Written by Nicholas McGowan

Season Preview

The New York Knicks open up the season at home on October 29 against the finally healthy Chicago Bulls. The team then travels to Cleveland for the nationally broadcasted homecoming of Lebron James. Expect the Knicks to be 0-2. We then play the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards, maybe we could be 2-2, but I’m expecting a 1-3 start to the season. It will be interesting to see how the new Knicks will look against 4 probable playoff teams to begin the season. What I’m really looking for in the games against Chicago and Cleveland is for the Knicks to be competitive, show some indication that we can stay with these powerhouse teams. Regardless it should be an interesting start to the season, and to help you get ready here are some links to help you get to know this season’s Knicks a little bit better.

J.R. Smith it struggling with the triangle to say the least.

http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/11751412/jr-smith-new-york-knicks-says-triangle-offense-tough-adjust-to

http://nypost.com/2014/10/09/knicks-j-r-smith-learning-triangle-will-take-few-months/

Cleanthony Early landed himself a shoe deal with Li Ning.

http://solecollector.com/news/li-ning-adds-cleanthony-early-glenn-robinson-iii/

Phil Jackson gave his thoughts on our roster.

http://espn.go.com/nba/preview2014/story/_/id/11654375/nba-phil-jackson-point-view-new-york-knicks?src=mobile

The Knicks made two random signings… they won’t be with us for long.

http://www.postingandtoasting.com/2014/10/23/7053579/the-knicks-signed-jordan-vandenberg-so-they-can-cut-him-and-send-him

http://www.postingandtoasting.com/2014/10/8/6946719/the-knicks-signed-d-j-mbenga-for-some-reason

Shumpert looks good so far, too bad we won’t sign him.

http://fansided.com/2014/09/28/new-york-knicks-rumors-iman-shumpert-contract-talks/

At least we get to keep Shane Larkin for an extra year.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources–knicks-pick-up-guard-shane-larkin-s-third-year-contract-option-143812008.html

A second round pick, and the right to swap second rounders earned us Arnett Moultrie

http://www.libertyballers.com/2014/10/27/7079571/sixers-trade-arnett-moultrie-to-knicks-draft-picks-and-travis-outlaw

The Knicks and 76ers were just as bad as the Syracuse Orange when it came to shooting threes.

http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400583964

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/team/stats/_/id/183/syracuse-orange

And finally, Amar’e decides to take red wine baths to stay healty in last year of his contract

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/10/amare-stoudemire-red-wine-bath

Now that you are caught up with all the Knicks news, it’s time for some season predictions. I believe ESPN has us pegged for around 37 wins, while most Vegas places have us at around 41. Now personally I think we are good for around 45, a slightly above .500 basketball club would be a good start to Fisher’s career as a coach. When looking at the eastern conference over the past few years, there are teams that sneak into the playoffs that are either at .500 or below it. Knowing that the Cavaliers will certainly be in the playoffs and predicting that we will make it, that leaves two teams from last year who will need to drop out. The two teams that come immediately to mind are the Indiana Pacers and the Brooklyn Nets. The Pacers lost Lance Stephenson in free agency to the Charlotte Hornets and they lost Paul George to a gruesome leg injury in Vegas over the summer. The Pacers also need to find out what has happened to Roy Hibbert, perhaps it was Andrew Bynum or perhaps it was just mental weakness. Whatever it was, he needs to have a big season with both George and Stephenson gone. The Nets only seem to get older every year and were quick to replace Jason Kidd. While Lionel Hollins might be a good coach, I don’t think he can elevate the team like Kidd did. Kidd was able to help Deron Williams, Lionel Hollins is not known for his ability to guide point guards. The Nets will also have to battle through whatever injury Brook Lopez/Deron Williams comes down with. By the way, they also just traded away a 2019 second rounder to 76ers. Continue reading →