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5 Keys To Success For New York Knicks In Second Half Of 2015-16 Season

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The New York Knicks had their worst season in franchise history last season, so there was nowhere to go but up. The Knicks have already surpassed their 2014-15 win total, but they still have a long way to go before becoming the championship contender they so desperately want to be. New York needs to worry about the future, but they can start in the second half of this season. Here’s how.

5. Dump Expendable Player(s)

Dump Expendable Player(s) Getty Images
After over 40 regular season games the Knicks are set in their rotation, and with the unexpected emergence of Kristaps Porzingis their frontcourt depth has become expendable. If they can move a player such as Kevin Seraphin or Kyle O'Quinn for an asset, they should take advantage of the opportunity.

After over 40 regular season games the Knicks are set in their rotation, and with the unexpected emergence of Kristaps Porzingis their frontcourt depth has become expendable. If they can move a player such as Kevin Seraphin or Kyle O'Quinn for an asset, they should take advantage of the opportunity.

4. Continue To Build For The Future

Continue To Build For The Future Getty Images
Phil Jackson's plan for the Knicks' future looks better now, but he still has plenty of work left to do. The Knicks have a chance to be the No. 8 seed, but without an opportunity to advance deep in the playoffs they need to worry about next season and beyond.

Phil Jackson's plan for the Knicks' future looks better now, but he still has plenty of work left to do. The Knicks have a chance to be the No. 8 seed, but without an opportunity to advance deep in the playoffs they need to worry about next season and beyond.

3. Play Kristaps Porzingis At Center

Play Kristaps Porzingis At Center Getty Images
The lineup of Kristaps Porzingis, Carmelo Anthony, Lance Thomas, Arron Afflalo, and Jose Calderon is plus-7.1 points per 100 possessions, yet they have only been on the court for 41 total game minutes. Porzingis has been better on defense than starting center Robin Lopez on the defensive end anyway, so playing the rookie at center for long stretches is not a risk. With the rookie's ability to stretch the floor, the switch is perfectly logical, especially with Anthony playing the power forward, where he tends to excel.

The lineup of Kristaps Porzingis, Carmelo Anthony, Lance Thomas, Arron Afflalo, and Jose Calderon is plus-7.1 points per 100 possessions, yet they have only been on the court for 41 total game minutes. Porzingis has been better on defense than starting center Robin Lopez on the defensive end anyway, so playing the rookie at center for long stretches is not a risk. With the rookie's ability to stretch the floor, the switch is perfectly logical, especially with Anthony playing the power forward, where he tends to excel.

2. Upgrade The Point Guard Position

Upgrade The Point Guard Position Getty Images
The fact that the Knicks need better point guard play has been beaten to death, but it's true. As much as Jose Calderon has helped since breaking his dreadful early shooting slump, the veteran is no longer a starter in the league and Langston Galloway is best suited as a combo-guard off the bench. Rookie Jerian Grant isn't anywhere close to ready, and the rumors of a Brandon Jennings trade will heat up come trade deadline time.

The fact that the Knicks need better point guard play has been beaten to death, but it's true. As much as Jose Calderon has helped since breaking his dreadful early shooting slump, the veteran is no longer a starter in the league and Langston Galloway is best suited as a combo-guard off the bench. Rookie Jerian Grant isn't anywhere close to ready, and the rumors of a Brandon Jennings trade will heat up come trade deadline time.

1. Keep Carmelo Anthony

Keep Carmelo Anthony Getty Images
Unless Phil Jackson were to get an offer that blew him away, the chances of the Knicks shipping off Carmelo Anthony are slim. They have certainly gotten smaller now, due not only to the Knicks' playoffs hopes, but to Anthony's improved passing, and his chemistry with Porzingis.

Unless Phil Jackson were to get an offer that blew him away, the chances of the Knicks shipping off Carmelo Anthony are slim. They have certainly gotten smaller now, due not only to the Knicks' playoffs hopes, but to Anthony's improved passing, and his chemistry with Porzingis.

Chipper Murphy is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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