2009/2010 NBA Season Preview - New York Knicks

In New York, the word 'rebuilding' is not in sports fans dictionary and unfortunately for them, that is exactly what the Knicks are going through right now. Last season the team finished with a record of 32-50, which was last in the Atlantic Division and next to last in the Eastern Conference. This year, the Knicks may even take a step back from that. In the offseason, Donnie Walsh and the team front office did not add any marquee names to the roster. Even with a less than stellar roster, head coach Mike D'Antoni has turned the Knicks into one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NBA.

The NBA playoffs are definitely a long shot, but this season may have bigger implications than whether or not the Knicks can qualify for the postseason. The roster moves that have been made in the past two seasons by the Knicks have been to attempt and clear cap space in anticipation of the 2010 free agent class that will include the likes of Lebron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The team is hoping to lure at least one of the big names to the "Big Apple", but that may hinge on the team's performance this season. The lure of playing on a stage like New York may not be enough, so the Knicks also need to prove they have the young talent that would flourish and reach championship status with a top flight player added to the roster. If the team proves to be unstable and underachieving, that also may be enough free agents to steer clear on New York City.

If you are planning on getting Knicks tickets this season, the two players to keep tabs on the Knicks are the same as last year, David Lee and Nate Robinson. Both players were looking for long term extensions in the off-season, but both ended up resigning for 1-year deals with a lot to prove. Lee has become one of the most dominant rebounders in the NBA and should have plenty of opportunities for offensive rebounds with the amount of shots the team will take this season. He also has improved his range and offensive production each year, a trend that should continue now that he is a more focal part of the team. Nate Robinson was one of the most electrifying players in the league last season, playing taller than his diminutive 5'-9" size.

The success of the season for the Knicks will rely upon how well they shoot the ball. With a lack of dynamic shooters on the team, it should be a less that stellar year. The best the Knicks and their fans can expect this season is probably an 8th seed in playoffs and first round exit.

KEY ADDITIONS: F/C Darko Milicic, F Jordan Hill, G Gabe Pruitt, G Toney Douglas

KEY LOSSES: F Chris Wilcox (Pistons), G/F Quentin Richardson (Heat)

2008-09 RESULTS: 32-50, last place in the Atlantic Division. Did not qualify for the NBA playoffs.

About New York Knicks

The New York Knicks were established in 1946 as part of the Basketball Association of America. Of the 11 original franchises, the Knicks were among the most successful teams in the league and advanced into the postseason in 1946, 1947 and 1948. But in 1949, the franchise along with the rest of the BAA merged with their rival National Basketball League, forming the National Basketball Association. The roots of the NBA were then planted, and the New York Knicks have been a staple ever since. They, along with the Boston Celtics, are the only franchises that are still playing in their original cities and for good reason; New York Knicks tickets are among the most popular in the league.

Of course, playing in a city like New York, your team will be scrutinized year in and year out. Fortunately for their fans, the team has seen its share of success plenty of which came in the late sixties into the early seventies. Behind players like Willis Reed, Bill Bradley and Walt Frazier, the Knicks were able to capture two world championships, one of which included the most iconic moments in Knicks team history. In Game 5 of the 1970 NBA Finals, Willis Reed tore a muscle in his leg causing him to miss the rest of that game and Game 6. His absence hurt the Knicks, and if he did not play in Game 7, no one would give them a chance. But the thousands of fans who had New York Knicks tickets at MSG were shocked when Reed limped out onto the court. His presence alone inspired his teammates and helped lead to the Knicks first world title.

When Patrick Ewing was drafted by the New York Knicks in 1984, his reputation as a dominating player lit a fire under the city. New York Knicks tickets were now once again one of the most popular tickets, and were even tougher to get. Winning Rookie of the Year, Ewing helped the Knicks rebuild and were once again one of the most formidable opponents in the NBA.

In addition to having great fans and a rich history, the New York Knicks also play in the world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden. A tourist attraction in its own right, having the ability to get New York Knicks tickets and get to see MSG is appealing to anyone. Built in 1925, the team has played there since the beginning and currently holds 19,763 people.