Knicks Players Thriving in 2015-16 Season
By Lucas Chang
Last season the New York Knicks had the second worst record in the NBA, along with the worst record in franchise history. While winning only 17 games, Knick fans were absolutely disgusted with the team’s performance night in and night out.
However after a busy offseason, Knicks president Phil Jackson acquired some quality veteran free agents, who contribute on both ends of the floor, and are willing to do whatever it takes to turn this franchise around. With the triangle offense, there are equal opportunities for players to thrive game in and game out. Here is a list of players that will have solid years for the Knicks in 2015-16 NBA season.
It’s no question that Carmelo Anthony is looking to have a bounce back year after sitting out most of last season with a patella injury. In the offseason, there were rumors that said Anthony was requesting a trade from the Knicks, and that he doesn’t believe in Phil Jackson’s plans. Fans called him out on social media questioning his commitment to being a leader for the Knicks, claiming he should leave New York for the sake of the franchise.
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This no doubt adds fuel to the fire for Anthony and company this season. He looked sharp in the preseason, averaging about 14.4 points a game, while shooting 47% from the floor. His jump shot looks sweet, and he has lost weight in the offseason from the looks of it. What’s most impressive is Anthony’s new commitment on the defensive end of the floor. According to Ian Begley of ESPN, Anthony has said that he wants the coaching staff to hold him accountable for any mistakes he makes on the court, especially on defense.
"“Call it out in the film session so everybody can see that and hear that. By them doing that, it kind of forces me to be at the top-level of my game on both ends of the court,” Anthony said after the Knicks’ 94-88 preseason victory over the Sixers on Monday.”I think it brings the best out of me and if you bring the best out of me, I think it will bring the best out of everyone on the team.”"
Even though Anthony is 31 years old, he still believes he is in his prime and can play at a very high level for the next 4-5 years. Most of his critics say he’s on the downside of his career, but Anthony strongly believes otherwise.
He is using the 2014-15 season as motivation to have a strong year and prove everybody wrong. Look for Anthony to have a strong year, maybe even an MVP caliber year depending on his health throughout the season
Most fans questioned Jackson’s reasoning for signing Derrick Williams in the offseason to a two-year 9.5 million dollar deal. After being selected 2nd overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, Williams was considered a bust after having disappointing years with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Sacramento Kings.
His former coaches say he has failed to find his niche in the NBA because he has a low basketball IQ and isn’t an intelligent player. However throughout the preseason, Williams has thrived in the triangle offense, scoring in transition, shooting from the perimeter, and making consistent athletic plays.
Williams was the Knicks leading scorer in the preseason, cracking double figures almost every game he’s played. In the opening game against Milwaukee, Williams came off the bench to led the Knicks in scoring. He recorded 24 points and 7 rebounds, along with playing solid defense.
With his tremendous athletic ability, his improved jump shot, and his increased role in the triangle offense, Williams has a chance to have a breakout year while providing energy coming off the bench for New York.
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After playing with the Orlando Magic for 3 plus years, O’Quinn returns to his hometown Knicks this past offseason in a trade made by Phil Jackson. While with Orlando, he began falling out of the rotation, due to arguments with the coaching staff and management. He was reduced to a bench role and rarely got to use his talents on the court. However, O’Quinn is looking to make a significant impact this season for the New York Knicks.
Although he isn’t an all-star player, O’Quinn provides tough defense, and rebounding, something the Knicks have severely lacked for years. Throughout he preseason and training camp, he has thrived in the triangle offense with his post game, mid range shooting, and toughness in the paint.
In addition to that, O’Quinn has recently emerged as a veteran voice in the looker room, and is looking to become a leader for the franchise. In almost every game he has played in for the Knicks, he has been a force in the paint, averaging double figure rebounds night in and night out. With his relentlessness on both ends of the floor, along with his veteran leadership, Kyle O’Quinn will have a very solid year for the New York Knicks this upcoming season.