John Schmeelk
Schmeelk: Knicks Coach Derek Fisher Needs To Shorten His Rotation
The Knicks need to play their best players and force opponents to match up against them. It’s the only way this team is going to forge an identity and figure things out.
Schmeelk: Dissecting Knicks’ Issues In The Triangle
There’s an adjustment that has to happen, but as coach Derek Fisher and president Phil Jackson have both said, the team isn’t making basketball plays when the system affords the opportunities.
Schmeelk: The Numbers Lie — The Knicks’ Defense Is Still Horrid
If you just look at the stats, it appears the Knicks are playing pretty good defense this season. Teams are only averaging 98.4 points against them and shooting 44.7 percent from the field. But those numbers are illusions hiding a simple fact.
Schmeelk: Derek Fisher Was The Difference In Knicks’ Win Over Cavaliers
The Knicks would not have beaten the Cavs last year. Not with Mike Woodson as their head coach. Not in a million years.
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.
