The New York Knicks have something, it’s not a big something, but at least they have something. They a got Carmelo, they got Rookies Porzingis and Grant, they have several players who have made a name for themselves such as Robin Lopez and Arron Afflalo. There’s something there.
But will those pieces help them make it back to the promise land? I really don’t think so. A few years ago, they were low key scary. Some people found them threatening, some people took New York over the Indiana Pacers who were the closest competitors to the Heat! That time I was scared, they looked so tantalising as an underdog. In this case, I shrug my shoulders.
I mentioned Arron Afflalo who joined the Knicks in the summer, he’s played with Melo before, it’s one of the reasons why he signed. But obviously he joined mainly because he genuinely sees some potential in these Knicks. Something that not many of us see.
“It was a mixture of individual opportunity, and maybe some unforeseen potential,” said Afflalo, who’s yet to play in the preseason while rehabbing a pulled hamstring. “I get to play with ‘Melo again (they were teammates in Denver from 2009 through early 2011, when the Knicks acquired Anthony), and I knew the coaching staff. I knew the management. I knew what they were trying to build. And as you know in the NBA, that type of stuff can happen overnight. New York’s obviously an attractive place, and if it doesn’t happen now, it happens later on. You just never know.“
New York may be an attractive place, but once again I have to say, location isn’t a prominent reason to sign anymore. The Knicks can’t go to a player, say “Wanna play in the Garden? Sign here.” they’re not stupid, they still suck as a team. Location don’t mean jack anymore.
Referring back to their potential. It’s there. But I don’t believe that they’ll fulfil the potential. I don’t know how, but it’ll happen, they’ll faulter somewhere.
