New York Knicks Should Roll on the Bobcats
By Phil DeMeo
We continue our New York Knicks matchups in the Eastern Conference with the always-struggling Charlotte Bobcats. Even though the Bobcats had what could be considered the worst NBA regular season ever, Knicks fans shouldn’t be too quick to laugh at this team. If Knicks fans remember one of the worst losses of the season under Mike D’Antoni was to the Bobcats at home in a 118-110 terrible loss.
Apr 26, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA Charlotte Bobcats point guard Kemba Walker (1) goes up for a shot during the second half against the New York Knicks at Time Warner Cable Arena. The New York Knicks defeated the Charlotte Bobcats 104-84. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-US PRESSWIRE
The night before the Cavs beat the Bobcats by 14 and the Heat beat them by a whopping 39 three nights before. It was a wake up call for the Knicks, but this year is a whole new ball game. The Bobcats unluckily missed out on the number one pick and Anthony Davis but did get workhorse Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Let’s see how these teams matchup.
Point Guard: Raymond Felton/Jason Kidd/Pablo Prigioni VS. Ramon Sessions/Kemba Walker
Every matchup is basically going to be proven players against players trying to make a name for themselves. The point guard position is a perfect example. The Knicks have Jason Kidd and Raymond Felton running their show, which makes me pretty confident. The Bobcats have journeyman Ramon Sessions who couldn’t find a groove with the Lakers, which is probably any point guard’s dream to play for. Walker might be another college star that you can add to the list of players who couldn’t figure out the NBA. I’ll be rooting for Kemba, but this one is one-sided.
Advantage – Knicks
Shooting Guard: J.R. Smith/Ronnie Brewer/Iman Shumpert VS. Ben Gordon/Gerald Henderson/Reggie Williams
This one in the closest matchup due to the fact that this is the Knicks weakest position on paper. J.R. Smith is the only healthy guard on paper, which I think will hurt the Knicks early. With Shump and Brewer healthy, it is a different conversation. The Bobcats paid a heavy price for Ben Gordon (top 8 protected 2013 pick, top 1 protected in 2015 and unprotected in 2016). Bad move for the future of the Bobcats and no brainer for the Pistons. For right now though, I’ll take Gordon and upside over just Smith. A healthy shooting guard depth for the Knicks is a different story.
Advantage – Bobcats
Small Forward: Carmelo Anthony/Steve Novak/Chris Copeland/James White VS. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist/Jeffery Taylor
The Bobcats must be thinking what else can go wrong when they missed out on the No. 1 pick and Davis, but they didn’t get no scrub at pick No. 2. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is known to be a workhorse and a do all player who will only get better once he knows the game and catches up the speed of the NBA. Unfortunately for MKG, Carmelo Anthony knows his away around the league. This one is a no brainer with the rookie vs. one of the league’s best.
Advantage – Knicks
May 6, 2012; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Amare Stoudemire (1) shoots a free throw against the Miami Heat during the second half of game four in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Knicks won 89-87. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE
Power Forward: Amar’e Stoudemire/Kurt Thomas VS. Bismack Biyombo/Tyrus Thomas
Another matchup where it’s experience against a young gun. Amar’e knows his way around and is looking to have a big bounce back year. The Knicks brought in Kurt Thomas for leadership on and off the court, is a true professional. Biyombo is a work in progress especially in offense and the Bobcats knew that when they drafted him. His defense is his strong point and will only get better. Tyrus Thomas is on the down side of his career and shouldn’t be considered much of a factor. Amar’e is an easy choice here.
Advantage – Knicks
Center: Tyson Chandler/Marcus Camby VS Brandon Haywood/Bryon Mullens/DeSagana Diop
This isn’t another matchup on experience against youth, as Haywood has been in the league for seems like forever. This is a matchup of an elite center in his prime against one on his way out. Tyson Chandler is a no brainer here against Haywood. Bryon Mullens shouldn’t be in the same breath as Marcus Camby. Knicks have the advantage hands down.
Coaching: Mike Woodson VS. Mike Dunlap
You know the deal by now, experience against youth. Mike Woodson has been a head coach since 2004 and has enjoyed success. Woodson has the player’s respect and brings an urge of defense to the Knicks. Mike Dunlap hasn’t had the label head coach since 2006 where he coached Metro State; I know such a historic school. An assistant since 2006 and most recently with my current school St. John’s, a head coach for a team like the Bobcats is no easy task. We don’t know his philosophy or how he will handle his young team and it’s personalities. Have to give it to Woodson here.
Advantage – Knicks
The Knicks should make the playoffs baring any major injuries and it would be the king of all disappointments of a healthy Knicks team did not make the playoffs. The Bobcats on the other hand are a different story. It would be a huge surprise and big underdog story if this team played postseason basketball. You got to think if the Knicks and Bobcats square off in the playoffs that the Bobcats have to be doing something right and have a little momentum. I’ll give them one game because I’m having a good day. The Knicks should roll on this team.
Knicks win series 4-1