(Big C) As you think about the Knicks upcoming season you have to be pleased about the players the Knicks have. The Knicks have a solid starting lineup with Felton, Chandler, Gallinari, Stoudemire, and Ronny Turiaf. This is something the Knicks have not had in a very long time.

Many fans and experts predict that the Knicks should be able to make it to the playoffs. I for one think this task is very well possible. However, there are some obstacles that could prevent the Knicks from reaching that goal.

Here is a list of factors I feel could be a reason for the Knicks missing the playoffs:


Chemistry

If the Knicks are to be successful they have to have good chemistry on the court. The Knicks only have four players from last year's team. Only two of those four players, Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari, are in the starting lineup. The challenge is that three of the other players Stoudemire, Felton, and Turiaf have to gel early and at a fast pace.

Raymond Felton also has to learn where his teammates want the ball and how to deliver the ball to them. Amar’e has to be a leader and know when to take over, and when to believe in his teammates. When you think about team chemistry it is not just about offense. You have to include defense.

Communication

These players have to speak up more to each other on the court. Whether it’s the starting lineup or the players off the bench this year, more than ever, players have to be more vocal. Amar’e, Danilo, Wilson, Turiaf, and Felton must rise to the occasion. The players in the starting lineup will be the model for the other players to rally around.



Defense

Defense must first start with the coach. If the coach is not interested in defense or does not emphasize playing defense how can the players take defense seriously? Mike D’Antoni must find a way to get the players committed and believing that winning happens through effective defense.



Staying Healthy

If any of the key players have major injuries this could harm the Knicks chances of making the playoffs. The Knicks have three players (Chandler, Turiaf, and Amar’e) in the starting lineup that need to stay healthy this season. Not to mention on the bench Randolph, Azuibike, and Mason are all coming off injuries from last season. When a player is out due to injuries it can have an affect on team chemistry, defense, offensive production, and communication.




Even if the Knicks have all these things I mentioned they still might have issues. If the coach and players can not put their egos aside when it's time  to make sacrifices for the benefit of the team then winning will not happen. There is no 'me' in "team". Nor is there a 'me' in "winning".


At the end of the of the day, if the Knicks can get together by doing the things that I mentioned they will have a very successful season. If not, they will lose more games than the Bad News Bears.