NFT: Knicks Chat: Melo calls Zinger a steal

Here's a new wrinkle in the Sacramento Kings mess: While vice president Vlade Divac insisted their franchise player wasn't going anywhere before Thursday's NBA Draft, owner Vivek Ranadive gave DeMarcus Cousins' agent Dan Fegan approval to try to put together a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers before the draft, according to USA Today's Sam Amick:

When Fegan tried to orchestrate a trade that would send Cousins to the Los Angeles Lakers in the days leading up to the draft � one that Kings owner Vivek Ranadive gave him permission to pursue when he made it clear that Cousins wanted out � it wouldn't have shocked anyone if Divac decided to do the deal just to quiet this storm. Instead, he's trying to fix a fractured situation on his terms.

brothers best friend tutored Hernangomez in English this year lol

Does anyone seriously care about anything this guy thinks?

actually pretty pumped about the future of this team after draft night and recent news.

I think the next steps are to bring in West (2/14), Monroe (5/80), and a FA SG (Danny Green?) (5/40)

That should use up just about all of our cap space this year, but we'd have a pretty decent team:

Monroe
West
Melo
Green
Calderon

Zinger
Galloway
Grant

And then another 25 mil in cap space next season.

max to Monroe 4 for 60 unless it's sign and trade? What are they giving Detroit in a sign and trade? nothing to give them

In comment 12346077 DanMetroMan said:

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max to Monroe 4 for 60 unless it's sign and trade? What are they giving Detroit in a sign and trade? nothing to give them

I didn't know that. That's even better.

all over the country that offer better sports insight than Adam schein

In comment 12346073 Jon in NYC said:

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actually pretty pumped about the future of this team after draft night and recent news. I think the next steps are to bring in West (2/14), Monroe (5/80), and a FA SG (Danny Green?) (5/40) That should use up just about all of our cap space this year, but we'd have a pretty decent team: Monroe West Melo Green Calderon Zinger Galloway Grant And then another 25 mil in cap space next season.

That is definitely a good start, and I think if they add the right pieces to fill out the roster they should be able to compete for the 8th seed in the East. Hopefully Grant is able to overtake Calderon in the starting line up, because I think the combination of West, Melo, and Calderon is going to be a train wreck defensively.

Is he going to be on the roster this year? From some of the things I have read he has a lot of potential to be a plus defender which is something this team could definitely use.

Not a huge Monroe fan - but it's not like his max deal is crippling. West and Calderon can be veteran placeholders for the rooks, and we'll see who we can get our hands on in 2016.

but i dont think the money adds up unless you move calderon. If it did that would be a great start. Both Monroe and Green are very young and west would just be a vet stop gap who adds toughness and defense.

This team really just needs to add a couple good starters in FA and it will be easy to feel a lot better about next offseason. Assuming melo is healthy and it seems like he will be he is still one of the better players in this league, i feel like people forget that sometimes.

Saw a report Deandre Jordan is meeting with four teams. Clipper/Lakers/Mavs/Bucks. Kind of disappointing we aren't on that list. I know it would be a lonshot but the Bucks get to pitch him and we don't?

$10 mil a year easily, especially if Wes Matthewss is asking for max. He's 3 years young, a better defender and and not coming off an injury.

In comment 12346100 Torrag said:

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Saw a report Deandre Jordan is meeting with four teams. Clipper/Lakers/Mavs/Bucks. Kind of disappointing we aren't on that list. I know it would be a lonshot but the Bucks get to pitch him and we don't?

There's a report that already said he's meeting with the Knicks first

the biggest improvement this team could make outside of getting a quality PG (which hopefully Grant becomes) is to get some quality rim protection. Jordan's an anchor.

Porzi may be able to protect the rim in a couple years but he'll have to develop that. We desperately need a guy who can do it now and DJ would be perfect. Fish has already said that they view it as a major need. I hope they find a way to get it done

1 they knew they were going to draft Porzingis and wanted West as a mentor/stop gap....

2. they have an idea who they are getting in free agency, Monroe or Jordan, both would be good fits next to west and Porzingis...

3. West feels Knicks will be a playoff team next year, why give up money at 35 to go to a team that is rebuilding?

4. If i am the Knicks i target Jordan and Green...both young and both good fits next to Melo and Porzingis...
plus when Melo is done you have good young core pieces to build around...

Calderon/Grant
Green/Galloway
Melo/Early
West/Porzingis
Jordan

Im not in love with the job he's doing, but my criticism is mostly on the medium importance stuff. Essentially, I think the JR Smith and Chandler trades were for sending away guys at their rock bottom value and were to free cap space that wasnt essential. For example, trade Shump for something (late #1?). Keep JR for this year or if we really need his money, trade him at that point.

But the Daily News piece is nuts. It's just a personal attack. Knicks are thinking smarter and longer term than at any time in like 20 years. Even more so than the prep for the summer of LeBron (that was a one time short term opportunity to bid on tons of great UFAs; and we gave away ZBO for nothing).

People assume we just dumped players like Chandler. Does anybody remember how he was playing prior to being traded? He was fucking awful. People want to criticize him for signing Melo? He is an asset. We need assets. With the jump up in the salary cap his deal will look decent and he will have trade value if we choose to go that route. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is change the culture of an organization morsel than dealing with the cap. I wish people would just shut the fuck up and let him do his job. Give him three years and see where we are at. I couldn't believe the hate he got for us losing all year long saying we owed it to the season ticket holders to put a better team on the court. Those same people criticized them for winning a couple of games at the end of the year and potentially costing us a better draft pick. Which is it? The world we live in is all about news NOW. Everybody needs something to talk about and there is no accountability. We really don't know what a winning team looks like anymore. He does. Give him a chance.

This isn't toward any poster here. This is just the media in general.

basically saying the Knicks are doomed with Phil jackson and they will never make the playoffs as long as he is in charge and he has failed Miserably...

Funny since the off season just began and everyone thought he had a great draft....

he is in NY. This is really just more hate for NY from the media. NY is just the whipping boy for the media.

Phil Jackson wouldn't be getting nearly as much attention if he was the GM of Portland or Orlando or Milwaukee...or even LA (at least negative attention).

Phil gets an insane amount of illogical hate because he's the GM of NY. Plain and simple.

Think the jury is very much out on Jackson and to claim otherwise is ridiculous. The only real issue I have with him right now is how hands off he has appeared. Not showing up for the lottery or traveling with the team for road games are a couple examples. I woukd have liked to get a better return for Chandler but he, JR. and Schump were likely the guys he referred to as not buying into the system so they had to go and we gained cap space. The THR trade for Grant was a good one to me and who knows on the Zinger but it wasn't like he was a reach or anything. What he does in FA the next 2 years will tell if he was good or bad IMO

Can you name the other GMs that travel with their team?

Guy moved to New York....he was at every prospect workout, he went to vegas for Poringis workout, he went to Kentucky, Duke, and Ohio state games to recruit....He went to Chicago for combine...

What more do you want from the guy?

missed out on the draft lottery. Did you see the bucks and Kings owners daughters?

In comment 12346201 nygiants16 said:

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Can you name the other GMs that travel with their team? Guy moved to New York....he was at every prospect workout, he went to vegas for Poringis workout, he went to Kentucky, Duke, and Ohio state games to recruit....He went to Chicago for combine... What more do you want from the guy?

of championship rings.

he was often paired with Vucevic to mask his defensive deficiencies.

Career per 36 minute numbers: 13 ppg, 10.5 RPG, 2.6 apg, 2.1 bpg and 1.1 spg

Shooting wise he is a career 48% shooter from 10-16 feet and 40% from 16 feet to the 3 point line (which isn't efficient but it's great range for a defensive big. He shot 46% from that range as a rookie).

The O'quinn/Vucevic experiment didn't quite pan out because they both like shooting from around the top of the key, so offensively it didn't work out. I think he's a perfect match with Monroe because Monroe operates from the low post and O'Quinn operated from the high post. Defensively, it allows Monroe to guard centers because O'quinn can guard either position. And not to mention he is from NY too for what it's worth. 24 years old, can make a living as a decent starter for 6-7 more years at the least.

I don't think he'd be as costly as Robin Lopez or Omer Asik. He is restricted but Orlando has a large stable of bigs. With the Hezonja pick, Aaron Gordon is slotted to play more PF. They also have Vucevic, Dedmon, Frye and Nicholson who all play PF or Center as well. Even Harkless can play the PF slot. And that's not even factoring in if they choose to match Tobias Harris for a max deal. I think we'd have more than enough money to offer him after a Monroe max.

he shot 27% from 3 after not hitting a 3 before this season. If this is a sign of something he is improving now, a stretch big that can pass, defend and rebound is something you wanna get it on.

I'd also like to see us come up with a center who will protect the rim and get rebounds.

I've been a Knicks fan for a long time and watch the games even when they suck and this is the first time they actually have a plan in place. Not just a quick fix solution.
I couldn't agree with some of you guys more. I am one fan that is excited for the future. Let's play some good basketball first. That would be a good start wouldn't it?

In comment 12346239 bceagle05 said:

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of championship rings.

He also coached the Albany Patroons to a CBA championship. does that count?

the more i am impressed...The kid has infinite range, he can put the ball down and drive...he comes off screens like a guard...

Defensively he gets lost sometimes but because of his length he recovers well, rebounding instincts are not there yet and he gets bodied sometimes when he is in position but his long arms help...

He ha ssome post up moves but he was usually guarded by someone smaller than him because he played on the perimeter a lot, In the NBA he is going to give big guys trouble because they are not going to want to come out on him...

Once his defense get better a 4-5 with Melo would be deadly...can not do that yet because Knicks would get killed defensively...

a guy like Jordan would be the absolutely perfect fit next to him and Melo and it would be nothing like Melo Stat Chandler....

He's hands off because he didn't want to go to Jersey for the Lottery?

going after guys like a Mozgov or a Wilson Chandler to help him so I can just say the circle is now complete in my Vader voice. And you just know Melo is already on this line of thinking.

to compare him to a white euro guy like Dirk, Bargs or Pau, but As an athlete he is completely different from all of those guys. Frankly, he reminds me more of Giannis in terms of an athlete And frame. Giannis obviously can get away with a lack of strength but he makes a living off of posting up shooter guys despite his weight concerns. And he has certainly added a good amount of muscle tone since he's been drafted (he came in at 205).

Ny16, do you think he can guard SFs in certain matchups early in his career? Like obviously not against the Lebron's and KDs of the nba, but there are certain SFs that aren't really a threat off the dribble and I don't think he'd be the absolute worst defender in terms of lateral quickness amongst SFs. Like I think you can roll him out at the 3 if his matchup is like PJ Tucker, MKG, mike dunleavy, Caroll, Shump etc.

He can be a real threat against spot up shooters that can't take advantage of big man guarding them off the dribble.

In comment 12346375 giantsfan44ab said:

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to compare him to a white euro guy like Dirk, Bargs or Pau, but As an athlete he is completely different from all of those guys. Frankly, he reminds me more of Giannis in terms of an athlete And frame. Giannis obviously can get away with a lack of strength but he makes a living off of posting up shooter guys despite his weight concerns. And he has certainly added a good amount of muscle tone since he's been drafted (he came in at 205). Ny16, do you think he can guard SFs in certain matchups early in his career? Like obviously not against the Lebron's and KDs of the nba, but there are certain SFs that aren't really a threat off the dribble and I don't think he'd be the absolute worst defender in terms of lateral quickness amongst SFs. Like I think you can roll him out at the 3 if his matchup is like PJ Tucker, MKG, mike dunleavy, Caroll, Shump etc. He can be a real threat against spot up shooters that can't take advantage of big man guarding them off the dribble.

I think Giannis is a better run and jump athlete and it's unlikely Porz ends up as good a rebounder.

Really do think the Dirk comparison works if Porz can put on strength. Dirk could run screens and hit threes off curls and Porz seems to have similar skills. Hope they do.

In comment 12346375 giantsfan44ab said:

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Ny16, do you think he can guard SFs in certain matchups early in his career? Like obviously not against the Lebron's and KDs of the nba, but there are certain SFs that aren't really a threat off the dribble and I don't think he'd be the absolute worst defender in terms of lateral quickness amongst SFs. Like I think you can roll him out at the 3 if his matchup is like PJ Tucker, MKG, mike dunleavy, Caroll, Shump etc. He can be a real threat against spot up shooters that can't take advantage of big man guarding them off the dribble.

I dont think it would really be an advantage for the Knicks because he is not going to go into the paint just yet and post up...I think his advantage these first couple of years is going to be play the 4 and pulling bigs out...he is going to spread the floor so much for Melo and if they do sign Jordan the pick and roll, he is going to get a lot of his points off of kick outs early in his career...

Once he gets bigger if he is at the 5 it is going to give team fits because they are going to want to go small and he will be able to post them up and if they go big he can pull them outside...

So him getting bigger will be great for his game...right now he is going to be a shooter and spread the floor...

Guarding 3's from what i saw so far is going to be tough, in the game i am watching now, Mardy Collins yes that Mardy Collins slow as shit guard drove by him, he used his length to block the shot BUT he got blown by...a couple of times that happened to him and used his length to help him recover...

but Giannis was criticized for not being very explosive, and if you watch him closely he doesn't really explode unless he's getting a running start in the open floor. A lot of his finishes look sort of lazy to an extent that he relies more on his touch and his wingspan than his athleticism to get the ball in the hoop.

He certainly is a better rebounder than KP. It's kind of strange that KP is a big that plays like a guard in that his greatest skills is shooting, coming off screens, turnaround, etc. and Giannis is more of a post up player that has a good baby hook around the rim.

former Knick!

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any fan could possibly want to hear. My first impression is that I really like this kid. His attitude is refreshing in this day and age of athletes.

I was disappointed how they booed him when drafted. I hope the NY fans embrace him.

Quote:

Q: What do you want Knicks fans to say about you when they watch you play? A: That this guy belongs here. � He loves the organization, he loves the team, so we accept him and we�re gonna cheer for him from now on.

Steve Serby Q&A with Kris Porzingis - ( New Window )

In comment 12346384 giantsfan44ab said:

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They are on youtube just search Baloncesto Sevilla

towers over Towns, Stein and Co.

In comment 12346375 giantsfan44ab said:

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to compare him to a white euro guy like Dirk, Bargs or Pau, but As an athlete he is completely different from all of those guys. Frankly, he reminds me more of Giannis in terms of an athlete And frame. Giannis obviously can get away with a lack of strength but he makes a living off of posting up shooter guys despite his weight concerns. And he has certainly added a good amount of muscle tone since he's been drafted (he came in at 205). Ny16, do you think he can guard SFs in certain matchups early in his career? Like obviously not against the Lebron's and KDs of the nba, but there are certain SFs that aren't really a threat off the dribble and I don't think he'd be the absolute worst defender in terms of lateral quickness amongst SFs. Like I think you can roll him out at the 3 if his matchup is like PJ Tucker, MKG, mike dunleavy, Caroll, Shump etc. He can be a real threat against spot up shooters that can't take advantage of big man guarding them off the dribble.

Must be easy for Phil Jackson too because he said out right that he sees a lot of Pau Gasol in him.

I don't see any of Giannis in the extremely limited viewing I've had on Zinger.

Sometimes the white on white comparisons work. No need to kill your brain trying to think of a black player to compare him to.

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And even though KP was putting it on the floor and attacking in Spain, I'm not sold on that being possible in the NBA. He's a nice athlete for his size, but I'm not sure I would call him explosive or anything.

In comment 12346392 Ten Ton Hammer said:

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and he is still absolutely awful..

One thing i notice about these games when porzingis gets hot they do not keep feeding him..game i am watching now 3rd quarter has it 2 3's and a couple of layups and then next couple of possessions they ignore him...just interesting

at the media thinking they have sources within the Knicks

Clarence Gaines ‏@ClarenceGaines2 9m9 minutes ago
I can't tell you how many times I've laughed over the last month regarding media sources & draft coverage. SMH! The madness continues.

In comment 12346396 Ten Ton Hammer said:

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And even though KP was putting it on the floor and attacking in Spain, I'm not sold on that being possible in the NBA. He's a nice athlete for his size, but I'm not sure I would call him explosive or anything.

Well I'd hope to an extent he'd be able to put it on the floor, because otherwise he is just going to be a spot up shooter. He doesn't have creative handles but I think he will be certainly capable one day of scoring on slow footed bigs on line drives on mismatches.

Yeah, I wouldn't call him explosive, but he does elevate off the ground quickly on cuts to the rim, even though it may not be that high, which I think to be a really underrated factor. I'm not sure if anyone else noticed during the Finals, but Tristan Thompson is the complete opposite of this. When he goes up to score, he takes a really long time gathering with the ball in his hands. Idk if its simply the difference of being a 2 foot versus 1 foot jumper, but I seriously think TT is severely limited as an offensive threat because he gets fouled easily because of how long it takes for him to gather for a dunk. its made him passive and defers the ball many times because of it

is a hard read. Have a headache and just re-read it. Please bare with the poor grammar choice.

Wow. I'm just going to take the L for today.

In comment 12346387 steve in ky said:

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any fan could possibly want to hear. My first impression is that I really like this kid. His attitude is refreshing in this day and age of athletes. I was disappointed how they booed him when drafted. I hope the NY fans embrace him. Quote: Q: What do you want Knicks fans to say about you when they watch you play? A: That this guy belongs here. � He loves the organization, he loves the team, so we accept him and we�re gonna cheer for him from now on. Steve Serby Q&A with Kris Porzingis - ( New Window )

Agree.

In comment 12346384 giantsfan44ab said:

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Here are some clips.
very tall dude who can shoot - ( New Window )

To have this kid on the squad. His potential is through the roof and he seems to have the attitude and drive to fufill that potential. In his interviews he has been saying all the right things. I really hope we can land one of LMA, Gasol or Jordan but it's probably unlikley. How does Robin Lopez fit into the triangle? Maybe nabbing him, West and Danny Green is a realistic offseason for us.

In comment 12346389 Reeses Pieces said:

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towers over Towns, Stein and Co.

That's funny - he is the tallest.

Phil Jackson was a tall, lanky, geeky 4/5 as well, although about 5" shorter than Zinger - but those were different times.

Probably best to keep Calderon, see what Grant can do during the season and hopefully Calderon's healthy and can build up his value for when the trade deadline hits. Right now his value is shit, it can't get any worse. Someone will need a PG going into the playoffs, someone always does

Porzingis, Grant, Early, Thanasis, Galloway, Alex Kirk and Maurice Ndour... Who else has committed? We have a lot of free agents.
Any word on Cliff Alexander?

that we are probably going to have to hang onto Calderon until he is an expiring. However, I am holding out some hope that Raymond felton stinks up the joint and the Mavs come crawling back for him because they weren't able to land any free agents.

I hope we start Gallo and Grant together. Throw them both into the fire and let them get accustomed to playing against starters. Gallo is a good defender and Grant, though not extremely quick laterally, was an active defender in college. I think he will be able to keep up with many of the 2s in the east.

In comment 12346411 Anakim said:

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Porzingis, Grant, Early, Thanasis, Galloway, Alex Kirk and Maurice Ndour... Who else has committed? We have a lot of free agents. Any word on Cliff Alexander?

The Nets signed Cliff much to my dismay :(

In comment 12346413 giantsfan44ab said:

Quote:

In comment 12346411 Anakim said: Quote: Porzingis, Grant, Early, Thanasis, Galloway, Labeyrie, Alex Kirk and Maurice Ndour... Who else has committed? We have a lot of free agents. Any word on Cliff Alexander? The Nets signed Cliff much to my dismay :(

Well, we got 8 players so far on the summer league team and the former 6 will be central players for us or the Westchester Knicks this year and for years to come. I forgot Labeyrie too.

Theres not much on him but found this tape on him. 6'9" and a 7'6" wingspan?? He didn't play against high level competition but damn, some of these shots are extremely contested. He shot 43.5% from 3 last season.

Did not have many games against top level competition, but scored 12 points against Nebraska this past season. Two years ago, he played against Ohio State, Umass (#16 that year), and Northern Iowa (who I'm pretty sure was in the top 10 at some point that year). He scored 10 against OSU, 16 against Umass, and 20 against Northern Iowa.

Played many of the same teams Early did at Wichita State. Hopefully shows something at summer league.
Ndour highlights - ( New Window )

he was ineligible because of the NCAA investigating his interaction with an NBA agent. He didn't put up monster numbers but was really productive in the minutes he got. Really good athlete, would be surprised if he wasn't a consistent rotation player in the NBA. Great defender and rebounder. Has solid form on his jumper.

I'd re-sign Aldrich, Ricky Ledo and MAYBE Shved and Larkin. Acy might be a nice spark plug off the bench too.

In comment 12346418 giantsfan44ab said:

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he was ineligible because of the NCAA investigating his interaction with an NBA agent. He didn't put up monster numbers but was really productive in the minutes he got. Really good athlete, would be surprised if he wasn't a consistent rotation player in the NBA. Great defender and rebounder. Has solid form on his jumper.

He didn't show much in college, and he's not that good of an athlete. His skills just aren't there, everyone is blinded by him being a top recruit out of high school, but he just wasnt that good in college, and then he got suspended

In comment 12346419 Anakim said:

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I'd re-sign Aldrich, Ricky Ledo and MAYBE Shved and Larkin. Acy might be a nice spark plug off the bench too.

Agree with Aldrich. He showed up at the end of the year and is a decent option as a backup rim protector/rebounder.

I like Shved as a backup. You can probably tell I'm obsessed with per 36 #s, which Shved averaged 20.1 ppg and 5.1 apg this past year (albeit in 42 games). He'd be solid if he could ever find consistency with his 3 point shot, but I still think hes a better player than THjr (certainly more versatile).

Acy is at a team option at $1 million; you could do worse with a high energy guy deep in your bench.

I'm confused as to how Larkin is a free agent. Was he not a 1st round pick? Shouldn't he be under contract for 2 more years? Anyways, I don't see him anything more than a 3rd PG. Wouldn't be mad if another team snagged him. Would rather take a gamble with someone like Kendall Marshall who has upside as a passer and 3 point shooter.

I'd retain Ledo as well. I remember he had a lot of hype as a scorer coming out of college in a weird situation at Providence. Had some decent games, he's worth it at a minimum contract.

declined to pick up the option on Larkin's contract last year

In comment 12346420 MookGiants said:

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In comment 12346418 giantsfan44ab said: Quote: He didn't show much in college, and he's not that good of an athlete. His skills just aren't there, everyone is blinded by him being a top recruit out of high school, but he just wasnt that good in college, and then he got suspended

Huh, I'll admit I did not watch too much of Kansas and I haven't seen much out of him aside from his DX video. Yeah, I guess I am just in disbelief someone who was ranked up there with Okafor could have fallen off so quick. I wouldn't think it would be risky to get him on a summer league team though. Maybe I am blinded by his HS status but I can't get myself to believe he really is that bad until he fails at the professional level. But you're probably right/

but I watched him plenty last year and he just never once stood out to me. Kansas was not deep in their front court last year, and he still was only playing about 17 minutes per game. His stats per 40 minutes look good but that's misleading. I follow high school recruiting very closely but I also watch a shit load of college basketball, way more than I watch the NBA, and he just didn't show me much.

In comment 12346428 MookGiants said:

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but I watched him plenty last year and he just never once stood out to me. Kansas was not deep in their front court last year, and he still was only playing about 17 minutes per game. His stats per 40 minutes look good but that's misleading. I follow high school recruiting very closely but I also watch a shit load of college basketball, way more than I watch the NBA, and he just didn't show me much.

Yeah, I'm more of a Big 10/ACC guy when it comes to college hoops. The Big 12 was solid this year but no team really excited me that much compared to other years, so didn't catch too much of it. I've always liked Perry Ellis, but boy did he define the word "inconsistent". At one point it seemed like he could make it as an early 2nd rounder on that Wiggins/Embiid team but he could not take over the reigns by himself. Selden also dissapointed in his 2nd year.

how does this freshman class look? From what I've been hearing, its going to be a terrible year for tanking teams as only Simmons looks to be an elite pro player. Obviously there are always a few guys here and there that surprise. I feel like Thon Maker will make some noise because he is sort of that new breed of bigs that can handle the ball and shoot. But overall, I dont think I am too sad that we do not have a 1st rounder this year.

Thon Maker is not a 2015 recruit anymore, he will not play in college next year and is now a 2016 recruit. I'm not sure what it means for his draft eligibility, he also has been a bit disappointing in the last year.

In comment 12346404 giantsfan44ab said:

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Wow. I'm just going to take the L for today.

Lol.

Hey what do I know. I might end up being dead wrong.

From the videos I've seen, he looks like he can kill it rolling to the basket with the ball. I hope he won't just be a spot up shooter, I'm just thinking that matched up against NBA 4s and 5's, what's his success rate going to be? I can visualize him playing a Gallinari-like game. I'm not sure if I can visualize him facing up or backing down in the post unless he gets bulkier. Would be crazy if it happens.

With TMZ a month ago.

Kid speaks like perfect English and might as well be an American kid. That makes me feel a whole lot more okay with it, strangely.

http://youtu.be/9znwIJov3F8

I don't think he's gonna have a problem fitting in in this country.

Maurice Ndour, Ohio, Sr., F, 6-9, 210, 7'6" wingspan
Stats: 16.0 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.7 assists, 48.4 FG percentage, 43.5 3-point percentage (27 of 62), 78.5 FT percentage.

Notable: From Mbour, Senegal and went to high school in Japan. Speaks five languages. Second-team All-MAC.

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Reghi's scouting report: "Interesting. Very interesting. At 6-9, he has that ability to put the ball on the floor and go create his own shot. The question about him is, is the will and desire to make that kind of commitment to be the best he can be? There are a lot who don't feel he took the type of steps this year everybody thought he would. But because of that size, he is going to be intriguing. When he wants to, he looks unstoppable.''

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In comment 12346463 Ten Ton Hammer said:

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In comment 12346404 giantsfan44ab said: Quote: Wow. I'm just going to take the L for today. Lol. Hey what do I know. I might end up being dead wrong. From the videos I've seen, he looks like he can kill it rolling to the basket with the ball. I hope he won't just be a spot up shooter, I'm just thinking that matched up against NBA 4s and 5's, what's his success rate going to be? I can visualize him playing a Gallinari-like game. I'm not sure if I can visualize him facing up or backing down in the post unless he gets bulkier. Would be crazy if it happens.

And he will get bulkier-he's only 19! Also,with all the alleged negativity from Melo about KP's experience, the 3 drafted ahead of him are also 19 & didn't play the last 2 years in a professional league against men. KP's best may not be for another couple of years but his size & shot will make a definite contribution this year!

Porzingis

Grant

As good as KP looked, Grant's workout, I think, was more impressive.

Hello guys, first of all I will let you know that i'm from Latvia and Knicks are my favourite team for like 15 years now, and i'm really happy that Porziņģis got drafted by the Knicks!!! Little info that you may not know, he have under 18 European championship record in blocks with almost 5 blocks per game(in Bronze medal game against Spain he got 9!! blocks), so he have great potential to be a rim protector, because of his length and footwork, he is a good team defender, but sometimes he makes some mistakes, but he is trying to make sure he is good team defender too. First of all to these guys, who say that Porzingis is next Darko they are so wrong, and there is few reasons why.

1)Darko did not played before he got drafted in ACB league which is the 2nd best league in the world, he played in Serbian league, which I consider even not a TOP 5 league in Europe.
2) Porziņģis was coached in Sevilla with ex-NBA player/assistance coach Scott Roth who was the main reason why Porziņģis got bigger minutes in ACB league last season, and Roth in one interview said, that his main focus on Porziņģis was to make sure that Porziņģis translate as soon as possible to NBA game when he gets there. (Scott Roth was with Mavericks, when they got Dirk and with Grizzlies when they got P.Gazol.) Darko did not had this type of coach in his Serbian club...
3) Darko English was not great when he got in the league and he was with championship contenders Pistons and he did not had a passion for a game like Porziņģis had, he is gym rat!
4) And final point Porziņģis have great people around him-his family. His brother was a Latvian National team member and decent player in Europe, he is next to him and is with him for past 2-3 years, that is big + for him, cause New York is big city, and easy it can become like when our last NBA player from Latvia Biedrins, got big contract for 5 seasons and did not wanted to play anymore... his brother will be there and just will not allow him to stop from his dreams. Darko did not had people around like Zinger.

About Porziņģis attitude, he have learned a lot in a MONTH! You have seen that TMZ Interview before the draft? Where he said that learning Latvian is a waste of time and he said f*cking Latvia? He was trying to say joke, but in Latvia it was a very big deal, everybody was so angry about that and a lot of his fans were just disapointed. But what he do in next few hours? Apologize on social networks to all the fans, and in Morning news in Latvian National television via Skype apologize to all the fans again, one thing is to apologize in social networks, but other thing is to apologize again online in National television morning news, where thousands of people are watching! That is impressive.

About his weight he has put 10 lbs from May and now he is over 230 lbs, he have deadly jumper, he like to jump/dunk over peoples (that one dunk what he did on Tavares in ACB league, I was like what the hack), he is excellent off rebounder, with all the put backs and he use his height to get those boards, only thing is that he is not that great def rebounder in numbers(maybe because in Europe there is a slow game and no one in ACB average more than 10 or even 9 rebounds), other thing why he doesn't not get def rebounds is because when he usually try to get his position, he lost it, because of his lack of strenght, but it can be fixed in near time. He has range, he can shoot from anywhere three ball with high %, not that great of a passer, but usually are trying to find teammates for easy basket, if I could find that one video, where he made a no look pass in last seasons ACB game, to show that he can make great pass to teammates. He is big time prospect with a lot of upside, and few guys are saying he don't have a post move? Yes he can't get really close to the basket because of his lack of strength, but he is comfortable turning over either shoulder to get to his jumper or fadeaway shot. He have a potential to be a great player. And imo he can contribute faster than a lot of guys think. Great pick by Phil Jackson.


P.S.
Porziņģis will have a big summer, first of all summer league, then Eurobasket 2015 in Rīga, then after that he will go to New York to training camp, busy summer for him.

Have some questions about Kris I can answer, have following him for a long long time.

In April on Latvian TV sports show, there was five people who are really close to basketball, and they were talking about his frame, and there was a debate, if he can be able to add muscle and one person who is close with few NBA scouts said to him (especially Grizzlies scout was one of those, because there is Latvian player in their system Jānis Timma, who was before drafted by Grizzlies and before this years draft traded to Magic), that his shoulder structure can add a lot of muscle like 20 or more lbs, and one more interesting thing, when Biedrins went from Latvia to Warriors he was even thinner than Porziņģis, but after two years was from that skinny guy to muscled center in NBA, and they both frames are pretty similar right now, so if Knicks personal trainers will work with him right, it will not be so much of a problem.

Biedrins rookie (225 according to draft net):


Biedrins weight gain (listed as 250 on wiki):

Thanks! Info always appreciated!

but i guess he was on ESPN and said Phil is confident that he can get Marc Gasol to come to the Knicks...

My friend text me and told me about it, i didnt hear it

Your view is particularly valuable as its clear you have been following KP for a number of years and also that you have a deeper view of the contained Euro league/NBA experience.

of Marc Gasol leaving Memphis are slim to none.

Won't be on the Knicks this season and Phil wants to bring back Shved

pretty much grew up in Memphis and has a team that has been a contender for many years now, so I don't see him spurning them this late in his career.

I think the chances Deandre leaves are very slim, and even if he does, I think he heads to Dallas because he is from Texas.

Robin Lopez could be overpaid by Portland since everyone there seems to be a free agent. He's also from West Hollywood so I think the lakers are going after him since Gasol said he has zero interest with the Lakers.

I'd be shocked if it was revealed that either one of these guys were seriously considering the Knicks.

Jason Smith - F/C - Knicks
According to the New York Post, Phil Jackson would like to re-sign Jason Smith this summer.
Smith surprisingly managed to play in all 82 games last season, averaging 8.0 points, 4.0 boards and 1.7 assists in 21.8 minutes per game. Phil Jackson would like Smith to be his backup center next season, but his playing time would depend on who the Knicks bring in this summer during free agency. In terms of fantasy, Smith is more of a deep-league asset.
Source: New York Post Jun 28 - 9:33 AM

Also suggests west wi cost about 3 for 27 passsss

the Knicks have been a disaster because they keep spending and kiling the cap for instant fixes. Jackson dismantled the cap problem in one year and is now bring raw talent onto the team. This is what you have to do to build a great team - there is no instant fix to greatness unless the max contract guys go into collusion to beat the system like they did in Miami.

Look at LeBron now - one great player does not make a team.

So all these guys like Schein who can sit in the clouds and judge Jackson can KMA - because Jackson gets points from me for making the moves that need to be made and taking the heat for it. It's not Jackson's fault he didn't get Picks 1-3 - Jackson is right to go raw upside over conventional talent imho - and Porzinga looks like the real deal to me.

wtf

back. I was hoping the Knicks signed 2 big men on top of bringing Aldrich back but it looks like that's not happening.

Shved and Aldrich back. I would be ok with Acy coming back at the veteran minimum as he would be a nice piece off the bench.

Gordon a FA. he's stunk recently but for really cheap off the bench?

know NOTHING about this guy but someone in the know told me that Phil had him on his radar. Jazz just extended him a qualifying offer. His numbers aren't very good
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Ledo did well as the season progressed and Shved was always solid. I'd love to develop Ledo and put Shved in the rotation.

sounds interesting
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about him except for that he's australian.

Gordon is pretty washed up but can hit a 3.

but I can understand if they want his locker room presence. I wanna see some decent amount of young guys at the end of the bench. Knicks management has been able to pull out undrafted role players like Lin, Prigs, and Galloway out of their collective asses these last few years and I'm hoping we can get another one this year. I like Ndoue's game from his highlight tape. Skilled, athletic and a 7'6" wingspan.

vs. Aldrich. Smith makes more sense in the triangle. Maybe they go after Adrich as well.

However, there are several articles around suggesting they want Smith and Shved back. Getting Shved would mean they are done at pg, and have a couple of guys, including Galloway, who can play some two--unless they get a taker for Calderon, which would ironically mean more need at the 2 with the swing guards needed at the 1.

They will still need to find a starter at the two, and more bigs including a near-term starter at the 4 or 5, assuming Monroe takes one of the starting big slots but the other is open. I still believe the rumors about West are just that, unless he takes a huge cut.
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Zinger can get up to 250-260 sooner rather than later. Dirk right now is according to ESPN is 7' 245. If Zinger is already at 230, you would think and extra 20-30 lbs would be doable under the right workout routine.

Imagine a 7'2 250 lb beast with a 38' inch vertical and 3pt shooting ability.

Dude is Dirk mixed with Dwight Howard.

so good is his agility though. It's why the Bargnani or Darko comps don't make sense right now, those two guys were sluggish. The last thing you want is for the Zinger to get so big that he becomes too slow to guard stretch 4s.

Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine 16s17 seconds ago
Hearing that the Knicks -- besides presumed free agent targets such as L-Aldridge/G-Monroe/D-Carroll -- will get a meeting with David West

He doesnt make it seem like West is a lock but does confirm interest

In comment 12346679 Jon in NYC said:

Quote:

Zinger can get up to 250-260 sooner rather than later. Dirk right now is according to ESPN is 7' 245. If Zinger is already at 230, you would think and extra 20-30 lbs would be doable under the right workout routine. Imagine a 7'2 250 lb beast with a 38' inch vertical and 3pt shooting ability. Dude is Dirk mixed with Dwight Howard.

Haha thats getting me pretty excited to see him. Given his enormous wingspan, I think he'd be able to put on 20-30 pounds in less than 2 years and I don't think thats a stretch. Heck, I went from 140 to 180 in a matter of 2 years with inconsistent workout routines and not ideal nutrition. I'm still relatively weak so I'm probably not the best example compared to professional athletes that have the greatest trainers in the country (lol).

And I get the "fit" thing wit Jason Smith but at some point, being a bad basketball player and negative on the floor should outweigh the whole "perfect for the triangle" mantra. Alrich isn't a fit but he can block shots and get rebounds. He's a plus defender which is something you'd want out of your 4th big. What does Jason Smith really provide that KP doesn't?

He's not the stud he was projected as from college... but he certainly warranted being drafted in the 2nd round- he has talent and length, and an NBA body. he has a motor, can get position, he looks to me like he can be a serviceable bench big... which would be a victory from a UDFA. His situation at Kansas was always odd- likely a lot his own doing.

In comment 12346679 Jon in NYC said:

Quote:

Dude is Dirk mixed with Dwight Howard.

says he will meet with Clippers, Mavs, Lakers and Knicks...

Wants a decision by july 3rd or 4th

.

Now there a rumor the Knicks will pursue Lin.Alex Kennedy reporting.

issue I have with Jordan, is that the triangle needs someone who can operate out of the low post. He 100% cannot do that.

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Call it a hunch, an inkling, intuition, whatever. I think Okafor is going to under achieve and possibly be a big pain in the ass for his franchise.

after Okafor realized that he wasn't going to be the #1 pick that everyone had anointed him for his entire high school senior year and 75% of last season, that he then talked himself into the idea that he was going to be the next great franchise center for the Lakers.

I'm sure the idea that he went 3, to the 76ers, who are in the situation they are in, must have been such a drop off, which would explain any "disappointment."

Again, I think this is just rumor and story to make a story.

In comment 12347207 Torrag said:

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Call it a hunch, an inkling, intuition, whatever. I think Okafor is going to under achieve and possibly be a big pain in the ass for his franchise.

Someone was going to get salty about not being in LA. There were questions about Okafor's passion to be great and being in Philly doesn't help those going away. He's probably the worst guy out of the top 3 to end up in Philly.

Okafor is a spoiled 19 year old kid. Whether he will be a spoiled 22 year old kid, after he sees the adulation he can get if he does bust is ass to improve, is anyone's guess.

In comment 12347218 PaulBlakeTSU said:

Quote:

after Okafor realized that he wasn't going to be the #1 pick that everyone had anointed him for his entire high school senior year and 75% of last season, that he then talked himself into the idea that he was going to be the next great franchise center for the Lakers. I'm sure the idea that he went 3, to the 76ers, who are in the situation they are in, must have been such a drop off, which would explain any "disappointment." Again, I think this is just rumor and story to make a story.

Sounds very plausible. The Sixers have to trade either he or Embiid sooner rather than later. They just have to.

Cap space do we actually have? I read 27 mil but I am not sure how true that number is. Is it realistic for us to sign a trio of say Greg Monroe, Koufos and Danny Green? Greg Monroe's max is what 16 mil?

there is now word that Monroe wants to go to a team already on the upswing (link).

Jackson may have created a game theory problem for himself: in order to get to a position of having enough cap room, he needed to blow the team up. And in blowing the team up and then going with a down-the-road player like Porzingis in the draft, he may have made the team unattractive as a landing spot for a high-level talent for the coming year.

I'm not saying Porzingis was the wrong choice, just that with the team not having a pick next year, Jackson needs to play this perfectly AND get lucky in order to end up with a decently high-level team after two years of cap space this summer and next.

We will see. Maybe he needs to go with short contracts and hope to get lucky later on.
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but he also has the knicks on his short list. I think that is the advantage of having a Melo on your team is that these guys think they can team up with a guy like him an be a contender.

He also said that he wants to sign a 2 year deal with an opt out after one. I have no issues with these guys maxing out their value, but this would not be good for the knicks. Assuming he is solid this year he will def opt out and we will be stuck paying him more money, if he doesnt opt out that means he played pretty poorly. Im sure there would be a team willing to offer him the full max on the 1 year deal, but id much rather get him for say 12 mill if he wants this opt out after the first year.

In comment 12347273 TommyWiseau said:

Quote:

Cap space do we actually have? I read 27 mil but I am not sure how true that number is. Is it realistic for us to sign a trio of say Greg Monroe, Koufos and Danny Green? Greg Monroe's max is what 16 mil?

No, if we don't get Calderon we can only get 2 out of the 3.