Can Raptors win Atlantic Division again? Off-season retooling creates new rankings
By Brian Boake
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Kristaps Porzingis is escorted onto the stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number four overall pick to the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
New York Knicks
Say Hello to: Robin Lopez, Arron Afflalo, Kyle O’Quinn, Derrick Williams, Kristaps Porzingis, Jerian Grant
Farewell: Tim Hardaway Jr., Jason Smith, Cole Aldrich, Shane Larkin, Andrea Bargnani, Alexey Shved
’14-’15 record: 17-65
Another group of strangers gets to put on Knicks blue-&-orange, then puzzle out the triangle offense. Carmelo Anthony is returning, supposedly in full health, but I have to wonder whether he’ll be feeling slightly queasy by Christmas. Their season can’t be as dreadful as last, can it? Well, yes, actually.
Porzingis will have every opportunity to establish himself as a worthy lottery selection, but he won’t be 20 years old until August. These guys have a long way to go. I predict paper bags on fans’ heads, and Carmelo demanding a trade.
Next: A rebuild on the fly goes awry