New York Knicks: Early Preseason Evaluations And More 2
Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) controls the ball as Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 130-103. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Bad news off the court may plague the New York Knicks during the entirety of this upcoming season.

While the New York Knicks continue to tinker with potential winning formulas, the players they have traded over the last decade are wearing championship rings.

That was their fate last season, as four former Knicks went on to win the NBA finals with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The 2016 New York Knicks first preseason game was by no means a train wreck. However, it spoke volumes about the decision-making process of Phil Jackson and staff. To trade more veterans such as Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon, and the young Jerian Grant, to acquire an injury prone Derek Rose, seems like the perfect indication that president Jackson is due to retire as the basketball guru. Not to mention that their newly-acquired superstar, Rose, will miss the rest of the preseason and potentially the start of regular season. Rose is due to appear in court for a civil action lawsuit filed by an ex-girlfriend.

Not to mention that their newly-acquired superstar, Rose, will miss the rest of the preseason and potentially the start of regular season. Rose is due to appear in court for a civil action lawsuit filed by an ex-girlfriend. Joakim Noah is injured and may be out for rest of preseason, as well.

For the October 4, 2016, game against the Houston Rockets, the Knicks unleashed an extraordinary starting lineup. While the offense was fluid from the start with Anthony, Rose and Porzingis providing points, the defense was not quite prepared. Houston’s James Harden danced to the basket with ease and provided timely assists for his squad.

By halftime, the Rockets completely broke down the defense, as the Knicks became stagnant and allowed several wide-open 3-pointers. However, Porzingis gave the Knicks a slight boost before the half ended with a strong bucket and a foul.

Toward the mid-point of the third quarter, Porzingis continued to inspire with three 3-point buckets. However, toward the end of the third, the Rockets were up by more than thirty points. The Knicks defense was no match for the long-range shooting of the Rockets. Toward the end of the fourth, the Knicks bench players turned up the defense with multiple steals and transition points.

While the spotlight will be on Anthony and Rose, in the upcoming season, second-year player Porzingis is the one to watch. With 22 points, 2 blocks, and 4 rebounds, the future of Knicks basketball has arrived.