SLAM DUNKS: This season, G Stephon Marbury (16.3 ppg, 6.4 apg) will at least have the support of his coach, who hitched his wagon to "Coney Island's Finest" a long time ago. When on his game and given some latitude, Marbury is among the game's top offensive players. But his numbers last season were his lowest since he was a rookie. ... Lost in the mess of last season was the improvements made by G Jamal Crawford (14.3, 3.8), who worked on defense and seemed to be the only Knick who thrived while playing for Larry Brown. ... There is a foundation for a future frontcourt with F Channing Frye (12.3, 5.8 rpg), C Eddy Curry (13.6, 6.0), F David Lee (5.1, 4.5) and Jeffries (6.4, 4.9), all of whom are 24 or younger. Frye has a chance to be a terrific two-way player and Jeffries can defend multiple positions without asking for the ball. ... The rookies got plenty of playing time last season, including G Nate Robinson (9.3, 2.3, 2.0 apg). It will be interesting to see if Thomas tries the same with Balkman and Collins.

AIRBALLS: In addition to Marbury, G Steve Francis (14.4, 4.9 apg, 4.1 rpg) and F Jalen Rose (12.3, 2.5, 2.9) give the Knicks three players who expect to have the ball in their hands at the end of games. Throw Curry and F Quentin Richardson (8.2, 4.2 rpg) into the mix and you have a whole bunch of ball-stoppers, an approach that buried this group last season. ... Richardson and C Jerome James (3.0, 2.0) are two of Thomas' worst acquisitions. Both are virtually untradeable and have plenty of years left on their contracts. ... Most of these players didn't listen to Brown, who had a championship on his resume and a five-year contract. Why will they listen to Thomas, who never has won a playoff series as a coach and has been given one year to turn things around by owner James Dolan? GUESSWORK: Will Marbury and Francis ever develop the proper balance needed to become winning point guards? Marbury entered the NBA in 1996 and Francis three years later. They have combined for zero playoff series wins while being traded a collective seven times in their careers, simply because they never have shown trust in their teammates. That headstrong approach could have a huge negative effect on the Knicks, given that they play the same position and are vying for the same control of the team they crave.

THINKING CAP: A year ago, the Knicks had a chance to get out from under their untenable salary cap situation with Tim Thomas and Penny Hardaway in the final year of huge eight-figure deals. Instead, they dealt both players and ended up with Francis, who has three years and $52 million remaining on his deal, and Rose, who has one year at $16.9 million. The Knicks are paying over $80 million in luxury tax, and as president Thomas has to resist the temptation to deal Rose - who will have suitors - for another overbearing long-term contract.

D-LEAGUE CANDIDATE: Collins

THE COACH SAYS: "I'm really not that concerned if they like each other, if they feel good about each other. But I'm really concerned about if we can execute the game plan and concentrate on it and play with greater intensity, concentration and energy. That's the focus."