2008–2009

• 32–50

Offensive

• 110.0 (14th)

Defensive

• 112.7 (24th)

Under Contract:

• F: Wilson Chandler
• G: Chris Duhon
• F: Danilo Galinari
• F: Larry Hughes
• C-F: Jared Jeffries

Free Agents:

• F-C: David Lee, (Restricted)
• G: Nate Robinson, (Restricted)
• C: Chris Wilcox, (Unrestricted)
• C: Eddy Curry, (Early termination)
• F: Al Harrington, (player option)
• G-F: Quentin Richardson, (Early termination)

Areas of Strength:

The Knicks made their fifth straight trip to the Lottery and don't have much long–term promise on their roster. They do, however, have a couple things going for them: financial flexibility and a coach who guys love playing for. Things can turn around in New York very quickly.

Needs Work:

Mike D'Antoni isn't as bad a defensive coach as his reputation dictates, but the Knicks will never get to where they want to go unless they make defense a priority. No matter what system they run and how much talent they have, the offense will come and go. But a better defense will allow them to be a more dangerous and more consistent team.

Two Stats That Matter:

• The Knicks held their opponent to less than 90 points just four times last season.
• David Lee led the league with 65 double-doubles.

The Way To Go:

Wilson Chandler and Danilo Galinari could be nice players down the line, but neither is somebody you build a roster around. And other than those two, the Knicks don't have any young building blocks, so they need to just take what they can get in the Draft.

With the eighth pick, a point guard should be available, and Stephen Curry seems to be a good fit for D'Antoni's system. But more important this summer is what the Knicks do with Nate Robinson and David Lee, two restricted free agents.

Both have value, but neither is someone the Knicks must keep. To maintain financial flexibility, the Knicks should definitely let one leave and consider parting with both.

Fan Predictions

Expert Predictions