Written by Jonathan Barker. Media be Wes O’Dell.
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The New York Knicks are bad. Like, really bad. If you’re a Knicks fan like me, you might have given up on the thought of getting Carmelo Anthony an NBA Championship. But worry no more! Here is why that bouncing back for the 2015-2016 season could possibly happen!
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It was hard to accept that Carmelo Anthony is done for the season. As fun (not) as it has been to see ‘Melo drop almost 50 points but still manage to lose the game, it was a good decision to allow himself some rest. Surgery on his knee may be a hefty speed bump, but we have to be optimistic that he will return the same player. Dwayne Wade has struggled with a very similar injury, getting knee surgery in 2007, but healed in time to return the next season. In fact, Wade even praised ‘Melo’s decision to have surgery. HAVE FAITH IN ‘MELO.
The second thing we must do is cross our fingers for the top draft pick. Since the Knicks are still on pace to have the worst record in the league, there is a decent chance they can land the top pick in the 2015 NBA Draft Lottery. Many draft experts already claim that Duke Center, Jahill Okafor is the draft’s top prospect. Personally, I think he would not only good look great in a Knicks uniform, but could help contribute in ways that Amar’e Stoudemire was never able to. The worst draft pick the Knicks can get is #8. Assuming that this occurs, Kentucky Center Willie Cauley-Stein will likely be available as a second option.
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The last thing that needs to happen is to convince veteran free agents to play in New York. Here is a list of all incoming free agents.
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After freeing up some space by saying goodbye to Tyson Chandler and Amar’e Stoudemire, the Knicks should have enough to acquire an elite free agent. Carmelo Anthony needs a co-leader on the offensive side. Current Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler could elevate the Knicks’ offense to the next level. Butler and Anthony could combine to make a very dangerous combination with 9-year veteran Jose Calderon at point guard.
Once again, this is being very optimistic but anything is possible in a world where LeBron James returns to Cleveland. Knicks fans must have faith that President Phil Jackson knows what he is doing. The team is still young with a very bright future. The Knicks will once again be a contender!
