ranking: 14
2023 title odds: +30000

After trading Rudy Gobert to Minnesota for a boatload of draft picks and mostly expiring contracts, it is a new era in Salt Lake City. The only question now is how much longer Donovan Mitchell will remain there -- and how much the Jazz will get for him when he is inevitably moved. -- Bontemps

26. San Antonio Spurs
Post-Finals ranking: 21
2023 title odds: +100000

The rebuild is a full-go in San Antonio. The Spurs dealt Dejounte Murray, let Lonnie Walker IV walk and waived Danilo Gallinari -- the player they received in the Murray deal -- outright. With three first-round picks, the Spurs added Baylor's Jeremy Sochan, Ohio State's Malaki Branham and Notre Dame's Blake Wesley. All three players will be 19 when the season starts. The Spurs hope to have plenty of draft success in the future, especially after prying away three first-rounders from Atlanta in the Murray deal. -- Lopez

27. Indiana Pacers
Post-Finals ranking: 26
2023 title odds: +50000

The Pacers launched further into full rebuild mode, trading Malcolm Brogdon to the Celtics in the latest move to accumulate assets. Drafting Bennedict Mathurin and adding Jalen Smith gives the Pacers more intriguing young players next to promising young guard Tyrese Haliburton. -- Collier

28. Orlando Magic
Post-Finals ranking: 30
2023 title odds: +100000

Orlando's big decision came down during a dramatic draft night, when it selected Paolo Banchero with the No. 1 overall pick. The hope is that Banchero can develop into the face of the franchise star it hasn't had since Dwight Howard. The Magic re-signed Mo Bamba and Gary Harris -- now they have to hope Jonathan Isaac can still be a difference-maker as he returns from missing over two years because of a knee injury. -- Friedell

29. Oklahoma City Thunder
Post-Finals ranking: 28
2023 title odds: +50000

As usual, the Thunder were busy on draft night, making three of the first 12 picks. No. 2 selection Chet Holmgren showed his potential during summer league and immediately joins guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey in Oklahoma City's core, while Ousmane Dieng and Jalen Williams give the Thunder two more promising wings. -- Pelton

30. Houston Rockets
Post-Finals ranking: 29
2023 title odds: +100000

The Rockets continued their youth movement by drafting a pair of forwards -- Jabari Smith Jr. (third overall) and Tari Eason (17th) -- in June's draft. Smith now slots in alongside Jalen Green as the centerpieces of Houston's rebuild in the post-James Harden era, as the Rockets will have a very young, yet intriguing roster to follow. -- Bontemps

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Nalod
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8/22/2022  9:11 AM
I have no issues here. After the top 5 perhaps it gets tough. Also rosters are not finished. Nets could be the best team and win a chip or not make playoffs. Im not sure Dallas should be up there as I’d have PHilly and Denver over them. Mavs have a center?
Pelicans are a true enigma as well. Hornets without Miles Bridges makes them unbalanced and chemistry with Haywood and Melo Ball would be a story line that can go either way.
Naturally we talk if everyone is healthy and Nuggs have to be the most to gain if Murry and MPJ reemerge.

Just an weird thought that Memphis “magic dust” kind of wears off a bit? What a great chemistry/Dynamic as a TEAM but money, playing time, and ego has way of creeping in. What a fun team to watch.

Everyone hates playing with Chris Paul? Thats what we read. Monty Williams is a good one but this franchise could be rotting from its leadership changes if found ugly, Ayton empowered? And of course the hangover from not moving on last year. Some teams never recover from that.

Everyone talks about the clippers and I need to pay better attention to this. Just seems like one of PG13 and Kahwai get hurt.
Miami had like two good seaons in a row. They usually sneak a bad one in there from time to time.

Lets assume no DM, I expect/hope Brunsson unlocks and enhances the core talent. A healthy DDrose and a successful second unit EARNS more time and makes it easier for the first unit to be more effective. EF/Grimes are interganable. EF if not off to a good start could lose minutes to grimes.

Brunson
EF
RJ
Randle
Mitch

DR
Grimes
Cam
Obi
iHart

That is a fun look!!!!!!

Where does IQ play? Does Cam sit and Grimes at the 3? Has to be a trade here at some point. Drose likey goes at best 60 games. Thats not enough.

franco12
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8/22/2022  11:21 AM
Kinda hard to see the Nets, Lakers and Portland being projected over us. But, outside of that, the top 20 are definitely pretty solid and baring injury, hard to see us make significant headway.

But that is why they play the games!

martin
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8/22/2022  11:43 AM
Don't know if Nets will hold things together but their team is stacked and would definitely be better than Knicks if they do.

Portland will be interesting. Powell, CJ, Covington gone, Dame, Jerami Grant, Gary Payton, Shaedon Sharpe in. Hard to get a read on where they will land.

franco12 wrote:Kinda hard to see the Nets, Lakers and Portland being projected over us. But, outside of that, the top 20 are definitely pretty solid and baring injury, hard to see us make significant headway.

But that is why they play the games!

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KnickDanger
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8/22/2022  11:56 AM
Means squat. Certainly don't see the Knicks anywhere close to elite, but in the "10" area is definitely possible. Sliding much more I doubt barring catastrophe. But who the f#%k knows?
Swishfm3
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8/22/2022  6:42 PM
I'll be watching some Sacramento and Detroit games early on. With the off season moves they made, they have the potential to move up the ladder this season.

I am surprised that Boston is interested in Durant. They are stacked and I don't think they need him.

Clippers at 6 is surprising. Leonard and Wall with George is going to be crazy. I'm definitely picking them for the Western Finals this year.

M.Williams is going to have to feature Ayton more on offense this season. If they can't get him more involved, they are going to see a repeat of this past season.

Excited for this upcoming season.

Early pick for 2023 finals is a repeat of GS and Boston.

GustavBahler
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8/22/2022  8:04 PM
Looking at the teams ahead of us, I dont have a problem with our rank. I might switch Detroit and Cleveland. They dont mention the addition of Burks and Noel. If Noel can stay relatively healthy. They give a very young team production and experience.
SupremeCommander
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8/22/2022  8:16 PM
KnickDanger wrote:Means squat. Certainly don't see the Knicks anywhere close to elite, but in the "10" area is definitely possible. Sliding much more I doubt barring catastrophe. But who the f#%k knows?

same, and unless I miscounted, they have us at #10 in the East

DLeethal wrote: Lol Rick needs a safe space
gradyandrew
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8/22/2022  9:15 PM
Philly, Milwaukee, Denver, and Minnesota can all put huge lineups on the court. I don't really see the likes of Kevon Looney and Robert Williams grabbing many offensive boards against them.

I think Phoenix implodes this season. They got lucky last season padding their wins in a weak Western Conference. After NOP gave them all they could handle, I don't see anyone playing scared against them.

Huge roster turnover doesn't lead to success. Dame is playing with an entirely new set of guys.

Looming over it all is Victor Wembanya (?). More teams will throw in the towel earlier. Flattening the lottery odds gives even 5-10 more hope of moving up.

My biggest worry is that losing Taj was the canary in the coalmine.

EwingsGlass
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8/22/2022  9:32 PM
gradyandrew wrote:Philly, Milwaukee, Denver, and Minnesota can all put huge lineups on the court. I don't really see the likes of Kevon Looney and Robert Williams grabbing many offensive boards against them.

I think Phoenix implodes this season. They got lucky last season padding their wins in a weak Western Conference. After NOP gave them all they could handle, I don't see anyone playing scared against them.

Huge roster turnover doesn't lead to success. Dame is playing with an entirely new set of guys.

Looming over it all is Victor Wembanya (?). More teams will throw in the towel earlier. Flattening the lottery odds gives even 5-10 more hope of moving up.

My biggest worry is that losing Taj was the canary in the coalmine.

I am more a believer in Phoenix. They have one of the best balanced starting lineups in the league imo.

CP is HOF vet leader.
Booker is rising star
Mikal Bridges is a really good 3&D SF
Cam Johnson is a young workhorse PF. or Jae Crowder as defensive specialist.
Ayton is a emerging big who will continue to get better with age and strength.

They may have over performed at 64 wins last year, but I don’t see them as less than 58 wins without an injury. It’s well constructed.

Not sure they can handle GSW still, but I have them #2 in the West.

You know I gonna spin wit it
BigDaddyG
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8/22/2022  10:53 PM
EwingsGlass wrote:
gradyandrew wrote:Philly, Milwaukee, Denver, and Minnesota can all put huge lineups on the court. I don't really see the likes of Kevon Looney and Robert Williams grabbing many offensive boards against them.

I think Phoenix implodes this season. They got lucky last season padding their wins in a weak Western Conference. After NOP gave them all they could handle, I don't see anyone playing scared against them.

Huge roster turnover doesn't lead to success. Dame is playing with an entirely new set of guys.

Looming over it all is Victor Wembanya (?). More teams will throw in the towel earlier. Flattening the lottery odds gives even 5-10 more hope of moving up.

My biggest worry is that losing Taj was the canary in the coalmine.

I am more a believer in Phoenix. They have one of the best balanced starting lineups in the league imo.

CP is HOF vet leader.
Booker is rising star
Mikal Bridges is a really good 3&D SF
Cam Johnson is a young workhorse PF. or Jae Crowder as defensive specialist.
Ayton is a emerging big who will continue to get better with age and strength.

They may have over performed at 64 wins last year, but I don’t see them as less than 58 wins without an injury. It’s well constructed.

Not sure they can handle GSW still, but I have them #2 in the West.


I'm usually in the phuck ESPN train, but they do have a point with Ayton. He doesn't want to be there and they already showed that they don't really want him. Also, Paul's got to hit the wall at some point. I have them taking a step backwards unless they somehow get KD.
Always... always remember: Less is less. More is more. More is better and twice as much is good too. Not enough is bad, and too much is never enough except when it's just about right. - The Tick
GustavBahler
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8/22/2022  11:38 PM
Paul looked like he hit it, last postseason. Might not be able to handle a full season, and a deep playoff run anymore. Cant remember who the backup PG there is. If they trade Ayton, they should consider getting CP3 more help in that deal.

BigDaddyG wrote:
EwingsGlass wrote:
gradyandrew wrote:Philly, Milwaukee, Denver, and Minnesota can all put huge lineups on the court. I don't really see the likes of Kevon Looney and Robert Williams grabbing many offensive boards against them.

I think Phoenix implodes this season. They got lucky last season padding their wins in a weak Western Conference. After NOP gave them all they could handle, I don't see anyone playing scared against them.

Huge roster turnover doesn't lead to success. Dame is playing with an entirely new set of guys.

Looming over it all is Victor Wembanya (?). More teams will throw in the towel earlier. Flattening the lottery odds gives even 5-10 more hope of moving up.

My biggest worry is that losing Taj was the canary in the coalmine.

I am more a believer in Phoenix. They have one of the best balanced starting lineups in the league imo.

CP is HOF vet leader.
Booker is rising star
Mikal Bridges is a really good 3&D SF
Cam Johnson is a young workhorse PF. or Jae Crowder as defensive specialist.
Ayton is a emerging big who will continue to get better with age and strength.

They may have over performed at 64 wins last year, but I don’t see them as less than 58 wins without an injury. It’s well constructed.

Not sure they can handle GSW still, but I have them #2 in the West.


I'm usually in the phuck ESPN train, but they do have a point with Ayton. He doesn't want to be there and they already showed that they don't really want him. Also, Paul's got to hit the wall at some point. I have them taking a step backwards unless they somehow get KD.
GustavBahler
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8/23/2022  12:16 AM
Crazy reuinion trade idea..

Reuinite CP3/AD/Westbrook in Phoenix. They know what did and didnt work the first time. The biggest "ifs" other than chemistry, would be AD's health, and Westbrook buying into playing reserve PG.

Have no idea if its doable, but that would be fun to watch. Not for the drama, seeing if they could make it work.

EwingsGlass
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8/23/2022  6:43 AM
GustavBahler wrote:Paul looked like he hit it, last postseason. Might not be able to handle a full season, and a deep playoff run anymore. Cant remember who the backup PG there is. If they trade Ayton, they should consider getting CP3 more help in that deal.

BigDaddyG wrote:
EwingsGlass wrote:
gradyandrew wrote:Philly, Milwaukee, Denver, and Minnesota can all put huge lineups on the court. I don't really see the likes of Kevon Looney and Robert Williams grabbing many offensive boards against them.

I think Phoenix implodes this season. They got lucky last season padding their wins in a weak Western Conference. After NOP gave them all they could handle, I don't see anyone playing scared against them.

Huge roster turnover doesn't lead to success. Dame is playing with an entirely new set of guys.

Looming over it all is Victor Wembanya (?). More teams will throw in the towel earlier. Flattening the lottery odds gives even 5-10 more hope of moving up.

My biggest worry is that losing Taj was the canary in the coalmine.

I am more a believer in Phoenix. They have one of the best balanced starting lineups in the league imo.

CP is HOF vet leader.
Booker is rising star
Mikal Bridges is a really good 3&D SF
Cam Johnson is a young workhorse PF. or Jae Crowder as defensive specialist.
Ayton is a emerging big who will continue to get better with age and strength.

They may have over performed at 64 wins last year, but I don’t see them as less than 58 wins without an injury. It’s well constructed.

Not sure they can handle GSW still, but I have them #2 in the West.


I'm usually in the phuck ESPN train, but they do have a point with Ayton. He doesn't want to be there and they already showed that they don't really want him. Also, Paul's got to hit the wall at some point. I have them taking a step backwards unless they somehow get KD.

Cam Payne is a solid backup PG at 6mm per.

You know I gonna spin wit it
BigDaddyG
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8/23/2022  7:06 AM
EwingsGlass wrote:
GustavBahler wrote:Paul looked like he hit it, last postseason. Might not be able to handle a full season, and a deep playoff run anymore. Cant remember who the backup PG there is. If they trade Ayton, they should consider getting CP3 more help in that deal.

BigDaddyG wrote:
EwingsGlass wrote:
gradyandrew wrote:Philly, Milwaukee, Denver, and Minnesota can all put huge lineups on the court. I don't really see the likes of Kevon Looney and Robert Williams grabbing many offensive boards against them.

I think Phoenix implodes this season. They got lucky last season padding their wins in a weak Western Conference. After NOP gave them all they could handle, I don't see anyone playing scared against them.

Huge roster turnover doesn't lead to success. Dame is playing with an entirely new set of guys.

Looming over it all is Victor Wembanya (?). More teams will throw in the towel earlier. Flattening the lottery odds gives even 5-10 more hope of moving up.

My biggest worry is that losing Taj was the canary in the coalmine.

I am more a believer in Phoenix. They have one of the best balanced starting lineups in the league imo.

CP is HOF vet leader.
Booker is rising star
Mikal Bridges is a really good 3&D SF
Cam Johnson is a young workhorse PF. or Jae Crowder as defensive specialist.
Ayton is a emerging big who will continue to get better with age and strength.

They may have over performed at 64 wins last year, but I don’t see them as less than 58 wins without an injury. It’s well constructed.

Not sure they can handle GSW still, but I have them #2 in the West.


I'm usually in the phuck ESPN train, but they do have a point with Ayton. He doesn't want to be there and they already showed that they don't really want him. Also, Paul's got to hit the wall at some point. I have them taking a step backwards unless they somehow get KD.

Cam Payne is a solid backup PG at 6mm per.

His shooting regressed quite a bit last year, especially in the playoffs. Can't be sure which Can is going to show up.

Always... always remember: Less is less. More is more. More is better and twice as much is good too. Not enough is bad, and too much is never enough except when it's just about right. - The Tick
Nalod
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8/23/2022  7:15 AM
Many fancied him to be our point guard prior to him resigning. He proved erratic as a back up and perhaps worse if he started.
As fans we get to move on to the next suggestion with no accountability.
HofstraBBall
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8/23/2022  3:31 PM
Picked Chicago, Boston and NO as my sleepers last year. 2 out three ain't bad....
See Denver, Nets, Clips and Portland going deep and Dallas, Miami dropping off.

Think Knicks at 20 may be a bit low. But that will depend on Randle and Barrett. Think many are expecting too much from Brunson. He is solid but it will be tough to meet some of these high expectations due to stellar playoff and new salary. Hope he does. If so, we will beat that #20 prediction!

'Knicks focus should be on players that have grown up playing soccer or cricket' - Triplethreat 8/28/2020
Philc1
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8/24/2022  9:07 PM    LAST EDITED: 8/24/2022  9:22 PM
franco12 wrote:Kinda hard to see the Nets, Lakers and Portland being projected over us. But, outside of that, the top 20 are definitely pretty solid and baring injury, hard to see us make significant headway.

But that is why they play the games!

As much as I can’t stand the diva triplets Durant, Kyrie and Simmons the nets have more talent than us. And it’s probably not even close.


I agree about lakers and Portland. Lakers are old and their window closed. Blazers will soon be forced to trade Lillard and go into full on fire sale rebuild

Philc1
Posts: 28286
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8/24/2022  9:08 PM
HofstraBBall wrote:Picked Chicago, Boston and NO as my sleepers last year. 2 out three ain't bad....
See Denver, Nets, Clips and Portland going deep and Dallas, Miami dropping off.

Think Knicks at 20 may be a bit low. But that will depend on Randle and Barrett. Think many are expecting too much from Brunson. He is solid but it will be tough to meet some of these high expectations due to stellar playoff and new salary. Hope he does. If so, we will beat that #20 prediction!

That’s about where we are. Brunson definitely an upgrade at pg but we have issues especially at PF.

ESPN power rankings, Knicks #20

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