2007-08 NBA Team Preview -- New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have spent the off season getting pounded in the press and as the NBA opener creeps ever closer, they have to be glad to talk about something else. The Knicks have brought in a powerful player in Zach Randolph, and they are anxious to try out Head Coach Isiah Thomas' newest fix. Never one to shy away from change, Thomas' experiments over the years have not exactly fired up the New York fans, but this one is a bit different. With Randolph, you know what you will get. A fierce player, with sometimes fierce baggage. For better or worse the Knicks improved the team with Randolph.

Key off season acquisition - Without a doubt Randolph is now the man in Knicksville. He has shown himself to be up to the task before, and should blend in rather well with Eddy Curry. The Knicks should never lose a rebounding battle, however, Curry sometimes disappears in this area. He should be at the top of the stat sheet every night with his frame. Adding Zach Randolph will be a huge boost to New York this season, and it might just get them to the playoffs.

Point Guard - Stephon Marbury will continue to run the show from the point, and now he truly has some options. Look for Marbury to increase his assists ratio, and his scoring to drop. The Knicks truly do not need 16+ points per game from this position every night. Marbury would be better served to dish out 8-9 assists, and score around 10-12 points for the Knicks to be at the highest level. This is not to say Marbury will not have his nights. It just means he needs to concentrate on dishing the ball. It will open the floor for the athletic Knicks.

Shooting Guard - With Allan Houston deciding not to continue his comeback bid, this will leave these duties to a very talented and unnoticed player. Jamal Crawford blossomed last season as he averaged over 17 point per game, and nearly as many assists as Marbury did at the point. This guy is a do everything type that every playoff team needs.

Small Forward - The Knicks are depending on veteran Quinton Richardson to fill this role, and it is the weakest link on the team. Richardson can still score, and is a decent rebounder, but he has slowed a step. If Richardson can elevate his play, the Knicks will be very tough to stop.

Power Forward - Zach Randolph will hold this position down. He is a walking double double and will be an MVP type player in New York. David Lee is also a key here. The Knicks might consider inserting Lee into the small forward slot against the slower teams. He is a great energy guy to have on the floor.

Center - Eddy Curry will man the middle for the Knicks and his game will improve with the addition of Randolph as well. No team can afford to double either of them, as it would free up the other. The one area the Knicks and Curry must improve on is the defensive side of the ball. Curry must play very large, and rebound better. He has the talent, but does he want it? We will see.

Season Prediction - Expect the Knicks to make the playoffs, but do not expect them to win the Eastern Conference. The East has improved a bit to much to expect that, and the Knicks are still a player or two away from the top. They should post a winning record for the first time in years.