New York Knicks 2011-12 Season Preview: Why They Are Legitimate Contenders

After months of waiting, the 2012 NBA Season is finally upon us. The 66-game season is set to start on Dec. 25 with a showdown between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks. After being swept by the Celtics in the first round of the 2011 playoffs, the Knicks will be seeking vengeance.

As a die-hard Knicks fan, my heart was completely ripped out of my chest when LeBron James announced that he was taking his talents to South Beach. While I believe that Chris Paul’s situation is much different, Knicks fans should not get too excited until he is in Madison Square Garden holding up a Knicks jersey with “Paul” stitched on the back.

The Hornets have already released a statement denying the rumors. You know Chris Paul will release a statement tomorrow saying, “My heart is still in New Orleans.”

This is not going to get done quickly.

It will happen. Everyone needs to just relax and be patient.

It is time focus on what the Knicks have right now, not what they aspire to have. The Knicks should be a much-improved team this year, having more time to practice with one another. Last year was more like a pick-up game for these guys, as they had to learn D’Antoni’s high-octane offense on the fly.

Let’s take a close look at the key players in this roster.

Amare Stoudemire had an absolutely outstanding first season with the New York Knicks. He is the reason why Carmelo Anthony ended up in a Knicks jersey, and his confidence and passion for the city of New York should be praised. In 2010-11, Amare averaged 25.3 points per game, eight rebounds and two blocks. He was everything the Knicks could have asked for, and more. His mid-range jumper is a thing of beauty, and he can finish strong at the basket. Expect another big season from STAT in 2012.

Carmelo Anthony got his wish, and was traded to the New York Knicks right before the trade deadline expired. He quickly became the No. 1 scoring option for the Knicks, and did not shy away from the spotlight. He played 27 games with the Knicks, and averaged 26.3 points per game, just under seven rebounds and one steal. He also hit two three-pointers per game, and shot over 42 percent from beyond the arc. Melo’s mid-range game is simply the best in the NBA. He can face up against any defender and either pull up or take the ball strong to the rim.

Look for STAT and Melo to play much more efficiently with one another. With time to practice and get accustomed to the new offense, they will both figure out how to augment each other’s games. They are two of the best scorers in the league, but they struggled a bit sharing the rock last season. They will figure it out, and when they do, they will be extremely tough to stop.

Chauncey Billups was an underrated piece in the Carmelo trade. While everyone is focused on Chris Paul, remember Knicks fans, Billups is a smart veteran who simply knows how to play basketball the right way. He is a great point guard, and should not be overlooked. Billups saw his numbers increase on the Knicks, as he put up 17.5 points per game, five and a half assists and a steal per game. He also drained two three-pointers per contest, and shot an impressive 90 percent from the foul line.

The Knicks can win with Billups at the helm. He can control a basketball game as well as any point guard in the NBA. Expect him to be more familiar with D’Antoni’s offense in 2012 and to provide solidity on this team.

Landry Fields had an impressive rookie year where he was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. He is a fantastic role player, and is only 23 years old. Toney Douglas is still learning how to play the point guard position, and he definitely has a great mentor in Billups. Douglas can be deadly from the outside, and provides a nice spark off of the bench.

Shawne Williams was a surprise last year, as he led the league in three-point percentage for a good part of the season. If he can continue his hot shooting in 2012, he will be a fierce weapon off of the bench.

Knicks fans, there is a lot to look forward to this season. While the possibility of Chris Paul is exciting, don’t get too caught up in the hype right now. Rumors are rumors until CP3 is announced as the Knicks’ starting point guard.

One thing is for sure: The NBA is back, and the Garden will be rocking on Christmas Day.