Charlie Widdoes

When the Knicks open the season in Milwaukee, they’ll do so on the road for the first time in five years, against a Bucks team that will debut at home for the first time since 1984. Indeed, it’s a new year – a fresh start for two franchises with playoff aspirations.

New York endeavors to shatter its 17-win total from 2014-15, a season marred by injuries, roster turnover, and incremental adjustment to a new system on the floor. Milwaukee, fresh off a 41-41 campaign that ended with a first-round playoff loss to the Bulls, believes its ready to make a leap with internal improvement from its young core and key free agent addition Greg Monroe. 

It'll be the first look at Phil Jackson's offseason haul, including first-round picks Kristaps Porzingis (4th overall) and Jerian Grant (19th) and a slew of veteran free agents that includes Robin Lopez, Arron Afflalo and Kyle O'Quinn -- all potential starters. And let's not forget Carmelo Anthony, the 10-time All-Star who missed the final 29 games of last season after undergoing knee surgery.

The Bucks enter the year as a popular sleeper team to challenge for home court in the Eastern Conference, but Jason Kidd's team has questions to answer in his second year as head coach, including: Will Michael Carter-Williams, acquired at the trade deadline in exchange for Brandon Knight, improve on his career shooting numbers (25 percent from three, 40 percent from the field)? Will Jabari Parker return at full strength from last season's ACL tear, and how does he fit with the defensive identity (ranked 4th in the NBA in 2014-15) Kidd has instilled? Will Thanasis Antetokounmpo's brother Giannis approach his superstar ceiling in year three?

With Melo's return, the veteran additions, an influx of high-end young talent, and another year of continuity in the Triangle Offense, the Knicks figure to be much deeper and more competitive this season. Jackson and Co. have their sights set on building a sustainable winning culture that can thrive for many years down the road, but opening night offers the first opportunity to see the pieces begin to come together, making it a can't-miss matchup to watch.

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Matchup to Watch: Knicks at Bucks, October 28

Statistically Speaking: Played in 41 games (9.7 mpg). Averaged 13.2 points and 9.9 rebounds per 36 minutes.

Year in Review: Timing was an issue for Tyler all season. After catching the coaching staff’s eye by flashing his immense potential for the Knicks’ Summer League entry in Las Vegas, he spent the next few months working his way back from a broken foot. By the time he had recovered, so too had Tyson Chandler from the broken leg he suffered just a few games into the season.

With Chandler back, Amar’e Stoudemire on the verge of his healthiest season since 2010-11 and fellow big man Cole Aldrich making strides as a solid rebounder and rim protector, Tyler faced an uphill battle for minutes. In limited action, he did showcase the athleticism and shooting touch after joining the club just after the new year.

But after waiting his turn, he busted out in his 10th game, a blowout win in Boston. In 23 minutes, he connected on 7-of-9 shots for 17 points, with five rebounds and two blocks. Over the next few weeks, he delivered his best performances of the year as a reliable big off the bench while the Knicks began their second-half surge.

Season Highlight: The offensive explosion in Boston was not only a season best, but a sign of how dominant he has the potential to be; not many players his size can move like he does and score in so many different ways. He can run the court, finish at the rim or step back and knock down jumpers. Players with such upside will always get chances to play, but producing results like he did from late January through mid February –- during which he averaged 7.6 points (on 56.4 percent shooting) and 4.6 rebounds in 14.5 minutes per game -- could go a long way toward establishing him as a rotation-caliber NBA big man.

Looking Ahead: Tyler ran into some tough luck with injuries and established veterans ahead of him on the depth chart, but how he responds to his experience this season will be crucial to his success going forward. He made strides on both ends of the floor and has a bright future ahead if he can continue to refine his game as he enters his age-23 season. He shot 50 percent (12-for-24) from 10-16 feet this season and if he can get stronger and refine his footwork, he has a chance to become a devastating weapon in the pick-and-roll.

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Season in Review: Jeremy Tyler

Statistically Speaking: 46 games played (two starts), 10 points and 14.1 rebounds per 36 minutes.

Contributions: The job of a young NBA backup is never easy. Playing behind decorated veterans only adds another challenge as you are expected to develop while playing sparingly in both pratice and games. But Aldrich, a former lottery pick himself (11th overall in 2010-11), proved to be a perfect fit for the role in his first season in New York.

"The biggest thing is staying ready," he told reporters after setting a career high with 16 rebounds and matching his season high of 13 points in the Knicks' season finale. "You never know when your name's going to be called."

Aldrich epitomized what the Knicks were looking for from a reserve big man. With his length and nose for the ball, coach Mike Woodson developed confidence that the 25-year-old would be able to protect the rim and battle on the boards when his number was called. Cole rewarded his coach's faith by blocking three or more shots five times, despite playing more than 15 minutes in only four games.

Season Highlight: Aldrich saved the best for last, delivering eye-opening performances when given extended minutes after the team had been eliminated from the playoffs.

After pulling down 10 rebounds in a game just once all year, Aldrich dominated the glass in consecutive nights to close out the year with 29 combined boards. Against the Toronto Raptors (and powerful big man Jonas Valanciunas), Cole exploded for 13 points and career highs in rebounds (16) and blocked shots (5), while tying a career best with two steals.

Looking Ahead: After his furious finish to the year, Aldrich will look to carry the momentum forward. With potential free agency looming, his offseason plans are what you'd expect from a player with his consistent approach to the game: "Continue to work," he said. "The summer time is where you get better, so it's going to be a big summer for me again."

Asked to summarize Aldrich's season, his coach praised the young big man for his hard work with the coaching staff. "He's earned the right to be on somebody's ball club," said Woodson.

For more news and notes on the team follow the New York Knicks and Charlie on Twitter.

Charlie Widdoes

Matchup to Watch: Knicks at Bucks, October 28

Season in Review: Jeremy Tyler

Season in Review: Cole Aldrich