As we approach the start of the National Basketball Association (NBA) season, the pieces seem to be falling into place for the New York Knicks. On paper, they are a talented team. But a lot has to happen before the Knicks can contend for the title. Here are five things I need to see from the New York Knicks this season.
5. Plenty of Iman Schumpert
The Knicks may have drafted a legitimate star in Iman Shumpert. The confident rookie had an excellent debut for the Knicks. Shumpert is known for his defensive abilities, but he can apparently score too. I hope Shumpert continues to progress. The Knicks can really use a boost on their bench, if Shumpert stays there.
4. A Healthy Baron Davis
I cannot wait to see new point guard Baron Davis on the floor with these Knicks. He is one of the best guards in the league, when healthy. Davis is currently suffering from a herniated disk. The Knicks must do everything they can to get him healthy. If that means sitting Davis for most of the season, so be it. Adding a healthy Davis to an already talented roster would make the Knicks a serious contender.
3. Stat and Melo
Knicks head coach Mike D'Antoni must find a way to blend Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony on the court at the same time. Stat and Melo cannot simply take turns going one-on-one. They have to work off of each other, make the each other better. Both players command a lot of attention from defenders. They need to take advantage of that.
2. Better Rebounding
Rebounds lead to second-chance opportunities, on both ends of the floor. The Knicks were in the bottom half of the league in rebounding last season. New center Tyson Chandler should change that.
1. Improvement on defense
Last season the Knicks were the third worst defensive team in the league, allowing 105.7 points per game. With Chandler in the middle, the defense should improve. Chandler prides himself on defense and demands defense from his teammates.
These are five things I need to see from the Knicks this season. If they can do these things, they will make the playoffs this year and for years to come.
More from Edwin Torres:
Ten Burning Questions About the New York Knicks This Season: Fan Preview
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Edwin Torres was born in New York City. He has been a Knicks fan since the early 1980s. He has visited Madison Square Garden on many occasions to watch the Knicks and his favorite player, Patrick Ewing. For more articles, follow him on Twitter @FlipPoker.
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