New York Knicks 2006-07 Preview
One of the biggest disasters in all of sports in recent history, the Knicks
have to prove that their enormous payroll can win games or face a not-so-good
future. With most of their money locked up with selfish swing men new head coach
Isiah Thomas will have his hands full trying to fulfill New York fan
expectations.
The most talented player on the Knicks is point guard Stephon Marbury. The
problem with Marbury is that he is often too selfish for a point guard and
usually finishes on losing teams because of his attitude. It is hard to imagine
the Knicks succeeding if Isiah can't get Marbury to start playing team
basketball. Behind Marbury is young, and short, Nate Robinson. Nate is a good
option off the bench and can score points, but his size makes him a serious
defensive liability.
At the two position are Jamal Crawford and Steve Francis. Both players are
selfish shoot-first players with a lot of talent. Both players also have to find
a way to be more effective in scoring. Expect the two to share time unless one
of them emerges as a reliable option game in and game out.
The forward positions are filled by Jared Jeffries, Quentin Richardson, David
Lee and Channing Frye. Of the four, Frye is the one with the brightest future as
a Knick. Channing had a great rookie season, averaging 12.3 points and 5.8
rebounds a game and should expand upon those numbers with a year under his belt.
Jeffries was acquired from the Wizards and the Knicks are hoping that he will
bring toughness and defense to a team without either.
Finally at the center position is Eddy Curry, who once was referred to as a
possible second coming of Shaq. Curry is not one of the brightest players in the
league, but should be able to score in the paint enough to help the Knicks stay
balanced. Right now, it is a pretty safe bet that the Knicks are regretting
trading their picks for him.
The Knicks of 2006 are not much different than 2005, but a new coach, who is
coaching for his job, and maybe desperation might help them score more wins. It
is hard to see the playoffs for a team with as much selfishness as this one, but
they certainly have the talent to do so if they find a way to play together.
