Memphis Grizzlies Opposing Views: New York Knicks

As the Memphis Grizzlies return to action soon, let’s see how they fare against the New York Knicks. Will the removal of the triangle make them better?

Let’s be real: the New York Knicks will be a much better team next year. Phil Jackson and his triangle nonsense are officially gone. Kristaps Porzingis will be unleashed in a normal NBA offense. They drafted a young point guard who could be good. They’re one more year closer to the end to Joakim Noah’s outrageous four-year deal (one down, three to go!!!). Even if Melo leaves, a trade could position themselves towards a better future.

The Memphis Grizzlies and the New York Knicks are both teams moving on from past identities to stay relevant in their respective conferences. One team has been a playoff staple for the past several seasons and is looking to continue that wave in a deeper Western Conference. On the other hand, this franchise is without a toxic President of Basketball Operations, but they still have a disgruntled star.

Could both of these teams emerge and change for the better to make the playoffs? Which of these teams will prevail in their two-game series?

Starting Lineup

PG – Frank Ntilikina

SG – Tim Hardaway Jr.

SF – Carmelo Anthony

PF – Kristaps Porzingis

C – Willy Hermangomez

Advantages for the Memphis Grizzlies

Point guard position

It’s easy to only put Mike Conley here, but the Memphis Grizzlies’ point guards have the upper hand against the Knicks’ floor generals. If New York throws the young Ntilikina in the starting lineup, he’ll surely endure growing pains — ones that’ll make it difficult to prevail over many NBA point guards. In saying this, Conley is one of the smartest, craftiest floor generals in basketball, making this matchup difficult for the rookie.

Off the bench, the Grizzlies have two young backup guards in Andrew Harrison and Wade Baldwin and a veteran — and training camp hopeful –in Mario Chalmers. The Knicks have Ron Baker and Ramon Sessions. Baker doesn’t have the size, speed or athleticism to disrupt any of the backup guards on defense. The experienced Sessions could give the young guards some trouble, but the Grizzlies could adjust by giving floor general responsibilities to Tyreke Evans.

Tyreke Evans

The Knicks have some slightly above-average defenders coming off the bench in Courtney Lee and Lance Thomas, but can they really contain Evans? Lee doesn’t have the size to cover Evans as the Grizzly has an inch and 20 pounds on him. Thomas doesn’t have the speed to stay in front of him. The Knicks’ starting 5 can keep them in the game, but their bench has to step up as well.

If they can’t contain Evans, it’ll be a long night.

Advantages for the Knicks

Kristaps Porzingis

Porzingis is going to be an impossible cover for many players in this league — especially now that he’ll be in a modern NBA offense. He’ll be a big-time matchup nightmare for the Grizzlies. JaMychal Green is too short to bother any of his shots. Marc Gasol is too slow to defend Porzingis off the trouble. There’s not much you can do to stop him … just hope he doesn’t go off.

Carmelo

If Melo got to play with a hoodie on, this will be a major red alert for the Grizzlies. However, hoodies aren’t a part of the uniform, so it’s kind of fine. Melo can still score in a variety of ways and will command touches on this Knicks team. The Memphis Grizzlies don’t have many answers for him though.

After a knee surgery in March — and literally a thousand others in the past two years — it’s hard to ask Chandler Parsons to stop him. Assigning JaMychal Green to him just means that Marc will have to chase Porzingis around. Their only real hopes are James Ennis or Tyreke Evans.

Closing Remarks

It’s nice to see the Knicks not be the biggest joke in basketball. Even in the depleted Eastern Conference, it’s hard to see them in the playoffs. However, without Phil Jackson’s 1990’s mindset, they’re positioned towards a better future.

If coach Jeff Hornacek can work his Phoenix magic, he might have a promising squad on the rise.

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