2012-2013 NBA Season Preview: New York

Sites around the internet put up NBA preview posts for their team, division, whatever. As you may know by now, I like to think outside the box. Is it because I’m claustrophobic? No, at least I don’t think so. So here’s yet another mini-series for you. First, we’ll look at heads of the state. What does that mean? Well, there are a few states that have more than one team in them. So, which team will own the state? We have Florida, California, New York, and Texas. We have 11 teams to look at. So that will be 4 posts. Then, we’ll do a Red White and Blue preview. If you were around last season, you would’ve noticed I did power rankings for teams whose logo/jersey is red white and blue. It’s my unique way of looking at the NBA. Sixers are not in this post so if you’re only concerned about the Sixers (can’t blame you if you are), then this post isn’t really for you. Go ahead and hit the backspace button. I’ll wait.

Dante sings elevator music while people leave.

Okay so for those of you that stayed, here’s the preview:

New York

It’s been a while but there are two teams in New York once again. The Sixers used to call New York their home in Syracuse (look, a Sixers reference!). Anyway, my home state Nets are making somewhat of a return to their home (in case you didn’t know, the Nets were in New York before). Also, the Nets were named to go alongside the Mets (MLB) and Jets (NFL) so there’s some more historical information for ya too!

Nets made a serious move in trading for Joe Johnson. While they didn’t win the Dwight sweepstakes, they aren’t going to left high and dry. Brook Lopez is proven to be a good Center when healthy. They have some young pieces too. And of course they have Deron Williams (I’m still convinced he’s the best PG in the league). Nets won’t be a contender but they will cause some problems. If Dwight decides L.A. isn’t a good fit, I think Brooklyn should make another run for him though. The big problem with the Nets though is depth. They don’t have it. That’s the risk of gutting your roster for one guy. It never made sense to me but whatever.

Meanwhile the Knicks may or may not make the playoffs. People are saying the Knicks have one year together and they should be ready. Amare said championship or bust I believe. Haha. Look, the Knicks are a good team. They’ll probably make the playoffs. Perhaps hit the second round. But, that’s the ceiling. They made improvements and should be better than last year but they are not a top team in the East.

Of course, we’re talking about who is the best in the state of New York. For me, I’m leaning towards the Knicks if only because of depth. I mean, Marcus Camby, Jason Kidd, Kurt Thomas, and Ronnie Brewer are nice add-ons. And again, the Knicks have plenty of scoring. I’m worried for the defense but that’ll work itself out as they have enough scoring to sort-of mask the defensive liabilities. Unless Deron Williams and JJ can put up big points every night, Knicks will be better off.

Winner of New York: Knicks

Next time we’ll look at California.