New York Knicks: The Strive for Average

Seeing as how the Knicks finished last season as the laughing stock of the NBA, expectations aren't too high this year. To make matters worse, the team didn't even get their draft pick at the top of the order. They did pick up a couple guys who might make an impact.

Renaldo Balkman: This forward from South Carolina was the MVP of the NIT Tourney. He can rebound the ball well, his FG% is high (lots of dunks), and is a defensively minded player. I was angry at first about this pick, not really knowing too much about him. As time went on, I got used to it. Balkman showed great presence in all of the Vegas Summer League games I watched the past few weeks. He looks like he is an NBA ready player, and knows how the game moves. I have been very impressed with his drive, and he could turn out to be a nice find for the team. The media is giving Isiah Thomas a lot of scrutiny for the pick, but I feel it is only because they passed on Marcus Williams, the PG from UConn.

Mardy Collins: The Guard from Temple was the Knicks other late first round pick. Here is a choice I don't agree with. The Knicks Guard Rotation is currently Stephon Marbury, Steve Francis, Jamal Crawford, Quentin Richardson, Jalen Rose, and Nate Robinson. Why add another guard to the mix, let alone one I don't think will ever be productive in the league. But what do I know?

With Isiah Thomas now GM and Coach of the Knicks, this season will be a huge turning point for the team. Either he stays and coaches all the players he acquired to a mediocre record, or he's out of town with most likely half of the team. I feel somewhat good about this year for a few reasons:

1) The youngsters look good.

Add Balkman to the Knicks young core of Channing Frye, David Lee, and Nate Robinson and you have something to build on for the future. Frye has gained 20 lbs and should be starting next to Eddy Curry to create quite a big man tandem. David Lee has been getting rave reviews about his play in the summer league, and the Knicks are even getting calls from many NBA execs imquiring about his availability. Robinson, although still cocky and flamboyant, is making strides towards being more of a passing-minded PG.

2) "It might be crazy enough to work."

Those were the words uttered by Isiah after the Knicks acquired Steve Francis at the trade deadline this past season. Francis doesn't seem very happy in New York, and most seem to think there is no way he can get along with Marbury. I think "The Franchise" could be come a trade piece, but deep down I hope he stays. Just imagine if Marbury and Francis both realize they have never won anything playing with a shoot first mentality. They could be the best backcourt tandem in the league. The Knicks are talking about a run and gun offense...imagine those two working the ball up the court.

3) Eddy's Last Chance

Many people, including himself, know this year is the last chance for Eddy Curry. He has been mostly a disappointment in the NBA, and has progressively become more out of shape. Adding to the fact that we gave up that draft pick for him and his huge contract, he has to do something. I believe the talent is there, and if he can drop even just 20 lbs he'd be looking at a good year.

We'll see. 36-46 would make me happy.

See you back here...