New York Knicks: Why Raymond Felton Will Bounce Back in 2012-13

Linsanity is no more in New York City, and the Knicks will have a new starting point guard for the 2012-13 season.

Having played with the Knicks in the 2010-11 season—before being sent to Denver as part of the Carmelo Anthony trade—Raymond Felton is back in town, and he'll be tasked with running the Knicks' star-studded offense.

The UNC product had a tough time out in Portland last season, but he's primed to bounce back and return to form now that he's back with the Knicks.

In his initial stint with the Knicks, Felton had the best 54-game stretch of his career, averaging 17 points and nine assists, and almost making the All-Star game in the process.

Now, a lot of Felton's success came down to the offensive system in place under Mike D'Antoni and the play of Amar'e Stoudemire, but it's plain to see that New York is a place he loves playing in.

D'Antoni may be gone now, but Stoudemire is not, and the reuniting of the pair could help both to regain the form they haven't had since they split up.

And even though D'Antoni is no more, Felton's style of play isn't one that's only compatible in a particular offense. He should work fine under Mike Woodson, too.

Back in Charlotte, for example, Felton thrived in what was a much slower offense (with less talented players surrounding him), much like the one he'll be running in New York.

The majority of Felton's problems last season came down to physical issues. He entered camp overweight, which really set him back for the majority of the season.

Along with that, his drive was questioned, and he never really looked happy to be playing in Portland.

But after the debacle that was last season, Felton has learned from his mistakes. Right now he's in shape and ready for the upcoming season.

Not only that, but Felton should be motivated by the prospect of starting on a title-contending team next season, as well as by the New York crowd that will be supporting him.

It looks like Felton's critics will provide him with extra motivation, too. He had the following to say to Walt Frazier and Mike Breen on an appearance on MSG Networks during a Knicks Summer League game:

"

"I am hearing from everybody, 'He wasn't in shape last year.' I played in the league seven years, about to be eight, came in out of shape one year and that's all everybody wants to talk about. I look forward to this year and shutting up everybody's mouth."

"

With the motivation and health issues now sorted, Felton is in a position to return to form and contribute to a championship-contending team, which the Knicks should be next season.

As a pass-first point guard, Felton will be looking forward to the opportunity to play with fantastic scorers such as Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire, and great spot-up shooters like Steve Novak and J.R. Smith.

The bottom line is Felton is coming into a great situation next season, on a team that needs his production. We've already seen the type of player he can be when his mind's right.

Felton may not provide the excitement that Linsanity did. But he's more than capable of getting the job done and regaining his status as one of the Knicks' most popular players.