Training camp for the New York Knicks will come with some interesting headlines that do not include trade talks with Carmelo Anthony and Jose Calderon. Position battles will be a big part of the preseason with several starting spots up for grabs. Right now, the Knicks have Anthony, Arron Afflalo and Robin Lopez penciled in for the starting five, leaving the power forward and point guard position up for grabs.
While Calderon has been the talk of the offseason, training camp will feature a battle between second-year point guard Langston Galloway and rookie Jerian Grant. Galloway was a breakout star last season in the wake of Calderon's injuries. However, Phil Jackson only gave him a partially-guaranteed contract as there is doubt he can continue the momentum. According to Ian Begley, Galloway is at risk of getting before the season starts, but it is not expected.
Instead, Galloway will battle with Grant for either a starting spot or backup job depending on what happens with Calderon's future. Galloway took advantage of his time last season, playing in 45 games and averaging 11.8 points. However, Jackson likes the style and confidence of Grant which will make the training camp battle interesting to watch.
"He knows the game and has a certain flair for it," Jackson said, via ESPN.com. "He's quick, has 3-point range, knows how to pass, can break a defense down with his handle, knows how to get through screens and is comfortable getting people involved on offense."
Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick Williams will also be battling for a starting spot. According to Begley, Porzingis is not expected to be an immediate starter for the Knicks, but offseason work with Anthony could change that. The two have been working out together before heading back to New York for training camp and the veteran is very excited with what he is seeing in the rookie so far.
"You can tell he has a chip on his shoulder, and I love that," said Anthony, via SI.com. "You've gotta have that in the NBA. That was the first thing I saw when I saw him working out. He's a tough guy."
Williams signed in free agency with the expectations that he would be a starter moving forward in New York. He only has a two-year contract with the second year being a player option. It is clear the Knicks are not certain he has a long-term future in New York. Porzingis will be given every chance to compete to be in the starting five on opening night.
