John Schmeelk
Schmeelk: In Transition Season, Knicks Will Finish Over .500 And Make Playoffs
I’m landing the Knicks at 43-39, getting the eighth and final seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. It will be a good start to the Jackson and Fisher era.
Schmeelk: 10 Questions That Will Determine The Knicks’ Success
Here are the 10 things that will determine the Knicks’ success this season, in order of importance.
Schmeelk: What To Do, What To Do? Breaking Down The Knicks’ Lineup Options
The only starters that appear certain are Carmelo Anthony (likely at small forward) and Jose Calderon. The other positions all seem to be, potentially, up for grabs.
Schmeelk: Knicks’ 1 Way To Win? Groom Young Guards Into 2-Dimensional Players
Most of New York’s players are what they are: one-dimensional guys. Shumpert, Hardaway and Larkin can be more than that.
Schmeelk: Derek Fisher Should NEVER Start Melo And Amar’e Together
The trouble always remains the same: When it comes to team defense, Stoudemire cannot be hidden. He continues to play the same abhorrent team defense that he has his entire career.
Schmeelk: Breaking Down The Knicks’ Power Forward Conundrum
Derek Fisher has wisely used the first four preseason games to experiment with different player combinations. But he has been shorthanded at one of the most competitive spots on the roster.
Schmeelk: What To Watch For In The Knicks’ Preseason Opener
Can Anthony fit into the triangle? Will he get shots in rhythm in spots where he likes to score? Will the ball move? Will he be willing to move off the ball and cut for easy baskets?
Schmeelk: Knicks Are Talking The Talk About Defense, But Will They Walk The Walk?
When the preseason starts in four days, we’ll see how much head coach Derek Fisher is getting through to his team.
Schmeelk: Knicks’ Options In 2015 Could Make Or Break Melo Era
Anthony doesn’t have many years left in his prime. It’s the summer of 2015 or bust. Unfortunately for the Knicks, their options next offseason are somewhat limited.
Schmeelk: Fisher To Face Big Challenges In First Year On The Job
Assuming the Knicks want to play a nine- or 10-man rotation for most of the season, Fisher is going to have to bench guys that expect to play serious minutes.
Schmeelk: Jason Smith Gives The Knicks Much-Needed Depth Up Front
With too many wings and not enough big men, the Knicks had to add more depth up front, and they did that by signing Jason Smith.
Schmeelk: Knicks Fans Should Be Disappointed By Details Of Melo’s Contract
They should still be happy that their star is back and that the Knicks will be very competitive for the next four to five years, but it is going to be very hard to get to a championship level during that same time frame.
Schmeelk: Melo Must Be Prepared To Face Dark Side Of Being A Star In N.Y.
The natives are always restless, and as Melo embarks on the second half of his Knicks career, he is going to learn that quickly. How he handles it will help define his Knicks career.
Schmeelk: This Is The Melo Era, For Better Or Worse
This wasn’t a PR coup like LeBron’s return home to Cleveland, but it certainly will help Anthony’s image. Those things, however, tend not to last too long if the wins don’t follow.
Schmeelk: He’s Yours, Chicago! Melo Sign-And-Trade Is Knicks’ Best Option
There are no quick fixes here. Phil Jackson wants to build this team in his image, and it will take some time, with or without Carmelo Anthony.
