NY Knicks Finally Land Carmelo: What This Means for This Year and the Future

Finally!  The 'Melo drama is over, and he's finally a Knick.  He'll be paired up with Amar'e Stoudemire for the rest of this season hoping to form a dynasty in New York for the next several years. 

What does this mean for the Knicks? 

What does their future hold? 

How good will they be in the playoffs this year and years to come? 

Well, here are my predictions.

How Far Can The Knicks Go In The Playoffs This Year?

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DENVER - NOVEMBER 16: Chauncey Billups #1 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during a break in the action against the New York Knicks at the Pepsi Center on November 16, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Knicks 120-118. NOTE TO USER: User ex

If the Knicks stay in the sixth-seed spot this year, expect them to either play Chicago or Orlando.  I think it will wind up being Chicago.  The Knicks could very well put up a good battle in this series and possibly win the series. 

Who will be the X-factor?  The answer is Chauncey Billups. 

Billups has had a lot of playoff experience throughout his career and he will be the leader for the Knicks in the playoffs when he runs the offense. 

How Will The Chemistry Be Between 'Melo and Stoudemire?

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Over the summer, LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined forces with Dwayne Wade in Miami.  Everyone was questioning how their chemistry would be because Wade and LeBron both dominate the ball.  At first, Miami wasn't playing too well at all.  However, the big three were just getting used to playing with each other.  After a while, the chemistry started to form and Miami now stands second in the Eastern Conference behind the Boston Celtics. 

I think the same scenario will happen for Carmelo and Amar'e, but they won't finish second in the Eastern Conference this year.  Maybe next year if they land someone like Chris Paul during the offseason.  The chemistry between the two superstars won't be there right away, but after a little bit of time, the Knicks will start winning a lot of basketball games.

What Does The Future Hold?

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ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 10: Chris Paul #3 of the New Orleans Hornets attempts a shot against Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic during the game at Amway Arena on October 10, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees

Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, and Deron Williams can all opt out of their contracts in 2012 and become free agents.  If the Knicks are able to sign one of these guys, that immediately puts them as one of the top three teams in the Eastern Conference behind Chicago and Miami. 

Notice how I didn't say Boston?

In a few years the Celtics won't be as good.  That team gets older and older every year and I think they will only be contenders for one more year after this year.  I think the Knicks have the best chance of signing Chris Paul.  The toast that took place at Carmelo's wedding a few months ago will come true.  There will be a new big three in New York that will contend for championships for several years to come. 

Will The Knicks Be Championship Contenders Next Year?

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EL SEGUNDO, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: NBA Finals Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy is covered with a protective cloth as it rest on a stand during the Los Angeles Lakers Media Day at the Toyota Center on September 25, 2010 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USE

The only question is will the Knicks be able to contend for a championship next year with a big three of Billups, Stoudemire and Carmelo?  That's questionable.  If the Knicks sign a good defensive center this offseason, such as Tyson Chandler or Javale McGee, that puts them as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference. 

If the Knicks can pull off a trade for Chris Paul, that puts them as serious contenders for an NBA title.  If the Knicks don't manage to get a good defensive center or CP3, they can still make some noise in the Eastern Conference.  Perhaps a No. 4 seed next year. 

Conclusion

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 20: Amare Stoudemire #1 of the New York Knicks and the Eastern Conference talks with Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets and the Western Conference in the first half of the 2011 NBA All-Star Game at Staples Center on Febr

The Carmelo Anthony deal brings so much to the Knicks and the city of New York.  Playoff bids for the next several years, and possible championship runs. 

The Knicks are back.