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

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Nov 6, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Utah Jazz small forward Joe Johnson (6) shoots the ball over New York Knicks shooting guard Courtney Lee (5) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Utah won 114-109. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /

The Defense Shouldn’t Be This Bad

As previously alluded to, the New York Knicks rank dead last in the NBA in points allowed per 100 possessions. New York is also No. 26 in scoring defense and opponent field goal percentage, which paints quite the obvious picture: the defense is atrocious.

Though the Knicks may continue to struggle on the defensive end of the floor in 2016-17, it’s hard to imagine that a team with this much talent will continue to be this bad.

New York’s roster includes the 2014 Defensive Player of the Year and a 7’3″ shot-blocking menace. Based on the presence of Joakim Noah and Kristaps Porzingis alone, the Knicks’ defense should be significant better than it has been.

Keep in mind, the Knicks ranked No. 10 in scoring defense and No. 18 in defensive efficiency with one of the worst perimeters in the NBA in 2015-16.

Jose Calderon and an unmotivated Arron Afflalo have been replaced by Derrick Rose and Courtney Lee. Rose is no lockdown defender, but he can create turnovers and Lee is one of the more respected defenders at his position.

Throw in Justin Holiday and Lance Thomas, and the Knicks have too many high-quality defenders to continue struggling to this degree.

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