Knicks Preview 2013-2014

August 20, 2013 by wonderbread914

After a fantastic 2012-13 contest where the Knicks won 54 games, they look to improve on that number next season and make an even deeper run into the playoffs. The lineup as it stands looks impressive on paper and the 2013-2014 New York Knicks season is going to be a flagrantly fun one (bad MWP and JR Smith joke) to say the least. The Knicks have had some crucial additions / losses from the ‘12-’13 season so let’s have a quick break down to get everyone up to speed.

Key Losses:

Chris Copeland aka The Galloping Lesbian aka Brittany Grine r – Sweet dreadlocks, but a defensive liability. Seemingly scored at will and put up high points when he was on the court, but the Knicks couldn’t afford him. He was one of the most underrated players of last season left as an UFA to the Pacers.

r – Sweet dreadlocks, but a defensive liability. Seemingly scored at will and put up high points when he was on the court, but the Knicks couldn’t afford him. He was one of the most underrated players of last season left as an UFA to the Pacers. Steve Novak aka Novakaine – Three point specialist (and fan favorite) who towards the end of the season lost some playing time / lost his only valuable asset, his shot from beyond the arc, left in trade with Toronto.

Jason Kidd aka Crash Bandicoot – Retired and is now the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets

Marcus Camby aka Marcus Camby- One of my favorite Knicks of all time. Not utilized properly, was involved in trade to Toronto which he’s PISSED about.

James ‘Flight’ White- Dude sucked a bag of dicks. Was supposed to be an auto-win in the dunk contest…..NOPE

Quentin Richardson – oh the title of this is KEY losses….this guy is a bum

Key Signings/Trades:

JR Smith – The reigning 6th man of the year was resigned to a 3yr/17mil. deal which he’s currently using to drive around $450k armored vehicle around NYC. Streaky shooter, but a solid player and when he’s hot….is the hottest player on the planet. Last season he seemed to have a new vision on the court; less chucking and a more balanced and intelligent selection of shots. If he can keep this up when he returns from knee surgery, the Knicks SG situation is going to be nasty.

Pablo Prigioni aka Pablo Pepperoni aka Priggie Smalls- Smart BBall IQ, able to space the floor. Needs to grow a pair and shoot the open 3 pointer. New York’s best lineups last season included Prigioni at the point and Felton playing off the ball. He is like a ghost on the court, tipping passes, ruining plays and stealing the ball out of nowhere. This guy is awesome.

Kenyon Martin – One of my favorite players ever. Big man, Big blocks, Big dunks, rebounds and can fill in quite nicely when Chandler is off the court. Signing for the vet minimum is a HUGE steal for the Knicks.

Metta World Peace aka Ron Artest aka ??? – Fierce perimeter defense, extremely tough, makes problems for shooters on the floor. Minus the possibility of him kicking some fans asses, he’s a fantastic pick up and will prove as a TREMENDOUS bargain for $1.6 Mil. Teaming him up with local nutcase JR Smith should be a fun ride for NBA fans of all ages. QUEENSBRIDGE STAND UP

Andrea Bargnani- This is what they call in the biz as a high risk/high reward situation. The Knicks traded Novak, QRich, Camby and a few picks (‘14 2nd round, ‘16 1st round, and ‘17 2nd round) for this Italian Stallion. Known as a ‘soft’ center/PF. This is by far the most confusing move the Knicks made this year because the seven footer isn’t much of a rebounder or a defender (what the Knicks really lacked last season) he’s a stretch-4 that can help Carmelo. He needed a change of scenery, and hopefully MSG is the place to do it.

Beno Udrih– Tremendous STEAL for the Vet minimum. Doesn’t seem like a huge acquisition, but the dude can ball. Averaged 8.2ppg with ~5 assists in 22 mins. With an aging Prigioni/Felton, Beno is going to get some quality minutes.

Other Notables

Tim Hardaway Jr. – Dad ISN’T Penny Hardaway. Hardaway is coming into a team with a solid shooting guard situation. He may see some minutes if there’s an injury this season, but its pretty much going to be the Shump/Smith show.

CJ Leslie – MVP of NC State the last couple of years. I really like his game and was PUMPED when the Knicks signed him.He’s incredibly athletic and a great scorer. Scouts say he lacks motor and sometimes gives up on plays, but Woody will whoop him into shape real quick. Similar to Hardaway he comes into a log-jammed PF situation with STAT and Bargnani so his minutes will be limited in the early going.

Jeremy Tyler– This guy turned so many heads in the Summer League that he got offered a contract with the Knicks. He’ll be the third center option behind Chandler and Bargnani/Kenyon. Kid’s 6’11” so he can match up with many other centers in the league. All its going to take is some quality outings to gain more minutes.

My Starting 5

PG- Raymond Felton

SG- Iman Shumpert

SF- Carmelo Anthony

PF- Andrea Bargnani

C- Tyson Chandler

Second Team

PG- Pablo Prigioni

SG- JR Smith

SF- Metta World Peace

PF- Amar’e Stoudemire

C- Kenyon Martin

The ’12-’13 Knicks are deep at a few positions. The PG crew of Felton, Prigioni and Udrih is pleasantly deep and each brings something different to the table. Felton has the ability to score, Prigioni is a playmaker and Udrih is a veteran who can be creative and can make a play off the dribble. The Knickerbockers are also deep at the Shooting guard position with Shump, JR and recently drafted Hardaway Jr. The forward position is swamped with talent including: Melo, Stat, MWP, Bargnani, Kenyon, Jeremy Tyler and CJ Leslie. The only position the Knicks are truly lacking is a backup big man. They have players that could potentially fill in (Bargs, Kenyon, Tyler) but none are as ‘true’ a center as Chandler. The Knicks have one more spot open on their roster so look for them to find a backup big with potential like Hamed Haddadi (who they worked out last week), Earl Barron or maybe even Cole Aldrich. The Knicks are going to make some waves this season, and still (and forever will) run NY. This may be the season Knicks fans have been waiting for since ’73.

Lemme know what you guys think.

-DiRoma