Offensive Firepower
In terms of pure personnel, the New York Knicks don’t have an elite offensive unit. Between the individual specialties of the players, the upside of the heir to Carmelo Anthony’s throne, and the coaching prowess of Jeff Hornacek, Top 10 production is a realistic goal.
Anthony’s a dominant enough scorer to anchor an offensive attack, but in 2016-17, he should have enough help to lead a productive all-around group.
Derrick Rose ranked No. 9 in the NBA with 6.9 points via drives per game in 2015-16. By comparison, the Knicks ranked dead last in the Association with 10.4 points via drives per game—just 3.5 more than Rose had individually.
Throw in the arrival of sixth man Brandon Jennings, who boasts career averages of 15.5 points, 5.9 assists, and 1.8 3-point field goals made per game, and point guard should be a strength.
That alone is an upgrade over the 2015-16 situation, when neither Jose Calderon nor Jerian Grant consistently created offense for themselves or others.
Courtney Lee and Justin Holiday are both capable 3-point shooters who should help space the floor at shooting guard. Joakim Noah is a brilliant passer, Lance Thomas can do a bit of everything, and the sky is the limit for Kristaps Porzingis.
As Porzingis enters his second NBA season with invaluable experience under his belt, he should round out an offense that ideally complements Anthony.
Next: The Defense