As the Knicks get closer to the season, one player that is not worried about his new team is Amar'e Stoudemire. According to azcentral.com, Amar'e Stoudemire feels he will do just fine without Steve Nash. In fact, Amar'e points out that he played  good for three years on the Suns before Nash's arrival.  Here is what was reported.

"I was pretty good for the three years before we got Steve," Stoudemire said. "We're going to be OK. These young guys are not quite used to working hard. We're going to get them over the hump.

"We can be as good as we want to be. In order to be a great leader, you must follow first. I've been able to follow Steve, Grant Hill, Shaquille O'Neal and Penny. Now I feel it's time for me to lead these young guys to success."-azcentral.com

Via New York Post:

"Definitely," Douglas told The Post yesterday at Hayground School in Bridgehampton. "I feel like we have a lot of talent. We just all have to be on one page and make sure everybody is totally on it. I feel we are a playoff team."

Douglas, the Knicks' most tenacious defender, said one of the reasons he has worked so hard is he wants to be a leader this season. There were none during last season's 29-53 campaign.

"I had an OK rookie year, but this year I want to be more vocal and be one of the leaders on the court," Douglas said. "At the same time, you can't be a leader if you don't hold up your end of the bargain. If people are slacking, I'll tell them. If I'm slacking, I want them to tell me."

After Labor Day, Douglas said he expects to be joined by more teammates so they can begin scrimmaging.
"We're just building relationships now," Douglas said. "It's almost a totally new team. I've been working on the pick and roll with Amar'e. So there'll be a better bond when training camp starts."-New York Post

It looks like it might be a very slow start for Knicks new shooting guard Kelanna Azubuike. According to teammate Toney Douglas he does not expect Azubike to be ready for the Knicks training camp this year. Here is what was reported:

"According to Douglas, newcomer Kelanna Azubuike is not yet working at Westchester and still is doing offcourt rehab after missing most of last season with a torn tendon in his left knee. It's looking more doubtful the shooting guard will be 100 percent when training camp opens on Sept. 25. "-New York Post

If Kelanna Azbuike does miss training camp and preseason it will be hard for him to break the Knicks rotation when he is ready. At the same time, this will give Toney Douglas, Bill Walker, and Roger Mason more time in the backcourt to define their roles.

(Big C) The Knicks off-season has been successful for the most part. Donnie Walsh has made a 180 with the team and is trying to point the Knicks in the right direction. With all the changes the Knicks have made I thought it was a good time to ask Mr. Knicks himself, the legend, Walt Clyde Frazier his opinion on the team. Here is my sit down interview with Walt Frazier about the Knicks upcoming season:


FromtheBaseline.com: I know we recently spoke about Lebron James. Tell me again, how do you feel about Lebron not coming to New York and going to the Heat?

Walt Frazier: I was surprised. I thought he would have come to New York and accept the challege of being here. Like most of the legends, like Michael Jordan said, “I would never want join Jerry West or Ocar Roberson." You wanted to beat those guys. I was surprised when Lebron went with Bosh and Wade.


FromtheBaseline.com: How do you feel about Lebron joining the Heat? Do you think they will be successful?

Walt Frazier: They should be successful. The only thing stopping them is their ego’s. I don’t think that will be a problem because they wanted to be together. The only question mark is their bench. They spent so much money to sign those three guys they do not have much of a bench. That’s the only question mark, is if their bench can be productive to catapult them to a championship.


FromtheBaseline.com: There are rumors, I know you've heard Carmelo Anthony wants to be a Knick. How do feel about Carmelo Anthony wanting to be a Knick, playing for the Knicks or signing with the Knicks?

Walt Frazier: It would be fantastic. He is one of the best players in the game--top 5 players in the game. And it seems like he wants to come to New York but there a lot of ramifications. So you know the fans. I don’t want them to be to be disappointed again if he does not happen. But a very exciting thought, Carmelo Anthony wanting to be a Knick.

FromtheBaseline.com: Do you think he will be like Lebron, or do you think he really wants to come to the Knicks? Do you think he’s serious?

Walt Frazier: Well that’s what he said, he mentioned the Knicks at the top of his list. You have to believe what he is saying.

FromtheBaseline.com: Now what do you think about the Knicks' star Amar’e Stoudemire?

Walt Frazier: I think he is a bona fide player, Man. That’s why I was surprised that Lebron did not want to come to New York and be with Stoudemire. The two of them would have been very successful I think. But we are very happy to get Amar’e Stoudemire. He’s a dominate player on the interior. He brings tenacity to the Knicks which is something the Knicks have been lacking.

FromtheBaseline.com: What do you have to say to people that say why did the Knicks get Stoudemire when they had David Lee with similar stats?

Walt Frazier: Bigger player. Bigger name. This is New York City. Lee was a fantastic player in everything he did for the team. However, Lee got caught in the numbers game so the Knicks went for Stoudemire rather than David Lee.

FromtheBaseline.com:: What are your thoughts about Danilo Gallinari coming into the season. What aspect of his game do you think he has improved on?

Walt Fraizer: We saw a tremendous improvement in his game. His rebounding, his defense, his shooting, his ability to get to the free throw line. Remember he missed most of his rookie year. Last season was more like his first year. I saw a tremendous improvement in his game. He is only going to get better. He is a player that thrives on tenacious work ethics. He wants to be one of the best. Last year he had some very memorable performances against some of the elite players in the league. So he’s right there on the threshold.

FromtheBaseline.com: What would you say to people who say Danilo Gallinari as just a shooter he had this to say:

Walt Fraizer: They are wrong. He works on defense. He is going to be a good passer. And remember at 6’10” he creates a lot of mismatch problems for the opposition. But what he has to overcome is getting to the hoop of the dribble. Exploiting those mismatches. That’s the next level for him.

FromtheBaseline.com:What could you tell fans about Anthony Randolph that fans may not know?

Walt Frazier: I haven’t seen him play that frequently. Obviously he’s a very talented player. But everybody in the NBA has talent. It’s fulfilling that talent. So he has been erratic at times and dramatic at other times. So consistency is the key for him. He has to be more consistent.

FromtheBaseline.com: What do you think about Wilson Chandler's game (writing from a previous interview)

Walt Frazier:Like I mentioned before, Wilson Chandler can do a lot of things. Chandler is a versatile player. He can block shots, he can rebound, he can shoot the jumper (mid-range), he’s a scorer. Chandler also plays good defense and he is only going to get better.

I think Chandler will be a 20 point scorer. Once he believes that he ‘s among the elite players he will be a star. Believing is half the challenge. I think this will be a breakout year for Chandler."-

FromtheBaseline.com: And Raymond Felton?

Walt Frazier: He is a good upgrade. Duhon, I thought was more of a backup. Felton is a guy that can shoot, score, he can penetrate, he is strong. He is a tremendous asset to the team.

FromtheBaseline.com: What can you tell us about Ronny Turiaf?

Walt Frazier: Well he is a good player when he is healthy. He has not been healthy since he left the Lakers. But he can block shots he can intimidate on the interior and he is good rebounder. If he is healthy then he can help the team.


FromtheBaseline.com: What aspect of the Knicks do you think they have improved on the most with all these moves?

Walt Frazier: Defensively. Defensively, Man, they have guys that can play defense. Randolph is a shot blocker. Turiaf can block shots. Azubuike can D'up. So They have a lot of guys now so they can focus on defense and improve in that area which they to do.


FromtheBaseline.com: What do you expect from the Knicks this season?

Walt Frazier: I expect them to be better and make the playoffs. If that happens, anything can happen from there. Especially if you are in it. I am looking forward to a very exciting season.

FromtheBaseline.com: Thank you Walt Frazier.

Walt Frazier: Alright Big C. Take care.

If you have not heard yet, the newest news out of New Orleans is that star point guard Chris Paul never asked for a trade. According to head coach Monty Williams Chris Paul never asked for a trade. Here is what was reported:

"The rumor mill has since cooled on the Paul trade front—but, according to Williams, it was never all that hot to begin with. “You can say it has settled down now, but it was settled before that,” Williams told SN. “For me, it was never an issue. Chris never said anything about a trade. He never asked for a trade. He wants us to be a better team, but we all want that and Dell [Demps] and I are going to do all that we can to make it a better team. We’re going to make this a better team with Chris here.” -Sportingnews.com

(Big C) As you think about the Knicks this season it will be a make or break year for the team. There are high expectations for the players and coaching staff. One player that might be under the microscope on the Knicks is forward Danilo Gallinari.

Fans and critics are wondering will Danilo Gallinari be able to improve his game or will he remain stagnant. Last season we saw Danilo Gallinari come out of his shell towards the end of the season. When I spoke to Walt Frazier he said he expected Danilo Gallinari to improve even more this season.

Here is what Walt Frazier had to say about Danilo Gallinari:

“We saw a tremendous improvement in his game. His rebounding, his defense, his shooting, his ability to get to the free throw line. Remember he missed most of his rookie year. Last season was more like his first year. I saw tremendous improvement in his game. He is only going to get better.

He is a player that thrives on tenacious work ethics. He wants to be one of the best. Last year he had some very memorable performances against some of the elite players in the league. So he’s right there on the threshold.

When I asked Walt Frazier what he thought about people thinking Danilo Gallinari as just a shooter he had this to say:

“They are wrong. He works on defense. He is going to be a good passer. And remember at 6’10” he creates a lot of mismatch problems for the opposition. But what he has to overcome is getting to the hoop off the dribble. Exploiting those mismatches. That’s the next level for him.”-Walt Frazier

I think Danilo Gallinari will have a chance to show that he is a real asset to the Knicks team. Because of Danilo Gallinari’s shooting ability he will be able to spread the offense. Not only that, he will open things up for Amar’e because players will be scared to leave Danilo to go double Amar’e,

Besides shooting, Danilo has to mix up his game more by combining shooting, posting up, and driving. Just like Walt Frazier said, “if Danilo Gallinari can drive more off the dribble that alone will elevated his game”.

This season I want to see Danilo Gallinari drive more and post up more in the low post. Especially now that he has toned up. At 6’10 playing small forward is a huge advantage in Danilo Gallinari’s favor. Now it’s up to him to maintain the mindset to be one of the best in the league and to be consistent every night.

This year should be Gallo’s year to show and prove the critics wrong.

Via Knicks.com :

"NYKnicks.com: So tell everyone what you have been up to over the summer.

Wilson Chandler: I’ve just been in and out of the gym mainly, you know? I’m working out as much as I can, and I went home to Michigan a couple times to rest and clear my head, but for the most part, I am working out, getting in shape and getting ready for the season.

NYKnicks.com: Last year you missed the last few weeks of the season with an injury. How has the recovery for that gone?

Chandler: Oh man, it’s been a long offseason. I had three surgeries, so they recovery time is long. But I feel good now. I went out to Las Vegas when the team was at Summer League and got some good workouts there. Then I came back and kept exercising and getting stronger. And over time I got better every day and I feel good now. I feel strong.

NYKnicks.com: Your first three seasons here didn’t go as planned. Now you have a whole new team. How excited are you?

Chandler: Oh I am very excited! I’ve waited for this for a few years and the fans have waited for it for a few years, and it is finally here. Amar’e (Stoudemire) is a great addition. We got some good guys that we drafted in Landry (Fields) and (Andy) Rautins and a lot of other real talented guys like Anthony Randolph, Ronny Turiaf, Raymond Felton and a few other guys. I’m excited. I am ready to go.

NYKnicks.com: How do you see yourself fitting in with Amar’e?

Chandler: I think it will be easy for me. I am a team player, so you know I am going to accept the role his presence creates for me. He is just such a talented and really an elite player.

NYKnicks.com: How about Anthony Randolph?

Chandler: He is great. He can get out on that break and is a great finisher. He’s also a great rebounder and a great defender. He is definitely going to be a big asset.

NYKnicks.com: Is there a certain part of your game you are working for this year?

Chandler: Everything. It is important to always work on everything – from shooting to ball handling to leadership and everything else.

NYKnicks.com: How great is it to call Madison Square Garden your home?

Chandler: It’s the best. When you score a basket or make a big play here, it is like no other court in the league. "Knicks.com

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(Big C) As you think about the Knicks upcoming season you have to be pleased about the players the Knicks have. The Knicks have a solid starting lineup with Felton, Chandler, Gallinari, Stoudemire, and Ronny Turiaf. This is something the Knicks have not had in a very long time.

Many fans and experts predict that the Knicks should be able to make it to the playoffs. I for one think this task is very well possible. However, there are some obstacles that could prevent the Knicks from reaching that goal.

Here is a list of factors I feel could be a reason for the Knicks missing the playoffs:


Chemistry

If the Knicks are to be successful they have to have good chemistry on the court. The Knicks only have four players from last year's team. Only two of those four players, Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari, are in the starting lineup. The challenge is that three of the other players Stoudemire, Felton, and Turiaf have to gel early and at a fast pace.

Raymond Felton also has to learn where his teammates want the ball and how to deliver the ball to them. Amar’e has to be a leader and know when to take over, and when to believe in his teammates. When you think about team chemistry it is not just about offense. You have to include defense.

Communication

These players have to speak up more to each other on the court. Whether it’s the starting lineup or the players off the bench this year, more than ever, players have to be more vocal. Amar’e, Danilo, Wilson, Turiaf, and Felton must rise to the occasion. The players in the starting lineup will be the model for the other players to rally around.



Defense

Defense must first start with the coach. If the coach is not interested in defense or does not emphasize playing defense how can the players take defense seriously? Mike D’Antoni must find a way to get the players committed and believing that winning happens through effective defense.



Staying Healthy

If any of the key players have major injuries this could harm the Knicks chances of making the playoffs. The Knicks have three players (Chandler, Turiaf, and Amar’e) in the starting lineup that need to stay healthy this season. Not to mention on the bench Randolph, Azuibike, and Mason are all coming off injuries from last season. When a player is out due to injuries it can have an affect on team chemistry, defense, offensive production, and communication.




Even if the Knicks have all these things I mentioned they still might have issues. If the coach and players can not put their egos aside when it's time  to make sacrifices for the benefit of the team then winning will not happen. There is no 'me' in "team". Nor is there a 'me' in "winning".


At the end of the of the day, if the Knicks can get together by doing the things that I mentioned they will have a very successful season. If not, they will lose more games than the Bad News Bears.