New York Knicks: What Are The Expectations For The 2016-17 Season?
The Checklist
There are a lot of factors that have to fall in place in order for the New York Knicks to have success. Let’s make a small checklist.
The number one thing is the most important one: health. Derrick Rose (47 games), Carmelo Anthony (52 games), Joakim Noah (68 games), and Brandon Jennings (75 games) have missed significant playing time over the past two seasons.
The second thing has to do with the number two player on the roster. Can Kristaps Porzingis step up in his second season? Last season, Porzingis had one of the best rookie seasons in NBA history.
He recorded upwards of 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 blocks, and 75 3-point field goals—the only rookie who has ever done that.
It’s hard to take many things out of two preseason games, but the Knicks should be happy with what they’ve seen out of their 7’3″ forward. He’s felt confident with his 3-point shots and looked solid on defense so far.
When some thought he would struggle on defense, he had a productive season on the defensive side as a rookie.
The third is the depth. The Knicks put a lot of offseason work in their starting lineup with the additions of Derrick Rose, Courtney Lee, and Joakim Noah. Brandon Jennings, who has spent most of his career as a starter, has embraced his role as the sixth man.
He has even made it a goal to win the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Along with Jennings, Lance Thomas is looking to bolster the team’s second unit. Newly-aquired Justin Holiday is looking to find a home on a team, as he is on his fifth NBA team after going undrafted in 2011.
So far through the preseason, Ron Baker and Chasson Randle look poised to grab the final roster spot.