FanPost

Knicks and Men

"George, tell me about the rabbits,"

...

Perhaps a little trite, but I can’t help but approach this season for the Knicks with the same hope and imagination that poor old gullible, but so, so affable Lennie does in John Steinbeck’s American classic. Instead of tending to the rabbits, however, I will get to watch movement on offense (if summer league play is an actual indicator of such things) and Melo doing all types of excellent things like barking profanities after a strong, albeit uncontested rebound just when the MSG microphones are at their most audible. I will get to watch the venerable Pablo for yet another year, while having the opportunity to watch Jose Calderon’s remarkable shooting on a night to night basis. After all, everyone didn’t love Raymond.

Fingers crossed, I may get to watch Cole of dentistry legend actually have a spot in the rotation and do some meaningful things on the court like his advanced statistics suggest he is more than capable of. According to basketball-reference, Cole led the team in defensive and offensive rebounding percentage, block percentage, and was second in PER. Of course this largely came during garbage time, but I really like Cole.

Not to mention the stable of young and intriguing players that will be on the roster, or at least on the near periphery of whatever our final fifteen-man unit ends up being. Cleanthony’s smile is just as bright as his shot has looked at times, especially in catch and shoot situations, which you know, he may actually get in an offensive system predicated on putting role players in positions where they may succeed. Likewise, Shane Larkin looked competent while initiating the offense and savvy when negotiating hand-offs with big men during summer league. If he turns out to be a viable long-range threat, he will open the floor while injecting pace into the game.

If Early and Larkin end up not being a sizable part of the rotation, it’s reassuring that Tim Hardaway Jr. still has his unwavering confidence and penchant for long-range gunning that could work as a genuine third or even secondary option in what could be a potent Knick offense, sans Andrea of course. How Shumpert will look in a new offense that hopefully embraces his potential as a smart off-ball cutter with some inkling of long-range prowess is definitely something to look forward to. Especially considering that he stands to enter restricted free agency at the conclusion of this upcoming campaign.

I will ardently watch the Westchester version of these Knicks. Not because of their world-class logo, but because "Tenacious" Thanasis may be on the team if he forgoes returning to his homeland. Also, I hope to see some manifestation of the same culture that was established on this year’s summer outfit.

Now for a necessary word on the neophyte-coach of the Knicks. Derek Fisher is going to be great. I don’t have any rational support for this claim, but it just feels that way. There is a certain presence to him, perhaps more purposeful and effective than we have grown accustomed to during previous seasons. Any hire would appear to be a step up from Woody, but Coach Fish seems to be a full landing above him in almost everything, save for staring contests and GOAT-ees. If summer league is any indication, players appear to really respect him and are committed to doing well for him. This is significant.

But what if this iteration of the Knicks ultimately isn’t good enough? It shouldn’t require mentioning, but for the sake of context, the East was kind of bad last year. This year, it may be less bad. At the very least it will be more convoluted and murky with all of last year’s playoff teams projecting to be better, if not remaining consistent with their standing from a year ago. Save for the Pacers, who undeniably will not return that fearsome five-man unit that was responsible for much of their success with the loss of Lance Stephenson to free agency, and the Heat who lost an important player, the glut of the East remains intact. But even these teams retooled, and if I am to believe smart coaching will help the Knicks regain some of the 54-win form they displayed during the 2012-13 season, then it only stands to reason that Frank Vogel and Erik Spoelstra will do the same for their respective teams.

We may have won the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes (I guess), but it appears Chicago will get a useful player back of their own in addition to receiving a pleasant injection of two skilled foreign big men.

The Hawks will be better than they were a year ago will better health and another year in Coach Budenholzer Spursian system. The Wizards too, with the continued development of their excellent backcourt and the depth they were able to acquire up front. Charlotte appears to continue their ascent in the standings with the addition aforementioned Stephenson, and their steady influx of young talent that resulted in Noah Vonleh and J.R. Smith-esque, P.J. Hairston from this year's draft. Toronto’s fun and deep and basically the same from last year, when they were Atlantic Conference champions - however dubious that title really was.

I imagine the Cavaliers will be quite good.

Maybe the Nets take a fall, but is it all for naught with the Cavaliers certainly jumping into the playoff picture? At least schadenfreude becomes a thing then. Stupid Nets.

I’m sure we are all aware of the very real possibility that the Knicks end up on the outside looking in for the second straight season when the playoffs begin in April. However painful that may ultimately be, there remains hope for the future of this team. A promising framework is in place, apparently headed by a very intelligent and successful architect in Phil Jackson. Melo’s return brings stability and continuity while fortifying the architect’s vision. Cap space is on the horizon and if our young players and Coach Fisher both display significant development, there is hope that we can get the free agent that our name, nay our market, mandates that we should.

...

Lennie said, 'Tell how it's gonna be.'

George had been listening to the distant sounds. For a moment he was business-like. 'Look across the river, Lennie, an' I'll tell you so you can almost see it.'

I can almost see the Knicks being good. The signs are there. I’m just hoping I don’t receive a shot in the back of the head while I’m looking.