Knicks amongst top tier of teams hoping to seal high seeding.
With 54 wins and a second place finish in the Eastern Conference last season, the expectations for the New York Knicks this year are high after their impressive campaign.
While the average age of the squad was perhaps too high, they thrilled their supporters during the regular season with their style of play before being undone by the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the play-offs.
However, with some key additions this off-season they will hope to use last year as the foundation for another successful year where Carmelo Anthony will again lead them with his consistent high-scoring performances.
Combined with J.R. Smith’s threat off the bench and the talent provided from the likes of Raymond Felton, Andrea Bargnani and Metta World Peace, they will be confident that they have an all-round stronger roster this time round with more quality as well as depth.
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether or not coach Mike Woodson can maintain their thrilling play from beyond the arc, with their three-pointing shooting a hallmark of their success last year.
More will be required from Tyson Chandler as the defensive stalwart in the team, while Anthony will have to reach the same level of scoring on a nightly basis to ensure that the Knicks remain competitive amongst their rivals in the East.
Neighbours the Brooklyn Nets have strengthened significantly over the summer, while the Chicago Bulls have their star point guard back and the Pacers and Miami Heat perhaps remain the teams to beat.
However, there is more than enough to suggest that the Knicks will be challenging amongst that top group come the end of the regular season, and with performances improving in the play-offs year-on-year, they will be desperate to extend their season further.
As with most teams in the NBA, if they can stay healthy then they are a dangerous proposition for any opponent, and with Anthony firing there are few who will argue that the Knicks are a team to watch in the coming year.
New York Knicks: 5th
Rankings
Offence: 9
Defence: 7
Front court: 8
Back court: 7
Bench: 7
Coach: 8
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