The 2008-09 Knicks

First and foremost, the New York Knicks improved. The Knicks finished 32-50. Not good. Not terrible. Besides the inclusion of a real live NBA head coach, some players also contributed to the progress. Nate Robinson, who averaged over 17 points a game has the potential to be a sixth man of the year candidate on a good team right now. David Lee, who averaged another double double (16 pts, 11.7 rebs), could be a starting complimentary big man on a good team with a true post threat.

The Knicks traded away Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph early in the season. In return, they received Al Harrington, the only player of on court value in the deals. Harrington, who fits Mike D'Antoni's system perfectly, led the team with nearly 21 a game. Chris Duhon scored 11 a game with 7 dishes in his first season with the Knicks. Wilson Chandler had a breakout year with 14.4 a game.

But D'Antoni's style lends itself to some impressive offensive statistics. New York still didn't play any defense. The improvement came on the offensive side. D'Antoni was wise to get rid of the high-profiled riffraff that have dragged the Knicks down over the past few years. But the challenge of building a true playoff team is large.

The Knicks have some invaluable role players who have been thrust into prominent roles. Harrington and Robinson should be two tremendous sparks off the bench, not the team's two leading scorers. Lee should be a power forward who does the dirty work, not a center and the team's best player. Duhon could be the best backup point guard in the league. He started 77 games for the Knicks. The trick is to keep these absolutely essential role players while adding starters. It won't be easy.