Kenyon Martin

Kenyon Martin w/ Spike Lee

With the Knicks in need of toughness and experience off the bench, Kenyon Martin was the obvious choice to bring in.  With a history of being an intimidating presence down low, Martin will rebound, run the floor, and challenge shots against any opponent.  However, Kenyon also has a rap-sheet of being a little too aggressive at times.  He has had a suspension for an incident with Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.  Ironically, for all the history he has as an intimidator, he also started his own organization for families in need (The Kenyon Martin Foundation).  Martin has been signed for the rest of the season, after being signed originally for 10 days, and the team is excited to have him as they make a run for a championship this Spring.

New York and Boston

Garnett and Anthony are known as two of the most intimidating opponents in the entire NBA.  When they face each other, it is comparable to a war almost every time.  Kevin Garnett will not back down from anyone; and sometimes that gets him in foul trouble very early in the game.  Carmelo Anthony has a habit of trying to score all by himself when he is frustrated.  A perfect example would be the first meeting between the Celtics and the Knicks this season;  when Anthony and Garnett got into it, Carmelo began launching three pointers in the face of the defense.  As a result, the Knicks lost the game.

However, in the next game against the Celtics, Carmelo played a great game and the Knicks got the win.  Now, with Rondo out for the season, it will be interesting to see how the season series finishes in the final two games.  And by the way, Anthony and Garnett will both be starting for the East in the All-Star game.  Let's see how they co-exist.

Amare's Arrival





It was the first day of the new year when Knicks fans learned of the return of the Amare Stoudemire.  The electricity was evident in MSG; and when he checked in for the first time, the crowd erupted.  The numbers were not quite the collosal volume of points that we expect to see from Amare, but getting back on the court was just the first step in a long road for STAT. 



A Hot Start in New York



Rasheed Wallace



 18 wins. 5 losses.  Many would predict such a start for Miami or Los Angeles, but in fact the oldest team in NBA history is off to the best start in the league.  The Knicks have found a formula for success by playing small at the power forward position with Carmelo Anthony.  His ability to score from the arc or post has stretched out the defense for the pick and roll.  Raymond Felton and Tyson Chandler have connected for a league best 21 alley oops.  This type of lineup has led to the past two championships in Miami and Dallas.  With LeBron playing the four last year, and Marion the year prior, Novitzky and Bosh had room to get their shots off with relative ease. 



"Three To the Head"



Another huge contribution to the Knicks hot start has been the play of the bench.  J.R. Smith and Rasheed Wallace have been huge off the bench.  Smith is averaging 14 points per game and Wallace is averaging 7 points and 4 rebounds in limited time.  His numbers may not be spectacular, but Wallace has brought immeasurable energy to the team and the entire roster now uses his three point celebration.

All in all, this Knicks team is off to one of the best starts in franchise history.  Not to mention, they are missing two of their best players; Amare Stoudemire and Iman Shumpert.  Many "experts" are predicting a decline in production when Stoudemire returns.  However, with the way the Knicks are playing, I expect big things from STAT in his return.

Pre-Season




Knicks New Addition Chris Copeland



The Knicks started off the preseason on a good note against the Washington Wizards.  With John Wall out of the lineup, the Knicks were able to tee off on the young and unexperienced Wizards.  Novak made all 7 of his attempted three pointers and even showed an improved mid range game.  Beal was impressive for the Wizards.  Many believe he is on par with Anthony Davis of New Orleans; but with Davis's experience in London, Beal will be playing catch up early on.

The newcomer Chris Copeland (above) has been very impressive in the Pre-Season.  He is averaging 12 PPG and had 21 points in 19 minutes in the win over the Celtics.  Carmelo was the leading scorer versus Boston with 23.  As for Boston, Jeff Green looked to be completely healed from his season ending injury he suffered last year. 

All in all, the Knicks look to be in mid-season form; even without the services of Amare Stoudemire.  The athletic big man will be back before the start of the season.  The Knicks second leading scorer will be back healthy after being plagued by injuries last season and throughout the playoffs.



Opener and Off-Season





On November 1st, the New York Knicks will open the 2012 season against the newly dubbed Brooklyn Nets.  While many may believe that the new team in town is the early favorite, the pride of Manhattan bring a lot of new pieces to the table that may catch some by surprise.