The New York Knicks were the talk of the town when they landed Phil Jackson as general manager earlier this year. Fans and critics were eager to see what now might unfold for the historic franchise. After failing to land Steve Kerr for the head coaching role, Jackson went to his next best choice, rookie coach Derek Fisher. Following the Fisher hire, the Knicks were shrouded in the Carmelo drama, which ended favorably with a long-term extension.

Since Melo signed on the dotted line in mid-July, the New York Knicks have been overshadowed by the wheeling and dealing Cleveland Cavaliers who landed the NBA's biggest free agent, Lebron James. Although the Eastern Conference remains remotely open for the taking, the Knicks are being given a slim chance to be anything more than a first-round knockout next season.

Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton were dealt away to Dallas; a move that seemed to say: out with the old, in with the new. Aside from picking up Jose Calderon and a few promising draft picks in Cleanthony Early and Shane Larkin, the Knicks have been stagnant. Next summer they will have some cap room to play with and could either land another big name free agent or spend it on building blocks.

Amare Stoudemire has been plagued with injuries for the past couple seasons, and thus his play as of late reflects it. The Knicks sought to unload Stoudemire, but couldn't find a partner willing to take on his bloated salary. Unless Stoudemire returns to his former glory quickly, the Knicks will most likely not resign him next year. 

Melo set the record straight in a recent interview, mimicking the words and sentiments of his new general manager.  "I do not expect to win a championship this year. That's something that takes time and everything has to be in sync, from management to players," Melo told Raul Alzaga of PrimeraHora.com. 

Melo went on to point to next year; a striking contrast between Kobe Bryant's demeanor when asked a similar question. "Next year we will have enough money to spend within the salary cap. But this year it is important to take the necessary steps towards those who will in the next year."

While the Eastern Conference remains open for contention, the Knicks have a long way to go before anyone will consider them contenders. Melo is in the top tier of NBA talent, so anything is possible. If Jackson can assemble the right players around his lone superstar next summer, then lookout. Until then, it could be a very, very long season.