New York Knicks president Phil Jackson believes they will have a better team in the 2015-16 NBA season, but the 11-time champion coach admitted that they could struggle in their first several games.

Jackson, who made several roster moves this season, told ESPN that their new players on the roster are not familiar with what they are doing so he expects them to struggle early but will show improvements as the season progresses.

"We have a number of new players, so they may struggle early as they learn how to play with each other," Jackson said. "Where we end up as the season progresses is an unknown, but we have improved our roster and have a chance to be a good team."

Jackson and the Knicks failed to convince big-name free agents like LaMarcus Aldridge and DeAndre Jordan to move to the Big Apple this summer, but he is confident of the players that they added.

Jackson said that Arron Afflalo, who signed a two-year deal worth $16 million, will provide additional scoring options to support Carmelo Anthony and could also be a vital part of the triangle offense they are running.

"He has the capability of playing aggressive defense on big guards and small forwards, plus he's a shot-maker," Jackson said of Afflalo, who averaged 13.3 points and 3.2 rebounds with the Denver Nuggets last season. "In addition to his 3-point range, Arron can be very effective scoring in the low post and at the pinch post."

The 69-year-old team president also expressed confidence that Robin Lopez will be a huge boost to the team in the coming years. Jackson said that he is familiar with Lopez because he played for the Phoenix Suns, who are in the same division as the Los Angeles Lakers.

"He's become a solid player with a great desire and ability to both rebound and play defense," Jackson said of Lopez, who inked a four-year, $54 million contract. "He's good in defending against screen-rolls, because he can stay in front of most guards as they go over the screen and can delay them until the guard's defender can catch up."

Jackson also expects new signings Kyle O'Quinn, Kevin Seraphin, Derrick Williams, Sasha Vujajic and Thanasis Antetokoumpo to contribute to their success in the upcoming season.

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