The most anticipated off-season in the history of any professional sport came and went with a disappointing ending. The Knicks among other teams slashed payroll trading away good players merely because of their high salaries to get under the cap to land one of the big names. There were so many available LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Amar'e Stoudemire, Carlos Boozer, Dirk Nowitzki, Rudy Gay, Joe Johnson, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Chris Bosh, etc. etc.
The Knicks seemed destined to land the big fish in LeBron James but we all know how that ended. LeBron embarrassed himself on national television with a shirt that was buttoned to high on "The Decision" where he decided to take his "talents to South Beach." D-Wade's diabolical plan worked to perfection as he lured LeBron Shames and the "Rupaul of big men" Chris Bosh to Miami.
While most of the other free agents chose to stay with their current teams Amar'e Stoudemire chose to leave Phoenix and sign with the New York Knicks. Upon signing Amar'e proclaimed "the Knicks are back" and they are back. They are not a championship contender just yet but they are a respectable team that can sneak into the playoffs as soon as this season.
They can sneak into the playoffs IF Raymond Felton and Amar'e form a nice relationship. IF Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler continue to improve. IF Timofey Mozgov can perform like he has in the preseason. IF Anthony Randolph can perform like the "young Lamar Odom" some people call him. IF this team can play some defense. You see what I'm getting at?
The 2010-2011 New York Knicks Season is the year of the IF
Player By Player Breakdown - Alphabetically
Kelenna Azubuike - SG - 6-5 - 215
Acquired in the David Lee deal but is currently recovering from knee surgery. IF he comes around and is his old self he can be a very good 3 point shooter and slasher. But trading for an injured guy? Come on Mr. Walsh you are better then that.
Wilson Chandler - SG/SF/PF - 6-8 - 225
One of the few bright spots on the Knicks constantly changing roster over the last few years is finally going to get to start consistently....it seems. Chandler's jumper has been improving and he can flat out dunk it on anybody in the NBA....yes anybody. IF he continues to improve he can really make some noise and open some eyes around the league.
Eddy Curry - C - 7-0 - 678
What a waste of money, roster spot(for Patrick Ewing Jr.), first round picks and talent. The one positive is his huge expiring contract that could land the Knicks a solid player before the deadline. Your welcome for the picks Chicago you should thank the genius Isiah Thomas who the Knicks want to bring back to the team for some reason.
Toney Douglas - PG - 6-2 - 185
Showed flashes last year and could turn into a solid pro one day. The signing of Raymond Felton sent Douglas to the backup roll for at least the next 2 years.
Raymond Felton - PG - 6-1 - 205
The best all around starting point guard the Knicks have had in a long time and don't tell me "Star"bury. Felton is a leader on the court, in the locker room and he gained valuable playoff experience last season with the Charlotte Bobcats. He will be dishing to the best player he has ever played with in Amar'e Stoudemire so the opportunity is there for him to make it happen.
Landry Fields - SG/SF - 6-7 - 210
The rookie has impressed me in the summer league as well as in the preseason showing very good athleticism with a decent shot. However, lets see if he can do it when the opponents are playing for real.
Danilo Gallinari - SF - 6-10 - 225
Has continued to grow up in front of our eyes defensively where he seems to have improved. There is one thing for sure though he can shoot the 3s with the best of them and has had a knack for the clutch shot. Galo needs to get a little meaner out on the court and not let the opposition push him around.
Roger Mason Jr. - SG - 6-5 - 205
The journeyman is a lethal 3 point shooter who has hit some clutch shots for the Spurs the past 2 seasons. The jury is still out on how much playing time Mason will receive.
Timofey Mozgov - C - 7-1 - 250
The Russian sensation could be the biggest sleeper this season in the entire NBA. He can shoot, run the floor and he can block shots as well. Just watch fellow Knick fans we might have found something with this guy and I'm not "Russian" judgment...pun intended.
Anthony Randolph - PF/C - 6-11 - 225
The thin big man has the potential to be a very good player in this league but talent alone doesn't always equal production. He's another huge IF on this team that could turn out to be one of the biggest lopsided trades in Knicks history (favoring Golden State). The Knicks traded away an All-Star in David Lee for a knee injury(Azibuke), a question mark(Randolph), and a hustle guy(Turiaf).
Andy Rautins - PG - 6-4 - 190
The upstate New York and Syracuse legend surprised me by making the roster. He has a lot of heart and determination but heart plus determination does not always equal playing time.
Amar'e Stoudemire - PF/C - 6-10 - 240
The big free agent pick up has been dissed by a lot of "experts" out there who claim he benefited from playing with Steve Nash but who wouldn't? Don't compare Amar'e to the other players that left Nashty's side and then watched their careers go down....he is head and shoulders better then those guys (Marion, Q-Rich, Diaw, etc).
The 5 time All-Star and 1 time All NBA First Teamer will be back on both of those teams this year. Does anybody think that Nash benefited from playing with a player the caliber of Amar'e? Or is it just Amar'e who benefited from playing with Nash?
Yeah Amar'e needs a good point guard to play well but so do other great big men like Dwight Howard or Shaq. Think about it not many big men have a Patrick Ewing Sr. type of jump shot.
Ronny Turiaf - PF/C - 6-10 - 245
The hustle guy was probably the best player they received in the debacle of a David Lee trade but that is not saying much. However, Turiaf will absolutely contribute to this team and see consistent minutes throughout the season.
Bill Walker - SG - 6-6 - 220
The athletic 2 guard is a good bench player to have and is a better shooter then people give him credit for. It is still unclear what his role will be on the Knicks this season.
Shawne Williams - SF/PF - 6-9 - 225
The last guy on the bench probably only made the team over Patrick Ewing Jr. because Donnie Walsh drafted him while he was running the show in Indiana.
My Starting 5
5. Timofey Mozgov
4. Amar'e Stoudemire
3. Danilo Gallinari
2. Wilson Chandler
1. Raymond Felton
Projected Statistical Leaders
Scoring - Stoudemire
Rebounding - Stoudemire
Assists - Felton
Steals - Felton
Blocks - Mozgov/Chandler
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