Stock Up, Stock Down for Every Player on the NY Knicks Heading into 2012-13

Almost every player on the 2012-13 New York Knicks squad is at a different phase or different state in his career, and it's up to Mike Woodson to get them all to gel and win.

Gradually, piece by piece, New York's roster changed significantly this offseason. The backcourt has a brand new depth chart, Tyson Chandler has a new backup and a couple of skills specialists were acquired or re-signed.

The biggest question mark is whether all the role players can help Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire and Chandler contend in the Eastern Conference playoffs and beyond.

Gauging the stock of each Knickerbocker will help give us a better idea of the current state of the franchise.

Iman Shumpert

Stock is DOWN

According to the Sporting News, Knicks defensive stopper Iman Shumpert is targeting a December return from his ACL rehab, which is slightly sooner than previously expected.

It still means that he's going to miss the first month and a half of the season, not to mention training camp and exhibitions.

Even before he injured his knee in the first game of the playoffs, Shumpert had a mediocre April on the offensive end. Fortunately for Knicks fans, that has little to do with how he'll play in 2012-13, as he'll have a chance to build on an impressive rookie year.

The untimely ending of his 2012 season and the uncertain nature of his return keeps his stock down for now.

Marcus Camby

Stock is STEADY

When Jared Zwerling of ESPN New York reported that the Knicks acquired Marcus Camby in a sign-and-trade, it was clear that New York immediately got better in the backup-center department.

Camby has been past his prime for several years now, but he's still a valuable rebounder and shot-blocker to bring in as a reserve.

The 2011-12 season showed that he's got some fuel left in the tank, as he posted his best PER since 2005-06 and his best per-minute scoring numbers since 2008-09.

However, he's 38, and he could end up running out of gas at any point in the near future. For now, there's no reason to believe he can't back up Tyson Chandler for 15-20 minutes per game.

Jason Kidd

Stock is DOWN

It's indisputable that newcomer Jason Kidd's stock is down, and it's down for two simple reasons:

1. The 2011-12 season was by far the worst of his career (it's not shocking, considering he turned 39).

2. His offseason included a car crash and DWI charges.

Basically, his career began to plummet right after he hoisted the 2011 Larry O'Brien trophy with the Mavericks.

Nevertheless, it's not too late for him to bounce back and regain his swagger as backup extraordinaire.

J.R. Smith

Stock is UP

Will J.R. Smith pick up where he left off last spring?

After hopping on the Knicks bandwagon in mid-February 2012, he didn't really find a consistent groove until after Jeremy Lin departed for knee surgery.

In April, Smith was a playmaker every night, reminiscent of his vintage Denver Nuggets days. He attacked, scored and also set up his teammates.

Until Iman Shumpert returns, Smith will get 30 or more minutes per game. A full preseason with the squad will help him play more comfortably from the get-go.

But Woodson should hope that Smith doesn't get too comfortable, to the point that he starts chucking shots from all over the place.

Raymond Felton

Stock is UP

Although it remains to be seen whether the Knicks will be better at the point without Jeremy Lin, the uncertainty surrounding New York's backcourt should be calmed by what we know from Raymond Felton's past.

The seven-year veteran played his most efficient and productive basketball when he was a Knickerbocker in 2010-11. He gelled with Amar'e Stoudemire and kept everyone involved.

The supporting cast has changed dramatically since then, and the Carmelo Anthony show came to town, but this is a team that Felton should be able to run.

When he's at his best, he's a pass-first point guard who can dish 8-10 assists and knock down shots at a consistent clip. He'll reach a whole new level if he can take advantage of his talented surroundings.

Carmelo Anthony

Stock is DOWN

If we're judging Carmelo Anthony by the last few weeks of the 2012 NBA season, his stock is down slightly, mostly because of his first-round exit from the playoffs.

But if we're also taking into account his fantastic Olympic Games, then it's a different story.

As good as he was in London, it doesn't give us a legitimate reason to boost his Knicks stock. Until he proves otherwise, he'll still be perceived as the player who can't get over the hump and overachieve in the postseason.

A re-tooled lineup might be good medicine for Anthony as he enters his 10th pro season. If Raymond Felton gets in a groove, 'Melo's stock could climb as the season progresses.

Steve Novak

Stock is UP

Steve Novak saw 18.9 minutes of playing time per game in 2011-12, a career high. His involvement in the offense increased during Jeremy Lin's emergence, and he kept up the production even after Lin went down with injury.

In each of the last three months of the regular season, Novak averaged at least nine points per game. He turned into a dangerous marksman who dropped threes from every angle.

He enters the 2012-13 as a valuable option off the bench, a poised player who knows his role. Novak's not going to overstep his bounds, serving only to supplement the offense, not take it over.

That doesn't mean he won't intermittently be crucial to New York's survival. Woodson's strategic usage of his skills could be the difference between winning and losing on several occasions.

Amar'e Stoudemire

Stock is STEADY

For now, Amar'e Stoudemire's stock is moderate. There are signs that it could go up early on in the 2012-13 season.

He's coming off his most difficult season, one in which he endured personal tragedy off the court, injuries and ineffectiveness on the court.

It's clear that Amar'e is doing his best to put it behind him and move forward. Check out his personal videos from his training sessions with Hakeem Olajuwon.

His expanded post game and the return of Raymond Felton are reasons for optimism, but there are always going to be lingering doubts that he and Carmelo Anthony can coexist on the court and lead the team to legitimate contention.

Pablo Prigioni

Stock is UP

A few months ago, Argentinean floor general Pablo Prigioni was a Spanish League player with no relevance or connection to the NBA.

Now he's a New York Knickerbocker with a chance to crack the rotation as a backup point guard.

Prigioni excelled as a distributor in the Olympics, leading all competitors in assists per game. He held his own against some of the top point guards in the world.

Will his international repertoire translate to the NBA? He'll likely get some prime chances to prove his worth early on in the season. If he can do more than just be a caretaker of the offense, and provide a spark off the bench, his role could increase.

Kurt Thomas

Stock is DOWN

The last time Kurt Thomas played more than 20 minutes per game was 2007-08, the last time he scored in double figures was 2004-05, and the last time he scored more than five points per game was 2007-08.

In no way can that translate to a steady or upward stock.

At 39, Thomas is little more than just a strong forward Mike Woodson can throw in the game to play physical defense and knock down the occasional mid-range jumper.

Fortunately for New York, they won't need him to run too often. They'll be happy with the leadership and toughness he brings to the table.

Ronnie Brewer

Stock is STEADY

In his two years in Chicago, Ronnie Brewer's role wasn't as substantial as it was when he was with Utah, but he was still a key figure on both ends of the floor.

Under defensive-minded coach Tom Thibodeau, Brewer thrived and was a huge part of the team's success and their top-ranked defense.

Now he's on a different Eastern Conference club, but one that's still commandeered by a defense-oriented skipper, Mike Woodson. The Knicks brass hopes that Brewer can supply his Chicago-caliber stoppage and score in double figures.

This optimism is tempered by the fact that he's recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery and won't be back until the very end of the preseason.

Chris Copeland

Stock is UP

Just like several other Knicks summer league participants, Chris Copeland isn't guaranteed a spot on the official roster. And according to the NY Times, his contract isn't even guaranteed.

But we're including him on this list and giving his stock an upward trajectory because, out of all the outsiders, he had the best summer league and is most likely to make the regular-season roster.

The 28-year old Colorado product has played in Spain, Holland, Germany and Belgium, but his summer league exploits might have been the final boost he needed to break into the NBA.

Copeland's superb summer league included 13.8 points on 47 percent shooting in 22.8 minutes per game. It makes him a leading candidate to make the roster and prove himself in the association.

For more Knicks, NBA and NCAA coverage, follow Daniel on Twitter: @Danielobleacher