Let me get the introduction out of the way.  If you come across this blog I would like to say thanks for supporting us and of course the New York Knicks.  Also please continue to follow us on twitter and Instagram @abovepenn and we will be actively blogging throughout the year.  Now onto our first post…

When you look at our current lineup its obvious the abundance of talent at the 2 spot.  An the inevitable outcome is that 1 of our 2’s will get moved.  With Tim Hardaway Jr, Iman Shumpert and JR Smith we have 3 similar yet very different players.  Most of us have picked our favorite of the 3 from a fans perspective.  But lets look at it this equation from a basketball standpoint and see who can help the knicks by no longer being a knick.  

Of course were going to start the one the man the myth the legend JR Smith.  Legend may be pushing it but between is sometimes brilliant offensive play sometimes unexplainable antics and behavior he is always a player up for discussion.  One year removed from a 6th man of the year award winning season JR s*** the bed last year.  However I am one of the firm believers that is still capable of huge offensive production.  He is the oldest of the 3 turning 29 in September and does command 6.3 million in salary for 2015, the year we need the we need the most cap room possible. 

Iman Shumpert is the best on ball defender on the team.  Arguably one of the best in the league.  His offensive game regressed slightly last year but he fully recovered from an acl injury and doesn’t look like he lost a step in quickness.  From a basketball standpoint he is a NEED for this team that lacks defensive prowess.  And in a league now dominated by guards he can defend 3 positions.  Problem here is he is a restricted free agent in 2015 and depending on his production this season he will look to get paid.  Also he hasn’t shown he is a consistent shooter from deep and may not fit great in the triangle offense.

THJ is a confident scorer. Extremely confident.  He continued where he left off from last season with a strong performance at the NBA summer league in Vegas.  The kid can flat out score and should fit into a sixth man role that provides instant offense off the bench.  It looks like he will fit into the triangle real well.  he will not be a restricted free agent til 2017.  He does get carried away sometimes and may need to pass on some shots but all in all he is not going anywhere.  

So whats the outcome? Obviously Phil and the front office have a plan, and its mostly geared around 2015 and 2016.  From reading the facts, unloading JR Smith’s contract seems to be the move but like i said i believe he is capable of huge offensive production and will be need especially this year with a slimmed down roster.  My thought, LET EM PLAY.  Keep all 3, play all 3, showcase all 3.  By moving one of these 2’s you are not going bring in a stud 4 or 5 this season.  We should play them all this year, see who fits the scheme designed by Phil and Coach Fisher.  Sometimes a 3 good 2’s is better then 2.