New York Knicks: 5 Players To Watch In Preseason Opener

Mar 17, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher looks on against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Spurs 104 – 100 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks will be getting their 2015 preseason underway tonight, as they will host Bauru Basketball of the Brazilian Basketball League at Madison Square Garden. It will be the first time many of the fans get to see the Knicks take the court for the first time, and it will be an exciting to see.

There will be a lot of optimism and energy surrounding the team heading into the regular season, as the Knicks are looking to bounce back from a franchise worst 17 wins in the 2014-15 season. With a season under his belt, Derek Fisher will be looking to get more out of this current Knicks team that has a lot more talent than his first one did.

Phil Jackson came under fire from a lot of people during the offseason as he was unable to land a big name free agent. But, what he was able to do, was add solid role players players in free agency and high upside players in the 2015 NBA Draft. It is the first time in a while that the Knicks will have young players that will get fans excited as they have a chance to be legitimate building blocks for the team.

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But, at the end of the day, the Knicks will go as Carmelo Anthony goes. With him coming off an injury-riddled season, the spotlight will be on him once again to try and carry a Knicks team that is improved on paper, but still has a lot of improving to do. Showing that he is healthy will be a good step in the right direction, as the Knicks will go only as far as Anthony can take them without a star-studded supporting cast.

At least he will get some more help this season, as the Knicks have players that are hungry to show that they belong and will be battling it out for playing time on a roster nowhere near as void of talent as the one from last season. Which players should you be keeping an eye on tonight? We have you covered.

Check out our slideshow of the five Knicks to keep an eye on in the first preseason game of the season and Knicks basketball is finally back!

Next: Return Of Melo