Now that the proposed Zach Randolph-to-Memphis trade is officially dead, the 2008-09 Knicks roster appears to be set. So what will a new coaching staff and virtually the same cast of characters bring to the table? Senior Columnist Greg Hutchins & Garden Grasp Publisher Pat Infante break down the keys to success for your New York Knicks.

Accentuate the positive

Chemistry is the foundation of success in the NBA. New head coach Mike D'Antoni inherits a team of veterans desperately seeking direction & success. Despite the lack of All-Star talent, the core of this team has played together for 3 seasons. Starting SG Jamal Crawford figures to be the focal point of the offense again. Crawford comes into his 9th season following a year that saw him post career highs in minutes, points per game (20.6), free throw attempts & percentage (86%). Crawford is a perfect fit for D'Antoni's offense and should thrive in his 5th year as a Knick. With D'Antoni committed to featuring Eddy Curry, Crawford's longtime teammate has a prime opportunity to return to his 2006-07 form. David Lee's vastly improved jump shot, rebounding prowess & ability to run out on the break have the PF poised for a stellar 4th season. Lee could very well supplant Randolph in the starting lineup as D'Antoni's offense calls for crisp ball movement and fewer touches. Second year man Wilson Chandler appears to be a lock for the starting SF role. Chandler's athleticism, scoring ability and defensive intensity make him the best swingman prospect at MSG since Latrell Sprewell.

Questions abound

Donnie Walsh's big coaching splash was followed up with several minor moves. His selection of Italian forward Danilo Gallinari as the team's lottery choice remains the biggest conundrum. There's no question the team can use his shooting touch, but can the 20-year-old stay healthy? Along with his lingering back injury sustained during his lone summer league appearance, Gallinari battled a knee injury that cause him to miss the Eurobasket competition and four early-season games last year. Gallinari chose to spend his summer in Italy & Spain rather than getting treatment and working out at the Knicks training facility. The rookie recently arrived in Westchester and has begun non-contact drills while observing his new teammates in scrimmages.

The signing of Chris Duhon gives New York a pass-first, defensive-minded PG that will reduce Jamal Crawford’s ball-handling responsibilities. Last season, the former Chicago Bull averaged 4 assists per contest in just over 22 minutes per game. At just 5.8 ppg last season (6.9 ppg for his career), Duhon is far from the scoring threat Stephon Marbury is. Duhon brings baggage to the table as well, but his issues pale in comparison to Starbury’s.

D’Antoni’s offense is predicated on successful guard play, which places emphasis on the PG to generate quick strike offense from the pick & roll set or off penetration. Will the former back-up PG be able to keep pace? If not, can D’Antoni do what Larry Brown & Isiah Thomas could not and convert Nate Robinson from undersized scorer to a controlled playmaker?

X-Factor

Quentin Richardson heads into his 4th Knicks season as a pivotal player. While playing for the Phoenix Suns, Richardson thrived under D’Antoni. He finished the 2004-05 tied for first overall in 3 point field goals made (226) and averaged 14.9 ppg. Last season, Richardson was a mere 69-214 from downtown in 65 games and produced his lowest scoring output (8.1 ppg) since his rookie season. Now fully recovered from back surgery, Richardson looks to put a disastrous 2007-08 season behind him. If he can reclaim his shooting touch, expect D’Antoni to diagram a number of plays for Q-Rich.

Prediction

Mike D’Antoni may be one of the best coaches in the game, but Walsh hasn’t given him the weapons necessary to go from worst to first. Instead, look for the former Suns head coach to shuffle the lineup until he finds a combination he can trust. Crawford & Chandler appear poised for big seasons, but the pairing of Curry & Randolph for a second season is cause for alarm. D’Antoni may be best served alternating the two big men on a quarter-to-quarter basis.

Expect to see D’Antoni use a number of three guard sets and play Lee at the center position in spurts. If Richardson & Gallinari can space the floor and Duhon comes ready to work, this team may be competitive early. In an ultra-competitive Atlantic Division, it’s key this team gets off to a solid start. If the players buy into the system and limits distractions, there’s no reason why this team can’t win 36-38 games this year.

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