Two games into the 2016-17 season and I’m trying to keep myself from getting excited. I think every Knicks fan is trying to remain calm.
Saturday night’s game against the Grizzlies had some very good moments. The team was running and moving the ball. This is important because of the stagnant offense that the Knicks have become known for in the last few seasons. The group was able to dish out assists without the chemistry that grows over a decent amount of practice, which the Knicks haven’t had together.
Do you see where a fan could get excited? They haven’t even played a handful of games yet and they are already moving the ball as if they’ve been playing together for months.
Every year Knicks fans head into the season wanting a playoff run and end the season with this feeling of anger and disappointment. Another season lost by a team that has no cohesion. A team with only one or two stars can only do so much. Carmelo Anthony has stayed in New York, when he could have chased a ring in another city, and has dealt with some very horrible seasons.
This year is already different considering the amount of talent that is on the roster. Yes, the bench isn’t the best but that doesn’t mean that the starting five can’t carry this team. Kristaps Porzingis has gotten bigger and put on some weight which will make him even better. Courtney Lee and Brandon Jennings are shooters who automatically make your team better. Derrick Rose, though his recent rape charges leave little to be admired, is showing signs of his old basketball self. He is easily the best point guard the Knicks have had in a while. I hated Joakim Noah when he was with the Chicago Bulls and I now get to cheer for his infectious attitude and grit.
The Knicks have all the tools necessary to make a really good push into the playoffs. The Eastern Conference improved overall but I still believe we can make it. I consider that a realistic goal. Anything more than that and everything is thrown out the window. I wont be able to help but to dream for that elusive championship.
New York needs a good sports season right now. 2016 hasn’t faired kindly for us. I think this Knicks team can do it. But I have to remind myself that there’s a chance it might not happen. That’s not being a fake fan. It’s being a realistic one. Knicks fans will probably understand that better than anyone else.
