Knicks: 5 Keys for Success in 2016-17

Continuity

There are 7 new players on the team this year, including three new starters so it will take time for the Knicks to become a cohesive unit. From the looks of their opening game that process could take a bit longer than many would like, However, if they're committed to the process, Jeff Hornacek should be able to find a niche that works well with the team he's been trusted with.

Defense

Many say the Knicks defense is subpar at best and for the past few seasons, that has been an unfortunately correct analysis. This season must be the year that something gives. The team has two great interior rim protectors in Porzingis and Noah, whose length can alter the shots of any penetrators. That leaves it up to the team to defend the perimeter and not leave shooters open for great looks. The Knicks can't allow themselves to repeat the same problems that have plagued them for so long, otherwise the season could end in bitter disappointment.

Carmelo Anthony

This is a big season for Anthony to show that he is indeed a leader that can help his team win. As the only constant New York has known for five years, there is an onus on him to provide stability and unify the team around a common goal. Though he's had this chance before, there will many more eyes watching this year wondering if he'll be up to the task.

Jeff Hornacek

He'll have some scrutiny hanging on him whenever the team performs poorly, especially since he coaches in the media capital of the world. That should make it imperative that he finds a way to succeed early, but like many things it is not guaranteed. What is most important however is his bond with the players. There are host of different playing styles and personalities on the team this year and it will be Hornacek's job to make sure they operate as one closed-knit unit. If he manages to do that there is no telling where the Knicks could go and that would be a good thing for Mr. Hornacek.

Playoffs

Without a doubt the Knicks must get into the playoffs this season. Anything other than that would be considered disastrous. With all the changes made by Phil Jackson, the team is expected to put forth the effort to bring New York basketball back to some sort of prominence, that way the fans can look forward to a future that will hopefully have the Larry O'Brien Trophy in it.

Why The Giants Are Struggling

Photo: Matt Ludtke/AP

The Giants head into week 6 on a three game losing streak and find themselves in last place in the NFC East. Though there are many factors that have contributed to the team’s struggles, here are a few glaring issues that I think are perpetuating Big Blue’s current situation.

Practice Habits

Poor preparation leads to poor performance, that is a saying many have heard over the course of their lives. It especially rings true in sports. With the way the team has performed the past three weeks, many will wonder if the Giants practices are yielding any positive results. This not only is a bad reflection on the players, it’s a massive knock on the coaching staff whose job is to make sure the team is ready to play at a high level each week. One should hope this is not the case, but given what has transpired thus far you can’t help but feel this

Lack of Depth

For the Giants, the discrepancy of talent between the starter and bench is far too wide. If a first string player gets hurt, their backup seemingly lacks the skill to perform even adequately and that is a big problem. The fault of this falls directly on General Manager Jerry Reese, who is in charge of drafting and signing capable talent to make sure the depth is always up to par. The team owes it to itself to improve upon this weakness if there is any hope of making sure this season doesn’t get away from them like it has the past 5 years.

Pass Rush (Or lack thereof)

In the off-season the team spent over $200 million improving the defense in order to increase the number of sacks and quarterback hits. Instead the pass rush has managed to look even worse that it did last year, which is mind boggling. After watching Aaron Rogers get time to read War and Peace in the backfield, it’s time to start holding Steve Spagnuolo and defense accountable for the uninspired play that is being shown on a weekly basis.

No Rashad Jennings

This may or may not have much merit to it, but the loss of Jennings for three weeks seems to be parallel with the team’s struggles. Perhaps getting him back for week 6 will yield a better result. With Shane Vereen on the shelf, the Giants could use a singular talent that is capable of doing some damage on offense.

The Slow Moving Offense

One of the things that was expected of New York was that the offense would perform at an elite level, especially since it has such a talented receiving core. Unfortunately, that has not been the case as the offense is spending more time sputtering out on drives, committing costly penalties, and turning the ball over. Many say this is on Eli Manning, whom to their point has not looked particularly good running some of the plays. However, it’s Ben McAdoo’s job to see this system through. The conservative play calling is hurting the offense’s effectiveness and it’s hard to get players like Odell Beckham and Victor Cruz going. If there’s going to be any advancement in overall play, this needs to change.

New York Knicks: Players Who Could Land The Final Spot

J.P. Tokoto

The UNC alum had a strong showing in the summer league, impressing the Knicks with his defense and hustle on the floor. The Knicks could use all of the perimeter defense they can get, which may up Tokoto's chances if he shows that skill in the preseason.

Ron Baker

Baker is the high IQ basketball player that could fit in any system. Having spent 4 years at Wichita State, the learning curve will be much smaller which is a nice bonus for a team that wants to compete this season. His capabilities on both ends of the floor would be a more than helpful addition to the roster.

Photo: John Locher/AP

Maurice Ndour

Ndour was signed to a guaranteed contract after an impressive stint in the summer league last season. Though he may not be the ideal weight for his size (6'9" 205lbs), he more than makes up for it with his rebounding and defense. His prior success in college shows the capabilities of his game so don’t be surprised if Ndour earns early playing time once the season begins.

Photo: Kyle Terada USA Today Sports

Chasson Randle

Another 4-year college player that had the tools for success, but went undrafted in 2015. After averaging 19.6 points in his senior year at Stanford, Randle helped CEZ Nymburk win the Czech Republic’s NBL (National Basketball League) championship in 2016. If Randle can show the Knicks that he is up to the challenges the NBA will bring, he could be the one who sneaks in and wins that final place on the bench.