Hoops Habit
Fansided

New York Knicks Begin Preseason Against Celtics

By Bradley Popkin

Apr 11, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward J.R. Smith (8) is introduced before the game as forward Carmelo Anthony (7) greets him against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Knicks beat the Raptors 108-100. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward J.R. Smith (8) is introduced before the game as forward Carmelo Anthony (7) greets him against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Knicks beat the Raptors 108-100. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The New York Knicks begin their preseason Wednesday night against the Boston Celtics. New York enters the game with a few players nursing minor injuries.

A trio of Knicks that includes Iman Shumpert, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Amar’e Stoudemire were held out of the contact portion of practice on Monday. However, nothing will be more widely talked about, and scrutinized, than the triangle offense first-year head coach Derek Fisher will begin to deploy. Fisher will have Carmelo Anthony leading the way who returns to the Knicks after signing a five-year, $124 million deal.

Anthony, as well as offseason pickups Jose Calderon and Samuel Dalembert, will begin to build a cohesive unit. New York’s other prized possession Stoudemire (it’s unclear if he will play) will look to pickup where he left off last season and rookie Cleanthony Early aims to show the fan base that’s he not just Anthony’s backup.

Mar 31, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Marvin Williams (2) defends against New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the first half at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Marvin Williams (2) defends against New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the first half at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Training camp began for the New York at West Point from Sept. 30 until Oct. 4. The Knicks hadn’t held a training camp at the U.S. Military Academy in almost five decades. A team that was often lackluster in the chemistry department a season ago, coming apart at the seams as it wore on, received inspiration and lessons on character from the training environment.

"“Jason Smith, one of the team’s new centers, said watching 4,400 cadets eat lunch in 20 minutes left an impression, calling it ‘incredible,’” wrote Scott Cacciola of the New York Times."

Smith, a seven-year veteran, signed a one-year deal worth $3.3 million during the offseason.

Last season the Knicks lost a total of 14 games by five points or less; a number they look to drastically cut down upon in the future. Fisher acknowledges and will look to fix the team’s lack of discipline this season.

"“If you can get stops at the end of the game, more of those games go in your favor,” said Fisher."

Their opponent Wednesday, the Celtics, are slightly remodeled. The C’s added several players through the draft and free agency, including first round pick Marcus Smart. Smart, an impact player on both ends of the floor, saw his importance to the team grow when Rajon Rondo broke his left hand over a week ago.

Oct 6, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) works for the ball against Philadelphia 76ers guard Tony Wroten (8) and forward Arnett Moultrie (5) in the second half at TD Garden. Boston defeated the 76ers 98-78. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) works for the ball against Philadelphia 76ers guard Tony Wroten (8) and forward Arnett Moultrie (5) in the second half at TD Garden. Boston defeated the 76ers 98-78. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Smart took over for the injured All-Star and made his NBA debut in the team’s first preseason game against the 76ers. The 20-year-old tallied two points, six assists, three rebounds and three steals. While his offensive game needs work–he wasn’t known for his shooting touch in college–Smart is a great one on one defender.

Between himself, Rondo and Avery Bradley, the Celtics have great defensive versatility in the backcourt. The Celtics, like the Knicks, are struggling to find an identity with a new coach at the helm. Boston undoubtedly will not be playing for a playoff spot. New York has the chance to compete for one.

In 2013-14, the two teams split their season series. In both Boston wins, New York took a beating as they were outscored 204-159. Melo was held in check both times and shot 35 percent from the field. If there’s one thing that Boston does well, it’s playing defense. Gerald Wallace, Jeff Green and Brandon Bass are serviceable defenders.

More from New York Knicks

New York can hit you in a variety of ways on the offensive end, whether it’s through pure scoring, outside shooting or in the post. Defensively the team stands much to gain. Fisher was a gritty defender for the better part of his career and will, at the least, instill a better drive in these Knickerbockers than former coach Mike Woodson could.

The team ranked 24th overall in defensive rating last year. Some have pointed out the liability of deploying a starting point guard like Calderon because of his lack of lateral quickness. Ultimately, the Knicks receive a younger, hopefully more mobile version of Pablo Prigioni, in Calderon. Calderon was brought to the team for his playmaking ability and to make open three-point shots.

With a lot left up in the air, and no shortage of interesting storylines going into the season, the Knicks will be put under the microscope yet again.

Home/New York Knicks