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5 Biggest Issues Still Facing the New York Knicks This Offseason

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5 Biggest Issues Still Facing the New York Knicks This Offseason

New York Knicks
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The Knicks were a joke last season. The promise of a competitive team from new boss Phil Jackson was broken while his triangle offense was the subject of constant criticism. Superstar scorer Carmelo Anthony was chronically injured, playing in only 40 games. When the direction of their season became clear, New York decided to tank and free up cap space. The Knicks improved this summer, but these issues still remain to be fixed.

5. Kristaps Porzingis' Role

Kristaps Porzingis Knicks
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5. Kristaps Porzingis’ Role

Kristaps Porzingis Knicks
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When Kristaps Porzingis was drafted he was booed mercilessly. Perhaps it's because he reminds Knicks fans of Frédéric Weis or because he was expected to be a project. Either way, he looked good in the summer league and raised questions that he may be more league ready than expected. The Knicks are weak at the power forward position and need scoring. He obviously can't start, but he could give New York significant bench minutes.

4. Point Guard Position

Jose Calderon New York Knicks
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4. Point Guard Position

Jose Calderon New York Knicks
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The Knicks hope that Jerian Grant is the future at the point guard position. He showed promise in the triangle during summer league play. However, Phil Jackson traded for Jose Calderon because he believes his game is fit for the triangle. Calderon had a disappointing season but will still start the season. Last year's surprise, Langston Galloway, will back him up with Grant fighting for playing time. By midseason the depth chart should change.

3. The Triangle Offense

Phil Jackson Kobe
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3. The Triangle Offense

Phil Jackson Kobe Bryant
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The Knicks don't seem to be as handcuffed to the idea of the triangle as they were when Phil Jackson took the job. That's progress. Derek Fisher said during summer league that the Knicks will try and run more instead of playing exclusively in half court sets. He said the offense will be more about the players on the floor than the system. The Knicks didn't grasp the triangle last season, so continuing to move away from it is a good sign.

2. Can Derek Fisher Coach?

Derek Fisher Knicks NBA
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

2. Can Derek Fisher Coach?

Derek Fisher Knicks NBA
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Rookie head coach Derek Fisher was given somewhat of a free pass last season despite his team's performance. His best player missed half the season and his roster for the majority of the season was horrible. He was forced to use career reserves in starting positions and the results were typically embarrassing. After bringing in legitimate NBA talents for Fisher to use, there will be expectations for improvement.

1. Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony Knicks
Anthony Gruppuso- USA Today Sports

1. Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony Knicks
Anthony Gruppuso- USA Today Sports

It's strange to say that one of the best players in the league is an issue, isn't it? Well, he is. When the Knicks drafted Kristaps Porzingis they showed their plan. After a 15-67 season they accepted the rebuilding process was going to take even longer than expected. Does a superstar in his prime want to help a team rebuild? Do the Knicks want his huge salary in the way? They shouldn't. We'll see.

Chipper Murphy is a Beat Writer for the New York Knicks on www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChipperMurphy “Like” him on Facebook.

Chipper Murphy is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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