The New York Knicks have had quite the offseason after being eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in the playoffs and after trading for Andrea Bargnani and signing J.R. Smith, the team looks very strong heading into next season, which could end up being the last in New York for Carmelo Anthony.
The Knicks know that they have a decision to make and so does Anthony and the team likely will try and sign him to an extension and one player that could be a huge factor in everything for the franchise this year is Iman Shumpert. The young star dealt with injuries last season and despite James Dolan possibly wanting to trade him, as said by Stephen A Smith in an interview earlier this year, the Knicks may end up having one of the best young players in the league and he could be integral to playoff success this season.
Shumpert has shown that he has the makings of an elite defender and his offensive game is starting to develop and if he can stay healthy, the team should be able to have a much better rotation that last season. Amar'e Stoudemire and Andrea Bargnani add depth to the front court and if Bargnani can stay healthy as well, the Knicks will have more scoring and offensive options than last season. The Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls are all improved this season and having Shumpert all year will be a great advantage to the Knicks.
The team added Tim Hardaway Jr. in the draft and at 23-years-old, Shumpert has tons of potential to grow and despite averaging under 10 points last season, he could make a huge impact this year. Shumpert will get his chances alongside Anthony and if he can stay healthy the Knicks should be in prime position come playoff time.
