New York Knicks 2014-15 Preview

With first-year head coach Derek Fisher on board with Phil Jackson running the show upstairs, the Knicks are stepping into a new era with Carmelo Anthony locked up on a $124 million contract. Can they make the playoffs in 2015?

Here is a snippet of my New York Knicks 2014-15 season preview from CelticsBlog.com, which is part of SBNation’s annual season preview project.

X-FACTOR – Patience
This thing is not going to turn around overnight. This is a new roster, which is practically at the same talent level as last year’s squad, with a new general manager and a first-year head coach. The Knicks are not going to transform into Eastern Conference contenders this season, but the loyal New York fans have to remain patient (I know, you’re getting tired of hearing that).

Playoffs or not, the Knicks can still put themselves in a better place. Even beyond the record, the team’s overall morale and energy level will show just how far they’ve come from last year. This season isn’t about winning a championship, it’s about establishing a brand new culture.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2014-15
Carmelo didn’t re-sign because he thought the Knicks were going to turn into contenders this season, he re-signed because he has faith that they will eventually get there. The subtractions of Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton along with the additions of Jose Calderon and Samuel Dalembert probably won’t significantly improve New York’s record, if at all.

In terms of talent, the 2014-15 Knicks are pretty close to equal to last year’s squad, and multiple teams have gotten better in the Eastern Conference. In addition to that, New York is investing their time in a first-year head coach that will inevitably have to learn on the fly and figure out how he wants things to be done. Then again, some teams have taken a step back in the east and the Knicks could find themselves in the mix.

Best case scenario, the Knicks play a more cohesive brand of basketball and sneak into the playoffs as a low seed. With that said, I don’t think it is safe to expect a postseason berth from New York this season. It is certainly a possibility, especially when you’ve got one of the best players in the game with a new system taking shape, but this year is not “playoffs or bust.” Everybody wants to make the playoffs, but the reality is that the Knicks still have a long way to go.

PREDICTED STANDINGS
3rd – Atlantic Division
9th – Eastern Conference

FULL ARTICLE – NEW YORK KNICKS 2014-15 PREVIEW – CELTICSBLOG.COM

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