New York Knicks: Biggest Takeaways from the Knickerbockers' 1st Week

The first week of the 2015-16 NBA season is officially in the history books, and although the New York Knicks showed a lot of positive signs, they still have a long ways to go. 

With a loss against the San Antonio Spurs Monday night, the Knicks hold a 2-2 record after the opening week. So far, we've seen several factors that serve as a foreshadowing of what may come out of this group.

The talk of the town since he was drafted fourth overall in the NBA draft has been Kristaps Porzingis. In his first week in the league, he is beginning to prove his doubters wrong while showing fans why Knicks president Phil Jackson picked him in the first place. In four games, Porzingis is averaging 11.8 points and 8.3 rebounds. He is energetic, fast for his size and aggressive with getting to the rim. 

During Monday's matchup, he earned his first career double-double (13 points, 14 rebounds) before leaving the game with a neck strain. However, he made sure to leave fans with a highlight-worthy play:

Also impressing thus far is the Knicks bench. Overall, the triangle offense looks more cohesive compared to last season, and the latest additions to the New York roster may have helped.

In their first game of the season against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Knicks second unit—led by Derrick Williams—held the Bucks to 31 percent shooting while scoring 21 points in the first quarter. Williams—who has been viewed as a bust after being selected No. 2 overall in 2011 by the Minnesota Timberwolves—led the team in scoring on the night with 24 points and added seven rebounds.

Additionally, Carmelo Anthony and newly-acquired center Robin Lopez have given us a glimpse of what may be a match made in heaven, with Lopez setting the right picks and screens to get Melo the looks he needs do what he does best: score.

Unfortunately for fans, their favorite team still has a ways to go before they begin to forget about last year's 17-65 season. 

Melo is still trying to find his rhythm after playing in his first regular-season games since a knee surgery in February. After scoring an uncharacteristic 11 points against the Bucks, he scored 37 points against the Washington Wizards on Halloween night, making sure he addressed Wizards forward Jared Dudley's comments about Melo being the most overrated player in the league:

However, it will take time before consistency is seen each and every game. Against the Spurs, a routine layup that he would normally make was snuffed out by Kawhi Leonard:

Another key to the the team's future success will be the management—and overall avoidance—of injuries. So far, they have been without Arron Afflalo (strained hamstring), who should prove to be a huge offensive asset to the Knicks. Porzingis also suffered a neck injury late in the fourth quarter against the Spurs, although he is expected to play in the team's next game. 

In previous seasons, the Knicks were at their peak when their biggest contributors were at 100 percent, and they must keep it that way if they expect to reclaim any sort of dominance in the East.

So far, the Knicks are headed in the right direction. The team is not what is was in previous years. However, staying healthy and playing consistent team basketball—as simple as it sounds—will help this newly assembled squad. 

I couldn't agree with you more, Chris.

Their next matchup will be in Cleveland against LeBron James and the Cavaliers on Wednesday night at 8 p.m. ET.