NBA Pre-season win predictions: Eastern Conference, Atlantic Division
By Brian Boake
Oct 22, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) keeps an eye on the ball during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
New York Knicks
Last season: 17 – 65
This season: 24 – 58
Last year for the Knicks was a disaster of epic proportions. Yet there are fans, who must be taking happy pills, speculating on a return to the playoffs. Do they honestly believe that the return of a healthy Carmelo Anthony and the arrival via draft of a skinny European forward named Kristaps Porzingis can somehow produce 25 more wins?
Yes, Robin Lopez will help with interior defense, but he can’t play every minute. I see no rebounding and precious little outside shooting on this roster. Jose Calderon can pass and make open 3-balls, but can’t defend a pylon at this stage of his career.
GM Phil Jackson will once again impose the triangle offense on marginal NBA talents like Kyle O’Quinn and Sasha Vujacic, and retreads Lou Amundsen and Derrick Williams. Coach Derek Fisher hasn’t impressed anyone with his savvy so far in his young bench career.
Another sad year shapes up in Manhattan.
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