Have the New York Knicks turned around the organization?
When it comes to the New York sport franchises they are always expected to win, and be very successful. Well that has not been the case with the New York Knicks, who have been struggling these past couple of seasons. They have not had a winning season in a couple of years which have made fans frustrated, and embarrassed. They haven't been to the playoffs since the 2012-2013 season when they lost in the eastern conference semi-finals. Fans have been very committed to this team, and want a championship in their possession. This organization has not won a NBA title since 1973 when they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in 5 games. The Knicks teams these past few seasons after the 2012 season haven't had the chemistry in being a successful team. The team finally made changes, and hired Phil Jackson to try and turn this organization around. Last year he got rid of certain players who he felt didn't fit with the offense they wanted to run. This season he had some money to spend on some free agents. Phil Jackson didn't spend all the money on a big name player instead he brought players who will compete, and who are veterans. A lot of people questioned the signings, and the players they got in trades of Robert Lopez, Arron Afflalo, Derrick Williams, Sasha Vujacic, and Kyle O'Quinn, and Kevin Seraphin. Another question fans had was during the NBA draft when they drafted Kristaps Porzingis a 7foot player from Lativan, and Jerian Grant a 6 foot guard out of Notre Dame.
This team so far has fans excited because of the way they compete, and hustle every single game no matter what the score is. The names on this team you would figure would be bench players in other organizations but they have been playing at a whole new level. One person who turned the boo's from fans to cheers is Kristaps Porzingis who has been able to play at high level in just his rookie season. In just 27 games this season many veterans in the league believe he will have a bright future. What I like is that he is very humble, and grateful for the chance he is getting. He has been always talking about the team play, and not about him. Porzingis has taken this city by storm, and has a lot of the fans and players talking about him. Originally they thought he would come off the bench this season, but he has adjusted to playing in the NBA real quick. Porzingis has become the fan favorite, and has taken over the popularity from Carmelo Anthony. Carmelo has mentioned that he does not mind that he shares the spotlight with Kristaps Porzingis. When both Porzingis, and Anthony are on the floor it has given many teams problems because of one of the two are always open. Teams in the beginning of the season have had trouble in controlling the two. As the season has gone on it has been a lot of double teaming.
A lot of the players have stepped up which allowed the team to double the amount of wins they had in the last two years. The team has had everyone contribute in being very productive which the fans are enjoying watching. It has been an up, and down year but if they are able to continue this type of play then I think it will built the teams confidence even more. Many of the veterans on the team have made it very easy for the rookies or new players to learn the system. So far the others that have contributed have been Derrick Williams, Arron Affallo, and Kyle O'Quinn. These three players have been key contributors off the bench. Coach Derek Fisher hasn't set a permanent rotation as he continues to shuffle players. Lately he has played Williams, Affallo, and O'Quinn more than he has in the past couple of games. It will be interesting if Coach Fisher does settle on the rotation off the bench, and who he leaves out. I think he should play everyone, and not change this momentum the team has at the moment.
What I thought was interesting was before the season when Carmelo Anthony had some of the members of the team join him in Puerto Rico. When that happened I though it was a perfect way to build that team bond. Many people would say why would someone do such a think like that. It will help a lot because it helps build the trust between each player on the team, and less stress will occur. This team I think wants to prove people wrong, and are out to do this for one another in making this successful. I think the bond these players have are going to take this team far, and will help them late in the season if they want to make a playoff run.
This organization is slowly making the right moves in making this team a very successful one that will have the fans even more excited. They all play for one another, and not for themselves they want to help everyone succeed. Phil Jackson has a lot of people frustrated at times but at the end of the day he knows what it takes to win. He has done a very good job in making things work within the organization. I think this team is capable of a 20 plus winning season which could possibly put them in the playoff picture. I believe they will need to maybe get a few pieces to help out the team. Phil Jackson has mentioned it will take time, and I have to say he is right we just have to be patient with him. The team just needs to continue to focus on what they are doing, and everything will fall into place. One team maybe they should look at is the Golden State Warriors, and see how they have handle things. It is going to be an exciting season and future that we can not wait for.
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