New York Knicks: Five Reasons To Calm Down And Let 2016-17 Play Out

Nov 6, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) congratulates point guard Derrick Rose (25) along with small forward Lance Thomas (42) and shooting guard Courtney Lee (5) during the fourth quarter against the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden. Utah won 114-109. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) congratulates point guard Derrick Rose (25) along with small forward Lance Thomas (42) and shooting guard Courtney Lee (5) during the fourth quarter against the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden. Utah won 114-109. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
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The New York Knicks have struggled during the opening weeks of the 2016-17 NBA regular season. Don’t give up on your beloved Knicks.


Nov 6, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) congratulates point guard Derrick Rose (25) along with small forward Lance Thomas (42) and shooting guard Courtney Lee (5) during the fourth quarter against the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden. Utah won 114-109. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) congratulates point guard Derrick Rose (25) along with small forward Lance Thomas (42) and shooting guard Courtney Lee (5) during the fourth quarter against the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden. Utah won 114-109. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

If you’re a fan, supporter, or viewer of the New York Knicks, then you can likely relate to the current feeling of relentless frustration. No matter how promising they may appear to be on paper, the Knicks have only made four postseason appearances since 2001.

With a 2-4 record after six games in 2016-17, the Knicks are again in a rather disconcerting position.

New York currently ranks No. 30 in defensive efficiency with 110.9 points allowed per 100 possessions. It’s also No. 26 in points allowed per game and opponent field goal percentage, and No. 28 in opponent 3-point field goal percentage.

That atrocious defense has been the catalyst for the Knicks’ shortcomings during the 2016-17 NBA regular season.

Though it’s fair to be concerned, there’s also reason to believe New York could soon turn things around. Optimism is tough to find amongst Knicks fans, and with good reason, but it’s far too soon to give up on the 2016-17 team.

The question is: why should you be optimistic enough to let the 2016-17 NBA regular season play out before giving up on the Knicks?