Familiarize yourself with the New York Knicks’ starting five.
The New York Knicks could have given rebuilding a shot.Instead, they did it the old-fashioned way, throwing their offseason dough on older players in hopes of winning now.
“I don’t think New York, Los Angeles, they’re not markets that you are going, ‘OK, you’re going through a rebuilding process,’” Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek said, via Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News. “You have the ability to spend the money. You have attractive cities to go to. I think they’re always on the win-now thought process.”
New York entered the offseason with gaping holes in the frontcourt — and while the season’s still a ways to go — they’ve tamed the hitches.
While it doesn’t always work, Phil Jackson‘s squad is attempting an expeditious return to relevancy. The squad’s starting five — the only five players who will surely be on the roster at the start of the 2016-17 campaign — will play an instrumental role in the team’s fate.
Get to know the team’s starting five: Carmelo Anthony, Courtney Lee, Joakim Noah, Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick Rose.
Melo
Carmelo Anthony, PF
The face of the franchise has been forced to bear the brunt of the Knicks’ woes.
If he meshes with Rose, Noah and Lee, and he adequately mentors Porzingis, these struggles should be placed on the back burner.
SCOUTING REPORT
Melo has a true knack for finding his shot and beating his defenders one-on-one. He has a quick, nice release, the size of a power forward and the skills of a guard. He’s a solid passer who takes charge and grabs rebounds.
His defensive intensity has always been questioned, and his shooting percentage has never been in the top-tier of the league. He’s not known particularly for his three-point prowess, and he’s suffered his fair share of injuries.
Lee
Courtney Lee, SG
Despite his status as an ideal complementary shooting guard, Lee has bounced around from team-to-team during his eight season career.
His salary is below-market for a starting shooting guard, though he’ll be replacing Arron Afflalo, who was practically begged to opt out of his contract.
SCOUTING REPORT
Recognized as a ‘3 and D’ wing, Lee is a well-rounded quality vet who knows how to succeed in the Association. He plays tough defense, and knows how to hit an open shot from beyond the arc.
Lee is very inconsistent, and not an imposing physical specimen by any stretch. He could be a better rebounder, and hasn’t posted any flashy stats at the highest level.
Noah
Joakim Noah, C
With a lofty contract come lofty expectations.
Noah, who was inked to a pact with an AAV of $18 million, is replacing Robin Lopez, the lanky center who had a tremendous 2015-16 campaign.
“He’s a great passer, high-energy guy,” Porzingis said. “I love playing with guys like that who get on other team’s nerves maybe sometimes. He’s that type of guy. Me and him can have a really special connection.
SCOUTING REPORT
Noah is a dominant defender (2013-14 Defensive Player of the Year) with rebounding prowess and shot-blocking acumen. He’s feisty, hard-working and mobile, and one of the best passers in the league. The Knicks aren’t starving for leadership, but Noah brings that to the table, too.
The knocks on him include criticism revolving around his slimmish frame, which has taken a beating. He’s injury-prone and often cocky. Additionally, his offensive game isn’t very polished.
KP
Kristaps Porzingis, SF
KP had a surprisingly brilliant rookie campaign in 2015-16 — a couple of seasons ahead of schedule.
The polarizing Latvian quickly emerged as one of the top big men in the league, showcasing a rare blend of poise and mobility.
SCOUTING REPORT
He’s got the height and length of a big man, yet the skills, mobility and coordination of a small forward. He can be a prolific shot blocker and a menacing dunker. Porzingis is a threat from beyond the arc, and a clutch, hard-working competitor.
Porzingis is foul-prone, lacking muscle and limited with his back-to-the-basket. Although constantly working on his game, he’s still extremely raw — but thankfully coachable.
D-Rose
Derrick Rose, PG
Porzingis knows best:
“I’m sure he’s going to help us at the guard position and I love his game, how explosive he is, how quick he is, how he runs in transition. That will help us play faster and not be static all the time. I think he’s going to really help us win. … One thing I’m already imagining, he’s a point guard that loves to drive and he’s explosive. After he misses layups I can get those putbacks. That’s one thing I’m thinking about already. We all know that he’s a great passer and when he slashes he can give you the pass and kick-out to the 3-pointer you just got to be ready for a guy like that with those quick passes that he makes, you got to be ready to make the next play or shoot the ball.”
SCOUTING REPORT
One of the most explosive players in league history is electric one-on-one and can get into the lane at will. He’s clutch, excels in the open court, and can create opportunities for both himself and his teammates.
Rose has dealt with an extensive knee injury that has limited his explosiveness. He’s prone to turnovers, too. Not only that, but Rose tries to make up for some of the lost umph by releasing from beyond the arc, but isn’t good enough of a three-point shooter to do so.
DWilliams should be our final piece