Mike D'Antoni and the 7-13 Knicks have somehow managed to lose nine of their last ten contests, plummeting to tenth place in the Eastern Conference. Almost one-third of the way through this lockout-shortened season, New York may be digging themselves too deep of a hole to safely climb out of.
Prior to tipoff of the 2011-12 season, the possibility of the Knicks missing the playoffs was completely out of the question. Instead, the major topic of discussion among New York pundits was how deep their inevitable postseason run would be.
Today, the prospect of the Knicks failing to make the playoffs is no longer implausible based on the way this team has performed through their first 20 games. The hearts of long-suffering Knicks fans may not be able to handle this dire scenario. Fortunately for them, there are still 46 games remaining to right the ship.
New York may very well recover from this early collapse and make a playoff push. They are still, however, setting themselves up for an unpromising playoff seed, meaning a probable first round matchup with the likes of the Heat or Bulls. This, in all likelihood, would equate to a disappointing first round exit for the second consecutive year.
The Knicks have lacked wins and consistency but they certainly do not lack talent. Despite superstars Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler, D'Antoni has thus far failed miserably in his attempts to mold this roster into a cohesive unit.
Team chemistry, an essential aspect and key to success in the game of basketball, has been pathetic and mostly nonexistent. Even the offense, D'Antoni's bread and butter and possibly only strength as a head coach, has been wildly inefficient and inconsistent.
Last season, the Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire duo brought hope back to Madison Square Garden. Those hopes and aspirations only increased this offseason with the addition of Tyson Chandler. For a change, New York basketball was a promising and intriguing topic as opposed to being the punchline of every joke.
This year's group has accomplished nothing but setting the franchise back to the Isiah Thomas, Stephon Marbury days. Unless the Knicks make a swift and significant turnaround, Mike D'Antoni should be forced to pack up and take his alleged offensive expertise elsewhere.
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