For New York Knicks fans, the 21st century hasn't been kind.

The Knicks have missed the playoffs 10 of the last 13 years, and have just one playoff series win in that time span. Despite having an All-Star scorer in Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks haven't qualified for the playoffs the last two seasons. Last season Anthony played in just 40 games because of injuries.

The Knicks do benefit greatly from playing in a terrible Eastern Conference. Last season the Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks all made the playoffs in the East, even though they didn't even have winning records. If the Knicks played in the Western Conference, this wouldn't even be up for debate. However, they don't. If the Knicks can simply put together a .500 record, their chances of making the playoffs are actually pretty good.

Team president Phil Jackson stunned many fans when he selected Kristaps Porziņģis out of Latvia with the No. 4 overall draft pick. Some NBA experts didn't even think Porziņģis would get drafted in the first round. Derek Fisher still has much to learn as a head coach, and some are starting to doubt whether or not this triangle offense can really work in the Big Apple.

Last season the Knicks ranked dead last in points scored per game. Anthony, who only played 40 games, was the only player to average more than 15 points per game. As crazy as it may seem to many, the Knicks could have really used J.R. Smith and Jeremy Lin last year. Defensively the Knicks weren't much better, ranking 23rd in points allowed per game last season.

By far the biggest issue for the Knicks has been defending home court. Last season they won just a mediocre 10 games at Madison Square Garden. Only the Minnesota Timberwolves won fewer games at home last season.

The Knicks didn't have that big splash in free agency this offseason that many thought they would. Their biggest addition of the offseason was 27-year-old center Robin Lopez. Rumors have been swirling that Anthony is trying to get Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant to come to New York next offseason as free agents, but the odds of that happening are extremely slim. Even José Calderón has been in trade rumors for fellow countryman Ricky Rubio, which makes sense because the Knicks need an upgrade at point guard.

For the Knicks to make the playoffs this year they will need some luck, meaning Anthony will have to stay healthy. Without Anthony healthy and on the floor, the Knicks will not have a chance of making the No. 8 seed. Anthony also has some things he must work on. His passing and defensive play is constantly criticized by fans, despite his 13-year veteran career.

The Knicks don't have huge expectations this year, which may actually be a good thing because the spotlight and pressure is off them. The Knicks have a lot of things to improve upon, and this upcoming season should be filled with surprises.

"Carmelo is not the reason the Knicks aren't winning, he's the only reason why they're on TNT. I expect them to make the playoffs," said Charles Barkley.

 Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1