After a 3-4 preseason the Knicks are set to open the regular season tomorrow night against the Miami Heat. The Heat actually finished with a worse record than the Knicks last year, winning 15 games but tomorrow will certainly be a test for the Knicks. New York fans are dying to see something different from their beloved team and another bad loss against a strong team could bring back memories of the losing Isiah era. Although this isn't completely fair, that's the way New York fans are. Throughout the preseason the team proved that under its new leadership, attitudes and efforts would be different. Only question is, how many people were actually watching the preseason to see this.
Coming into tomorrow night, there are some positives and some negatives, let's start with the negatives. First we have, the disappointment in Eddy Curry. Once labeled as the future of the franchise, Eddy came into camp, late, out of shape, and consequently, out of the rotation. He is apparently so heavy that he destroyed an exercise ball a few weeks back by sitting on it. Curry seems to think that since he has been a starter his whole career that he is entitled to a starting role no matter what, fortunately for Knick fans, new Head Coach Mike D'Antoni thinks otherwise. Coach has repeatedly said that Eddy Curry simply has not played his way into the rotation, let alone the starting role. First round draft pick Danillo Galinari has also been a disappointment. The rookie didn't play a single minute of preseason and just started practicing with full contact last week. I say, give him sometime, but i also am pretty frustrated with his unidentified injury.
Now for the good news where the biggest factor has been simple changes. No huge free agent signings or trades, just a few changes on the pecking order. New head coach Mike D'Antoni, whose lite sense of humor and commitment to an up tempo system has the players very motivated and upbeat. Donnie Walsh seemingly has instilled a no-nonsense attitude toward running the team and it's components. Lastly, Stephon Marbury is no longer the child who could do no wrong. He has been public enemy #1 to the Knicks the past 2 years and has fallen to a reserve role. Troubled forward Zach Randolph has also looked rejuvenated and had himself a very impressive preseason. He not only put up his usual stats, but he played within the team chemistry and was one of the few Knicks who looked comfortable in the new system. Another Knick who looked great as always was David Lee. Lee is now the starter and is looking for a break out contract year.
The growth of Wilson Chandler and Nate Robinson will also be key to whatever success may lie ahead for the Knicks. The roster is coming around, and I expect a less disappointing year than the last. No predictions from me, other than I forecast them winning something in the 33-38 game range barring any drastic injuries or soap opera-like altercations.
To open the season the Knicks have a fair mix of home and road games against elite and under average teams. This gives them a shot at having a decent record for the first month of the season, something they have not done in quite some time.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
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