5 reasons the Knicks can still win the Eastern Conference

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Nov 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks point guard Derrick Rose (25) controls the ball against the Houston Rockets in front of New York Knicks center Joakim Noah (13) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Playoff Experience

When the New York Knicks added Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Courtney Lee, and Brandon Jennings this off-season, they were getting four veterans who all have playoff experience. Noah and Rose combined for 101 playoff-games in their careers with the Chicago Bulls, while Jennings played in two playoff series with the Milwaukee Bucks. Courtney Lee has 50 playoff games under his belt, including 41 starts. The four newcomers join Carmelo Anthony, who has 66 career playoff games, including a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2008-09.

Scoring in the postseason won’t be an issue for New York, both Derrick Rose and Carmelo Anthony have averaged over 23 points per game in their playoff careers. In a smaller sample size, Jennings postseason numbers are impressive as well, averaging 16.7 points per game.

The group brings a unique collection of leadership qualities to the table, each with something different for the younger players to follow. Carmelo leads with his resume, D-Rose leads with his talent, Jennings leads with his energy, and Lee brings ferocious defense. Joakim Noah is most important, as the team’s vocal leader and role model. The clout he carries will pay dividends when the dog-days of the NBA season set in. Having a leader like Joakim Noah around to keep younger guys focused is something the Knicks haven’t had since Tyson Chandler left.

As a collective, the Knicks are gaining more chemistry as the season goes on. For the first time in some time, New York generally look like they enjoy playing together.

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