Phil Jackson says, "Knicks can make playoff"

[Kiyaman]

"We believe that we're going to be a playoff team and then we don't know how far we'll be able to go," Jackson said Friday. "We're hoping for the best."

"We have really good depth on this team. I think we feel like we're backed up in every position with some depth, and I think that's really good," Jackson said. "Derek can feature what he wants to feature on the different units during preseason and find out who works well together."

"It's a step-by-step process. Usually teams come into the playoffs, learn from being in the playoffs and gradually assume capabilities of carrying out the championship. ... This team has not got a personality -- over 35 percent of the team has changed.
So we still have to kind of come together in a bonding way that creates trust, teamwork, identity, some things like that. So we're about going through this process and enjoying the process and the journey that we go through."

Fisher said Friday that he had not yet decided on a starting lineup.

"The only person that I know for sure is going to probably start is [Anthony]," Fisher said. "Putting the starting lineup together is not just about individual guys; it's about five guys that that work well together as a unit."

Fisher also stressed that he would not be a "puppet" for Jackson, who won a record 11 NBA titles as a head coach with the Chicago Bulls and L.A. Lakers.

"Phil is running this department. I work for him and for this organization. At the same time, I'm confident in the job that I can do to help us go out on the court and be successful," Fisher said. "I'll ask questions. I'm here to learn. I'm open-minded. ... But I've always trusted my instincts and my belief in who I am as a person and who I am as a man, and I think I'll be able to do some similar things as a coach."

In addition to the Jackson/Fisher dynamic, there will be interest in the relationship between Jackson and Knicks owner James Dolan.

 

[Kiyaman]

One of the things that could make this a 45 win playoff team is Amare, Bargs, and Shump playing for new contracts.
If the trio play hard on both sides of the court for 82 games, the Knicks making the playoff should be no problem.

 

[CoolClyde]

not only are they playing for new contracts, but all are healthy to start season, first time that's happened as a whole:
STAT, Bargnani, Shump, JR, Pablo
PLUS Melo in great shape, mindset.
Upgrades: Jose Calderon >> Raymond Felon.
Sam Dalembert, Jason Smith, Cleanthony, Quincy AC... great new additions.
Every position is balanced, new coach, new president, new offensive/defensive strategies.

There is no reason Knicks should not make playoffs, if/when they come together, this team could romp!

my positive thought for the day. IMHO.