NY Knicks: With the NBA regular season only a few days away, there is high expectation buzzing around the NY Knicks. A number of new and old faces have returned to the “World’s Most Famous Arena” in hopes of getting to the Promised Land, that ultimate final game in the 2013 NBA Finals.
To say the least, this is an eclectic group of players assembled by Knicks GM, Glen Grunwald. Back to run the point is Raymond Felton, who says he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder, after he was traded to Denver for Carmelo Anthony back in 2010. Jason Kidd has joined the team, reuniting with former teamate Tyson Chandler. Kidd and Chandler won an NBA championship with the Dallas Marvericks in 2010.
Returning to his old stomping ground is Kurt Thomas, who played with the Knicks back in the late 1990’s. Thomas will be a good addition to the team despite his age. At forty, Thomas is currently the oldest player in the league. The return of Marcus Camby is a key addition as he is the shot-blocker and defensive player the Knicks need to compete with the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics.
There is still an uncertainty surrounding Amar’e Stoudemire’s health. Stoudemire will miss the next two weeks with a ruptured cyst in his left knee. It’s becoming apparent that Amar’e seems to be injury-prone. Stoudemire has played only one preseason game, which doesn’t bode well for the Knicks’ team chemistry.
The Knicks will open the season against the Brooklyn Nets at the new Barclay’s Center in downtown Brooklyn. New York City will be buzzing on that night as Brooklynites have been anticipating this for quite sometime.
Vernon McKenzie: PureSportsNY