Italian PG who played at USC (Not much of a 3 point shooter so unsure of the fit... 25% this season at Milano)
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Daniel-Hackett-1384/
Begley
This isnt to say that Jacksons offseason has been a failure so far. By and large, he landed quality players (Robin Lopez, Arron Afflalo, Kyle OQuinn) on reasonable contracts who should help the team take a step forward from the 17-win disaster during the 2014-15 season.
But if anything can be gleaned after the first few days of free agency, its this: The lure of playing in New York -- or in any other big market -- is no longer enough to attract elite talent, so Jackson now needs to build a team that can.
Thats the one way he can hope to sell free agents in the summer of 2016 or 2017.
Other factors that used to give big markets like New York an advantage in free agency no longer exist.
Daniel Hackett will fly to USA today and he has a workout w/ @nyknicks scheduled for next days
"Listed at seven-foot-four and 293 pounds, 25 year-old Boban Marjanovic is one of the biggest players in the planet. But he is not your typical giant stiff. Marjanovic has good stamina for someone his size and didnt demonstrate the need to be subbed out as often as Sofoklis Schortsanitis or Nathan Jawai, for example. His 18 minutes per game on 68 total appearances for Crvena Zvezda (Red Star) Belgrade in the Euroleague, Eurocup and Adriatic league were mostly a reflection of how his coach opted to utilize him; starting halves and staying in for long stretches before getting a long rest and then returning for the end of them.
Marjanovic does not look particularly fluid running up and down the court but no one as massive as he is does. Sprinting doesnt seem like a massive struggle for him, though, which is rather impressive considering how much weight he carries on his frame. Players that tall who get as many minutes as Marjanovic does usually are leaner types, even skinny in most cases. Thats definitely not Marjanovics case, which is not to say that he is fat. His weight is very well distributed actually. You would assume players that big are automatically clumsy but Marjanovic was by no means a foul machine, averaging around three per 40 minutes last season (though that has been an issue in the past), and is a lot less uncomfortable defending in space than one would assume."
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"Huertas has played six seasons for FC Barcelona of the Spanish ACB, leading Barca to three consecutive Euroleague Final Four appearances. Hes averaging 7.4 points and 4.9 assists for Barcelona this season. Huertas is a career 87 percent free-throw shooter.
Huertas has been Brazils point guard in numerous Olympic Games, World Championships and FIBA America tournaments. He averaged 11 points and five assists for Brazil in the 2012 London Olympic Games.
The natural comparison to Huertas will be Houstons Pablo Prigioni, an Argentinian point guard who came to the NBA later in his European career at the age of 35.
Prigoni is the guy most likely to get compared to me, because our career trajectory had been similar in Europe, Huertas said. And like him, I can run a team without worrying about scoring."
PG: Calderon, Grant, Galloway(?)
SG: Afflalo, Shved(?), some one else?
SF: Melo, Early, Thanasis(?)
PF: Porzingis, O'Quinn, D. Williams
C: Lopez, Aldrich(?), J.Smith(?)
Last Year(game one)
PG: Calderon, Larkin, Prigs
SG: JR, Shump, THJ
SF: Melo, Early, Wear
PF: Amare, Bargs, Acy
C: Dalembert, Aldrich, Jason Smith
Did I miss anyone? Definitely a lot younger. Not sure if at least on paper, it's better. Knicks really need a big year from Melo to be decent, I think.
I dont know what people are expecting...
The offense could be tough, it's true. Atentokoumpo is a real question mark with me. He's not good offensively and had a worse shooting year in the D League than last year. I'm not sure he's ready to help in the league, aside from being a defensive force.
I hope Jason Smith is back and I like Aldrich too, as a backup.
What do you guys think of Ledo?
One thing I like is the flexibility at PF. Between Porzingis, O'Quinn and Derrick Williams playing a stretch, Fisher has some options with different matchups.
2. Get a young lead guard (I was thinking Reggie Jackson, but they got Jerian Grant, which is just fine).
3. Get solid, defensively responsible, professional guys in their 20s via FA. Check.
4. Take a small, high upside risks. Check (Derrick Williams).
5. Build a team that has all the components above to get 40 wins, but more importantly, gets rid of the poisonous atmosphere of years past. The new atmosphere will serve them better w Porzingis, Grant and future FAs.
The biggest "hole" is the lack of a 2nd scorer unless Porzingis is more NBA ready than we've been led to believe. Probably the best bet for offense outside of Melo, is if Grant can be a facilitator right away and get some easy hoops for guys off penetration.
Hopefully Williams doesn't take minutes away from Porz. The best chance for a turnaround centers on his development and he needs to be getting 20-25 min/game right off the bat.
Ball movement will be key for this group. That and hitting the open looks when you get them. If we dont do that we will get to watch Melo pound the ball into the ground for 12 seconds and then take a fade away 17 footer.
2. Get a young lead guard (I was thinking Reggie Jackson, but they got Jerian Grant, which is just fine).
3. Get solid, defensively responsible, professional guys in their 20s via FA. Check.
4. Take a small, high upside risks. Check (Derrick Williams).
5. Build a team that has all the components above to get 40 wins, but more importantly, gets rid of the poisonous atmosphere of years past. The new atmosphere will serve them better w Porzingis, Grant and future FAs.
Agree with most of this, though KOQ is the upside guy they are gambling on. DWill is a stop gap and there is little reward (aside from a couple extra wins this year) for the Knicks if "it" suddenly clicks for him as he'll just bolt after this season.
2) if we call a spade a spade the knicks did not get what they and people had hoped in FA... the goal was Monroe or another stud big or younger/better 3 and D guy... that did not happen.
3) the positive is they did not panic however- and they addressed several issues- 1) rim protection 2) 3 and D rental to be competitive without a pick 3) big man depth
4) all things considered I think the knicks and Phil did a good job with what was attainable... its clear a big splash was not. Next year FA crop is not great- but they again will have flexibility and likely more assets.
5) scoring and offensive creativity will be the teams biggest issues but I would be pleased if I were a fan.
Amundsen is 33 this upcoming season. I'd prefer someone with a bit more upside.
NBAtv will have some games i know they did last year..
Just think there is a younger option out there with SOME upside vs. 33 year old Amundsen. I'm scared a guy like Amundsen suddenly gets a lot of burn (especially over KP) because he does things "the right away".
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dumb question but do they usually air Eurobasket over here? I don't recall. I remember seeing the FIBA's before.
NBAtv will have some games i know they did last year..
Cool thanks. I'm looking forward to seeing Hernangomez.
Report: Raptors, Cory Joseph agree to four-year, $30 million deal
PG: Calderon, Grant, Galloway(?)
SG: Afflalo, Shved(?), some one else?
SF: Melo, Early, Thanasis(?)
PF: Porzingis, O'Quinn, D. Williams
C: Lopez, Aldrich(?), J.Smith(?)
Last Year(game one)
PG: Calderon, Larkin, Prigs
SG: JR, Shump, THJ
SF: Melo, Early, Wear
PF: Amare, Bargs, Acy
C: Dalembert, Aldrich, Jason Smith
Did I miss anyone? Definitely a lot younger. Not sure if at least on paper, it's better. Knicks really need a big year from Melo to be decent, I think.
Corrected for injury. It's a big deal. Im sick and tired of reading about 17 wins. 40 games out of Melo and his shoulder was never right all year. Quick question: Which guys played 1500 minutes for us last year? Answer: Larkin, Hardaway, and Smith. 1000+ add Galloway, Melo, Acy, Calderon (also hurt), Thomas. So just listing the roster on opening night isnt the full story (not saying that's what you were doing; this post is using your roster comp as a jump off).
I am 10x happier with this roster, shorn of bigs who cant stay healthy (Amare/Bargs), losers (JR), and shooting guards who cant stay healthy... or shoot (Shump). Look at the positions:
PG: Calderon cant be less valauble. Grant and Galloway have promise to be much better than Larkin and Prigs. New guys win.
SG: Old guys win on depth alone BUT AA is the best of the 3, and there is something to be said of being rid of very incomplete players in JR and Shump.
SF: Healthy Melo, healthy Early, Greek kid has D. New crew in a runaway.
PF: I'll take the new guys. KOQ was a steal, Porz was the #4 pick in the draft and has to be at least as good as Broken Bargs last year; by year 2016/17 Porz should be a shooting weapon. Williams > Acy. No disrespect to Amare.
C: Lopez is way, way better than Dalemert. Plus to the C group.
So there you have it. Downgrade at SG depth. PGs are untested but they sucked last year anyway. And maybe there could be an argument at PF. All in all this team looks a lot better than the 17 win group, and because a number of these guys are hard workers who play defense, the whole will be better than the sum of its parts. I expect this group to be 40-45 wins, with the potential to push 45-50 if Melo beast modes the season, the team play clicks, and a guy or two makes a leap (Porz, Grant, KOQ, Williams). And Melo-Lopez-Porz-Grant-Afflalo could draw a big time UFA next summer.
PG: Calderon, Grant
SG: Afflalo, Galloway, Thannis
SF: Anthony, Early
PF: Quinn, Williams, Porz
C: Lopez
Another big man is certainly needed. I think they'll add that + a wing shooter + another PG to call it an offseason. I can see Lance Thomas returning + one of Aldrich/Jason Smith. I think they're a lot of wing shooters with OK defense left in FA so I'm sure they'll snag one of those.
Offense will certainly be very brutal next year but I still think it's a solid offseason.
Knicks had zero players start 43 games. The only guys who played 46 or more games were Smith, Larkin, Hardaway, Acy, Aldrich, and Wear -- none of whom were counted on pre-season at top 8 (THJR and Larkin were hopefuls).
However, I think the East has actually improved a bit and making the playoffs will be tough.
The Cavs, Bulls, and Hawks will almost certainly be better than us. Bucks, Heat, Wizards, and Raptors have a strong chance to be better as well.
Then keep in mind teams such as the Pistons, Pacers, and Hornets who have made improvements as well. Obviously some of those teams will be worse than expected but I still think it'll be an uphill battle to make the playoffs even in a weak East.
Porzingis on missing summer with NT: "It was tough decision, but I believe that in the future it will benefit me and Latvia's basketball."
And then, of course, real progress over last year on defense and in rebounding. In my view, this can be a much better team than last year, with pretty decent quality depth at pg which just didn't exist last year, and hopefully a healthy Melo with his minutes kept to a decent level. And defense, rebounding and hustle. Yes, the team will struggle offensively whenever Melo isn't on the floor.
But if they accomplish these things, at least the team won't frighten off talented players in FA as they did this year. And that can all happen while the team still finishes just outside the playoffs, if the back end of the year is better.
Raps got Carroll but lost Amir Johnson. Don't think Caroll is that much more of an impact player than Johnson is at their respective positions. Not enough to make up for the terrible slide they had at the end of last year.
Pacers are retooling but I think they can easily be better than the Wizards or raptors, depending on how much PG is able to come back. Hibbert's offense took away from however much he helped out on defense and I don't think Mahinimi is any worse than Hibbert is. They also replaced west with Turner and added Ellis.
I think the Rapotrs, Wizards, nets, Celtics, pistons and Knicks will all be in the mix for the last 3 playoff spots. East isn't as terrible as last year, but I don't think anyone from the middle of the pack did anything to truly separate themselves from the rest aside from the bucks.
And then, of course, real progress over last year on defense and in rebounding. In my view, this can be a much better team than last year, with pretty decent quality depth at pg which just didn't exist last year, and hopefully a healthy Melo with his minutes kept to a decent level. And defense, rebounding and hustle. Yes, the team will struggle offensively whenever Melo isn't on the floor.
But if they accomplish these things, at least the team won't frighten off talented players in FA as they did this year. And that can all happen while the team still finishes just outside the playoffs, if the back end of the year is better.
Most think the playoffs are a "must" since the Knicks don't have a 1st round pick. But it's also a lot harder to sell FAs on them being a legit team if they miss the playoffs. Especially given how the East is generally thought of as the weaker conference.
you can make a glass half full argument for most others in varying degrees.
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This Year(so far)
PG: Calderon, Grant, Galloway(?)
SG: Afflalo, Shved(?), some one else?
SF: Melo, Early, Thanasis(?)
PF: Porzingis, O'Quinn, D. Williams
C: Lopez, Aldrich(?), J.Smith(?)
Last Year(game one)
PG: Calderon, Larkin, Prigs
SG: JR, Shump, THJ
SF: Melo, Early, Wear
PF: Amare, Bargs, Acy
C: Dalembert, Aldrich, Jason Smith
Did I miss anyone? Definitely a lot younger. Not sure if at least on paper, it's better. Knicks really need a big year from Melo to be decent, I think.
Corrected for injury. It's a big deal. Im sick and tired of reading about 17 wins. 40 games out of Melo and his shoulder was never right all year. Quick question: Which guys played 1500 minutes for us last year? Answer: Larkin, Hardaway, and Smith. 1000+ add Galloway, Melo, Acy, Calderon (also hurt), Thomas. So just listing the roster on opening night isnt the full story (not saying that's what you were doing; this post is using your roster comp as a jump off).
I am 10x happier with this roster, shorn of bigs who cant stay healthy (Amare/Bargs), losers (JR), and shooting guards who cant stay healthy... or shoot (Shump). Look at the positions:
PG: Calderon cant be less valauble. Grant and Galloway have promise to be much better than Larkin and Prigs. New guys win.
SG: Old guys win on depth alone BUT AA is the best of the 3, and there is something to be said of being rid of very incomplete players in JR and Shump.
SF: Healthy Melo, healthy Early, Greek kid has D. New crew in a runaway.
PF: I'll take the new guys. KOQ was a steal, Porz was the #4 pick in the draft and has to be at least as good as Broken Bargs last year; by year 2016/17 Porz should be a shooting weapon. Williams > Acy. No disrespect to Amare.
C: Lopez is way, way better than Dalemert. Plus to the C group.
So there you have it. Downgrade at SG depth. PGs are untested but they sucked last year anyway. And maybe there could be an argument at PF. All in all this team looks a lot better than the 17 win group, and because a number of these guys are hard workers who play defense, the whole will be better than the sum of its parts. I expect this group to be 40-45 wins, with the potential to push 45-50 if Melo beast modes the season, the team play clicks, and a guy or two makes a leap (Porz, Grant, KOQ, Williams). And Melo-Lopez-Porz-Grant-Afflalo could draw a big time UFA next summer.
Good post. This is exactly how I see it as well.
First on his schedule is a daily meeting with general manager Steve Mills, assistant GM Allan Houston and Clarence Gaines, an advisor who worked alongside Jackson for all six of his title runs with the Chicago Bulls, to "get a read on what they see happening with the team and around the league."
"Then I'll write up something that I'll email to all the coaches," Jackson says. "Maybe I think they should scrimmage more in practice, or I'll relay my feelings about how certain players are reacting in certain situations. But I'll never criticize or second-guess [Derek Fisher] or his assistants. If the team is on the road, next on my agenda is to watch a replay of our last game before getting back to my apartment at about 3.
"If the team is at home, I'll occasionally show up at the morning shootaround. I like to watch the half-court drills and instruction from the sideline at center court. I try not to be intrusive, but since I know the language, sometimes I can't help shouting out something when a player does something wrong. ... Like grabbing a rebound and then holding the ball near his waist so it can be easily slapped away. In that case, the coach in me is still active enough for me to shout out 'Chest the ball!' But this happens very seldom.
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By the back end, I want Zinger, O'Qinn and Grant all showing real improvement within a capable team defensive concept, and some evidence that a modified triangle system actually leads to more open shots. I really have hopes that O'Quinn ends up a bargain. Then, if Hernangomez is ready for next year as a quality backup center, there will be a lot fewer holes to fill.
If they do that, then using next year's cap increase to upgrade again gets a lot easier. There is a desperate need for a star shooter from next year's crop, plus an athletic 2/3, unless Early shows a lot more.
4) all things considered I think the knicks and Phil did a good job with what was attainable... its clear a big splash was not. Next year FA crop is not great- but they again will have flexibility and likely more assets.
Not singling you out because others have said it as well, but I keep seeing next year's FA class being referred to as weak and I disagree.
Yeah it's not on the same level as 2010, but it is much better than the class this year. Next year's class includes a top 5 overall player in the league (Kevin Durant), a top 5 PG (Mike Conley), a top 10 SG (DeMar DeRozan), 2 of the top 5 centers in the league(Al Horford and Dwight Howard) and 2 other top 10 centers (Joakim Noah, Al Jefferson). That's just looking at the "tier 1" guys, there are plenty of other quality guys available.
Porzingis (maybe), Grant, Early, Thanasis, Ledo, Langston Galloway, Labeyrie, Travis Wear, Maurice Ndour, Alex Kirk, Ovidijus Galdikas
Conley- only very good PG-- knicks should focus on him
Derozan- wants huge money- not worth it
D12 and Noah- fragile and play same possie as lopez
al Jeff and Horford (clog Porgs PT)
again its not like there are a ton of easy targets for areas of needed improvement--- PG and wing.
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Knicks would then have those players + a decent surrounding cast with Grant, Quinn, Lopez, and hopefully some other young guys emerge (maybe Hernangomez comes from abroad, etc).
A lot to ask for but I think that would be the best possible outcome.
Some of the young guys really need to step up this year such as Early, Thannis, Galloway, Grant, etc. If half of them can be solid contributes this year, that would set the stage nicely for the future.
I'd like to see Amare back, though I might be thinking more with my heart.
Agree with Phil re a dynamic 2 guard. Maybe next offseason we can swing Porz+ for Paul George. I could see Bird loving Porz, and if they going into a rebuild George may want out. Strip that team of Hibbert, West, and Stevenson and you cant come close to replicating the 5 man unit that took the league by storm in 2013-14.
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The hope is that KP can give you on offense what Gallo used to.
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Fleisher said Ndour is currently contemplating multiple offers from European teams and will spend next season abroad while maintaining connections with the Knicks.
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Sounds good to me. If you aren't going to play then nothing better than getting minutes in Europe. Dleague ball still leaves a lot to be desired... Terrible job by the NBA in converting the D into a minor league system so far
Affalo has played with Lopez and OQuinn already. Sort of interesting. Zinger has already played with Hernangomez but we won't see him this year. I noted this earlier but my brothers best friend is Hernangomez's English tutor
Players can get so much more to play over there. Probably, it would benefit the NBA to put a small amount of the upcoming TV deal into permitting a couple of high salaries per D-League team. Even then, the competition against grown men in Europe is attractive for players seeking experience.
Affalo has played with Lopez and OQuinn already. Sort of interesting. Zinger has already played with Hernangomez but we won't see him this year. I noted this earlier but my brothers best friend is Hernangomez's English tutor
That's correct - OQuinn talked about it in his interview with Kennedy I believe
He looks pretty intriguing to me. 7'2, reasonably fluid. Had a nice season in Europe.
According to reports, the Knicks have been watching him for over 3 years, and Knicks' president visited iauliai during the 2012-13 season to meet with Galdikas and watch him play, however, Galdikas was injured at the time[3]). In August 2013, the New York Knicks again showed interest in Galdikas, describing him as a 'diamond in the rough' and the 'third best Lithuanian center after Jonas Valančiūnas and Donatas Motiejūnas.[4]
During the 2014-2015 season he was scoring 11.2 points (74% FG), grabbing 10 rebounds and blocking 2.6 shots, while representing Asseco Gdynia club in Poland. Following it, he decided to participate in NBA Summer League to seek his dream of representing NBA club.[5] He will represent New York Knicks in the summer league.[6]
he had the major knee injury that cost him a season and change, but other than that what other injury problems has he had since leaving NY? He struggled early last year but really came on strong at the end of the season as he got back to 100%. It's certainly possible his best years are still ahead of him.
Affalo has played with Lopez and OQuinn already.
+ Melo. Not sure what sort of a guy he is, but there is a huge opportunity for him to take on a big leadership/uniter role.
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but I think that ship has sailed. He'd help, but he's hurt so much, and he deserves more money than they can afford to spend.
he had the major knee injury that cost him a season and change, but other than that what other injury problems has he had since leaving NY? He struggled early last year but really came on strong at the end of the season as he got back to 100%. It's certainly possible his best years are still ahead of him.
Maybe I'm misrepresenting his history of injury. Apparently the first time he had the knee, the surgery was botched. They had to go in a second time to repair it.
seems as if he's average to below average at nearly every skill required of an NBA player.
I dont disagree. But Im not sure you turn down a Porz-George trade unless Porz really blows you away this year.
Enzo: I have reservations about the Williams deal. I dont like the player option (robs us of the upside) and I worry that he's just too low BBIQ. But it's fairly low risk if you consider the fact that for 2016-17, 5 million is going to feel a lot like $3 million in 2014-15. Jerome James this is not.
Im neither a Williams expert nor a Triangle expert, but my understanding is that he's not good at ball movement. Kind of a black hole.
What makes you think his breakout chance is positively effected by the Triangle?
Not a huge fan but not going to rip it either. The player option next year was a bit much but who knows what other teams were offering + it should be pretty movable I would hope next year when cap goes up a lot. But all in all not a huge fan.
I do think he'll be in a better position to succeed this year than in year's past.
agreed. If somehow this guy turns the corner, he's likely gone for more money elsewhere. And while the contract is short and not for a ton of money, it sure seems like an overpay based on what he's done in the league so far.
I guess if he can improve his rebounding a 3 pt shooting a bit, all of a sudden you have a 4 who can shoot 3's and spread the floor - a valuable asset.
Knicks will certainly have to hope that he's young and hungry enough to still improve in a few key areas.
In a somewhat similar vein, Williams is probably looking to get a big contract. He'll have opportunity to show that he can be a player. If he does, then great. If he doesn't, the worst case is he's out of here after his second year.
If Williams struggles and opts in at 5 million, that's another poor contract to deal with, which sucks despite the low cost. The 5 million could potentially be the difference between a max and a 2nd tier player. I guess they're always ways to free up a few million here and there but that's a risk the Knicks are taking on for a meh player.
Hopefully it doesn't get to the point where 12 million of the Knicks salaries are devoted to poor players.
Now it will be Knicks fans turn.
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I'd be cautiously optimistic at best on what he can bring to the table. What are his strengths as a player?
So you're adding a 6'8" 245 pound guy who can move without the ball, set picks, and score down low, when we don't have a starting C who'll be a great scorer.
His threes have gotten better, as Melo's did, and could continue to, as if the Triangle is working correctly he'll get a bunch of wide open corner threes.
except Extra E shot 44% on corner threes during his one season in NY.
Interesting well that would help. Yea it's tough to judge him too much because 1- he's still very young 2- he's been in pretty shitty spots with Minnesota and Sacramento.
Good point about the team defense. Knicks were 7th in defensive efficiency in 2010 actually despite pretty subpar defenders around the court. But Shumpert + Tyson + a pretty hard working unit helped with that.
Reminds me of how BBI talks about the offensive line at times and how cohesiveness often helps overcome a lack of individual talent at times.
I do. I would have been ok with it if it was a team option. I don't understand making it a player option at all.
#Knicks roster on paper not ready for playoffs now but person close to Phil says frontcourt RoLo-KP-Melo could be best in East in 2017-18
#Knicks roster on paper not ready for playoffs now but person close to Phil says frontcourt RoLo-KP-Melo could be best in East in 2017-18
knowing this franchise, what's more likely - the above statement comes true or two out of those three are with a different team by then?
They seem pretty different though. Williams was one of those kids drafted as a raw athlete, IIRC.
With Grant, the expectation is a finished product with defined and refined skills.
I think this is across the league though - perhaps because the signings are technically official yet
Usually, when they're done making deals, they'll hold one catch-all press conference introduction.
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the NYK don't seem to offer quotes about incoming FAs. I suppose there will be a press conference at some point.
I think this is across the league though - perhaps because the signings are technically official yet
are not**
None of these moves are "official" yet.
#Knicks roster on paper not ready for playoffs now but person close to Phil says frontcourt RoLo-KP-Melo could be best in East in 2017-18
Is Lebron retiring?
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we all love Grant. Worst case, he doesn't improve at all and he's just a guy who brings us some points as a chucker off the bench.
They seem pretty different though. Williams was one of those kids drafted as a raw athlete, IIRC.
With Grant, the expectation is a finished product with defined and refined skills.
Yeah, that's fair. They are different players. With Williams, he came in as a dominant college player and really looked like he could do it all and seemed pretty polished. But that hasn't showed in the NBA. And it may never.
But there will still be a learning curve for Grant, who should be a refined player as you say.
Cleveland will probably be a hair better, but with luck we'll be close.
Cleveland will probably be a hair better, but with luck we'll be close.
that description puts KP on the Mount Rushmore of the NBA within 4 years.
"It was a long-term deal. That played a big part. When I found out I was going home, of course I was excited to be around my mom and my dad and my sister. ... And it was just a good opportunity for me to possibly get minutes, play a bigger role, and hopefully I can flourish in it."
that description puts KP on the Mount Rushmore of the NBA within 4 years.
Yes, but that's his potential, right? A Dirk level shooter with who can defend better than Dirk and will block shots. Not saying that's what he'll be, but there is a reason some said he had the highest upside in the draft.
And Dan, Im not getting dragged into another argument with you about absolute upside vs. what I'd gladly take. If you guaranteed me that KP would be Love 2.0, I'd take it. But his upside is to be a better 2 way player with less rebounding.
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that description puts KP on the Mount Rushmore of the NBA within 4 years.
Yes, but that's his potential, right? A Dirk level shooter with who can defend better than Dirk and will block shots. Not saying that's what he'll be, but there is a reason some said he had the highest upside in the draft.
And Dan, Im not getting dragged into another argument with you about absolute upside vs. what I'd gladly take. If you guaranteed me that KP would be Love 2.0, I'd take it. But his upside is to be a better 2 way player with less rebounding.
Deej,
I merely meant Phil Jackson would sign a contract this instant for KP to be an exact replica of Kevin Love.
Yeah you are. You are buying into the fun of the "unknown" and the fact Love is flawed because of his horrible defense (something that may end up being an issue with KP as well). Kevin Love career 19 and 12 on 45% from the field, 36% from 3, 81% from the line. If people will be disappointed with that from KP then more likely than not prepare to be disappointed.
yes.
Something about Kevin Love's game does not personally satisfy my idea of what a star player should be.
Probably. But I get your point -- it is difficult to get over his defense. And he's not an ideal fit here, since (1) we already have a defensively challenged star forward, and (2) we dont have those great run/jump/finish wings who would flourish with his outlet passing.
Granted, but I think Kevin Love is just boring as hell. At least Melo's highs are fun to watch. Kevin Love is dry toast.
Pretty similar outcome if you ask me.
KP even close to his upside is going to make Melo's life a lot easier. 4's will be in no position to help out.
The intriguing part about getting RoLo plus O'Quinn for pretty much the same price as Monroe is that they both could become good partners for JP, in differing situations.
KP even close to his upside is going to make Melo's life a lot easier. 4's will be in no position to help out.
The intriguing part about getting RoLo plus O'Quinn for pretty much the same price as Monroe is that they both could become good partners for JP, in differing situations.
I think you are underrating how agile Dirk was at the same age.
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.@LangGalloway10 to http://Knicks.com on @kporzee: "Just watching him in the gym today working out, hes looking real good."
I think the Spurs will be picked by alot of people to win it all next season. Plus, Tim Duncan is truly one of the class acts in sports these days. I can see wanting to play on that teat team.
Cant wait 'til LMA refuses to go into the game to play center with West at the 4. Amiright?
" February 19th, 2015 the Portland Trail Blazers traded away a 2016 first-round pick, Will Barton, Thomas Robinson, and Victor Claver to acquire Arron Afflalo and Alonzo Gee from the Denver Nuggets. Blazers fans may end up ruing the first-rounder more than any other asset, but of all the live bodies traded away, Barton currently causes the most remorse. Though his numbers in Portland were mediocre--10.8 points per 36 minutes, 3.0 points per game on 38% shooting from the field, 22% from the arc--the "People's Champ" had plenty of support due to his high-flying, devil-may-care approach to the game.
Barton's approach took wing in Denver where he found more playing time and a more permissive offense, both hallmarks of a team searching for identity. His shooting percentage skyrocketed to 44%; his three-point average rose to 28%. He posted a career-high 16.2 points per 36, 11.0 points per game. Barton has registered a half dozen 20-point games in his 3-year career. 3 of those came in the last 3 months. His advent was dramatic.
Barton's game hasn't changed much, nor has Portland's offense. He wouldn't have put up those numbers in a Trail Blazers uniform. But Portland's roster will be in flux this summer. Their future contains plenty of question marks. Offense in 2016 may bear little resemblance to the 2013-2015 vintages."
Strengths: Wiry thin swingman at 66 with tremendous length ... Production increased exponentially from freshman to sophomore campaigns ... Versatile and creative scorer without a distinct offensive pattern (18 PPG). Lethal in the mid-range shooting off the dribble ... Quick trigger. Effortless range from downtown, strong wrists ... Consistency from deep on the incline (35%) from standstill and utilizing screens ... High percentage of drives/slashes to the basket result in a floater or short jumper, both of which he is adept at converting ... Soft touch gives the ball a chance when hitting the rim, gets many friendly rolls ... Look no further than his 51% field goals to assess advancements in shot selection ... Overall decision making has been cultivated in a short time frame ... Plays with a newfound patience- probing the defense and seeking out a high-quality look for himself or a teammate ... Herky jerky off the dribble repertoire, hesitation dribble suits his style ... Possesses a quick first step and long, loping strides ... If he gets past you hes at the hoop in a hurry ... Able to squirt through small openings in the defense while remaining on balance ... Excellent body control around the rim. Ability to suspend himself in air allows for sublime body contortions ... Creates unconventional angles due to exceptionally long arms. Above average athlete ... Excels in transition where he gobbles up ground and is a strong two-footed leaper ... Premiere rebounding guard in the country (8 RPG) that results in instant fast break opportunities, due to his ability to take the ball coast to coast ... Nose for the rock. Spent more time with the ball in his hands as a sophomore, showing glimpses of burgeoning passing skills and court vision (2.9 APG) ... Disruptive weapon defensively (1.4 SPG & 0.7 BPG). Can guard positions 1-3 with his length and fluid lateral movements ... A great kid, charismatic individual with an infectious personality ...
Weaknesses: Must get stronger. Classification as thin is an understatement. Body type doesnt suggest he can add weight comfortably. Avoids contact and physical encounters at the rim- struggles to finish through a bump ... A slight bump when off balance can send him reeling ... Gets to the free throw line due to awkward style more so than consistent aggression (5 attempts per game) ... Lacks elite level explosiveness ... Despite improvements in shot selection and decision making (2.8 TO), momentary lapses of reason still invade his game ... Has a tendency to settle, particularly in physical matchups ... At times displays a lack of confidence in his handle, picking up his dribble unnecessarily when unable to beat his defender ... Off the dribble variety is not a staple. His natural feel for putting the ball in the hoop is absent in the remainder of his offensive skill package ... While shooting range is not in question, consistency is ... Doesnt use his base or get much elevation on his jumper ... Adjustment to complimentary part status will be integral, playing off the ball and not dominating it. Does he have the strength to guard opposing 2s and 3s in the league? Likely to be bullied by power guards and wings ... Its difficult to define how his skill sets translate to the next level, as Barton is a unique player without a clear-cut role ... He's also a year old for his grade, born January 1991, so that must be taken into account when guaging his potential ...
Cavs clearly have the easier road to "get" to the finals, but I'm not sure (with or without West) they can beat any of the top 4-5 West teams in the finals (GS, SA, Hou, LAC, OKC).
A Pop coached team built around Leonard/LMA with Duncan/Parker/Green as "role" players has to be the pre-season favorite.
Pop's been around 19 years and only reached the finals 6 times. Blatt is batting a thousand! ha...
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Cavs have Varejao as well. If LMA doesn't want to guard 5's, they'll just put West there.
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And the fans are yelling, "off with his head."
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Jordan: will sign in his home state. Borderline in the top group.
Everyone else was a resign (LeBron (home town), Gasol (home town), Love, Duncan, Wade, Dragic, Lopez, Milsap) or an RFA, and with the exception of Milsap each were basically assumed resigns.
Moreover, the guys who switched teams sign on with guys who are as big a star as Melo. Monroe is the only odd bird, and you kind of get what he's doing -- surrounding himself with plus defenders who will make him look better. Monroe is not in the class of Aldridge or even Jordan. He's much closer to Lopez although a different player.
You can say Phil and Melo failed, but it's really only a quarter of a story.
Jordan: will sign in his home state. Borderline in the top group.
Everyone else was a resign (LeBron (home town), Gasol (home town), Love, Duncan, Wade, Dragic, Lopez, Milsap) or an RFA, and with the exception of Milsap each were basically assumed resigns.
Moreover, the guys who switched teams sign on with guys who are as big a star as Melo. Monroe is the only odd bird, and you kind of get what he's doing -- surrounding himself with plus defenders who will make him look better. Monroe is not in the class of Aldridge or even Jordan. He's much closer to Lopez although a different player.
You can say Phil and Melo failed, but it's really only a quarter of a story.
once it became clear Jordan wanted out of LA, that was the guy I thought they had an outside shot at getting based on our giant hole at center and maybe he might find the combination of Melo/Phil/getting out of the west attractive on some level. But yeah, he's a Texas guy and, more importantly, Dallas has proven that they can be a winner year after year. And they have a proven coach.
So we really didnt do that bad. We got a relatively good FA center. And I always advocated using the remaining money on a bunch of cheaper guys. Our depth was horrifying before July 1.
solid defender with no offensive moves?
You can't compare the best of one guy vs. the worst or average view of another.
To put Lopez in the group you are listing is making quite a few assumptions
He's was by no means in the second group of free agents - maybe the second group of centers- with Asik and players like that. There is a great chance he does well and outperforms but he needs to do that first
But Monroe is also getting more than Lopez so it's more a question of: would you rather have Lopez + O'Quinn or Monroe for the next 4 years?
Ignoring the "fit", the answer to that question probably relies on what you think of KOQ's upside. Can he be a 12 and 10 guy like his per 36 numbers suggest? If so, Lopez+KOQ >> Monroe
I'm sick of hearing about the guys who don't want to be here - it's fine, I get that, lots of reasons why you wouldn't.
The team is going to have a very different personality this year I think, and for the better.
Lopez: 27, 16.2+, .150+
Chandler: 32, 20.1-, .216-
Monroe: 25, 21.2-, .153-
Ellis: 29, 16.5, .065+
Carroll: 28, 15.9-, .154-
Matthews: 28, 16.1-, .147 (major injury)
+ means stat was materially higher in 2013-14, while - means it was lower (to suggest whether we're looking at peak values).
So to me Lopez and Monroe stand out because I want guys who will be in their prime in 2016-17 and beyond. Chandler has been the best of the bunch but for the last NY season, but he's also 32 and has missed games 20+ games in 2 of 4 seasons and 7 last year. The group is mostly a pickum' (which makes sense because I grouped them). I think that a guy like Lopez get bonus points for just fitting in better than someone like Monroe, who cant defend and has to be your low post guy. I wanted Monroe but I can understand why we seem to have a preference for Lopez -- it's not crazy.
Long story short, I think Tony Parker is pretty much done being an impact player in the league and he's going to cost the Spurs a championship next year. I think they'd probably beat the Warriors but if Durant is healthy, I think OKC led by a Westbrook rampage (Kawhi forced to guard Durant) will be too much for the Spurs.
I think the Cavs could push 70 wins next year if LeBron/Love/Kyrie play a combined 220 games, especially if they add JJ. Still extremely early in the process but that team figures to be an absolute monster.
However, considering the Knicks needs, Lopez is probably a better fit. It's just a big easier to build around Lopez because 1- he's owed slightly less money 2- a solid defensive center will fit in almost any basketball team regardless of system, supporting cast, etc.
Monroe needed a particular set of players around him for it to work IMO (i.e a shot blocking co-big man who can space the floor and solid defenders at other positions).
A Porz-Lopez frontcourt on paper sounds more compatible than a Porz-Monroe one (assuming Porz's strengths and weaknesses are as advertised).
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I still would have maybe gone with a Mudiay + big man in the draft and sign Monroe and Aflalo (to give us a Mudiay, Aflalo, Melo, Monroe, Big man at 19) lineup but this will do as well and probably has more potential.
Long story short, I think Tony Parker is pretty much done being an impact player in the league and he's going to cost the Spurs a championship next year. I think they'd probably beat the Warriors but if Durant is healthy, I think OKC led by a Westbrook rampage (Kawhi forced to guard Durant) will be too much for the Spurs.
I think the Cavs could push 70 wins next year if LeBron/Love/Kyrie play a combined 220 games, especially if they add JJ. Still extremely early in the process but that team figures to be an absolute monster.
Not sure why they rescinded the offer for Joseph - was it purely because of tax reasons or can they not afford to resign Duncan and Ginobli without doing so?
The rebounder on O = lopez, which was sorely missing last year, and being a type that might mesh with the triangle, and Phil World, even better, the offensive rebounder becoming like a point guard in reverse in that moment?
and an upside player, porzingas.
much better team.
Smith apparently has bigger offers, according to the article.
Also, Zinger may pass up the Summer League to let his hip heal. That would be disappointing, but his conditioning and strength need to be built progressively over the course of the season, along with his PT. If he were to re-injure the hip, the loss of training time would be a problem.
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That agrees with one of the major tenets of the triangle, which prefers the ball distribution to flow from the post rather than a guard out at the point. The triangle, similar to the Princeton offense, also asks for cuts along vectors plotted to maximize the use of floor space, stressing the defense with a relentless sequence of passes.
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So- Lopez detractors may be missing the point.
and- what we saw last year (or what you saw, I went to one game a pal gave me as a gift and do not watch the game anymore typically, so just saw one game) was not really the triangle - yet...
on the D size, perhaps Porz gets to defend the post, that may mean less running for both big men (giving Lopez a better chance to get in position in paint on O quicker)
A common complaint has been that Phil doesn't want to be here very long (unsubstantiated rumor), so it makes no sense to collect players that suit the Triangle.
Who are all these players Phil signed that will be useless if they don't play the triangle? Name one. Porzingis isn't even a triangle big. Grant apparently kills it on the Pick and Roll and so does Lopez.
Nobody even understands what the triangle is. They make it seem like it's Alchemy. Kerr and Popovich use Triangle ideas in their offense. If you want to ridicule a guy with 11 rings, it makes you look like an ignorant asshole to use these types of arguments.