Schmeelk: Fastest Way For Knicks To Improve Is To Fix Defense

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As the Knicks completed their 12^th sub-.500 season out of 15 since Jeff Van Gundy quit back in 2001, they continue to be plagued by the same problem: They can’t play defense.

Here are where the Knicks have ranked in points per 100 possessions allowed post-Van Gundy:

2016: 18^th

2015: 28^th

2014: 24^th (playoff season)

2013: 17^th (playoff season — 50 wins)

2012: 5^th (half D’Antoni, half Woodson playoff season)

2011: 21^st

2010: 27^th

2009: 24^th

2008: 29^th

2007: 25^th

2006: 27^th

2005: 26^th

2004: 15^th (playoff season)

2003: 25^th

2002: 18^th

That’s what historically bad defense looks like.