Knicks 2007-2008 Season Predictions

It's hard to say when the Knicks began their downward spiral to become one of the worst teams in the east. Some may site the Scott Layden era, others might attribute the failure of the team to the departure of Patrick Ewing. Whatever the case, the Garden no longer seems to be the feared arena of the great Knickerbockers. The last time a playoff series was played on the Garden floor was 2004 and the Knicks were easily embarassed in a 4-0 sweep against the cross-water rival New Jersey Nets. As Isiah Thomas' youthful squad enters the 2007-2008 season, Knicks fans may have something to finally cheer about it. The team is young, energetic, and surprisingly deep. Most importantly, the east is looking especially vulnerable this year and there are going to be several surprise teams that emerge from the ashes; the Knicks could be one of those teams. Last year, the team finished 33-49 (2 games short of my predicition made on 10/11/06), and I think that number could have/should have been higher were it not for an unlikely amount of injuries the team suffered towards the end of the season (Remember: D Lee, Steph, Jamal...) With the addition of Zach Randolph, there should be a clear increase in the number of victories the team records this year. I don't want to sound overly optimistic (as most Knicks fans do during preseason), but I do have more hope than the beginning of last year. The Knicks sill have the highest payroll in the league, and they will probably not make a big splash in the playoffs, but I do believe the Knicks will turn some heads with their new lineup and developed team chemistry. The following is my analysis of the team for the upcoming season:

STARTING LINE-UP

PG: #3 Stephon Marbury aka Starbury
Last seasons statistics: 16.4 ppg, 5.4 apg
Coney Island's own has been greatly scrutinized by the media lately. The day after the Knicks acquistion of Portland's Zach Randolph, Steph was interviewed and displayed less than favorably. His preacher style praise for the Portland forward did not seem to gain favor with those who were already questioning his Jesus revival ways. However, off court issues should not be the focus and despite his questionable behavior, the media and others should be focusing on his on the court attributes. Now, Steph has definitely matured quite a bit. His defense is remarkably better than previous years, he defers to his teammates more, and most importantly, it is now clear that he will adapt his game in anyway for the better of the team. I don't know if the Knicks would be better without Steph and I don't know if things will ever work out with him, but he is the starter now and there is no changing it. The most important thing for Steph to be seen as a success this year is his leadership capability. He is the team veteran and soul of the New York Knicks right now and he needs to be that on court leader. Basically, for this former all-star, it is no longer about the numbers, it's about doing what he can to make this team win.

SG- #11 Jamal Crawford
Last seasons statistics: 17.6 ppg, 4.4 apg, 3.2 rpg
Well, let me start by saying that I'm very VERY happy that Steve Francis is no longer on the team and we don't have to act like he is the starting shooting guard anymore. With that said, I like Jamal Crawford and I think he showed last year that he fits on this team. Jamal has also matured with his shot selection and ball handling abilities. He has become a secondary distributor that is able to drive into the paint and break down a defense. Don't forget, Jamal still has that smooth shot and he is coming off a season which saw some of his best games (In Denver, 3 pointer to win 109-106, check it out on youtube if you don't know it; and his 50+ game against Miami at the Garden). Jamal should fit nicely again as a main piece to the puzzle for the Knicks this season.

SF- #23 Quentin Richardson aka Q-Rich
Last seasons statistics: 13.0 ppg, 7.2 rpg
All I got to say is that it is a very good thing that Q stepped it up last year, otherwise, he could have become a Knicks blunder. After a dismal first season in 2005-2006, Q has possibly found his niche on the team. He is a solid defensive player that is able to guard tough match-ups, such as Lebron James or Carmelo Anthony, and he is a good rebounder at the 3. However, things could get a little tricky with playing time for Q this year. Balkman and D Lee are guys that will be sharing the time with Q this year, and rightfully so. This spot on the team seems to be well filled and possibly the only position with some defensive presence this year. I think Q should be the starter and his defensive prowess should keep him as a primary player.

PF- #50 Zach Randolph aka Z-Bo
Last seasons statistics: 23.6 ppg, 10.10 rpg
I think Spike Lee said it best on draft day after the announcement of the trade for Randolph: "It's a good day in New York." The horror that was Steve Francis gets shipped away (Unfourtunantely Channing Frye had to go to, despite a dissapointing second season), and a 20 10 guy steps up in New York. This almost got Isiah back in the Garden faithful's favor until his sexual harassment scandal. However, there is no doubt Randolph adds something to this team, as to how much we will find out. Randolph is a great low post player that has a sweet jumper from mid range. This addition gives the Knicks one of the most formidable front courts in the East. Randolph and Curry together should be able to frustrate other teams big men and get them in a lot of foul trouble. One worry that is clear is how they will share the ball. When it comes down to it, I really believe that this 4-5 combo can work, and that it will be a threat, not a blunder. Randolph seems willing to defer to Curry and he has made it clear that he wants to win in New York and if that means sharing, sharing he will do. Randolph's numbers will most likely suffer from last year, but that does not mean that this is taking away from his importance and value to the teams success. Another concern is that of defense. Randolph is definitely not known for his defensive capability and it is one of his only flaws. I think this should be more concerning then the offensive end with Curry in the paint. It should be interesting to see how it plays out.

C- #34 Eddy Curry
Last seasons statistics: 19.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg
Eddy Curry finally had the season that he has been waiting for as he led the team in points per game. In addition, Curry was clearly one of the best centers in the Eastern Conference last year (if not the best, sorry Shaq). This season should be no different. Curry has those quick feet and soft hands for a big guy. He is able to break down the interior defense of opposing teams and make swift moves on the other centers in the NBA. I think this year should be no different for Eddy in terms of capability, although his numbers might also suffer with the presence of Randolph. But again, Curry is greatly lacking in defense. He is not a threat in the middle and teams do not fear him when they drive in the paint. Curry and Randolph working together on D down low could be dismal to watch, but hopefully it won't be as bad as it seems. Also, Curry should take some lessons with D Lee on how to rebound the ball. He is not strong enough when boxing out and he should be getting more bounds as the starting center for the team. I clearly remember a game last year (I think against Detroit) where the Knicks lost due to a tip-in by the opposing team because Curry didn't box out.

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