2012-13 Result: 54-28, 2nd in the Eastern Conference, lost to the Indiana Pacers 2-4 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals

Key Additions: Tim Hardaway, Jr., Metta World Peace, Andrea Bargnani, Beno Udrih, Chris Douglas-Roberts, GM Steve Mills

Key Departures: Steve Novak, Quentin Richardson, Marcus Camby, Chris Copeland, Jason Kidd, GM Glen Grunwald

Even after realizing that they already had a lineup that could contend for the NBA title, the New York Knicks moved about quite a lot in the off-season, letting go of aging players while getting fresh faces in return. The fresh faces, though, happen to be veterans as well.

The biggest departure for the Knicks was veteran guard Jason Kidd, who announced his retirement in June. Kidd signed a contract with the Knicks' cross-town rival, the Brooklyn Nets, to be their head coach in the 2013-14. Kidd averaged just 6 points a game in limited minutes, but he played a crucial role in the development of the Knicks' backcourt, including returnee Raymond Felton, backup Pablo Prigioni, and shooting guard Iman Shumpert.

One player who could make up for the loss of Kidd is rookie guard Tim Hardaway, Jr. out of Michigan. The son of five-time All-Star Tim Hardaway has been impressive in the preseason, scoring 16 points against the Boston Celtics, including the game-winning shot. His scoring ability has been compared favorably with J.R. Smith, who is still recovering from a knee operation performed in July.

The Knicks also shored up their front line, acquiring Andrea Bargnani in a trade that set Marcus Camby, Steve Novak, and Quentin Richardson to the Toronto Raptors. Bargnani had a down year in 2012-13, averaging just 12.7 points a game, his lowest output since 2007-08. Bargnani, though, was in and out of the Raptors roster, having been bothered by a nagging shoulder injury. Once the Italian center/forward recovers, he will find himself competing for playing time with team captain Amar'e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler, both of whom are firmly entrenched in the rotation. Chandler averages a double-double and 1.1 blocks per game, while Stoudemire will seek to bounce back from an uncharacteristically poor 2012-13 season where he had his lowest numbers since 2005-06.

The wings are also loaded, with the NBA's leading scorer Carmelo Anthony starting at small forward, backed up by Metta World Peace. Anthony scored 28.7 points a game, his best scoring average since his Denver days, and adds just under seven rebounds per game. Metta World Peace is also seeking redemption after an off-year with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he saw his minutes diminished.

Season Prediction: The Knicks are two-deep in every position, with almost all players ready, willing, and able to score any time. This scoring sock could also be their downfall, though, as the Knicks don't have gaudy passing numbers. If Raymond Felton settles into his role as the Knicks' primary ball distributor, he will find lots of eager scorers both inside and outside. If coach Mike Woodson is able to rein everybody in, the Knicks will find themselves playing in the Eastern Conference finals, and Carmelo Anthony might just find himself playing in the NBA Finals for the first time in his storied career.