Published: October 21, 2010

With the NBA season just around the corner, the New York Knicks are looking to make their mark on the basketball world this season. Having had a strong offseason acquiring many new players, such as Amar’e Stoudemire and Anthony Randolph, the Knicks appear to have the potential to earn their first playoff berth in ten years. But are the new players alone enough to carry the Knicks to success? We asked some students for their opinions on this upcoming season.

Steven Simineri, FCLC ’13

Observer: The Knicks haven’t had a winning season since 2001. Do you think this is the season they turn things around?

Steven Simineri: Its been quite some time since the Knicks have had a winning season, but with Amar’e Stoudemire now leading the Knicks, they have [their] first big-time player since Patrick Ewing’s departure in 2000. I believe with the Knicks newly acquired players, they will compete this year without question.

Observer: What do you think is the key for the Knicks’ success this season?

SS: The key to the Knicks’ success this year will be the health of Amar’e Stoudemire. He’s lost playing time in the past due to knee surgery and if his knees give out again, the Knicks’ chances of reaching the playoffs and having a winning record will be slim.

Observer: How do you see the addition of Amar’e Stoudemire impacting the team?

SS:The addition of Amar’e Stoudemire will impact the Knicks’ season immensely.  Stoudemire is a huge presence on and off the court; how he plays this season will be the deciding factor if the Knicks are a winning team this season.

Observer: What about the other new players, such as Anthony Randolph, Kelenna Azubuike and Ronny Turiaf? Do you think they can make up for what the Knicks lost in David Lee?

SS: All three of these players will be integral parts of the Knicks’ roster this year. Anthony Randolph is regarded as one of the better young talents in the NBA and he is looking to have a breakout season. Turiaf is a veteran center who will bring his rugged, gritty style of play to New York. Azubuike will be a solid role player off the bench. Hopefully, a change of scenery will do wonders for Azubuike.

Observer: Head Coach Mike D’Antoni has coached Stoudemire before. Do you think, think this is the season that D’Antoni can duplicate the success he had with the Phoenix Suns?

SS: Under D’Antoni, the Phoenix Suns were one of the most dominant teams in the NBA. The Knicks would love to duplicate the success D’Antoni and Stoudemire enjoyed in Phoenix, but I highly doubt they will. The Knicks just lack the talent and explosiveness those Phoniex teams had.

Observer: Which team do you think is going to provide the biggest challenge for the Knicks?

SS: I’d say either the new look Miami Heat or the defending Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics. The East won’t be easy this year but the Knicks could land a low seed and sneak into the playoffs.

Alexa Frank, FCLC ’12

Observer: So, are you a Knicks fan?

Alexa Frank: No, though its hard to live in New York and not root for them.

Observer: The Lakers have won two championships in a row. Do you think the New York Knicks can eventually reach the top? If so, when?

AF: I think the Knicks can definitely win a championship if they keep focusing on it. They definitely have a lot of work to do. Stoudemire is a good start, but there’s going to have to be more talent and experience on that team in order for them to go far in the playoffs.

Observer: Regardless of your team allegiance, do you think the new addition of Amar’e Stoudemire is what the team needs for success? Or do you see him having little impact?

AF: I think getting Amar’e was a genius move for them. He’s played for D’Antoni before, he’s big, he’s strong, and he can totally dominate a game if he wants to. At this point, its just a question of whether the rest of the team can step up their game and get on Stoudemire’s level.

Observer: When do you see the Knicks being a contending team in the Atlantic Division and in the Eastern Conference?

AF: I would be surprised if they could form a solid team by this year because it takes time for new teams to build themselves up. I could see them be a contender in a few years, but fans are going to have to realize that it’s going to take time.

Observer: Do you think the new players, such as Raymond Felton and Roger Mason, will be able to handle the usually vicious New York media?

AF: The media anywhere is vicious, but the thing about the Knicks is that most people don’t expect too much out of them, so they really can’t go anywhere but up.

Observer: I know its early, but give me your predictions for the 2011 NBA finals.

AF: I’m biased because I’m a Laker fan, but I think the Heat and the Lakers are going to be a big time match-up. Who doesn’t want to see Kobe and Lebron duke it out for the championship?