All aboard the New York Knicks!
The train is ready to leave the station and the New York Knicks will be hoping their inaugural season in the NSL is full of mountain climbing invigoration, ultimately resulting in success. The Knicks are a team eagerly waiting for a dynasty to manifest, yet positioned with a poise knowing that the hungrier one is, the more frivolous they may become.

Let’s deep dive into the organisation and see whether or not the team is going to see a team reminiscent of a colossal locomotive or rather a persistent yap of “I think I can, I think I can”. 

Before boarding, let’s just remember that in the inaugural season we have teams built to either:
Category 1 : WIN NOW! WIN NOW!

Category 2: Predatory Mode! Position to Pounce!

Category 3: Linger – stabilize for the future; let the season play out

Category 4: Pace – No sense in rushing things

I currently believe they are in Predatory Mode.

They haven’t been guns blazing, nor have they been the patient hare. The organisation has been lurking in the treetops, scoping out prey, ready to activate. 

The Knicks off-season was one of build up the bank, secure the assets and watch as the league shifts and as others might panic…. Reap the potential rewards as the opening weeks upfold. 

First stop! MANAGEMENT!

The Knicks are in good hands, with a savy manager looking for success. This isn’t going to be a case of play the cards as they lay, rather we will see moving and shaking to make things work in the Big Apple. 
Madison Square Garden is primed and ready for a title to hang in the rafters and in the off-season, smokey was able to work the roster and turn heads in the process. 
The selections during the draft will be further elaborated at another stop, however it is worth noting that the GM looked into deep into the draft in order to secure a balanced team of players; in age, talent and position.

Second stop! STAR POWER!

The duo of Brandon Ingram and Dangelo Russell cannot be discounted! These two are young and talented and will go far in staking their claim as a big 2. The SF/SG star combo is not a common occurrence in the league and will shake teams up. 

Ingram has been electric in the first part of the NBA season, and has been a titan for an under-performing Pelicans outfit. However, in the company of Russell with his complete shooting game, the two could be a real threat throughout the season. 

However, against larger rosters will they be too undersized to find what they seek. I believe they are in good stead heading into the season, and with recent success against LA Lakers they look poised to giving the league a shake. 

PLAYER IN FOCUS:
Brandon Ingram

NBA Stats

If he can bring his NBA game into the NSL, he will be HUGE!

Brandon Ingram serving up 26 points at 54%, with 7 boards and 4 assists, would be numbers that he could put up in this NSL team. 

The ability for him to play big and small is a serious asset to the Knicks. With many making the case for Ingram to take the next step in his development as a player; taking on the comparisons of Kevin Durant head-on. 

He has already been boosted by a seriously big upgrade in the 2k ratings – going from an 81 to a 85.

Combined with the 85 of DAngelo Russell, it will be interesting to see if the duo are compatible or a calamity. 

In the most recent season of the Voldemort league (the league that must not be named), he impressively put up balanced numbers in a Hornets outfit with Embiid, Murray and Holiday. 
With the onus on him to find the ball and take charge, I predict these last season figures to dramatically increase. His 17 points a game will need to go up in order for the organisation to be competitive, as well as his presence on the boards with his lean 6’9 frame. 

PREVIOUS STATS

Third stop! MOVEMENT!
The roster is plumped up by the clever decision making of their GM – selecting players that not only could gel but also have longevity in the league. 

They will likely lineup with:

C – Jakob Poeltl 

PF – Bobby Portis

SF – Brandon Ingram

SG – DAngelo Russell

PG – Monte Morris

Forseeable 6 Man – Thaddeus Young

It is a very balanced team, with Monte Morris continuing to impress. He will see a support from the handle-hungry Russell, but they could form a defining ball carrying duo for the team. I really like what they could become. 
Poeltl will see a rotational role with Mason Plumlee, as the two share many like qualities. The two are egging on one another; and will look to give the Knicks first usage off the boards.  

Portis holds the PF slot – he will need to stay fit as they do have options thereafter but it seems a bit thin. He poses an attacking threat at all times – and could be that bruiser, crash and grab type that the Knicks need. 

They decided to diversify their roster by trading away Damian Jones for 2 second-rounders (MIA,POR), but more notably Derrick Favors for D.J. Augustin, Mason Plumlee & a 1^st Rounder (SA).

These acquisitions were a smart move to pad out the roster and give the Knicks the coverage they need for their court coverage, as well as their ability to value add in the future. 

Smokey has moved pieces and stocked young talent in all areas with the likes of:

·        C - Isaiah Hartenstein – 21 

·        PF - Chimezie Metu – 22 

·        SG – Jerome Robinson – 22

·        SG – Khyri Thomas – 23

·        PF – Alize Johnson – 23

All of these youngsters have the talent and ability to make an impact in the NSL in years to come; or could be a cheeky sleeper in the inaugural season. 

FINAL THOUGHT

Sometimes it’s not about the lives of those that you touch, but the lives of those you are YET to touch!

The New York Knicks have all the signs of a championship winning franchise. 

Though I don’t believe it is their year, nor are they 100% dedicated to believing it is, the team and organisation have poised themselves nicely. 

A deep roster of talent, with young player upside and longevity to believe in. 

The fans will be up and about come tip-off time for the Knicks in 2019; and GM smokey has much to be excited about.