(a sorta) League Preview: New York Knicks

Having reviewed the League’s sorriest, we now examine a group of 8 whose fate is less clear. Yes, they sort of suck and will most likely populate the lottery. And yet, they have enough balance and potential fire power to get a sniff at an 8 seed if they gel as a unit. Back to the Atlantic Division.

New York Knicks

PG Chris Duhon Toney Douglas
SG Larry Hughes Joe Crawford
SF Wilson Chandler Danilo Gallinari
PF Al Harrington Jordan Hill Jared Jefferies
C Darko Milicic Eddy Curry

Looking at that sorry group of clowns listed above, you know I am assuming that reports of one-year deals for both David Lee and Nate Robinson are true. Without Lee AND Robinson, the Knicks could slip to the sorriest, no problem.

New York separates themselves from the suckers largely because of Mike D’Antoni. Once again, the Knicks are trotting out a team without the talent to be much more than mediocre. But the young guys found a bit of a flow last season. With Lee, Harrington, Chandler, Duhon and Robinson, they return a core that understands the system. Both Chandler and Gallinari have the potential for a break out season. Duhon is decent conductor. They can put up some serious points. Fun stuff.

The Knicks defense in horrible. Even with maximum effort, the team’s personnel simply is not up to the task. Lee has great energy and skill. But he is a 6’9 center. Harrington is a 6’8 power forward. Youch. Hughes at shooting guard is another red flag. With the ‘crossing our fingers for 2010’ plan in full effect, the Knicks are in the awful position of needing a good 65-75 games from the oft injured Hughes. Scary.

Likely lottery in New York, but there may be glimmers of hope until the All-Star break. And that is progress in Knick land.