If the Knicks are to enjoy any success this season as overachievers, Carmelo Anthony has to be the star of the show

If you are a New York Knicks fan, there is no point in looking into the past. A brand new season is upon us. It’s a clean slate; and last season was one of the worst seasons in franchise history. As hard as it is to gain any sense of optimism regarding the Knicks chances this season, there’s actually a good reason why you should invest your precious time. Phil Jackson, the Knicks president struck out when it came to the top free agents like LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Monroe but what he did do was put together a team full of solid players who can play in the triangle offense.

Robin Lopez signed on for four years and $54-million. Kyle O’Quinn was acquired in a sign-and-trade with the Orlando Magic. Former Laker and Jackson disciple, Sasha Vujacic, a sharp shooter, provides the Knicks with a legitimate deep threat. Aaron Afflalo, a former teammate of Carmelo Anthony will start at the two. And other signees like Kevin Seraphin, Derrick Williams, draft picks: Kristaps Porzingis (4th overall), Jerian Grant (19th overall, traded to Knicks), Louis Amundson and Lance Thomas round out the offseason moves.

Anything done with the mindset of improving the team from last year should be commended and regarding the Knicks, they definitely improved. They got bigger, tougher, added some perimeter scoring and most importantly brought in players who they believe can be system players.

Although preseason doesn’t mean much, the new personnel showed signs of what to expect this season. Williams looked like an early candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Melo was in mid-season form after enduring left knee surgery in February, which kept him off the court following the All-Star break. And for a change, the Knicks actually showed some life on the defensive end of the floor.

They looked energized, collecting steals and plenty of blocks, highlighting the athletic ability of Williams and the length of Porzingis, which will be a strength for the Knicks this season. In addition to Williams, Lopez was acquired primarily to anchor the Knicks on the defensive end along with Seraphin and O’Quinn, so the Knicks should be able to prevent teams from dominating on offense in the post.

Like the defense, the bench should also be a plus this season. Williams sports the kind of game that can lead the 2nd unit on offense. Rookie, Grant is a four-year collegiate athlete who does a great job penetrating the lane to make plays for himself and others. Langston Galloway, who plays on both ends, feels like he has a chip on his shoulder, going undrafted last year out of St. Joe’s and Cleanthony Early is looking to enjoy a better sophomore campaign.

The Knicks bench probably won’t lead the league in bench scoring, but you can bet that they will defend and provide a much-needed spark transitioning from the starters. And most importantly, they are young. There’s a lot to like with this Knicks team and in the bright spots that reflect the 2015-16 version of the Knicks, there are also many questions.

Questions surrounding Porzingis and how well he plays in his first season in the association will arise. Porzingis will play the most basketball he has ever played in his life and will matchup with the cream-of-the-crop in big men on a nightly basis. Can he handle it? Since he was drafted, Porzingis has spent this summer getting stronger, adding 11 pounds of muscle to his wiry frame to be able to bang down low with a game that represents Euro basketball well. According to multiple sources, Porzingis has spent significant time working on his back to the basket game after practice. But like every rookie, Porzingis, as talented as he is as a 7-footer, will experience some growing pains and how he handles adversity will be essential to his development.

Is Melo completely healthy? If the Knicks are to enjoy any success this season as overachievers, Melo has to be the star of the show like he is paid to be. Melo has to put this team on his back and be a reliable source of points whenever the Knicks need it, especially in the fourth quarter. Although Melo has to lead this team in scoring, he does have to be a model citizen as the leader of this group and with scoring, prioritize moving the ball and playing defense for the best possible outcome.

Can Derek Fisher coach and will the Knicks remain healthy are other questions that the orange and blue must answer this season if they plan to qualify for the playoffs. The Knicks will take on the Milwaukee Bucks in its season opener and it seems like health is already an issue.

Afflalo will miss the season opener due to a strained left hamstring, joined by Amundson (sore lower back) and Seraphin (sore right knee).

Not too long ago, Melo compared this Knicks team to the New York Mets who are currently in the World Series against the Kansas City Royals. Melo sees comparisons in how his Knicks and the Mets had to rebuild and craft a team that can win at a high level. Unfortunately for Melo and co. the Knicks aren’t World Series ready, but the 8th seed is definitely within reach.

VIDEO Discussion: Barkley likes Phil Jackson's post-season moves; he likes acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis, Robin Lopez, Jerian Grant, and Derrick Williams 

Long-time Knicks critic Charles Barkley has heaped big praise upon Knicks President Phil Jackson saying that he actually agrees with the moves that Jackson has made this off-season.

Freedom Williams: Porzingis has more swagger than Wesley Snipes in New Jack City

Freedom Williams and What's The 411Sports duo Glenn Gilliam and Gregory Alcala are having a wide-ranging conversation about the New York Knicks.

According to the New York Knicks newly acquired SG, Aaron Afflalo, Carmelo Anthony is very committed to the New York Knicks and is optimistic about the upcoming season.

You gotta trust Phil Jackson.

New York Giants finally get a win; Victor Cruz may return; and Brooklyn Nets' Boss going to training camp

In this episode of What's The 411Sports recorded on September 28, 2015, the panel of host, Naomi Grey and correspondents Gregory Alcala and Keisha Wilson are talking about the week's MLB, NFL, and NBA sporting events. They are particularly talking about the New York Mets, the New York Jets, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks.

Players under discussion include: Matt Harvey; Yoenis Cespedes; Eric Decker; Odell Beckham Jr.; Ryan Fitzpatrick; Victor Cruz; Eli Manning; Geno Smith; DeMarco Murray; Deron Williams; Jarrett Jack; Robin Lopez; Carmelo Anthony; Jonathan Papelbon and more.

Owners, managers, and coaches under discussion include: Mikhail Prokhorov; Sandy Alderson; Phil Jackson; Tom Coughlin; Chip Kelly; and Lionel Hollins.

What’s Poppin’

The New York Jets beat the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night, 20-7 and lost to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, 21-17.

The New York Giants claimed their first win of the season, beating the Washington NFL team, 32-21 and Head Coach, Tom Coughlin expressed that WR Victor Cruz could make his season debut next week against the Buffalo Bills.

At the end of the 2012-2013 Season, the Philadelphia Eagles fired longtime coach Andy Reid after his team won a paltry four games. When the Philadelphia Eagles hired Chip Kelly as their new head coach, he was a breath of fresh air. He was going to bring about new changes and a high powered offense. He achieved success on the collegiate level with his style of offense and some questioned whether or not his system would translate to the professional level. Is Chip Kelly, a boom or bust?

Under The Radar

Mikhail Prokhorov Goes to Training Camp

This boss ain’t playing around. Brooklyn Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov, took to twitter to announce that he will be joining the Nets in Durham, NC at Duke.

Laura Herington Bucking the System

Laura Herington, a former dancer for the Milwaukee Bucks, is suing the team for prolific wage abuse.

On The Bench

On The Bench: Jonathan Papelbon

Washington Nationals pitcher, Jonathan Papelbon, was suspended for three games and fined by Major League Baseball for throwing a pitch at Baltimore Oriole Manny Machado. The pitch aimed at Machado is believed to be in retaliation after Machado hit a two-run home run off Papelbon two innings prior. Papelbon has filed an appeal of the punishment and is permitted to play until the ruling of the appeal is determined.

Geno Smith Gets Mixed Reviews from Media and Boos from the Fans

In this episode of What's The 411Sports, host Glenn Gilliam and correspondent Gregory Alcala are joined by Freedom Williams, a hip hop and dance music performer, who gained fame as the lead vocalist on C+C Music Factory's biggest hits.

Glenn, Greg and Freedom are chopping it over the following topics:

WHAT’S POPPIN’:

• Washington Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg returns to the lineup. Can the Nationals get back to first place in the division?

• New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith is getting mixed reviews from the media regarding training camp

• Sydney Seau, daughter of the late Junior Seau,  stole the show at the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

• New York Liberty guard, Epiphanny Prince, drops a season high 30 points for the New York Liberty

• New Acquired New York Knicks shooting guard Aaron Affalo says Carmelo Anthony is very committed to the New York Knicks and is optimistic about the upcoming season.

• Brooklyn Nets General Manager Billy King announced the signing of guard Donald Sloan.

• What’s The 411Sports acknowledges the passing of NFL Hall of Famer and Monday Night Football broadcaster, Frank Gifford.

UNDER THE RADAR

• Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant believes his Lakers team will make the playoffs.

• Ohio State’s football team is starting the season with some challenges

ON THE BENCH:

• The NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame for its treatment of Sydney Seau
• Los Angeles Lakers’ Jordan Hill for reckless driving
• The San Francisco 49ers Aldon Smith is on the bench for DUI and vandalism charges. Smith is a free agent now that the 49ers cut him.

IN THE PIPELINE:

• The U.S. Tennis Association's Connecticut Open is august 21 -29 at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale University in New Haven Connecticut. If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, you better get moving.

• The USTA's US OPEN (tennis) will be held on August 31 – September 13.

• The multi-sport All Africa Games will be held in Brazzaville in the Republic of the Congo on September 4 -19.

In this episode of What's The 411Sports recorded on June 29, 2015, host Glenn Gilliam is leading the discussion with reporters Jason Schott, and Naomi Grey about the 2015 NBA Draft; the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team; NYC Football Club; the Red Bulls; the New York Liberty; and a whole lot more:

U.S. Women's National Soccer Team is on a Roll

The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team beat China 1-0 and at the time of this taping was on its way to play German in the World Cup semifinal on Tuesday evening in Montreal, Canada.

New York Islanders Make History at 2015 NHL Draft

The NHL hockey season may be over, but the New York Islanders made a historic move at the 2015 NHL Draft. The Islanders drafted Andong Song, the NHL’s first Chinese-born hockey player.

Larry Nance Jr. Tweets a New Tune

The Los Angeles Lakers drafted Larry Nance Jr., which sent Nance scrambling to delete a Twitter post he made three years ago about Kobe Bryant.

Larry Nance Jr. tweeted when Kobe Bryant was on his way to Denver, “Gee I sure hope Kobe can keep his hands to himself in Denver this time… #rapist.”

Kobe Bryant took the high road, saying, “We’ve all done things we regret.”

The New York Liberty Report:

The Rookies Show Out as the Liberty Beat the Los Angeles Sparks 79-70

SEE ALSO: Liberty Fail to keep Winning Streak at Home; Lose to Mystics 74-59

Carmelo Anthony Buys Soccer Team

Carmelo Anthony is the owner of a soccer team in Puerto Rico. At a recent press conference In Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Carmelo Anthony, announced that his new soccer team called Puerto Rico FC, an expansion team, will be playing in the NASL starting in the 2016 fall season.

On the Bench

This week, Indiana University football player, Antonio Allen, is on the bench.

Reports state that Indiana State Police recorded Allen selling drugs to an informant.

A subsequent search of his apartment resulted in the finding of a colt .45 handgun, 47 grams of cocaine, 13 grams of heroin and three half-smoked blunts. The police also found $920 in cash which included money paid to Allen by the informant during the drugs purchases.

Allen, 20, was charged with dealing cocaine, dealing heroin over 10 grams while possessing a firearm – both of which are level 2 felonies – as well as a lesser charge of dealing methamphetamines.

Ironically, prior to his arrest, Allen posted a photo on Instagram showing him being featured on the cover of Big Ten 2015 Preview magazine. He had captioned it: “If you knew (where) I came from and all the trouble I was in when I was younger you can see I did a 360 and I am blessed thank you god.”