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New York Knicks: Carmelo Anthony Has Enough Help To Win

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 28, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Knicks 99-91. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Knicks 99-91. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 2, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) reacts after dunking the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) reacts after dunking the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Assets

The New York Knicks are building a team that somewhat mirrors the structure of Phil Jackson’s championship squads. There’s a big point guard, two rim protectors, a high-energy perimeter defender, and a dynamic perimeter scorer.

The comparison is quite loose, but on the defensive end of the floor, the Knicks have the potential to be a Top 10-to-15 team in 2016-17.

The heart and soul of the Knicks’ defense will be what projects to be one of the best interiors in the NBA. Kristaps Porzingis was Top 20 in the NBA in defensive field goal percentage at the rim in 2015-16, while Joakim Noah won Defensive Player of the Year in 2013-14.

Along the perimeter, the combination of Courtney Lee, Justin Holiday, and Lance Thomas will be tasked with containing the opposition’s best scorers.

There are admittedly holes in the defensive rotation, but there should be at least three high-quality defenders on the court at all times.

The question marks can be found at point guard and small forward. Carmelo Anthony improved his defensive consistency a season ago, which is a promising sign, but neither Brandon Jennings nor Derrick Rose are known to be great defenders.

Jennings does an excellent job of creating turnovers, however, which is something that head coach Jeff Hornacek should be able to work with.

Next: Realistic Expectations

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