New York Knicks: 5 Players To Watch In Preseason Opener

Carmelo Anthony

Feb 6, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts against the Brooklyn Nets during the third quarter at Barclays Center. The Nets defeated the Knicks 92-88. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The star and leader of the Knicks is the first player to keep an eye on. His recovery from the knee surgery he underwent in February will be at the forefront of things Knicks fans keep an eye on throughout the preseason. Anthony was cleared for everything prior to training camp starting, so he should be appearing in the preseason games as well.

The Knicks are sure to limit his reps, but we should see him on the court for a couple stints to get into a flow and play some with his new teammates. Anthony is a great fit for the offense that the Knicks are looking to run, as his skill set is rivaled by very few, if any, players in the NBA with his ability to bully opponents near the basket, operate in the midrange or score from the perimeter. The versatility in his game is a thing of beauty to watch when he is on.

While we may not see that until the regular season, it will be worth keeping an eye on how he looks in the exhibition games. Anthony will undoubtedly have some rust to knock off and there will be a learning curve with some of his new teammates as he hasn’t had much time to play alongside them.

It will be a small sample in the first preseason game, but a sample nonetheless. Who plays with him will be the biggest thing to keep an eye on, as that will probably be the group that sees the court the most together this season. Will he be playing small forward or power forward will also be a topic of discussion and something to watch for.

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