2007 NBA Season Preview - New York Knicks

A Look at the Upcoming 07-08 Season

New York Knicks
'06-'07 Record/Standing: 33-49 (.402); 4^th in Atlantic Division
'06-'07 Postseason (if applicable): n/a
Coach (Record): Isiah Thomas, 2^nd season (33-49), 5^th season overall
Key Additions:

PF/C Zach Randolph (trade; Portland); G/F Fred Jones (trade; Portland); PG Dan Dickau (trade; Portland)
Key Losses: PF Channing Frye (trade; Portland); G Steve Francis (trade; Portland)

Oh, the gluttony of over-priced players that is the New York Knicks. Things were beginning to look up for the Knicks. It's hard to imagine that Isiah Thomas did a good job as the coach, but he was an improvement at times over former coach Larry Brown. That being said, the youth of the team is the key. You would think that Thomas would want to shed the team of some of those large contracts and develop some of the talented younger players that need time on the court? Well, yes and no. While Thomas was able to get rid of a large contract (Steve Francis) in a trade, they took one with it, and someone that could be considered a bit of a risk (Zach Randolph). In Randolph, they have a low-post presence that is limited from outside the paint and a decent rebounder. That sounds familiar... especially since Thomas already has Eddy Curry, a player with the same kind of game. Furthermore, big money guys like Stephon Marbury and Quentin Richardson are still there; meaning that Nate Robinson and Renaldo Balkman will have to fight for playing time.

Can the Knicks succeed with the veterans handcuffing the growth of the younger players? Will Thomas be able to hold on to his job after this season, or is this the swan song for his time with MSG and the Knicks? Their younger players are talented and could be even better if they got more time. How long will it be before this team begins to tank? Or can they inconceivably surprise a few people and give them some good production? Will Thomas be able to move some bigger contracts if they are not competitive this year?