Knicks Preview: How Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni Can Save New York Basketball

I have written my share of Knicks articles, and they were basically all correct. This year, I have a few more fearless projections and suggestions—take that, Mr. Frasier—for fans and management, respectively.

Let's start with the projections. Last year, my projections were pretty accurate. I was tough on all of the players who ended up being terrible (see Richardson, Q.)—but for some crazy reason, I thought the Knicks could win 41 games and make the playoffs. Instead, they stumbled to 23 wins and an unlucky lottery slot.

This year, let's start off with the win total—33. Now, how can the Knicks achieve that record?

Last year was filled with an unprecedented level of drama, with a coach spending the entire year on the hot seat, a sexual harassment scandal, an unhappy "star" point guard who mysteriously left the team to have surgery, trade rumors, and various in-team scuffles.

This year, stability alone should bring the team back to its play of two years ago. Unfortunately, much of the Eastern Conference, with the exception of the Nets, has improved.

Elton Brand brings a low-post presence to Philly. Toronto has a new center, and Indiana found a new point guard. Milwaukee and Atlanta can look forward to another year of growth from their young players. Even Charlotte might improve.

The Knicks, though, are unlikely to notice any improvement from their own players. Not a single Knick has improved while in the league, which might be a sign the coaching staff was terrible. This year, Mike D'Antoni's high-octane offensive approach should increase scoring and raise morale. If that translates to more wins, then great.

Now, can the Knicks win more than 33 games? That will take a real effort to trade the trash and find new roles for others.

Jerome James and Malik Rose have no good reason to take up a spot on the bench. Jerome is on par with Carl Pavano, in terms of free-agent signings who never play.

Rose no longer has the athleticism to overcome his height limitations, so his career should be done. The Knicks release them both and find some NBDL talent or summer league players to take their spots.

Jared Jeffries, Renaldo Balkman, and Mardy Collins are all the same player, only with different heights. Renaldo is the best athlete, Jeffries is the tallest, and Collins is the best passer.

None of them can shoot, and none of them should play more than 10 minutes a game. Trade any of them, maybe for a second-round pick if possible.

Eddy Curry needs to get in shape and be removed from the game whenever he does not show effort on the boards. Send him to Tim Grover, who runs the famous A.T.T.A.C.K. training facility, to improve his quickness.

Not many teams would want to trade for Curry, but these teams might bite: Oklahoma City, Atlanta, Dallas, Minnesota, and Memphis.

Some trade ideas:

1. Eddy Curry and Quentin Richardson for Darko Milicic, Marko Jaric, and Javaris Crittenton

A deal that might make everyone happy. Darko can fit in better in New York than in Memphis, and might finally blossom into a good player. His blocks would be a welcome addition.

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