To say the New York Knicks have been “struggling” would be a huge understatement. Being the first team to lose 50 games this season it has been nothing short of a disaster. With their lone superstar Carmelo Anthony 
out for the remainder of the Season, exciting basketball is hard to come by for the New York faithful. Luckily with the power of NBA 2K15, the Kicks can actually be a team that can surprise people, both online and offline. Today we will take a look at the Knicks roster, as well as some different strategies that can be implemented to make them play a pretty good game of basketball.
out for the remainder of the Season, exciting basketball is hard to come by for the New York faithful. Luckily with the power of NBA 2K15, the Kicks can actually be a team that can surprise people, both online and offline. Today we will take a look at the Knicks roster, as well as some different strategies that can be implemented to make them play a pretty good game of basketball.Recommended Starting Five
PG – Shane Larkin
First things first, Larkin is a speed demon. With a 98 speed rating, he can blast by defenders
and create havoc on the fast break. Along with his 98 speed, he has a 95 lateral quickness
which allows him to stay in front of his man while on defense. He has a decent 3 point rating
and can make defenders pay if they underestimate his range. As for the rest of his game, he is
average or below. Bigger PGs such as Wall and Westbrook, can abuse him on their way to the
rim.
SG – Langston Galloway
Galloway may be the best overall player on the entire Knicks roster. With an 84 mid-range, 80
three point, and 89 ball handling, he has no problem making the open shot or creating one
against pesky defenders. He is also a great passer with a rating of 85 in passing accuracy which
makes him a threat to drive and kick it out to the open man, or dish it off to one of the bigs
inside. The Knicks offense should flow through him on every possession. Defensively, he is an
above average perimeter defender with an 85 later quickness. He will not completely shut
someone down, but he will hold his own and limit their offensive production.
SF – Tim Hardaway JR
Tim Hardaway JR is right there with Galloway when it comes to the Knicks “go to guy”. With
an 82 mid-range and 77 three point rating, he can knock down the open shot enough to keep the
defense honest. Where he really shines though is his ability to attack the rim. At 6’6”, he can
handle the rock, as well as finish inside against contact. His size also makes him a good
defensive player, and the best perimeter defender on the team. With an 87 lateral quickness, put
Hardaway on the opposing team’s best perimeter scorer and he will have success shutting them
down.
PF – Quincy Acy
When it comes to rebounding, it is slim pickings for the Knicks. Acy clocks in with an 80
boxout, 82 offensive rebound, and a 78 defensive rebounding rating, Acy is second to only Cole
Aldrich in overall rebounding ability for the Knicks. Surprisingly, he has a 75 three point rating
so he can catch the defense sleeping if left alone. Outside of that, Acy will get the occasional
block and easy put back layup. His main purpose while in the game is to get those rebounds.
C- Jason Smith
Jason Smith could be an outstanding center for the Knicks if his rebounding was a little better.
With a 76 offensive and a 65 defensive rebounding, he does not get many rebounds despite his
7” size. However, he has an amazing pick and pop game with an 86 mid-range shot.
Defensively, he can protect the paint with his 90 block shot rating.
Bench
C – Andrea Bargnani (6th Man)
Bargnani is a great shooter considering his size. At 7”, he has an 87 mid-range shot (best on the
team) and a 75 three point shot. This gives him a huge advantage against smaller defenders
because he just shoot over top of them. His post game is also the best on the team with a 70
post hook, and a 78 post fade shot. Not dazzling numbers, but with the Knicks, you have to take
what you can get. The reason he does not get a starting spot is because the rest of his game is
mediocre at best. Rebounding is practically nonexistent with a 55 offensive rebound, and a 60
defensive rebound. Although, not the most important rating for a big man, his speed (48) is
comparable to a turtle. This ensures that he will always be the last man down the court, leaving
the paint wide open. Bargnani is best used as a boost of offense off the bench.
SF – Cleanthony Early
Early, like Bargnani, is only a few attributes away from being considered a starter. Early has the
best 3 point shot on the team with an 82. It is crucial to call plays that set screens to free him up
beyond the arc. His 86 speed lets him run in transition and combined with his 6’8” frame, he is
also a threat to attack the basket. Defensively, (like most players on the Knicks) is where Early
becomes a liability. Even though he has the 86 speed, his lateral quickness is horrible (58).
This makes it almost impossible to stay in front of the faster forwards in the league.
SG – Alexey Shved
Honestly, Shved is almost useless in NBA 2K15. Harsh, I know, but the only thing that he
brings to the table is free throw shooting (84). All of his shooting attributes are in the low 70’s,
which makes him almost invisible on offense. On defense, his 70 speed, and 75 lateral
quickness is a joke compared to any other SG in the NBA. Shved is best used in late game
situations when you need to hang on to the lead via free throws.
C – Cole Aldrich
With an 81 offensive rebound, 83 defensive rebound, and an 80 box out rating, Aldrich is the
best overall rebounder on the Knicks. Why does he not get a starting spot? His lack of offense.
Aldrich solely depends on put backs, and wide open layups for points because his mid range
and post offense is severely lacking. His 6’11”, 245lb frame lets him match up well
defensively against strong post players. Combine that with a 76 block, he is easily the best post
defender on the team. If Aldrich could improve his offensive game, he would be a lock at the
starting center position. He is best used whenever you are absolutely getting destroyed on the
boards.
PF – Louis Amundson
Amundson’s game relies heavily on hustle. It is hard not to like the guy because he tries hard
on every play. He is probably the most athletic big guy on the Knicks and with an 84 offensive
rebound, he does have some potential. His 76 steal is the best on the team so if you are down
late and need some turnovers, he is the guy that can be called on.
PF – Travis Wear
Wear should get no playing time as a Knick. The only contribution he can make is his 3 point
shooting ability (79). He should stay on the bench.
SF – Lance Thomas
Thomas is another guy that should spend his time on the bench. Compared to the other players
on the Knicks, Thomas brings nothing to the table. For your sake and mine, keep him on the
bench.
Offensive Strategies
Now that we have taken a look at the players and have an idea of their strengths and
weaknesses, let’s take a look at how we can best use them to score the rock on offense.
Recommended POE’s
Play Through L. Galloway.
As I mentioned earlier, Galloway is the team’s best offensive threat. It is crucial to get him
involved on every play if you want to have success on offense. Setting the POE to “Play
Through Galloway”, guarantees a play call (while using 2K smart play) that will make him the
vocal point of the offense.
Patient Offense
Setting the POE to “Patient Offense” allows you to slow down the game and take what the
defense gives you. As the Knicks, you cannot afford to be careless with the ball. Every
possession needs to mean something because the Knicks do not have the luxury of relying
solely on talent to win games. Slowing the game down and making smart decisions is key to
winning with the Knicks.
Limit Transition
Let’s face it, you are not going to get many rebounds with the Knicks. I believe that once the
shot goes up, make your guys get back on defense. At least try to buckle down and make the
other team work for their points. Other teams cannot be allowed to score easy baskets in
transition.
Plays
Tri (Base, Wing, Top) Fists
Any play with “Fists” included in the name is a good thing. Call any of these plays with
Galloway and it will set up different pick and pop scenarios with Galloway and Smith. This
should be the main offensive focus with the Knicks because it allows the ball to be in
Galloway’s hands, the plays set up Smith for the midrange jumper, and Galloway has the option
to drive to the basket or kick it back out of for the open shot.
Tri (Base, Wing, Top) Quick
These set plays are good for Hardaway, and Early because it allows them to be freed up around
the perimeter via off ball screens. The majority of the time they will find open space for the 3
ball or the midrange shot but if the defense closes out on them, these plays also allow them to
beat their man off the dribble and drive to the rim.
Tri (Ice, Iso)
Plays with these words in the description are primarily used for getting the ball in Galloway’s
hands and letting him go one on one against his defender. These plays are best used in late
game situations when you need a bucket or if Galloway is matched up against a slower
defender.
Tri (Punch, Power)
When Bargnani is in the game, these are the plays you need to call. They are designed to get
him in the post so he can work his magic. Remember, he is only a few years removed from
averaging about 21 points a game so he can put the ball through the hoop. Post him up and hit
those post fades all day.
Defensive Strategies
I’m not going to lie, getting stops with the Knicks defensively will be tough. The starting five
can be decent defensively, but when the subs come in, that is when it really becomes a struggle.
Unlike offensive POE’s, defensive POE’s will change a lot more through the course of a game.
Not every team (offline) will play the same and the same can be said about playing online.
People will have different offensive strategies to try to win, it is up to you to make the POE
changes to counter them. The following POE’s are what I recommend to start a game with.
Then, you can change them based on how your opponent plays.
Recommended POE’s
Neutral Defensive Focus
I believe this is the best defensive focus to start a game with. It allows you to kind of feel out
how the opposing offense is going to play, without giving up too much inside the paint, or on
the perimeter. Obviously, if a team is killing you beyond the arc, switch to “Limit Perimeter
Shots”. If you are getting killed in the paint, switch to “Protect The Paint”.
Play Physical Defense
Under no circumstance should you switch out of this POE with the Knicks, or any other team
for that matter. This allows your guys to play the passing lanes for steals, while also making
them play more physical in the paint.
Crash Defensive Glass
Because of the Knicks lack of rebounding, they need as many bodies crashing the boards as
possible. Because the offense is tailored around set plays instead of transition, (except for a
long rebound to Larkin or Galloway) you can afford to give up the opportunity for transition
points. Besides, most teams are faster than the Knicks and will shut down transition attempts
anyway.
Summary
I hope you guy have enjoyed my insight on how to play better basketball with the Knicks. I
truly believe that if you play with lower rated overall teams, it will not only make you a better
NBA 2K15 player, it really teaches you to fully utilize each player and their strengths. Also, there is no
better feeling than getting a win with the Knicks over a player that is using a better team. Pure
sports gaming bliss.
How to Win with the Knicks in NBA 2K15
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