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NBA: Three East Teams That Need A Post All-Star Break Turnaround

By Chance Collins

Feb 11, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford reacts to call in the second half against the LA Clippers at Spectrum Center. The Clippers defeated the Hornets 107-102. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford reacts to call in the second half against the LA Clippers at Spectrum Center. The Clippers defeated the Hornets 107-102. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 12, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) falls in front of Knicks executive chairman James Dolan during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 12, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) falls in front of Knicks executive chairman James Dolan during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Knicks (12th in Eastern Conference)

“Oak” was banned and not banned, Melo has been in trade talks for what seems like three years now, and Derrick Rose decided to no-call/no-show for work. This has been the saga, the soap opera, and the life of the New York Knicks in 2017.

New York Knicks
New York Knicks /

New York Knicks

Owner James Dolan might be one of the worst in the modern era sans Donald Sterling in the NBA, but with a franchise worth more than a billion dollars, there’s a lot to still cheer about inside Madison Square Garden.

Carmelo Anthony continues to be the leading scorer (23.2 PPG) despite the battle with Knicks brass in the front office (Phil Jackson). Melo is shooting his highest three-point percentage in four years (.367), leading in minutes per game (34.0) on a team coined a “super team” by Derrick Rose where the offense ranks middle of the pack (108.4) in offensive rating per100 possessions.

The addition of Courtney Lee has proved beneficial, but the inconsistency with Derrick Rose and his need for the ball in his hands takes key shots away from the deadeye sharpshooter.

Much of New York’s trouble comes from their poor depth on the bench and lack of defense. Phil Jackson kept his guy Kurt Rambis on staff to address the defense this season and NY ranks (25th of 30) in Def Rtg., a stat Hornacek will want to see shift post break.

Tougher times also await the Knicks in an attempt to turn things around. They’ll take on Western Conference titans Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies, and the Los Angeles Clippers while trying to gain ground on their Eastern Conference opponents.

The New York Knicks have not been in the playoffs since 2012 and fans continue to pile into the MSG, despite all the distractions from within the organization. This front office needs this team to turn it around more than ever. A bleak Eastern Conference and with a solid rotation of 7-8 players, the Knicks, Phil Jackson, and James Dolan are out of excuses. New York deserves better.

Must Read: NBA: 15 Eastern Conference Trades We Want To See Before The Deadline

All statistics courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com and NBA.com.

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