With the Miami Heat ready to invade Madison Square Garden Friday night, we rank each of the New York Knicks 14 players.
By Robby Sabo
They now sit at 8-8, and although two straight defeats will always be viewed as disappointing, considering their encouraging progress compared to last year, the overall outlook has to be pleasing.
Incredibly, this Knickerbockers team has already almost equaled last year’s total (17). This is the case even despite the bleak outlook on life heading into the season. After all, the big-boss (Phil Jackson) couldn’t lure any big-name free agents to the Mecca this past summer.
In any event, through second-rate free agent signings coupled with the last two losses in Florida, these Knicks seem to be contenders in the very predictably weak Eastern Conference this season.
With Kristaps Porzingis allowing fans to actually feel like there is a god, the only real issue surrounds second-year head coach Derek Fisher and his very strange usage of player minutes. That perfect rotation still eludes him.
Today, we help Fish out as we put together player rankings for the New York Knicks.
14. Cleanthony Early, G-F
Getting the usually inactive out of the way, Cleanthony Early comes in as the worst rated Knick. While the kid does have talent, he hasn’t been able to transition his college hoops game to the NBA.
At Witchita State he could waltz past lesser athletic players. At this level, it’s his basketball IQ he needs to step up if he wants to stay relevant.
13. Sasha Vujacic, G
Sasha Vujacic is just one of those guys every winning NBA team has lingering on their bench. At times he’ll actually inject himself onto the court when absolutely needed – as he did to begin the season starting eight games for the injured Arron Afflalo – but most times he’ll provide the most inspirational cheerleading from the bench.
12. Kyle O’Quinn, F-C
The No. 12 spot is probably the biggest negative surprise on the entire list. When hometown kid Kyle O’Quinn was signed this summer, most thought he’d be the first big off the bench.
While it started that way for the 25-year old from Flushing, he just hasn’t provided that consistent spark needed off the bench.
11. Jose Calderon, PG
Some might argue No. 11 isn’t far enough down the list. Others will claim it’s not providing enough respect. I say Jose Calderon is nothing more than a backup point guard at his stage in his career.
It’s painfully obvious to any hardened Knicks observer that Calderon hurts the starting five. He can’t get up and down the court and is a dreadful liability on the defensive end.
If Derek Fisher truly wants to tighten up his rotation, he’ll find a way to insert Jerian Grant into the starting one spot and play Calderon backup point guard minutes (8-16 MPG).
10. Kevin Seraphin, C
Kevin Seraphin is a very talented offensive basketball player. He’s one of the few bigs on the squad who can catch it on the low block, make a quick move and get a few points in a hurry.
It’s the rest of his game that limits his stock here.
9. Derrick Williams, F
Warm, cold, colder, warmer – Derrick Williams’s stock varies by the hour.
He has the skills, there’s little doubt about that. It’s what’s between the ears which leaves much to be desired. Most thought Jackson’s signing of this former No. 1 pick this past summer provided the Knicks with a bonafide six man.
Now, after some stagnant play (.366 FG percentage), he’s battling just to stay in the rotation on some nights.
8. Lou Amundson, C-F
Perhaps the most underrated Knick falls in the No. 8 spot.
Lou Amundson is the do-it-all hustle man for New York. He’ll scrap, battle and dive everywhere for a loose ball. If his talent was as great as his heart he’d be a one or two time NBA All-Star.
7. Lance Thomas, F
The best way to describe Lance Thomas is “role player extraordinaire.”
Though the 27-year old from Brooklyn began the season out of the rotation, he’s played his way into a prominent role. None of his stats will jump out at you, but he provides quality minutes every night.
6. Jerian Grant, PG
Moving forward, the Notre Dame rook could fall anywhere from No. 10 to No. 3 on this list. That’s how talented, yet green Jerian Grant is.
For now he slides into the No. 6 hole solely based on his backup role. Fisher hasn’t entrusted him with the offense quite yet, and his 18.2 minutes per game reflect just that.
Still, the kid can provide many things for a squad. He can penetrate and dish with the best of them; has terrific court vision; can shoot it a bit; and can even give you live legs on the defensive end of the floor.
Once he figures out what to do after beating his man with the first step, he’ll be a lethal point guard in this league.
5. Arron Afflalo, G-F
Admittedly, nobody was excited about the signing of Arron Afflalo. He’s a 10-year NBA vet who’s put up very pedestrian statistics over the course of his career.
So, when he missed the first eight games of the season, nobody cried too loud.
His true value was only realized upon insertion into the lineup. He’s versatile, can pickup 12-plus points a game, and can get his own shot at times.
4. Robin Lopez, C
Just as Vujacic is symbolic for that bench guy every winning NBA team needs, Robin Lopez represents the starter part of that thought.
No, Lopez isn’t a talented low-block player. His hands are average and feet a tad slow. If you dump it in to him more than three times per game you’re asking for trouble.
What he does do, however, is fill in one of the more underrated and critical aspects of a rotation. He willingly accepts the “garbage man” role.
The NBA is a “role-defined” league and Lopez knows exactly who he is. Putting that type of guy who can hustle his brains out and clean up the glass next to a talented stretch-four is a perfect recipe for success.
3. Langston Galloway, G
The only positive about the 2014-15 NBA season for the New York Knicks was the surprising play of Langston Galloway.
Lucky for them, the 23-year old is about ready to bust out.
Not only has Gallo carried over his solid play from a season ago – in which he was named NBA Rookie second-team – he’s stepped it up into stellar mode.
Having the ability and wherewithal to play both guard spots, Galloway has played the perfect sixth-man for the Knicks this season. In 25.4 minutes a night, Gallo’s averaged 9.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. His line also includes a ridiculous .481 3PT%.
If he can take some of the backup point guard duties, it could pave the way for less Calderon and more Grant over time.
2. Kristaps Porzingis, F-C
Talk about a stunner. At just 20-years old and possessing a face that still can’t grow facial hair, Kristaps Porzingis has already arrived.
Most speculated the Latvian No. 4 overall pick would be a project. Such a project that year one and two would be a complete wash. Such project that Stephen A. Smith went nuts on live television and Carmelo Anthony (most likely) had quite the reaction himself.
First came all of those put-back dunks. There were at least three, maybe four straight games in which the opposition didn’t account for the lurking rookie. He made them pay with great hustle and a great nose for the ball.
Then came the (almost) game-winner in Charlotte.
Now we realize there’s literally nothing this kid doesn’t have. His 7’3” frame is oozing with talent. He’s already shown he can shoot from downtown (making 15 on the season); he’s flashed his iso/post-up game (remember the “Dream Shake” put on Frank Kaminsky?); and he’s also played unbelievable defense (1.8 BPG).
What’s most encouraging though, is his overall sense for the game. He truly is a student of basketball and completely gets it on and off the floor.
Only the factor of time has him at the No. 2 spot.
1. Carmelo Anthony, F
Of course, Carmelo Anthony is the No. 1 New York Knicks player in our power rankings. If anybody has Porzingis over the guy, then that guy is either just not paying attention or striving hard for a wild headline.
Whether or not you agreed with his re-signing, the one thing you cannot argue is the production Melo provides. Every NBA squad needs that guy who can score in droves, and Anthony provides this.
Is he the most efficient scorer? Of course not.
At the same time, you can’t argue the idea that he hasn’t played better alongside a true No. 2 guy (Porzingis).
His assists, rebounds and blocks are all up this season as compared to his career averages.
Though he’s already 31-years old, as long as he doesn’t mind giving way to KP6 as the No. 1 guy in the near future, he’ll be forever remembered as a great Knickerbocker.