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.
#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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