The New York Knicks are slowly preparing for training camp in the upcoming month as the team has a number of headlines going into the new season. Carmelo Anthony's reported unhappiness dominated the offseason while a slew of position battles will be the focus of camp. The point guard position is the main talking point in New York with four players competing for a spot in the lineup. After facing trade rumors for almost a year, is Jose Calderon the favorite?
The Knicks traded for Calderon in hopes that he would be the dominating point guard Anthony needed. However, injuries hurt that effort last year and forced the veteran to hear trade talk around his name for months. Team president Phil Jackson even admitted disappointment in not getting the trade deal for Calderon, but heading into the 2015-16 season the veteran is the best option to start.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN.com, the Knicks are not looking to trade Calderon right now despite reports as they are hopeful he takes over the starting job this season. When healthy, Calderon is a solid point guard. The veteran told the media that he spent the offseason getting healthy and ready for a new year as he is confident in his place with the franchise.
"You never know in the NBA, but I was pretty confident after the [exit] meetings, knowing the players they were looking for, the way we were going, they were counting on me coming back,'' Calderon said, via the New York Post. "I was never worried. It doesn't mean I know for sure, but I was told I wasn't involved in those trades and people I trust tell me that. And I talked to Derek [Fisher] during their free-agent meetings, so they were keeping me always in the loop.''
Calderon might not be the long-term option at point guard for the Knicks, but he is the best right-now option for the team. Jackson is aiming to win now. While no one is talking championships, New York must improve on last season's disaster if they intend on chasing big names in free agency. Calderon will help that effort.
Langston Galloway, Jerian Grant and now Travis Trice are all competing for time on the court. Galloway was a breakout star last year, but his non-guaranteed contract shows doubt in his ability to keep the momentum moving. Trice is also signed to a non-guaranteed deal as he must try to make it out of camp. Grant could be the future of the position should he develop well. Jackson expressed confidence in the rookie, but do not expect the Knicks to rush him into the starting job right away. After talks of Ricky Rubio, Brandon Jennings and Eric Bledsoe joining the Knicks, confidence is high in the current unit heading into the new season.