The Knicks’ lofty regular season — 54 wins, an Atlantic Division title, a second seed — was rendered meaningless by their second-round exit from the playoffs. A team that believed it was better than the Heat — the Knicks beat Miami in three of four regular-season games — never got there to challenge them in the Eastern Conference Finals.
There were some nice accomplishments — including winning a playoff series for the first time in 13 years — but this team is being graded on winning big now with its window closing fast. The Knicks, who last won a title 40 years ago, didn’t spend two seasons clearing cap space for a second-round-and-out.
A- Carmelo Anthony
Finished third in the MVP voting after coming into camp in great shape and turned into the league’s most lethal scorer while rebounding and defending better than at any time in his career. But wasn’t clutch enough vs. Indiana and must take responsibility for second-round flameout.
B+ Chris Copeland
The anonymous Belgian League rookie with the dreadlocks became a flashpoint for fans who disagreed with his lack of postseason playing time. The inside-outside scorer received two Rookie of the Year top-3 votes.
B+ Kenyon Martin
Became a frontcourt savior when he signed in late February with his grit and toughness, but didn’t show enough of it vs. Indiana.
B Raymond Felton
Made fans forget about Jeremy Lin with his on-court spunk, playmaking and shotmaking. Was most consistent player in playoffs, but saved his worst game for Game 6 vs. Indiana.
B- Iman Shumpert
Returned from ACL surgery Jan. 17, and after a disappointing first two months, came on strong in late March, April and May. Shumpert had the highlight dunk of playoffs, confirming he’s back athletically.
B- Pablo PrigionI
It took a couple of months to get up to speed with NBA pace, but when he did, excelled as playmaker, pressure defender and became more willing to shoot the open 3. His plus-minus stats were phenomenal.
C Jason Kidd
The 40-year-old showed so much leadership throughout the season. He started off as a demon from the 3-point line in first two months before losing his touch completely, with an inexplicable, embarrassing 10-game scoreless streak in playoffs. He’s showing his age.
C Steve Novak
The 3-point ace was underused in the regular season and completely ignored in the Indiana series by Mike Woodson, making you wonder why the coach wanted to sign him for four years.
C- James White
Disappointed with his perimeter shot, the dunkmaster got his rare spells of playing time because of his lockdown defense.
D Rasheed Wallace
Stress fracture derailed a promising season in which he averaged seven points and four rebounds in 20 games. Made one-game return at end of regular season.
D- Amar’e Stoudemire
Two knee debridement surgeries limited him to 29 regular-season games and four ineffective playoff outings. Showed potential in low post, but ultimately disrupted team. Did better in his Jewish studies class.
F Marcus Camby
Limited to 24 games because of plantar fasciitis, and when healthy, wasn’t active enough for Woodson, who ignored him in the playoffs.
B Tyson Chandler
Made his first All-Star team, voted to All-Defense First Team, provided leadership and became a better threat on pick-and-rolls, but all that disappeared in the playoffs.
C J.R. Smith
Won Sixth Man Award with his electric shotmaking and defense and roared in March and April by adding a driving element. Then he completely collapsed in the playoffs, his one-game elbow suspension becoming the turning point of playoffs.
B- Coach Mike Woodson
Proved again to be an excellent regular-season coach, getting 54 wins out of a roster that ultimately was structurally flawed because of Stoudemire’s injuries. Earned third place in Coach of the Year voting. His playoff resume is suspect: His love affair with Smith, hesitation to use more of rookies Prigioni and Copeland and insistence on stuffing a rusty Stoudemire in the rotation cost him the season.
B- General Manager Glen Grunwald
Finished third in Executive of the Year voting, stocking the roster with savvy veterans he hoped would lead them far in the playoffs. His February addition of Martin was terrific, but only because his additions of Wallace and Camby became injury nightmares. Kidd got the Knicks’ mid-level exception and ultimately proved too old. His finds of Copeland and Prigioni were solid, but ultimately the talent level was that of a second-round team.