Schmeelk: Predicting The 2015-16 Knicks, Player By Player
By John Schmeelk
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With the Knicks' season opening Wednesday night, I thought I would take a look at the Knicks' individual players and how I think they'll play this year.
Carmelo Anthony: As goes Melo, as go the Knicks. The Knicks will once again lean heavily on their superstar, though they would be wise to keep him well short of the 38-40 minute-per-game range we've seen in past seasons. There is legitimate worry about him chasing three-point shooters at small forward. He is becoming more and more dependent on the mid-range jumper as he struggles to finish near the rim more and more, but expect another top offensive year from their star. Expect 26.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists. 44% FG and 37% 3PT.
Jose Calderon: The Knicks need a big bounce-back year from their point guard. After a calf injury derailed him last season, he needs to give the Knicks steady decision-making, good shooting and a firm hand on offense. Anything but really bad defense would be a plus. He has been healthy so far, and I don't see much of a reason he can't return to his career norms of 10.5 points, 6 assists, 45% FG and 44% 3PT.
Arron Afflalo: There are many who really believe in Afflalo, and just as many who don't. Right now a balky hamstring is threatening the start of his season, and the Knicks hope it doesn't linger like so many other injuries (ahem, Bargs, ahem) did last year. Good defense from Afflalo is the most important contribution he can make, but the Knicks also need him to be a secondary scorer. I see him landing somewhere around 14 points per game on 44% shooting and 37% 3PT, but playing only around 60 games. If he plays like he did in Portland and Denver last year, offensively and defensively, the Knicks will be in trouble. I see him opting out after the year and hitting the free-agent market.
Robin Lopez: The Knicks will get exactly what they expect from Lopez: excellent defense, decent rebounding and passable work around the basket offensively. Expect 11 points, 8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks on 53% FG. The most important thing is for him to play 70-75 games.
Kristaps Porzingis: The Latvian rookie will not do much to hurt the Knicks and cost them games, but he won't do a ton of spectacular things to win games, either. He will hit the open shot, protect the rim, be a good teammate and do a little of everything else. Expect him to be better as an offensive rebounder than defensive rebounder. He won't average more than 22 minutes a game, and will get to about 9.5 points, 6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks on 47% FG and 38% 3PT.
Jerian Grant: He will play more minutes than the Zinger, and in the last couple months of the season I could see him averaging close to 30 if he doesn't hit the rookie wall. Expect excellent pick-and-roll play, great pace and some scoring flair. Expect 10 points, 6 assists and 3 rebounds on 42% FG and 33% 3PT.
Langston Galloway: He will be solid as a rock as a combo guard off the bench, and prove to be a good two-way player. Don't get obsessed with points because defense will be his calling card. Hope he gets to double digits and shoots three at a better than 36 percent clip. If he does it was a successful second season for Galloway.
Kyle O'Quinn: Knicks fans will love him for his chatty demeanor, toughness, shooting and flair for throwing tough, high-risk passes. He will challenge Zinger for a starting spot at some point, but will be happy as a 25 minute-a-game-player as the first big man off the bench. Expect 9 points, 7 rebounds and 48% FG.
Derrick Williams: The torrid shooting from the preseason is not going to continue. His best asset will likely be his ability to run the floor. If he has become a true floor spacer by improving his jumper, he could be a huge asset offensively. But I need to see it in real games first. The Knicks also can't survive if he is a total liability defensively. I would be surprised if he is a Knick next year. Expect 11 points and 5 rebounds on 42% FG and 34% 3PT.
Kevin Seraphin: His knee injury (which could be chronic) and unwillingness to pass out of the post will drive Knicks fans nuts sooner rather than later.
Sasha Vujacic: Will quickly become a Garden villain because of all the playing time he will get in front of people like Cleanthony Early, who fans want to see. Potential 2015-16 whipping boy.
Cleanthony Early: He has gotten better, but I still don't see consistent half-court offensive skills or a good enough jumper. His defense needs improvement as well. He will not play much and fans will be annoyed.
Lance Thomas and Lou Amundson: Good helpers, but if they play a lot this team is finished.
I'll give my season preview on Wednesday.
You can follow me on Twitter @Schmeelk for everything Knicks, Giants, and the world of sports.
