50-Plus Wins, NBA Finals Appearance

Just think about the squad for a moment. Who has a chance at NBA star status this upcoming season?

Carmelo Anthony certainly has that shot. Derrick Rose is an NBA MVP, something that can never simply be dismissed. Kristaps Porzingis, by most accounts, is already on his way. Joakim Noah is a former NBA Defensive Player of the year.

This Knicks team is loaded.

The issue surrounds their depth. Brandon Jennings will do a lot to offset that. So much so, that some are even discussing the man as an early front-runner for NBA 6th Man of the Year.

Lance Thomas is an excellent wing sub, especially in gritty defensive situations. Kyle O’Quinn, Marshall Plumlee, Willy Hernangomez, and Mindaugas Kuzminskas must provide something off the bench. At least one, hopefully two of those guys will need to emerge should these Knicks have any designs on a deep playoff run.

Offensively, the roster works. Melo has semi-transitioned from an overwhelming volume shooter to a court vision guy. His 18.2 field goals attempts per game a season ago is direct evidence of that. D-Rose, while ball dominant, can drop dimes at a moment’s notice (career 6.2 assists per game). KP and Noah fit with any personnel thanks to each’s versatile and unselfish ways.

Seeing what these guys can do in an uptempo, new-age NBA Jeff Hornacek system is intriguing.

Defensively is where the issue will reside.

Courtney Lee brings a critical perimeter defensive aspect to the starting five which means only Melo and D-Rose lack elite defensive skills from a starting-five perspective.

Make no mistake about it and do not even think about laughing: If these Knicks are hitting on all cylinders, they could be the top contenders to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

With the scary growth potential of Porzingis and bounce back possibility of Rose and Noah, it is, indeed, possible.

 Next: The Lowest Of Lows 

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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