Five questions facing the Knicks

1. Can the Melo-Amar'e tandem work?

Carmelo Anthony is tired of hearing about it, but it won't go away until the Knicks win with him and Amar'e Stoudemire -- and 31-40 with both of them in the lineup isn't getting it done. You can extend it to include Tyson Chandler, who takes up some of the space inside that was Stoudemire's. Mike Woodson has to figure out how to make it work.

2. Will Jeremy Lin return, and Lin-sanity too?

The Knicks plan to re-sign or match offers for Lin with their midlevel exception, but it could hinder other moves because they're over the cap. Lin, left, needs to play a lot this offseason and strengthen his body to be ready for an 82-game grind, especially given that teams will be gunning for him now. Woodson isn't sure if he'll start, though.

3. What are the Knicks' biggest needs?

They need a proven point guard who commands his teammates' respect and a shooter who can spread the floor. Landry Fields and Iman Shumpert didn't do that this past season. The backcourt has to be a priority because the Knicks have only two guards under contract: Shumpert, who could miss the first two months, and seldom-used Toney Douglas.

4. Can Mike Woodson diversify his offense?

Woodson gets defensive when he's asked about his offense, but he should consider bringing in an "offensive coordinator" or implementing a scheme that features more movement and player involvement. Running heavy doses of isolations and post-ups are good for Anthony, but too often his teammates stand around and watch.

5. Which free agents could stay or go?

Steve Novak would like to return and the Knicks want him back, but he could get a bigger offer elsewhere. They also have to make a decision on Fields, who is restricted, and J.R. Smith if he opts out. Jared Jeffries could return for the veteran's minimum. Baron Davis, Mike Bibby and Dan Gadzuric likely have played their last games as Knicks.