The 2016 offseason has brought plenty of change to the mecca of basketball, as the New York Knicks are primed to compete for a playoff spot next season.

The signings of former Bulls‘ Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah give the team a new look front-to-back on paper, though it's yet to be seen to work in the hardwood.

“I’m really excited, man. I’m working hard,” Noah told Roger Krastz of XXL Magazine. “Right now, I just find myself going to the practice facility and meeting all the new faces and trying to get a routine going.”

The Knicks' Pieces

A New York native himself, Noah relishes the doubts and the underdog role the Knicks will likely play this year.

The pieces are there: a capable defender in Courtney Lee, a good punch off the bench in Brandon Jennings, a solid point guard in Rose and a great rebounder and interior defender in Noah.

Those additions, plus a proven scorer in Carmelo Anthony and an evolving talent in Kristaps Porzingis, make this team a playoff contender.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Ben Stiller Jayson Tatum
Ben Stiller sends Celtics’ Jayson Tatum uplifting message after injury
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) is helped off the court by after an injury in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Tatum would leave the game with an injury after this play.
Celtics star Jayson Tatum undergoes surgery to repair torn Achilles
May 7, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) reacts after missing a pass from Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) against the New York Knicks in the second half during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Celtics set to continue dynasty-killing trend

Yet analysts around the country don't believe it will work.

Joakim Noah and the Underdogs

ESPN’s Summer Forecast has the Knicks as a 40-win team that will miss the playoffs. Kevin Pelton of ESPN Insider projected the Knicks as a 35-win team by using real plus-minus. Sports Illustrated gave team president Phil Jackson a ‘D' grade for his offseason moves.

Joakim Noah has embraced the underdog mentality.

“I think we have a lot of new faces, a lot of veterans,” said Noah. “A lot of great young talent so we’re trying to put it all together and do something that’s going to make the city proud. I grew up watching all of the New York teams and to me, the Knicks is the ultimate underdog team so I’m proud to be a part of that.”