New York Knicks: There’s only 3 ways the 2017-18 season will go
By Eric Snyder
Dumpster fire
The New York Knicks’ season will most likely end up a flaming mess like it has for the most of the last decade. Of course, it doesn’t have to be that way. But when James Dolan is your team owner, there is an expectation of disaster around every turn.
Reasons for hope abound within Madison Square Garden but recent history overwhelms any hint of optimism. The trouble for the Knicks is the landmines of disaster that litter their path. Stepping on any of them will blow the season to smithereens.
First, there is that nagging issue called Carmelo Anthony. If the Knicks trade him they won’t get enough in return. Yet if they keep him, there is no indication that he’s willing to play nice. In either case, the potential for disaster is high.
Next, there is the mysterious case of Frank Ntilikina. The 19-year-old Frenchman was drafted by Phil Jackson over Dennis Smith Jr. and Malik Monk. Both Monk and Smith Jr thought they would be drafted by the New York Knicks.
It is very likely that both players will find more success during their rookie seasons that Ntilikina will. If so, fans and media will destroy the Knicks even if it is too early to tell who will be better.
Other landmines exist, but the point is that next season could get messy just like it always does. Fortunately, there are more positive directions next season could go.