The Knicks attempted to change their recent losing ways back in 2011 with Amare Stoudemire's $100 million signing and a three-team, 13-player trade to acquire Carmelo Anthony. But those moves have yet to yield the fan base's desired results, an NBA championship.
In 2012 the team continued to add more talent with the signings of Tyson Chandler and J.R. Smith in free agency. But the team didn't garner championship gold and instead experienced a roller coaster season that saw them once again knocked out of the playoffs in the first round.
The biggest issue for the Knicks has been the small army that has played the point guard position for the team. Jeremy Lin, Raymond Felton, Baron Davis, Mike Bibby, Toney Douglas and Iman Shumpert all played point for New York in the past two seasons. The sad truth is there were probably a few others who played the one spot for the Knicks that are easily forgotten.
In January and February of last season, Lin emerged as media darling and a potential NBA star, as he averaged 17.7 points and 7.3 assists as a starter. But Lin is now gone after signing a big free agent deal with the Houston Rockets. The Knicks now turned to Raymond Felton who was brought back to New York as part of a sign-and-trade. He averaged 17.1 points and 9.0 assists while with the Knicks in 2010-11, before he was traded in the Carmelo deal.
But the Knicks also brought in Jason Kidd as a backup and insurance for the point guard position. The 40-year-old should provide New York with a veteran presence in the locker room and a solid tutor for Felton. The Knicks also brought super veterans Marcus Camby, Kurt Thomas and Rasheed Wallace.
With Shumpert still recovering from injury the Knicks will likely start the defensive minded Ronnie Brewer at the two-position and keep Smith on the bench to provide scoring in a sixth-man role. The Knicks will also have Steve Novak back to provide New York with a three-point shooting threat. He signed a four-year, $15 million deal over the summer.
According to NBA 2K13, the Knicks will finally move past the first round of the playoffs during the 2012-13 campaign, but will find a familiar roadblock in the NBA Playoffs, the Miami Heat. The Knicks push the Heat to six games but ultimately fall short of their goal. Carmelo has his best season as pro and wins the NBA scoring title, while averaging 29.7 points per game.
Here is how the game simulates the Knicks' season:
Regular Season Record: 47-35 fourth in the Eastern Conference
Top scorers: SG Iman Shumpert 14.9 PPG, PF Amare Stoudmire 21.4 PPG, SF Carmelo Anthony 29.7 PPG
Leading rebounders: SF Carmelo Anthony 5.9 RPG, PF Amare Stoudmire 6.5 RPG, C Tyson Chandler 9.3 RPG
Assist Leader: SG Iman Shumpert 4.7 APG, PG Jason Kidd 5.7 APG, PG Raymond Felton 7.0 APG
Playoff Opponents
Round 1 Indiana Pacers, The Knicks win the series 4-1
Round 2: Miami Heat, the Heat win the series 4-2
Eastern Conference Finals: Did not qualify
NBA Finals: Did not qualify
You check out our review of the game here and read about Jeremy Lin's player rating here.
Check out our other NBA 2K13 team previews:
Miami Heat
Oklahoma City Thunder
San Antonio Spurs
Boston Celtics
Los Angeles Lakers
Philadelphia 76ers
New York Knicks
Brooklyn Nets
Chicago Bulls
Los Angeles Clippers
Minnesota Timberwolves
Portland Trail Blazers
Cleveland Cavaliers
Washington Wizards
Denver Nuggets
Phoenix Suns
Houston Rockets
Orlando Magic
Atlanta Hawks
Memphis Grizzlies
New Orleans Hornets
Dallas Mavericks
Milwaukee Bucks
Detroit Pistons
Charlotte Bobcats
Toronto Raptors
Indiana Pacers
