Your 2009-10 New York Knicks: A Season Preview

Every Knicks fan in his or her right mind knows that the 2009-10 season has been written off as a "year in waiting." The long anticipated free agent class of 2010 offers great promise.

Whether or not a King will take the throne in the world's greatest arena is still very much up for debate.

All things considered, with 10 nationally televised games on their schedule, the Knicks of now are going to be the NBA's court jesters.

Fans can take solace in the fact that most important games are on Fridays...can anybody say happy hour?

Friday October 30, 2009—Knicks at Charlotte

Fans gain a false sense of security and solace when the Knicks secure a .500 record (1-1) against an under-tooled Bobcats team.

Michael Jordan contemplates suiting up for Charlotte at halftime.

Friday November 6, 2009—Cleveland at Knicks (ESPN)

Some may cite this as the single most important game on the 2009-10 NBA Calendar. I disagree.

Lebron James is ushered back to MSG with a red-carpet welcome. He waltzes all over the Knicks, bringing back fond memories of last February's 52 point, nine rebound, and 11 assist performance.

The mediocre showing by D'Antoni's squad is seemingly overshadowed by the warm welcomes of fans and the flashing cameras of the New York media.

However, in the back of his mind, King James' impression of the Knicks is somewhat diminished. Perhaps they aren't the right fit in 2010.

Friday November 13, 2009—Golden State at Knicks

A week after welcoming King James, the Garden faithful are ready to give another standing ovation, this time to the Knick who never was.

Stephen Curry said all the right things and seemed fated to play on Broadway. However, the Golden State Warriors prevented what appeared to be destiny from actually occurring.

Curry fires shots left and right most likely to the tune of many clanks.

Have no fear though, every time the ball goes through the net fans will be cursing New York management for not trading up.

Friday December 18, 2009—Los Angeles Clippers at Knicks (ESPN)

New York media sensation and victim of immense over-hyping, Sebastian Telfair, returns to the arena where he won several New York City PSAL titles.

Unfortunately he won't be seeing much playing time.

It is still baffling why ESPN is choosing to air this game nationally. Is nothing better on?

I suppose Blake Griffin will at least look good.

And in a final sub-plot, the Knicks management will be able to kick themselves once again after being lit up by Eric Gordon. They drafted Danillo Gallinari over him in 2008. Fail.

Friday December 25, 2009—Miami Heat at Knicks (ESPN)

In what should be a scene bearing resemblance to Cleveland's November visit to the Garden, Dwayne Wade will be welcomed in open arms by fans and spoken about to no end by the media.

After growing impatient with James' politically correct and roundabout answers regarding the off-season, the Garden Faithful will redirect their focus to Wade.

Heat GM Pat Riley will probably still be trying to tie down his star guard for a long term deal and the victory over New York shouldn't hurt matters.

Tuesday December 29, 2009—Detroit Pistons at Knicks

Joe Dumars is probably still wondering what would have happened had he selected Carmelo Anthony with that second overall pick.

But guess what... Darko is now the Knicks' problem.

This match-up pins the Knicks, one of the league's most overpaid teams, against Detroit, its lowest paid one. Size is shown to be irrelevant when it comes to payroll, as the Pistons demonstrate their superiority over a struggling Knicks team.

Friday January 22, 2010—Los Angeles Lakers at Knicks (ESPN)

After slightly less than a year, Kobe Bryant is ready for second helpings at the Garden.

His 62 point performance last February was far from a fluke. And while there is no free-agent-to-be sub-plot here, it's still a show that I would shell out some serious cash to see.

Saturday February 27, 2010—Memphis at Knicks

Besides being a game that the Knicks can totally win, the Griz bring something else to the table.

The less-than-long-awaited return of Zach Randolph to MSG.

Yes, he will hear boos. No, we don't miss him. A victory and some drunken obscenities shouted across the court are just what the doctor ordered for a team that will surely be facing some serious mid-season blues.

Friday March 26, 2010—Knicks at Phoenix

The trip to the desert marks the beginning of a long West Coast road trip for D'Antoni and company.

A revitalized Suns squad should be able to easily run through the motions and put up 120-140 points, just to give coach D. a blast from the past.

What Nash and his teammates didn't expect was D'Antoni to become so nostalgic that he refused to board the Knicks' team flight. He instead bolted for the Phoenix front office and promptly begged for his job back.

Tuesday April 6, 2010—Boston at Knicks

After a road trip that left the team in shambles and coach D'Antoni plastered onto NY tabloid headlines, the Celtics march into town to beat a dead horse.

D'Antoni proceeds to call the Phoenix front office and offers himself as an assistant coach.

Thursday June 24, 2010—NBA Draft

Well, we tanked all season. At least we have a lottery pick to look forward to, right?

Wrong.

The Knicks, as of now, do not have a first round pick in 2010. Oh well.

At least we're just a few days from signing LeBron, Bosh, Wade, and every other big name free agent. Or not.