This article is part of our NBA Team Previews series.
STATE OF THE FRANCHISE
After finishing second in the Eastern Conference with a 54-28 regular season record in 2012-13, the Knicks endured an egregiously poor 2013-14 campaign, missing out on the playoffs entirely. Injuries, suspensions, and off-court distractions plagued the Knicks, causing the team to cut ties with coach Mike Woodson this offseason. To revive the franchise, 13-time NBA Champion Phil Jackson was appointed team President in March.
Focused on teaching his patented Triangle Offense, Jackson hired five-time champion Derek Fisher as his rookie head coach and filled out the Knicks' coaching staff with fellow disciples. Those changes set the stage for the Knicks to convince superstar forward Carmelo Anthony to re-sign with New York, despite being wined and dined by other suitors this offseason.
With Anthony secured on a five-year, $120 million contract, the Knicks began retooling the pieces around him by trading defensive anchor Tyson Chandler and bowling ball point guard Raymond Felton to the Mavericks for Jose Calderon, Samuel Dalembert, and 2013 first-rounder Shane Larkin. In doing so, the Knicks significantly upgraded at point guard, where Calderon's proven sharpshooting and setup abilities figure to fit perfectly in the Triangle.
Additionally, the Knicks return a tantalizing team of wing players, including J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert, and Tim Hardaway. Up front, the much-maligned and obviously overpaid duo of Amar'e Stoudemire and Andrea Bargnani will both be entering their contract years, while veteran journeyman Jason Smith was signed to support Dalembert at center. On the whole, talent really isn't the question with the Knicks, but rather how Jackson and coach Fisher pull the strings to cultivate that talent is of most import.
Behind Anthony assuming a leadership role, the Knicks will take aim at returning to the playoffs and restoring optimism that better days are on the horizon.
PLAYING TIME DISTRIBUTION
The Knicks' rotation is fairly fluid at the moment – mostly because it's unclear where coach Fisher will utilize Carmelo Anthony this season. In recent campaigns, Anthony played the popular "stretch-four" position to great success, as his loaded offensive arsenal overwhelmed opposing power forwards from near and far. However, this offseason, Anthony dedicated himself to slimming down in an effort to prolong his career and prepare for the Triangle Offense's emphasis on constant movement. As a result, a more slender Anthony may not be found in the low-post as often.
Nonetheless, the Knicks' back-loaded roster composition makes Anthony seem to fit best at power forward, since any two of J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert, or Tim Hardaway are perfectly capable of starting at shooting guard and small forward. The odd man out of that trio will certainly become the Knicks' sixth man, while Jose Calderon is a complete lock to start at point guard.
That leaves the center position to be filled by Amar'e Stoudemire, Samuel Dalembert, Jason Smith, or Andrea Bargnani. Since the Knicks' center will be required to compensate for Anthony's slighter defensive presence, Dalembert figures to win the job, especially given that his rim-protecting and rebounding capabilities surpass all of his more offensively inclined competitors. In other reserve roles, aging veteran Pablo Prigioni and second-year speedster Shane Larkin should compete for backup point guard duties, while rugged forward Quincy Acy and sleeper second-rounder Cleanthony Early might be used as high-energy bench sparks.
PLAYER OUTLOOKS
Centers
Samuel Dalembert: Before being traded to the Knicks this offseason, Dalembert averaged 6.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 20 minutes per game over 80 appearances for the Mavericks last season. The 33-year-old center started 68 games for Dallas and shot a career-best 57 percent from the field last term. Entering his 13th NBA season, Dalembert has long carved out a niche as a solid defender and rebounder, which should help the Knicks replace Tyson Chandler on the interior this year. Nonetheless, Dalembert has played less than 25 minutes per game since the 2009-10 campaign, so New York is expected to fill their center position with numerous rotating bodies this season. While Dalembert's defensive prowess could ultimately earn him the Knicks' starting position, his offensive limitations might preclude him from seeing significant playing time on a consistent basis in new coach Derek Fisher's Triangle offense. In contrast, his chief competitors at center – Jason Smith, Amar'e Stoudemire, and Andrea Bargnani – are most noted for their offense, but fall short defensively. Given that dynamic, Dalembert should continue in his usual rim protector role with the Knicks, offering fantasy owners in deeper leagues decent rebounding, blocks, and field goal percentage potential.
Jason Smith: Signed to a one-year deal this offseason, Smith joins the Knicks after averaging 9.7 points, a career-high 5.8 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks for the Pelicans in 27 minutes per game last season. Although Smith started 27 contests and shot 47 percent from the field, cartilage damage in his right knee ended his season in mid-January after just 31 games. In fact, Smith has not played more than 51 games since the 2010-11 season. As such, with the Knicks trading Tyson Chandler this offseason, Smith and fellow veteran Samuel Dalembert could split time at center to preserve both players' health, with Amar'e Stoudemire and Andrea Bargnani representing two more fragile alternatives. Nonetheless, Smith is one of the NBA's best mid-range shooting big men, which should fit wonderfully in new coach Derek Fisher's Triangle offense and create spacing for his new teammates to operate. Additionally, with Chandler gone, the Knicks need to make up for his lost rebounding production, so the seven-foot, 240-pound Smith embodies one favorable candidate to help on the glass. Overall, Smith offers modest fantasy production in deeper leagues, but his injury record probably caps whatever value he may have entering this season.
Cole Aldrich: A sparingly used reserve center, Aldrich accounted for just 2.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in seven minutes per game through 46 outings last season. The 2010 lottery pick bounced between the NBA and D-League last term but was re-signed by the Knicks this offseason to maintain a physical presence inside. While Aldrich played with new Knicks coach Derek Fisher to begin his career in Oklahoma City, the big man is unlikely to receive enough minutes to contribute anything other than minimal fantasy value this season.
Forwards
Carmelo Anthony: Entering his 12th NBA season, Anthony finished second in the league with 27.4 points (45% FG, 40% 3Pt, 85% FT) per game last season. Along with more improved shooting percentages, Anthony posted career-bests in rebounds (8.1) and blocks (0.7) per game, as well as three-point makes (167). Additionally, the seven-time All-Star averaged 3.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 39 minutes through 77 games played. The Knicks' face of the franchise, Anthony signed a five-year, $120 million contract this offseason to remain in New York and work under new head coach Derek Fisher and president Phil Jackson. While Anthony spent significant time at power forward the past two seasons, he's noticeably slimmed down this offseason to prolong his career and become a better fit in the triangle offense. Without the excess weight that so often allowed Anthony to bully defenders in the post, a more toned Anthony figures to be more fluid in advancing the triangle's spacing and ball movement principles. As a result, Anthony's number of isolation situations is expected to decrease this season, instead making way for more efficient scoring and assist opportunities. Currently in the prime of his career, Anthony is perhaps the league's most versatile scorer, and the triangle's potential to highlight Anthony's vast offensive skill set figures to ensure he remains an elite fantasy option this season.
Amar'e Stoudemire: Finally entering the final season of the five-year, $100 million contract he signed with the Knicks back in 2010, Stoudemire is sadly a shadow of his former self, as his career-low numbers of 11.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks from last season indicate. Recurring injuries have hampered the 31-year-old over recent years, forcing the Knicks to keep him on a minutes count. Last season, Stoudemire appeared in 65 games, including 21 starts, but played only 23 minutes per night, the fewest of his 12-year career. Despite a mere 3.1 free-throw attempts per game pointing toward Stoudemire's diminishing explosiveness, he remains a pretty efficient offensive player, as his 56-percent shooting last season suggests, This season, the former All-Star should enjoy playing in new coach Derek Fisher's Triangle offense, where Stoudemire's patented mid-range face-up jumper should once again be on display. In fact, Stoudemire is a strong candidate to start considering the Knicks' other frontcourt options include Andrea Bargnani, Samuel Dalembert, and Jason Smith. Nonetheless, his playing time is expected to be carefully managed throughout the season to preserve his body for the long haul. Once a fantasy star, Stoudemire is now at best a sound role player that should probably only be rostered in deeper league formats.
Andrea Bargnani: Acquired from the Raptors ahead of last season, the much maligned former No. 1 overall pick generally disappointed in his first Knicks' campaign. Before an elbow injury ended his season after 42 games, Bargnani averaged 13.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 30 minutes per game. Furthermore, the seven-foot Italian shot 44 percent from the field, a career-low 28 percent on three-pointers, and 82 percent on only 2.4 free-throw attempts per game. Including last season, Bargnani has missed 137 games over the past three years, evidencing severe injury issues. While he did make 39 starts in his debut season with the Knicks, Bargnani is expected to come off the bench under new coach Derek Fisher. However, with oft-injured teammates Amar'e Stoudemire and Jason Smith expected to share frontcourt duties, Bargnani's involvement could spike here and there depending on who's healthy to play, and his 1.2 blocks per game could help more following Tyson Chandler being traded this offseason. Nonetheless, as a glaringly one-dimensional player, Bargnani's fantasy stock remains rooted in his point production, although his poor shooting percentages leave much to be desired. Fortunately for Bargnani, Fisher's triangle offense should provide ample opportunities to flash an improved outside stroke in what will be his contract year this season.
Cleanthony Early: Early was drafted 34th overall by the Knicks this year following an impressive senior season at Wichita State in which he averaged 16.3 points and 6.0 rebounds in 28 minutes per game, while shooting 38 percent from three-point range. An athletic small forward, at 23 years old, Early is older than most rookies, which could help ease his transition from college to the NBA. Additionally, at 6-8, 219 pounds, Early has good size for a small forward and boasts a solid outside shot. Given his well-rounded skill set and maturity, Early could see occasional reserve minutes as a rookie, but the Knicks' wing depth might complicate his playing time. As such, Early is probably of most value in dynasty fantasy leagues at this stage in his career.
Quincy Acy: Acquired via trade this offseason, Acy joins the Knicks with averages of 3.1 points and 3.2 rebounds in 13 minutes per game during his two-year NBA career. The rugged 6-7, 225 pound forward was dealt to Sacramento at the beginning of last season and played 56 games for the Kings, averaging 3.6 rebounds in 14 minutes per game. As his numbers evidence, Acy is best used off the bench as a rebounding specialist, which should help a Knicks team that ranked 27th on the boards last season. Besides adding toughness and embracing his reserve role, Acy doesn't offer much potential on offense, which figures to keep his minutes and fantasy stock limited this season.
Travis Outlaw: Outlaw was traded to the Knicks this offseason following averages of 5.4 points and 2.1 rebounds in 17 minutes per game for the Kings last season. The 11-year veteran started four of his 63 appearances for Sacramento last term, when his 35-percent three-point shooting ranked fourth on the team. The addition of Outlaw brings depth and athleticism to the Knicks' crop of wing players, although the team's draft selection of Cleanthony Early should create an immediate competition for reserve minutes at small forward. On that front, it's worth noting that the Knicks are already pretty well stocked at the three position, moving Outlaw into being more of a bit player. Moreover, Outlaw has missed 106 games over the past three seasons, so he'll need to remain healthy to warrant fantasy consideration in spite of his limited role.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo: The 6-7, 215 pound Greek forward was selected 51st overall in this year's draft after playing 50 games for the D-League's Delaware 87ers last season. Despite averages of 12.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.3 blocks in 29 minutes per game, Antetokounmpo is still seen as a raw prospect that requires further development in order to crack an NBA rotation. With that in mind, the 22-year-old may spend the upcoming season overseas to gain more consistent playing time against competition superior to what the D-League offers. While going abroad is ultimately the expectation for Antetokounmpo during his rookie season, he will attend the Knicks' training camp this fall before a final decision on his future whereabouts is made.
Guards
Jose Calderon: Calderon was dealt to the Knicks this offseason in an effort to enhance New York's point guard play. The nine-year veteran started all 81 games he played last season, averaging 11.4 points, 4.7 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 31 minutes per game, while making a career-high 191 three-pointers on 45-percent shooting from deep. Although last season's assist average marked the lowest since Calderon's rookie year, much of that dip can be credited to Monta Ellis assuming significant ball-handling duties for Dallas, which allowed Calderon to obliterate his former single-season best of 82 three-pointers through more spot-up opportunities from outside. Nonetheless, Calderon's career assists average remains a healthy 6.8 per game, which could be improved as a Knick this season. Expected to start at point guard, Calderon will lead new coach Derek Fisher's Triangle offense, which emphasizes spacing and ball movement. With those principles and talented offensive players surrounding him, Calderon seems poised for a bounce-back season in the assists category. Additionally, as the career 41-percent three-pointer shooter, Calderon can stretch the floor and should benefit from his teammates drawing opposing defenses' attention, leaving him open to shoot. While Calderon's defense is considered below average, the Knicks' alternatives of 37-year-old Pablo Prigioni and unproven second-year player Shane Larkin give him considerable job security at point guard.
J.R. Smith: After being named the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year in 2012-13, Smith began last season serving a five game suspension and shot just 39 percent in 44 games before the All-Star break. However, in the second half of the season, Smith's play improved dramatically, as he averaged 16.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. Furthermore, Smith converted 45 percent of his shot attempts and 42 percent from three-point range in 30 games following the All-Star break. Over the whole season, Smith averaged 33 minutes per game and made 37 starts along the way. In short, the mercurial Smith went through an up-and-down season but finished strong. While an offseason knee procedure possibly contributed toward Smith's slow start last season, the ultra athletic wingman enters this year with a clean bill of health. However, in new coach Derek Fisher's Triangle offense, Smith will have to become a better teammate and trust scoring opportunities will come outside of one-on-one play. While Smith's explosive offensive ability is no secret, neither is his stubbornness or immaturity, which could prevent Fisher from starting him. Regardless, the 28-year-old Smith should enjoy upward of 30 minutes per game, which offers great scoring upside if Smith can overcome some of the headaches that have plagued him in the past.
Tim Hardaway: The 24th pick of the 2013 NBA Draft, Hardaway enjoyed a promising debut campaign last season that earned him a First-Team All-Rookie selection. In 81 games played, Hardaway averaged 10.2 points in 23 minutes per game, while converting 36 percent of his three-point attempts en route to 130 triples on the season. As the year unfolded, Hardaway's penchant for coming off the bench and providing an offensive spark became more evident. While starting shooting guard Iman Shumpert frustrated offensively, Hardaway was given the green light to fire from outside and ended the season as the most accurate three-point shooter among rookies that made at least 55 three-pointers. His progress carried over to summer league play in Las Vegas, where Hardaway finished second in scoring with 22.8 points per game in five appearances during July. Such development has Hardaway slated for a larger role under new Knicks' coach Derek Fisher this season. Fisher's Triangle offense values outside shooting in creating floor spacing, which coincides perfectly with Hardaway's game. In fact, leading up to the season, Hardaway should compete for a place in the Knicks' starting lineup. Although he's gifted athletically, he will need to show improvement on defense and could improve his all-around game to become less one-dimensional. Nonetheless, Hardaway represents an intriguing, high-upside scorer going into his second season.
Iman Shumpert: Entering his fourth year in the NBA, Shumpert has deflected trade rumors ever since tearing his ACL in 2011-12 but has remained the Knicks' starting shooting guard for the better part of the past two seasons. In 74 games and 58 starts last season, Shumpert averaged just 6.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 steals while playing 27 minutes per game. More concerning for a shooting guard, Shumpert converted just 38 percent of his field goal attempts, and his three-point rate dropped to merely 33 percent last season. However, under new president Phil Jackson and coach Derek Fisher, Shumpert should evoke confidence from improved job security, as he is clearly the Knicks' best defensive player now that Tyson Chandler has departed. Knowing that, Shumpert is projected to start next to the defensively deficient Jose Calderon in New York's backcourt. That being said, teammates J.R. Smith and Tim Hardaway are more gifted offensive talents that could push Shumpert to start if he stumbles out of the gates. Nonetheless, Shumpert's ability to play multiple wing positions figures to earn him significant playing time in Fisher's rotation, but he'll need to prove he's more than a defensive stopper to merit fantasy consideration outside of deeper leagues.
Pablo Prigioni: In only his second NBA season, the now 37-year-old Prigioni averaged 3.8 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.0 steals in 19 minutes per game last term. Along with making 66 appearances, Prigioni started 27 contests and made exactly 1.0 three-pointer per game, while shooting an outstanding 46 percent from long-range. As his statistics show, Prigioni is a consummate role player who only marginally impacts fantasy squads. Under new Knicks' coach Derek Fisher, that status quo figures to continue, with Prigioni's best contributions coming in the form of facilitating and shooting on offense and ball pressure on defense. With offseason addition Shane Larkin behind him, Prigioni faces fresh competition to serve as the Knicks' primary backup point guard this season.
Shane Larkin: Larkin was acquired from the Mavericks this offseason after a broken ankle suffered last summer limited him to only 48 games as a rookie. The 18th overall pick in 2013, Larkin's injury - coupled with a veteran laden Dallas team - stunted his early development, limiting him to just 2.8 points and 1.5 assists in 10 minutes per game last season. At just 5-11, 176 pounds, Larkin's size presents a disadvantage, but he's also extremely quick and possesses exceptional leaping ability. Following an encouraging summer league showing under new Knicks' coach Derek Fisher in July, Larkin will compete for reserve minutes at point guard this upcoming season. Between projected starter 32-year-old Jose Calderon and fellow reserve 37-year-old Pablo Prigioni, the 21-year-old Larkin has a great opportunity to take advantage of his youth to earn playing time heading into the future. As such, he's probably of most value in dynasty leagues but could thrust his way into consideration this season if the Knicks look for more energy out of their floor general.
SLEEPER
Tim Hardaway: While the Knicks don't often enjoy the luxury of having a first round draft pick, the team struck gold by selecting Hardaway Jr. 24th overall last year. The son of a former NBA great, Hardaway Jr. is an electric long-range shooter that is capable of catching fire at a moment's notice. He also possesses fantastic athleticism going to the rim. Both of those qualities seem to be perfect fits for the Triangle Offense, which should encourage Hardaway to fire from outside or attack into space. Additionally, with both Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith – Hardaway Jr's chief competitors for playing time – taking their lumps in recent seasons, the sophomore sniper could supersede either player in the Knicks' starting lineup.
BUST
Andrea Bargnani: As if he hasn't been labeled a bust enough since being selected No. 1 overall in 2006, Bargnani's production simply doesn't match his status, size, or salary. At 7-0, 250 pounds, Bargnani has averaged a measly 4.9 rebounds in 30 minutes across his eight-year career. Furthermore, he's converted just 44 percent of his field goal attempts. While part of the intrigue behind the Italian comes from his supposedly cultured shooting touch, Bargnani was exposed as an imposter last season, making less than one three-pointer per game on a paltry 28 percent from deep. Although the Triangle Offense has proved friendly to jump shooters in the past, Bargnani's lack of efficiency does not fit the profile. Then, when factoring in Bargnani's injury troubles over recent seasons, it's no wonder why he's struggled to live up to his previously high billing.
