New York Knicks: Where the Knicks stand in the Atlantic Division: Part 1

The New York Knicks are one of three teams inside the Atlantic Division currently rebuilding their roster. Here is where they stand against the Philadelphia 76ers as the 2017-18 season approaches.

Laughingstock. Dumpster fire. Those are just some of the terms used in reference to the New York Knicks, not only this season but for practically the last few decades. The symptoms of rock-bottom lows over the last three years resulted in what many had been hoping for this summer.

Phil Jackson was finally pushed out of town after coming to a “mutual” agreement that his stay in New York had officially gone on for far too long.

Since then, any sign of improvement or optimism has been torn to shreds from critics to even lifelong fans. Playing in New York is no easy task being under the constant microscope from the media, but even that shouldn’t be news to any player or member of the franchise’s staff.

At last, however, there are many reasons to believe that the Knicks are trying to right the ship that has continually disappointed while other teams inside the division have grown despite their own highs and lows.

One match-p in the Atlantic Division that should draw attention to fans and give hope for the long term is when the Knicks meet the Philadelphia 76ers.

The 76ers have not made a playoff appearance since the 2011-12 season, while the Knicks have not appeared since the 2012-13 season. The case now is that both teams are completely unrecognizable since.

How they match up by position

With a closer look at the pieces the New York Knicks have accumulated they are actually much more competitive than many are willing to accept.

Knicks point guards: Jarrett Jack, Ramon Sessions, Frank Ntilikina/Ron Baker

Philadelphia point guards: T.J. McConnell, J.J. Redick, Markelle Fultz, Jerryd Bayless

Both teams are in what seems fair to say a deadlock that will be determined on the performance of their respective draft picks at point guard. As a result of Ntilikina and Fultz having yet to actually hit the court, both teams have picked up veterans to help foster development of said players.

The Knicks most recently brought aboard Jarrett Jack and much earlier in the summer signed Ramon Sessions. The 76ers reeled in J.J Redick, who is clearly better than all the aforementioned players. Although close, the Knicks are over-matched in this position just for Redick’s precision and reliability from the perimeter.

Knicks shooting guards: Courtney Lee, Tim Hardaway Jr., Ron Baker, Damyean Dotson

76ers shooting guards: J.J Redick, Markelle Fultz, Nik Stauskas

This is where the 76ers are in deep water banking on the hope that Markelle Fultz hits the ground running in his debut. Otherwise Redick and Stauskas are the only other players with minutes at shooting guard or the proven ability to be two-way players. Having depth at point guard is a win for them, however that unit will have to prove successful in order to slide Redick or Fultz to the 2 more often.

While Dameyan Dodson has yet to make his NBA debut, Courtney Lee is no stranger to the league and Tim Hardaway Jr. is a solid choice as a starter or off the bench as we watch that situation unfold. One thing the Knicks have done right is spreading youth and experience with a bit of depth across each position on the court.

Knicks forwards: Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis, Mindaugas Kuzminskas, Lance Thomas, Michael Beasley

76ers forwards: Dario Saric, Amir Johnson, Robert Covington, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot

Even if Carmelo Anthony is traded before the season or even midseason, the Knicks should be confident that they are dominant in the forward position compared to the 76ers. That is including the potential of their rebuild. Yes, Robert Covington shows promise with his quick hands and defense, but his shooting percentages are unacceptable and steadily falling each year.

Dario Saric has potential to develop into something special, but potential at this moment does not translate into wins. The Knicks have a solid cast once again combining youth, experience and depth at the forward position.

Knicks Bigs: Kristaps Porzingis, Joakim Noah, Willy Hernangomez, Kyle O’Quinn

76ers Bigs: Joel Embiid, Jahlil Okafor, Amir Johnson, Richaun Holmes

Once more it must be said that Knicks did well in finding Willy Hernangomez and Kristaps Porzingis as building blocks for the future. What made the Knicks versatile last year was being able to interchange Porzingis and Hernangomez at the 4 and 5.

Richaun Holmes had respectable performances throughout 2016-17 while the truth will soon be known if Embiid can find a way to stay healthy. With uncertainty plaguing the 76ers in this major position, you would have to say the Knicks have the upper-hand hear as well.

Final thoughts

It should be an interesting season for New York Knicks seeing Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez develop more chemistry. Assuming their performances recently during EuroBasket carry over into the regular season, it should build hope and optimism for the current rebuild.

If Frank Ntilikina can prove useful without the original intention of having him lead the triangle offense, the Knicks can be a lot of trouble in the Atlantic Division within the next three seasons.

The 76ers are woefully riding the tank train for all they can squeeze out of it, but possibly there best prospect next to Fultz has serious injury issues. That can spell trouble not for just the short-term but long-term decisions as they rebuild. They did well in bringing Redick in as a solid leader and veteran, but it is hard to imagine he will be able to carry Philadelphia through most games.

All in all it seems most likely all four meetings between the two teams will come down to the wire, and to see the season series split 2-2 sounds about right.

Next: Complete 2017 NBA offseason grades for all 30 teams

Both teams will be playing with a chip on their shoulder during 2017-18 to prove they can steer their franchise back in the right direction.