National Basketball Association

New York Knicks: Predicting 2016-17 Statistical Leaders

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The New York Knicks will feature many new faces on both their coaching staff and team. Who will be their statistical leaders for the 2016-2017 season?

Sep 26, 2016; White Plains, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (left) addresses the media as point guard Derrick Rose looks on during the New York Knicks Media Day at Ritz-Carlton. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

The swirling winds of the offseason have left and we are now less than a month away from opening night in Cleveland against the defending NBA champion Cavaliers.

The New York Knicks have added new talent to their developing roster including Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, and Courtney Lee.

They re-signed fan favorite Lance Thomas and have taken low-risk gambles on several overseas players, including Willy Hernangomez and Mindaugas Kuzminskas.

Last season, Carmelo Anthony was the only player in the NBA to lead his team in points, rebounds, and assists. Both Phil Jackson and Steve Mills are hoping Anthony will receive help in those areas this season.

Here are the predictions for the statistical leaders of the 2016-2017 Knicks.

Apr 1, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots over Brooklyn Nets guard Sean Kilpatrick (6) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Scoring

2015-2016: Carmelo Anthony – 21.8 PPG

Prediction for 2016-2017: Carmelo Anthony – 23 PPG

Carmelo Anthony will never forget how to score. Additionally, his game has never relied heavily on athleticism, thus even at his age, he will still continue to lead the New York nicks in scoring. Yet, its the other parts of Anthony’s game that often receive the most criticism and conversation.

In 2014, an article written by Fred Kerber of The New York Post, quoted Phil Jackson as saying that he would like Anthony to “flesh out the rest of his game.”

It is difficult to expect Anthony to contend for scoring titles as he has done in the past. However, as a veteran, he will continue to grow as a more well-rounded basketball player. Furthermore, an improved roster from a talent perspective will mean better looks for Anthony in the post and from the three point line.

Jan 13, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) dunks over Brooklyn Nets center Andrea Bargnani (9) and guard Shane Larkin (0) and guard Sergey Karasev (10) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. The Nets defeated the Knicks 110-104. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Rebounds

2015-2016: Carmelo Anthony – 7.7 RPG

Prediction for 2016-2017: Kristaps Porzingis – 8.5 RPG

The 21-year old Kristaps Porzingis comes into the 2016-2017 season as one of the more highly-touted young players in the league. Last season, Porzingis amazed fans with his unique skill set on both sides of the ball.

Most people will predict that Joakim Noah will lead the Knicks in rebounds, however, coming off shoulder surgery and a disappointing season with the Bulls, fans will have to wait and see how healthy and stable Noah can be. Porzingis will also spend some time at the center position, allowing him to use even more of his height and length to clean up the boards.

A healthy Noah has a very good chance, but Porzingis is the safer bet.

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Next: Assists

Nov 5, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) dribble the ball around Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second half at the United Center. The Bulls won 104-98. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Assists

2015-2016: Carmelo Anthony/Jose Calderon – 4.2 APG

Prediction for 2016-2017: Derrick Rose – 5.5 APG

This is somewhat of a layup. If healthy, Derrick Rose should easily lead the Knicks in assists. He has never averaged less than 4.3 assists per game, even during injury plagued seasons. If this video is any indication of what Knicks fans may see this year, they can certainly be excited. Rose is at his best in transition, and is usually able to make a good decision whether to drive straight to the basket or hit the open man.

However, Rose will also have to address his tendency to commit turnovers.

Anyone who watches the Knicks on MSG knows that Walt “Clyde” Frazier has a particular disdain for players who leave their feet when passing. Unfortunately, Rose has developed this bad habit early on in his career and it still continues to plague him.

Jeff Hornacek will be in charge of harnessing Rose’s talent and explosiveness while also helping him to cut down on the turnovers.

Dec 26, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Brandon Jennings (7) before the game against the Boston Celtics at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Steals

2015-2016: Carmelo Anthony/Jose Calderon/Langston Galloway – 0.9 SPG

Prediction for 2016-2017: Brandon Jennings – 1.2 SPG

Brandon Jennings is a major wildcard for the 2016-17 New York Knicks. While he is certainly a streaky shooter, during Jennings’ first six seasons in the NBA, he never averaged less than a steal per game.

Coming off the bench, Jennings will need to do more than score to get consistent minutes. Phil Jackson has challenged Jennings to win the Sixth Man of the Year award.

According to Ian Begley for ESPN, Jennings confirmed Jackson’s challenge.

“He said he expects me to be sixth man of the year,” Jennings said Friday. “So I’m definitely gonna embrace that role. I don’t see why I can’t be in that conversation, and I’m fine with it. I’m definitely fine with it.”

Jennings’ contact situation is another reason to expect good offensive and defensive play. Jennings is currently on a one-year deal and has to show both the Knicks and the rest of the NBA that he still has the skills and health to be rotational player in the league.

The Knicks are especially optimistic that Jennings can replicate J.R. Smith’s season when he won Sixth Man of the Year back in 2012-13.

Mar 28, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) blocks a dunk attempt by New Orleans Pelicans forward Alonzo Gee (15) during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Blocks

2015-2016: Kristaps Porzingis – 1.9 BPG

Prediction for 2016-2017: Kristaps Porzingis – 1.7 BPG

Kristaps Porzingis’s height, length, and quick feet (for his size), make him a potentially devastating rim protector. Last year, a relatively unknown player, Porzingis frequently shocked opposing guards and forwards by rejecting them from behind or just staying upright.

Amazingly, for a young player, he doesn’t have leave his feet to alter shots. Despite this, the NBA is well aware of Porzingis going into year two of his career, and its likely that the 7’3 unicorn will discourage some players driving lane, thus the rationale for less blocks per game.

Porzingis will also want to focus on improving from last year’s foul trouble woes. As a rookie, Porzingis struggled to use his body, without being overzealous and committing needless fouls.

There were games last year where he was relegated to the bench during key moments. Although Porzingis will be more aggressive this season, having a year in the NBA under his belt will help him navigate the body to body contact in the low post.

Nov 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; New York Knicks forward Lance Thomas (42) shoots over Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson (8) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Three-Point Shooting

2015-2016: Jose Calderon – 41% 3P

Prediction for 2016-2017 – Lance Thomas – 43% 3P

This is a bit of risky pick, but I firmly believe that Lance Thomas is a player who has improved every year in the league. He will reward the Knicks for giving him his first long-term contact.

Last year, Thomas proved very adept at hitting the corner three. Teams didn’t know what to expect from him and he made them pay. Thomas is also a player who is very content with playing his role.

He plays hard-nosed defense, shoots if he’s open, and moves the ball if he’s not. Between the 2014-15 and 2015-16 season, he improved from a 33 percent shooting to 40 percent shooting from distance.

Look for Thomas to continue this trend as he enters his eighth NBA season.

Sep 26, 2016; White Plains, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Courtney Lee addresses the media during the New York Knicks Media Day at Ritz-Carlton. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

Of course, it would be easy to say that Courtney Lee will lead the Knicks in three point shooting. He will certainly be a key player against opposing defenses.

While Lee is a welcome addition to the backcourt, he’s not a lights out shooter. He is a career 38 percent three point shooter and shot a career best 44 percent in 30 games with the Boston Celtics in 2013-2014.

According to Basketball-Reference.com, Lee’s attempted more three-point and two-points shots since 2014-2015, but that also means an opportunity to miss more shots as well. Lee will play a greater role and his contribution may translate to more wins, but Thomas will be a more efficient three-point shooter.

Free-Throw Shooting

2015-2016: Jose Calderon – 87 FT%

Prediction for 2016-2017: Courtney Lee – 85 FT%

Courtney Lee is very good and consistent from the free throw line. A career 84 percent free throw shooter, he has improved steadily in this area since his rookie season in Orlando. With the New York Knicks, he’ll be asked to create and drive the lane more often.

Hopefully he will be able to draw fouls and get more opportunities from the free throw stripe.

At the very least, it’s reasonable to assume that Carmelo Anthony won’t lead the Knicks in three or four major categories. Injuries withstanding, the 2016-2017 New York Knicks have a chance to be a very exciting team and a playoff contender.

A lot will ride on the three new acquisitions: Rose, Noah, and Lee. Yet, the continued development and improvement of 21-year old Porzingis is what will determine this teams overall success.

There will be a lot of questions and opinions about who will lead the Knicks in different statistical categories, yet one thing is certain: this team will be better than last year.

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