Jeff Van Gundy Says New York Knicks Will Win 50 Games
Jerome Miron, USATSI

With the 2016-17 NBA season creeping ever so closely, ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy decided to throw out a win total for the New York Knicks.

The oddsmakers who usually call Las Vegas home already threw out their total team numbers for the 2016-17 NBA season. Locally, the Brooklyn Nets are 20.5 while Vegas has the New York Knicks pegged at 38.5.

Somebody over at ESPN, and who is very familiar with Madison Square Garden, feels that 38.5 win total to be a little too low.

ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy threw out a number of 50, via Anthony Donahue of The Stashed’s 33rd & 7th podcast:

“Listen, I think they’re going to be 45 to 50 [wins], low 50s, in that range.”

Obviously, Carmelo Anthony‘s new Knickerbockers are slightly different looking than years prior. Out are the likes of Robin Lopez and Arron Afflalo and in are Joakim Noah, Courtney Lee, Brandon Jennings, and Derrick Rose.

JVG continued:

“I think there’s a lot [of factors] that are sure things. I think [Joakim] Noah is going to be a sure thing as far as how he plays. [Kristaps] Porzingis is going to have a better second year than he had as a rookie. I think he’ll be outstanding. [Carmelo] Anthony I think is going to be very, very good. Courtney Lee is going to be excellent as a glue type of guy in their starting lineup.”

Van Gundy has been known to throw out insane win projections in the past. So, while excitement will certainly rule the roost thanks to Phil Jackson‘s new look squad, slowing our roll also needs to be considered.

The injury potential is massive, yet the win potential is just as substantial. These Knicks could be the toughest team in the Association to predict this season.

 
Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com