Residing at 28-26 , 6th overall in the Eastern Conference, 2nd overall in the Atlantic Division. The Knicks seem to be the epitome of mediocrity heading into the All-Star Break.
By dissecting the first half stats it's easy to see the fault that has stymied the Knicks from joining the upper tier of teams in the NBA , that being the lack luster defensive performances that have plagued them all season long. New York allows the second largest amount of opposing points per game with an average of 105.8, topping only the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves. Ironically in return, the Knicks have scored more points than any other team in the league besides the Denver Nuggets at 106.2. The Offensive production is what has carried the team all season while the defense has held the team back.
This now puts into question whether signing Carmelo Anthony actually helps the squad, the Knicks don't seem to need more firepower, but instead seem to long for the help of hardworking defenders who are willing to do the dirty work down in the low block. Just some food for thought? The Knicks would still benefit greatly from the services of Anthony and would be fools to blow the opportunity.
Best Surprise: Rookie from Stanford Landry Fields, an instant favorite at Madison Square Garden. Fields brings immense intangibles to the squad and acts as the proverbial glue to the Knicks team. Averaging 10 points and 7 rebounds a game, Fields has catapulted himself to the top of the Rookie Of The Year race.
MVP: An obvious no-brainer, Amare Stoudemire is clearly the heart and soul of this Knicks team, leading them in Points, Rebounds, and Blocks. This is why he was brought to the Big Apple, to carry the team on his back until the front office is able to add some help.
Worst Loss: 101-98 to the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 22nd. Although New York was in control most of the game, Kevin Durant broke the Knicks hearts by draining a 3 pointer as time expired to win the game, dropping 30 Points in the process, devastating New York.
Best Win: 128-115 over the league best San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs entered the game with a record of 29-4, but when the left the Garden they had collected their 5th loss of the season. Wilson Chandler led the way with 31 points, as the Knicks out hustled and outplayed the Spurs the entire game eventually breaking the will of San Antonio as well as sending a message to the rest of the league that the Knicks are here to compete in 2011.
Bottom Line: With 28 games left to play , Amare Stoudemire cannot be relied on to carry the club the rest of the way, despite his MVP like performance, he's been overworked an appears to be breaking down after injuring his toe. A second super star is needed in the form of Carmelo, instantly it would give NY league wide credibility with 2 superstars on the floor at the same time, as well as opening the door to land another blockbuster free agent in the summer like Chris Paul , Derron Williams, or Tony Parker.
2nd Half Outlook: Ultimately I think Carmelo Anthony will be traded before February 24th to the Knicks, thus vastly improving a so-so squad of basketball players outside of Amare, it will take some time to gel but the team will be better without a doubt, and more likely than not, be a force to be reckoned with come playoff time.
Projected Record : 46-36, 6th in Eastern Conference, 2nd in Atlantic Division
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