Now with all the bad games of last years early season, behind us, we look at a team that looks complete. The Knicks have become a much better team this year, most markedly, on the offensive end of the game.
Loaded up with shooters like J.R. Smith, Steve Novak, and Raymond Felton on their team who are all stroking it well from the outside. But truly important is how they are taking care of the ball and not turning it over as much as they did last year, with Jeremy Lin and Baron Davis at the PG spots. Lin turned the ball over 126 times, and Davis 76 times in only 29 games, combing for a total of approximately 7 turnovers/gm, to just 11 assists.
The Knicks have become a grim danger mainly because of the steady might that is Jason Kidd. Which I believe was the best “quiet” move of offseason. Knicks adding Kidd, brought a legit PG who knows how to give up the rock and find the open man, but also someone who can keep control on the team, even at 39 yrs old. His playing time, sitting at 30/game, has also made room for JR Smith to fill in adequately as well, and he has been wonderful.
Kidd’s game has been awesome with his deep ball that look as if it goes in all the time, knocking down 43% of them from beyond the arc this year to date. He comes up on the defensive end still, and has great veteran experience. Then of course, there is Amare Stoudemire’s homecoming, when on the court, the team seems to need the offensive flow they characteristically have. With Kidd, Amare just needs to just get in position and wait for the ball to get in his hands. Then of course, we need to see Amare with Melo on the court. One would think they would work great together, but it’s been established they don’t, their styles don’t mesh. Stoudemire is a naturally gifted athlete with a respectable shot out to about 15 feet, with amazing hops and can rebound when he feels motivated to do so, with a solid career 9 rpg avg. His defense has always been his problem, and as always he needs to step it up.
Melo is virtually unstoppable now. He has enhanced his game all over the floor. He has brought his teammates to another level with his on court with his leadership ability. He’s always been talented enough to drop 40+ easily. The more dangerous Melo is, the more dangerous the Knicks will become.
Novak is that perfect utility player who comes in and knocks down 25 footers, another one at 43%, if he could actually get himself a shot off a dribble, he could improve his game considerably. Feisty JR Smith has been playing remarkable, rapidly rising as one of the key rudiments to the Knicks success this season as well. Playing as 6th man, he wasn’t thrilled with in the beginning, now having effectively the green light to come in and score the ball, which he does with ease.
Even Tyson Chandlers offense game has improved, putting in 13 / game on the season, compared to his 9 ppg career numbers. He has been expected to pick up the scoring a bit devoid of Amare. The one possible trouble they could run into could be if either he or Amare gets hurt once more, which both have had their problems, could be a devastating blow to the team.
Not a whole lot was anticipated from the Knicks this season after last season’s blowout vs the Heat, in the 1st round. Ending with a tolerable 36-30 record and an optimistic playoff run last year, that fell terribly short. They have outperformed most expectations this year so far.
