With the 2016-17 NBA season on the horizon, the NBA released the GM survey with some notable mentions from the New York Knicks.
The NBA regular season is around the corner. The New York Knicks will kick off the 2016-17 regular season on October 25, when they take on the defending NBA champions: the Cleveland Cavaliers.
With the preseason closing soon, the NBA has released its annual GM survey. The GM survey features a list of many awards such as who will win the MVP award or which player is most likely to have a breakout season.
With all the categories that were listed, the New York Knicks made a few appearances on the survey.
- Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2016-17? – Kristaps Porzingis – Also receiving votes
- Which one-player acquisition will make the biggest impact? – Derrick Rose – Also receiving votes
- Who was the most underrated player acquisition? – Courtney Lee, New York – Also receiving votes
- Which team will be most improved in 2016-17? – 3. New York – 10.0%
- Who is the best international player in the NBA? – 4. Kristaps Porzingis, New York – 12.1%
- Which player would you want taking a shot with the game on the line? – Carmelo Anthony – Also receiving votes
The most notable player on the GM survey was mentioned multiple times: Kristaps Porzingis. Many expect Porzingis to take a huge step forward in his second season. He showcased some of his improvements during the preseason.
He showed his effectiveness from 3-point range against the Houston Rockets, as he shot 5/6 from beyond the arc.
While the 7’3″ power forward won’t be that effective throughout the season, his shooting will still be a valuable asset that he will bring to the table.
Derrick Rose and Carmelo Anthony will take the majority of the shots, but that shouldn’t be a negative. It will give Porzingis a better opportunity to develop his ball-handling and his post game. The Knicks forward has worked on adding strength to his lower body during the offseason.
Derrick Rose hasn’t been available for most of the preseason, so he hasn’t had the opportunity to develop chemistry with his new team. He’s missed multiple weeks of practice, but there is a chance Rose will participate in a few practices before the season opener in Cleveland.
If that happens, it’s likely the former MVP will start against the Cavaliers on Oct. 25.
"“We’ll have to see how he is, but I would anticipate yes, he probably would,” Hornacek said after practice on Tuesday. “If we had no practices or one practice and then we had to play the game then maybe it would be a different story. But we have three days to practice, he was there at training camp, so he has seen our stuff.”"
It’s already know that he’s a clear upgrade from the guards the Knicks trotted out last season. While Rose has only played in one preseason game, he’s shown glimpses of being the Derrick Rose of old.
He has the ability to attack the basket. Instead of taking a difficult shot in the lane, he’ll kick it out for a better opportunity. That was something he displayed against the Houston Rockets when he kicked it out to Porzingis, who knocked down a 3-point shot.
Behind the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz, the Knicks round out the Top 3 in terms of most improved teams. When you take a look at the past two seasons, New York has made a lot of improvements. Two seasons ago, the Knicks finished with a 17-65 record, which was a franchise-record for most losses in a season.
Even with a struggling backcourt and the productivity of then-rookie forward Kristaps Porzingis, the Knicks managed to win 32 games—a 15 win increase—in 2015-16. The Knicks have since revamped their backcourt by adding Rose and a defensive-minded guard in Courtney Lee.
Along with Rose and Lee, New York made a great signing by bringing in Brandon Jennings on a one-year deal. With all the improvements, it’s expected the Knicks make another leap in the win column.
Jennings is expected to spark the second unit with the hopes of securing the Sixth Man of the Year award. On multiple occasions during the preseason, he has shown the ability to be a facilitator and has set up his teammates in the right situation.
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There’s a belief that the Knicks can see their win total increase again. The roster is improved compared to the previous seasons’. New York may have to win around 43-45 games in order to secure a playoff spot.
If Kristaps Porzingis can take a leap forward and if Derrick Rose can be a player who provides a big impact, the New York Knicks will have a chance at ending their three-year playoff drought.