New York Knicks: 10 Keys to Making the Playoffs

Jan 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) stretches with bands prior to a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Knicks defeated the 76ers 98-91. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

1. Carmelo Anthony

With all due respect to the other members of the New York Knicks, this team isn’t scratching the surface of the postseason without a monster year from Carmelo Anthony. He needs to be at his best on a nightly basis, scoring and leading at a superstar’s level.

There’s an intriguing amount of depth surrounding him, but no one other than Anthony can be trusted to consistently create their own offense.

New York should improve defensively, and that would be of great help to the 2013 scoring champion. The lower the number of points he must account for, the lighter the burden.

Regardless of how much his team helps, however, the season still rests on Anthony’s shoulders.

This could be Anthony’s iconic campaign, a la Allen Iverson in 2000-01, Kobe Bryant in 2005-06 or LeBron James in 2006-07. It also be the third straight season during which he misses the postseason.

If New York has any shot at making the playoffs, it’ll need Anthony to be at his very best.

Next: Which members of the New York Knicks will exceed expectations?

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