New York Knicks

2003-04 Record: 39-43/Third in Atlantic Division * 2004-05 Projection: 48-34 * Coach: Lenny Wilkens

WHERE THEY LEFT OFF: The injury-wrecked Knicks--in Allan Houston and Tit Thomas they were sans two significant starters--got swept out of the first round of the playoffs by the neighboring New Jersey Nets. Not good. At the same time, 'the Knicks felt that, given the unprecedented avalanche of changes the team has gone through all year, merely making it to the postseason was a success. And that a far-better future was surely ahead.

NEW FACES: President of basketball operations Isiah Thomas is not a man who sits on his laurels--not even with the salary cap severely restricting his possibilities. Thus the potentially powerful trade for Jamal Crawford and Jerome Williams (for, basically, spare and/or rusty parts), the signing of barely-shaving second round draft pick Trevor Ariza (who was surprisingly solid in summer league play), and the continually proactive hunt for more pieces to the puzzle.

ON THE COURT: "Jamal Crawford is 24, Trevor Ariza is 19, and Jerome [Williams], what are you, about 49?" Thomas joked, welcoming Crawford and Williams to the team. Actually, the Junkyard Dog, a spritely 31, is only 49 in Dawg Years, so Isiah's claim of, "We're getting younger--and, potentially, better," is right on the money.

Crawford bubbles with potential and would be an outstanding replacement if Houston still ails. A healthy Houston, Crawford, and superpoint Stephon Marbury form an ultraflexible, ultratalented, three-headed backcourt reminiscent of Isiah's Bad Boys Detroit Pistons days. Which led to two NBA championships, as you might recall.

OFF THE COURT: Tim Thomas, still somewhere north-of-displeased with the Kenyon Martin KO that ended his playoffs, has been taking boxing lessons all summer. "Every day, including three full rounds of throwing punches," Thomas says.

WHY THEY WILL FINISH FIRST: Realignment landed them in one of the league's weakest division--and the only team that finished with a better record than the Knicks last year (the aforementioned Nyets) is seemingly committed to committing competitive suicide.

ON THE SPOT

AT THIS POINT--WITH JAMAL CRAWford on deck--it might be an exaggeration to say that the New York Knicks' fortunes (or misfortunes) come down to Allan Houston and his shaky patellas. Still, it's only a slight exaggeration: A healthy Houston puts the Knicks heavily into the mix in the Eastern Conference. If it's Houston, we got problems, the Knicks will be just one of the pack.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Century Publishing Co.
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