Predicting the New York Knicks' 2015 Starting Five Following Free Agency

Predicting the New York Knicks' 2015 Starting Five Following Free Agency

By Chipper Murphy

July 15, 2015

Predicting the New York Knicks' 2015 Starting Five Following Free Agency

New York Knicks — The Knicks came up empty in their attempt to sway big-name free agents to New York. They were forced to sign a group of second-tier free agents as an alternative. The new acquisitions will prove invaluable as a part of next season's starting lineup.

The Knicks came up empty in their attempt to sway big-name free agents to New York. They were forced to sign a group of second-tier free agents as an alternative. The new acquisitions will prove invaluable as a part of next season's starting lineup.

Point Guard: Jose Calderon

Jose Calderon Knicks

Point Guard: Jose Calderon

Jose Calderon Knicks — Calderon will start at the point early in the year. He had a bad 2014-15 season, but the Knicks love his passing ability and three-point shooting for the triangle. Langston Galloway could bump him early if he struggles again, and eventually the hope is that Jerian Grant will supplant both of them. Look for Grant to be starting by season's end.

Calderon will start at the point early in the year. He had a bad 2014-15 season, but the Knicks love his passing ability and three-point shooting for the triangle. Langston Galloway could bump him early if he struggles again, and eventually the hope is that Jerian Grant will supplant both of them. Look for Grant to be starting by season's end.

Shooting Guard: Arron Afflalo

Arron Afflalo Blazers

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Shooting Guard: Arron Afflalo

Arron Afflalo Blazers — Afflalo's numbers went down dramatically last year, especially after being dealt to the Trail Blazers. The Knicks are hoping a change of scenery and a reunion with former teammate Carmelo Anthony will help him regain his confidence next season. He will be counted on to be the starting shooting guard or play small forward when Anthony is at power forward.

Afflalo's numbers went down dramatically last year, especially after being dealt to the Trail Blazers. The Knicks are hoping a change of scenery and a reunion with former teammate Carmelo Anthony will help him regain his confidence next season. He will be counted on to be the starting shooting guard or play small forward when Anthony is at power forward.

Small Forward: Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony Knicks

Small Forward: Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony Knicks — Whether some Knicks fans like it or not, Carmelo is going to be the starter at small forward for a long time. Last season was difficult. His knee surgery combined with his team's abysmal play were hurtful to New York's pitch to free agents. There are questions surrounding Anthony's play and there always will be, but he is still in his prime and there's no reason to think he won't revert back to form next year.

Whether some Knicks fans like it or not, Carmelo is going to be the starter at small forward for a long time. Last season was difficult. His knee surgery combined with his team's abysmal play were hurtful to New York's pitch to free agents. There are questions surrounding Anthony's play and there always will be, but he is still in his prime and there's no reason to think he won't revert back to form next year.

Power Forward: Derrick Williams

Derrick Williams Kings

Power Forward: Derrick Williams

Derrick Williams Kings — Another new signing, Williams comes with low risk and potentially high reward. Taken as the No. 2 pick in the 2011 draft, he has wildly disappointed since. Williams has bad habits to correct. He's not known for his passing, looking to score whenever he touches the ball. Simply, he's a chuck. At just 24 he has plenty of time to correct himself. For now, Williams will start unless the Knicks go small with Anthony at the power forward.

Another new signing, Williams comes with low risk and potentially high reward. Taken as the No. 2 pick in the 2011 draft, he has wildly disappointed since. Williams has bad habits to correct. He's not known for his passing, looking to score whenever he touches the ball. Simply, he's a chuck. At just 24 he has plenty of time to correct himself. For now, Williams will start unless the Knicks go small with Anthony at the power forward.

Center: Robin Lopez

Robin Lopez Blazers

Center: Robin Lopez

Robin Lopez Blazers — The Knicks' biggest get in free agency was Robin Lopez. Although he may not have been their first choice, he is still a good pickup. New York desperately needed a center. Although he can't do much offensively outside of the paint, Lopez is one of the best defensive centers in the NBA. The Knicks hope he will be their starting center for much longer than just next season.

The Knicks' biggest get in free agency was Robin Lopez. Although he may not have been their first choice, he is still a good pickup. New York desperately needed a center. Although he can't do much offensively outside of the paint, Lopez is one of the best defensive centers in the NBA. The Knicks hope he will be their starting center for much longer than just next season.

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New York Knicks

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