NBA Power Rankings: Can the Toronto Raptors rise in a wide open East?

12. New York Knicks

Off-Season Grade: B

Team Skills’ Grades

Offense: C+

Defense: B

Chemistry: B-

Coaching: B

Front Office: B

Team Outlook:

The New York Knicks enter this season with relatively low expectations but with buzzing optimism. By obtaining the best available coach on the market this off-season in David Fizdale to having one of the better team drafts in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Knicks have set themselves up for a unexpectedly positive season. New head coach David Fizdale comes to New York with a reputation as a players coach that demands growth but also maintains the respect of all his players.

Fizdale might be the perfect coach for assisting in the developing the supremely talented 9th overall Pick in the 2018 draft in Kevin Knox. Knox comes out of the John Calipri All-Star prospect camp at the University of Kentucky. Knox is a rare player that has no real weakness and has the potential level of talent to become one the best players in the entire NBA. Knox will be given the opportunity in New York to be in the running of winning the 2018-19 NBA’s Rookie of the Year.

The Knicks will struggle as their best player young Phenom Kristaps Porzingis recovers from a knee injury and isn’t expected back playing till late 2018/early 2019. While the Knicks attempt to develop their new culture and find their way without Porzingis, a group of former high lottery picks will attempt to play up to their potential and find their way in the NBA in point guard Trey Burke (1st round, 9th overall, 2013), center Enes Kanter (1st round, 3rd overall, 2011), power forward Noah Vonleh (1st round, 9th overall, 2014), sharp shooting sing Mario Hezonja (1st round, 5th overall, 2015), point guard Emmanuel Mudiay (1st round, 7th overall, 2015). If a few of these young players are to deliver career years under Coach Fizdale, the Knicks could be one of the great surprises this season in the Eastern Conference.

Team Record Predictions : 37 – 45