What We've Learned About 2014-15 New York Knicks so Far

Perfecting the triangle offense is a challenge that may take months before coming to fruition. 

While Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jason Smith appear to be great fits for head coach Derek Fisher's offense, a couple of players continue to struggle with the system.

Amar'e Stoudemire and J.R. Smith need more time adapting, while Quincy Acy looks like a possible X-factor. 

Many view this season as a transition period for the New York Knicks, but the potential to exceed expectations is greater than some are imagining. 

Without a doubt, this is the toughest system Stoudemire has ever had to play in, and his struggles are visible. 

Stoudemire needs to be patient and maintain positivity as he adjusts to the triangle. He also needs to be selective with his shots. 

As Phil Jackson said, via Charley Rosen of ESPN.com, "Stoudemire can still be a potent scorer. He can get to the middle when he's in the low post, and in screen-rolls, he's a threat to either screen-and-pop or drive to the hoop."

However, Stoudemire has looked like a black hole at times, quickly forcing shots that weren't within the flow of the offense. If Stoudemire buys into Fisher's system, he'll impact the Knicks and could help carry the team into the playoffs.

Barring a catastrophe, Hardaway will be a major player for the Knicks for a long time. 

The second-year shooting guard has the fire and talent needed to be an all-star in the NBA. He's looked comfortable in the triangle, and he should continue to improve as he grows more familiar with Fisher's system. 

Hardaway can be a little sporadic at times, but the potential to be a special player is within him.

He has some room for development, according to Jackson (via Charley Rosen of ESPN.com):

"Tim's shooting touch has never been questioned, but he has a tendency to stand around and wait for somebody to kick him the ball so he can launch three-pointers. Tim also has trouble finishing with his left hand."

If Hardaway can grow as a player, evolve that left hand and not become too trigger happy from behind the arc, he will be capable of averaging 18 points per game in time. His defense needs some more work, but it has greatly improved since his rookie season. 

Playoff teams need guys like Acy. 

The newcomer is physical, tenacious and plays with a tremendous amount of energy. He's willing to dive after loose balls, can bang in the post and doesn't back down from his opponent. 

His jumper has improved somewhat since his arrival. And if he can consistently knock down the mid-range J, he'll be an X-factor for New York. 

Acy is athletic enough to defend the 3 and 4, and he has "tensile strength," as Phil Jackson put it to Charley Rosen of ESPN.com. 

New York can count on Acy to leave everything on the court without worrying about his attitude. He's a positive player that will make the Knicks a better team defensively. 

J.R. Smith has struggled with the triangle because of his shoot-first attitude. 

Smith said the following, via Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPNNewYork.com:

"Trying to think about the rest of the team over myself or my scoring is something that I never really had to do before. I've always been in a situation to score; [now I'm] in position to take my time and let the game come and let my teammates succeed more than myself. I think that's the ultimate win."

Adapting to the triangle and channeling away from Smith's shoot-first attitude will need time. Fisher had the following to say (per Youngmisuk):

"You know J.R., like many players, this is difficult to do. Last night, we talked about we're not just installing new software to the computer. We're building a computer from scratch, and that's not easy to do."

With time, Smith should buy into the system and could potentially have a career season. Skill-wise, he's built for the triangle with his impeccable range and ability to create off the dribble. But his focus and willingness to play within the system will be his crux. 

It might take a couple of months, but eventually everything will come together for Smith. He seems hungry enough to change and grow as a player and person. 

Jason Smith was a tremendous value signing by Jackson. 

The big man is money from elbow-to-elbow, and he has an excellent motor. Similar to Acy, Smith will give you end-to-end hustle without much attitude. 

Smith spreads the floor for New York, and his range will be a great asset and complement to New York's other bigs. Smith is the quintessential glue guy that could unsuspectingly knock down big shots and make big plays on the defensive end.

He doesn't have great athleticism, but he's an intelligent defender that loves being physical. He can guard the 4 and the 5, and his face-up game is perfect for Fisher's system.

At his cost, there are few players out there that do more.