And we are back! Quite honestly, I didn't think we'd have NBA basketball this year. However, the sheer voice of my tag team partner in the morning urgently waking me up to the beautiful words of, "Heeeyyy, the NBA just announced they agreed to a deal, there is going to be a season", was a Christmas gift come early. Ahhh, like music to my ears. No offense to college basketball, which I do enjoy, and the National Hockey League, which still failed to grab my attention with no opportunity better than having an NBA lockout, but the NBA is my winter focus. When Roger Hornsby answered the question of what he does in the Winter when there is no baseball with the slight quip that he stares out the window and waits for Spring, I can understand and second that sentiment. Except, unlike Mr. Hornsby, I can't stare outside that long waiting for Spring, and the NBA gets me there much quicker, especially my oh so beloved New York Knicks.
And yes, this year we are placing the "oh
so" in front of the "beloved" because when you love something, and that
thing loves you back, it is a beautiful thing. It just gives you that warm feeling inside. This year, the Knick organization is giving the love back to those that waited ten years for it. This year, with a
roster that boasts Amar'e Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony, and the new
addition of Tyson Chandler, the talk is no longer about making the
playoffs, but there is whisper of that other word that almost seems
strange to Knicks fans - Championship.
Championship? What?
Believe it.
Championship? What?
Believe it.
Folks, that is our reality after ten-plus years of a dreadful nightmare. I'm
so excited about this year, I won't even touch base on the large amount
of fans that have jumped aboard the bandwagon. Hop aboard. You're still
a fraud, or better yet, a fraudbag, and any of our success won't mean
anything or as much to you as it does to the die hard - at all. But
hey, all of your teams win anyway, right?
Okay, I guess I just did address them.
Oops. Nonetheless, in DP tradition, let's take a look at the five keys
to the Knicks Season.
1. Chemistry - Last
year, this was a concern with a new point guard, some drafted pieces, and
getting acquainted to how Stoudemire would fit in this City. After a
poor 3-8 start, that group played a bit over .500 ball during their time
together until another team shakeup, and probably one of the biggest
trades in franchise history. Following the acquisition of Carmelo
Anthony, the team floundered down the stretch as Carmelo and Stoudemire
struggled to gel. This year, due to the lockout, there is a limited training
camp and a laughable ore-season schedule. Learning on the fly is once again on the agenda, and with other
pieces being added, including two time All-Star, Baron Davis, clicking
is the key to the season. Over the past four years, the Knicks have had
several different rollovers (Poor Coach D'Antoni). Finally, there seems to
be a core in place for the long haul, and the rumors of future
acquisitions is now over. The window is open, and it is time to get
through it. Yet, coming and playing together will be the most important
issue.
2. De-Fense! - Ah yes, a religious
chants in the halls of Madison Square Garden, yet, often practiced in
the sanctuary. As much as D'Antoni claims to have preached defense, the
numbers, reputation, and well, quite honestly, the product reflects a
different result. However, the addition of Mike Woodson alongside
D'Antoni can give the team a different look and a different voice that can
hold players accountable on the defensive end. And oh yeah, having an
athletic 7'1'' shot blocking athlete at Center doesn't hurt either. Ask
the Dallas Mavericks how valuable Chandler was to their run.
3.
Depth - 66 games in 120 days. The schedule is insane. And if you
remember the 98-99 lockout shortened season,
there was a lot of bad basketball. Also, there was a trend of coaches
planning through their schedule like baseball managers, by giving stars
a day off, and constantly rotating all twelve guys to keep everyone
fresh. Expect the same this year. I see STAT taking nights off to
preserve those knees and legs. Adding depth is going to be key for every
team in the league, and D'Antoni a subscriber to the short rotation
theory, will have to break his philosophy to be successful.
Speaking of the 98-99 lockout, I recall us making it to the NBA Finals that year. I'd definitely take a repeat on that bit of history.
Speaking of the 98-99 lockout, I recall us making it to the NBA Finals that year. I'd definitely take a repeat on that bit of history.
4.
Backcourt - The general concern seems to be the back court of the New
York Knicks. While the frontcourt is by far the best in the sport, there
is a lot left to be desired in the back court. However, what many fail
to realize is that this team will be running through Carmelo Anthony,
who is very underrated for his court vision and as a passer. D'Antoni
has visions to use Melo in a vintage system similar to the old Celtics,
where Larry Bird acted as
a point forward facilator. I've been salivating at the thought since
last February of a Melo and STAT high pick and roll offense. How do you
defend that? And if the worries still persist for you about the back
court, well Baron Davis should join the fold shortly, and Toney Douglas
remains a bulldog on the defensive end. And please keep an eye on Iman
Shumpert, that kid is going to be special.
and finally...
5.
Pressure - Can they handle it? The Knicks now have lofty expectations,
and this town can get pretty demanding. Is it now Championship or bust? I
still can't believe I just wrote that. But, as stated before, the
window as been launched open for a few years. The pressure is on.