Are The Knicks a Playoff Team?

How much of a force are the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference? During the offseason, the franchise made some major moves through trading and free agency. With the acquisition of Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Courtney Lee and Brandon Jennings, the Knicks look to be a presence in their division this upcoming year. However, people question if the roster is strong enough to get far in the Eastern Conference. Some people believe that the Knicks could contend for a championship while others believe they will get to the play offs and get bounced out of the early rounds of the playoffs. However, I think differently. Even though their team has seen radical improvements, I do not believe it will be enough for the Knicks to receive the 8th seed and make the playoffs.

Looking at the talent around the Eastern Conference, I doubt that the New York Knicks will be able to make the playoffs. The Eastern Conference teams that made the playoffs last year go as follows:

Cleveland Cavaliers
Toronto Raptors
Miami Heat
Atlanta Hawks
Boston Celtics
Charlotte Hornets
Indiana Pacers
Detroit Pistons

Reviewing the previous playoff bracket, it may appear that there are possible spots for the Knicks to steal this year. For example, a team such as the Miami Heat may not be a legitimate playoff contending team. However, there are teams this year that are in contention to making the playoffs that did make it last year. For example the Washington Wizards and the Chicago Bulls.

The biggest reason that persuades me to believing that the Knicks will not make the playoffs this year is the issue of chemistry. The organization fired Derrick Fisher and hired Jeff Hornacek. With a new coach, possibly a new system and new players that are different types of players, it is hard to determine how well the team will mesh. Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose, both being scorers, might clash on who takes certain shots. Joakim Noah is the “X Factor” in the equation. Being the all around center that he is, Noah must help with smoothing the offense and being the outstanding presence on defense. Even though I do believe that Joakim is talented enough to help unite the offense, I do not believe it will be enough to push through the Eastern Conference.

It is very hard to predict the future of this team. Regardless on if they make the playoffs, I do believe they will lead us to an intriguing year for the whole NBA to witness.