New York Knicks
Offensive Rating: No. 15 (101.7)
Defensive Rating: No. 17 (103.1)
The New York Knicks are not as bad as many anticipated they might be, but it is also hard to imagine this team is there knocking on the door at season’s end. Even though Kristaps Porzingis has been sensational and Carmelo Anthony is a perennial All-Star, the Knicks in many ways seem far more mediocre than actually good.
And in fact, the Knicks rank roughly in the middle of the pack in both offensive and defensive ratings.
What New York does have going for it is pretty important though: experience and leadership in the form of Anthony and former Magic guard Arron Afflalo. Moreover, the Knicks have a little bit of depth that will prove valuable as the season wears on.
Porzinigis is something of an X-factor because if he continues to grow this Knicks team could make a push. But pinning a team’s hopes on a 19-year old rookie is a bit of a tricky proposition.
Anthony is still a capable scorer and leads the Knicks with 21.6 points per game, but even he seems to have fallen off and his 42.8 percent field goal percentage belies the story of an inefficient first option.
The Knicks are woeful defensively at point guard with Jose Calderon running the show, and a number of teams will begin their attack there, at the head of the snake so to speak.
If New York is able to make a deal to bring in a stronger defensive point guard, this team becomes a more real threat. As it is, it seems the statement can be made with fair confidence this is a team Orlando can upstage in the final standings.
Next: Where is the sting?