By Morgan Dunn
Everyone knows that the New York Knicks are looking forward to the summer of 2010, when LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and other stars could hit the free agent market. The Knicks have done a lot to ensure that they have ample cap space to sign at least one big name next summer, but they still have to play the 2009-10 season first. The team struggled during the second half of last season, but this club could be in line for some positive things this year.
The biggest thing for this organization in 2009-10 will be the development of small forward Danilo Gallinari. The team's first-round selection in 2008, Gallinari missed most of last season with back issues, though he looked pretty good in the little playing time he did receive. The franchise has high hopes for Gallinari and this season will be his first opportunity to showcase his talent. Head coach Mike D'Antoni has labeled the young Italian forward as the best shooter he has ever seen, and that's saying something considering he coached Steve Nash in Phoenix. The kid has a lot of ability and an exciting game that can sell New York Knicks tickets at http://www.stubhub.com/new-york-knicks-tickets, but he needs to stay healthy in order to prove it. Gallinari has a lot of potential, but he also should be ready to contribute on the floor after playing in the Euroleague two years ago. His performance this season could be a major factor in luring free agents next summer.
Another big part of the Knicks' season will be the performance of the rest of the team's young players. Wilson Chandler showed a lot of promise last season and could be on his way to being the next Shawn Marion. D'Antoni looks like he plans to play him a lot at shooting guard, though, as the Knicks have a hole at the position. He may be better-suited to play the three or the four, but he's got the quickness to guard twos and is developing a three-point shot. Jordan Hill, the team's selection with the eighth overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, probably won't get a ton of minutes early in the season. He's pretty raw and needs time to learn the game, but he figures to get some time at the four spot. Fellow rookie Toney Douglas will likely see time at both guard spots. He's a good defender and will bring a lot of energy on defense, which should land him in D'Antoni's favor immediately.
The Knicks have the potential to make some noise in the Atlantic Division this season. Al Harrington should lead the team in scoring, as his versatility makes him a real threat in D'Antoni's offensive scheme. David Lee is back on a one-year contract and is potentially the best player on this team. Chris Duhon did a solid job running the team last season, and though he's just a temporary solution, he should do a decent job yet again. Nate Robinson is still in town for another season to provide scoring off the bench and Darko Milicic could add somewhat of a defensive presence inside.
The Knicks are most certainly looking forward to the summer, but the 2009-10 season could hold some positive things for this team, as well.
This article about New York Knicks tickets was written by Morgan C. Dunn in association with StubHub, a leader in the sports tickets, concert tickets, theatre tickets and special events tickets market.
Source:www.isnare.com |
