Knicks Season in Review

The New York Knicks began the season talking Championship.  They finished the season coming far from that goal.  The Knicks were bounced out of the first round in 5 games by the Miami Heat.  This season was about as up and down as one can get.  Starting with the slow start from Carmelo, to the Jeremy Lin era, to the emergence of sharp shooter Steve Novak, to the signing of the streaky J.R Smith.  There was never consistent play from the Knicks, instead it was full of winning and losing streaks.  High hopes, and scary lows.  I am going to give every player a season grade (based on expectations), and look ahead to what looks to be a very important offseason for the New York Knicks.

Carmelo Anthony – (B) His grade isn’t too high because he struggled early.  The Knicks slow start was the reason why they had to face the Heat in the first round.  His grade isn’t too low because he carried the Knicks late, and was the Eastern Conference Player of the Month in the last and most crucial month in April. Carmelo needs to come back to camp in much better shape if he wants to seriously go after a Championship.

Amare Stoudemire – (D+) He receives a max contract, but doesn’t give max effort.  He can be a great offensive player when healthy, but his lack of effort on the defensive side of the ball is hard to watch.  I’m beginning to think it may not only be effort, but also that he simply doesn’t have the instincts to be a good defensive player.  He also injured himself in the playoffs for the second straight year.  Last year it was Amare trying to pull off a highlight dunk in warm-ups, and this year punching through glass containing a fire extinguisher.

Tyson Chandler – (A-) Yes this is a high grade for a guy who doesn’t have much of an offensive game.  However this guys attitude, effort, and leadership is amazing.  Oh and don’t forget he won Defensive Player of the Year, something no Knick has ever done.  I’m sure he will work on his offense and try to add a mid range jumper to his game next year.

Jeremy Lin – (A+) Yes an A+, don’t forget I am doing these grades based off expectations!  This guy was one day away from being released from the Knicks before coming off the bench against the Nets and putting on a show.  Lin is truly an amazing story; I wish he would have been available in the playoffs.  I expect the same production and then some next year from Lin.

Steve Novak – (A) What a find this guy was for the Knicks.  Novak led the NBA in 3 point percentage making 47 percent from downtown.  This guy had the Garden gasping for air every time he took a shot.  I hope to see the discount double check back in a Knicks uniform next year although that is un likely after his breakout year.

J.R Smith – (C-) Joined the team late after finishing his season in China.  I found myself saying he will get hot eventually, and that time never came.  He seemed to hit the three’s during times when it didn’t matter. Then in big games he would shoot often, and miss often. Disappointing to say the least.

Landry Fields- (C-) Coming off of an unexpected strong rookie season, Fields did not improve his game much this year.  His points, rebounds, and shooting percentage all went down, while his turnovers per game went up.  His line drive shot needs a lot of help.  Alan Houston began working with him at the end of the year, he needs his help this summer as well.

Iman Shumpert- (B+) Iman had a very solid rookie campaign.  His hounding defense is so valuable to this team that lacks perimeter defenders.  He was 2^nd among rookies in steals per game behind Ricky Rubio.  He has some work to do as far as decision making, and shooting, but his shooting improved as the season went on.

Josh Harrellson- (B+) Just like Landry Fields, the 2^nd round pick out of Kentucky did not have much expectations coming out of college.  He impressed me with his defense and toughness.  On the offensive end he has a nice touch around the basket, and can also knock down open jumpers.

Toney Douglas- (F) Started the year as the starting point guard and that didn’t last long.  A shooting guard in a point guards body, Douglas doesn’t have the ability to run an offense.  His confidence is very low, and he became Mike Bibby’s water boy by seasons end (which says a lot).

Other Knicks include:

Jared Jeffries- (B-) , Baron Davis (C+) , Mike Bibby (C-) , Bill Walker (D+) , Jerome Jordan (no grade)

If I Was GM of the Knicks I Would…

-Look to trade Amare.  His time in New York might have to come to an end after the scene he made slicing his hand open in anger.  He is not an attractive guy across the league which makes it tough.  If a deal came up along the lines of Luis Scola and Goran Dragic for Amare Stoudemire, Landry Fields and some cash I would do it in a heartbeat.

-Sign Jeremy Lin.  This is an easy one. He is a restricted free agent and should be back with the Knicks next year.

-Let J.R walk.  He is more into putting on a show then putting in the dirty work to win games.  Not enough good coming from him in my opinion.

-Give Landry a chance.  This means re sign the restricted free agent.  Many Knick fans are frustrated with Landry but you can’t forget it was only his second year.  His instincts, defense, and ability to rebound can be valuable to this team.

-Somehow, somehow keep Steve Novak.  Don’t know how it would work, don’t have the exact numbers, but I hear Novak most likely will not be back with the Knicks.  Don’t let that happen.

-Give Steve Nash a call.  Although he will most likely stay in Phoenix, a call won’t hurt.  Cap space is a problem when entertaining this idea.  Not if the Knicks trade Amare (hint..hint).