May 18, 2013
  • The Heat is on for retooled Knicks

    LeBron James #6 of the Heat defends Forward

    Photo credit: LeBron James #6 of the Heat defends Forward Carmelo Anthony#7 of the Knicks. (Getty)

    Though the Knicks aren't the only NBA show in town anymore, they'll be the first to kick off their season when they host the Miami Heat on Friday night.

    And when the Knicks welcome the reigning champions at Madison Square Garden, they'll be a more veteran squad than the one the Heat ousted in five games during the first round of the playoffs last season.

    While Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler have a wealth of playoff experience, last year's supporting cast just wasn't experienced enough to hang with teams like Miami and the Boston Celtics. Here's a look at the key tweaks to this year's Knicks:

    Changing of the point guard
    Upon letting restricted free agent/fan sensation Jeremy Lin bolt for the Houston Rockets, the Knicks reacquired Raymond Felton, in a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers, to run the offense. They also added future Hall of Famer Jason Kidd to split time with Felton in the backcourt.

    Veteran frontcourt
    The Felton deal also brought Kurt Thomas back to Manhattan, where he played seven of his 16 seasons. Marcus Camby also returned to New York from Houston. Add in recently un-retired 15-year pro Rasheed Wallace and the Knicks have three new big men with a combined 349 postseason games.


    TV info: Miami Heat play at 8 p.m. Friday night on ESPN

advertisement | advertise on am New York

Have a comment or news tip? We want to hear it! Find us on Twitter and Facebook.

TwitterFacebookFlicker

advertisement | advertise on am New York

Partners

Search cars