"Frank Ntilikina spent Friday night on his own, resting his sore right knee. But the Knicks rookie guard didnt treat it like a night off, a chance to go out on the town in his new city.
Ntilikina not only sat on his couch and watched the Knicks face the Wizards in Washington, but also he picked up a few things. He noticed the Knicks had added a few plays he was unfamiliar with, and later asked the coaching staff about them.
Not many guys will notice that, coach Jeff Hornacek said.
It was just the latest example of how much the 6-foot-5 rookie from France is impressing his new team, even when hes not on the court.
The hope is Ntilikina, the eighth pick in Junes draft, will return to practice in the next few days and get on the court for the preseason finale Friday against the Wizards at the Garden."
In truth I'm not all that impressed he didn't use it as a chance go to out on the town. He can't even legally drink and he SHOULD be watching games but good to see he's seeing things without having to be force fed.
Link - (
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What is the story?
If I missed practice for a day I would be in early to go over anything new we put in? Can I get an article?
Didn't take long for Franks biggest fan to chime in with the usual negativity.
Around the time the executives were touting that work ethic and Hornacek was talking about building around defense, they were also signing Tim Hardaway Jr. and then readying to move out Carmelo Anthony and bringing back Enes Kanter and Doug McDermott. You can say what you want about those deals, but you really cant say they are known as tenacious defenders.When the Knicks scroll the game film - if they really want to watch - theyll see Hardaway giving up on a few Rockets buckets and theyll see Hornaceks favorite hard worker, Ron Baker, helpless in trying to stop Harden.
There were no hard fouls, which might be the quickest way to stop the Rockets from playfully creating a preseason highlight reel. The Knicks were beaten by the Brooklyn Nets by 34 points the night before. But beyond a hard foul, there is a simpler way to prevent these exclamation points in blowouts - be better.
The Knicks dont talk much about that. Steve Mills, the Knicks president, stood on a stage with Doc OConnor, the Madison Square Garden CEO, Tuesday morning and spoke about the similarities between their team and the newly-minted jersey sponsor, Squarespace.
Link - ( New Window )
That culture, tho! So fresh! Go Nets?
very encouraging - ( New Window )
That culture, tho! So fresh! Go Nets?
Stop whining- I am objective on every knick thread- Spoke about frank in the half court after the preseason opener. Dont be a baby- the article is fluff nonsense- doesnt mean the guy wont be a good or great player- but high fives for doing captain obvious stuff is silly.
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Even a benign positive article about Frank's work ethic draws criticism from Knicks and NETS fans. Heaven forbid something positive is written about the Knicks.
That culture, tho! So fresh! Go Nets?
Stop whining- I am objective on every knick thread- Spoke about frank in the half court after the preseason opener. Dont be a baby- the article is fluff nonsense- doesnt mean the guy wont be a good or great player- but high fives for doing captain obvious stuff is silly.
Haha, fair enough.
I understand he can't practice. But he can't fucking show up and be in the gym? He had to learn about new plays by watching the team on TV?
Holy shit.
Our AAU program practices once or twice a week, and last week I had two kids sidelined with ankle injuries (swear to God, not making that up lol) and they BOTH came to practice, one of them using crutches. And that's one high school senior and one high school freshman.
Why can't Frank attend practice?
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Even a benign positive article about Frank's work ethic draws criticism from Knicks and NETS fans. Heaven forbid something positive is written about the Knicks.
That culture, tho! So fresh! Go Nets?
Stop whining- I am objective on every knick thread- Spoke about frank in the half court after the preseason opener. Dont be a baby- the article is fluff nonsense- doesnt mean the guy wont be a good or great player- but high fives for doing captain obvious stuff is silly.
We're Knicks fans (and Giants fans), we'll take a high 5 anytime we can get one, lol
I understand he can't practice. But he can't fucking show up and be in the gym? He had to learn about new plays by watching the team on TV?
Holy shit.
Our AAU program practices once or twice a week, and last week I had two kids sidelined with ankle injuries (swear to God, not making that up lol) and they BOTH came to practice, one of them using crutches. And that's one high school senior and one high school freshman.
Why can't Frank attend practice?
The game was in Washington. What purpose does it serve to have him travel down there if he wasn't playing?
I understand he can't practice. But he can't fucking show up and be in the gym? He had to learn about new plays by watching the team on TV?
Holy shit.
Our AAU program practices once or twice a week, and last week I had two kids sidelined with ankle injuries (swear to God, not making that up lol) and they BOTH came to practice, one of them using crutches. And that's one high school senior and one high school freshman.
Why can't Frank attend practice?
?? He's been at practice
"Ntilikina didnt do any running during Saturdays practice, and coach Jeff Hornacek said hell determine whether the rookie is ready to come back during Mondays shootaround."
If its one thing Knicks fans aren't, it's impatient. We've been waiting a loooong time and have had to travel through a mile of crap to get here. But go on...
OK.
OK.
wait do you honestly think frank is sitting at homr and skipping practice?
I'm saying that a professional team ... on the road ... installing a couple plays in the locker room before a game ... strikes me as a bit disorganized, somewhat haphazard.
I like KP but I'm not sold on him. I'm most afraid of him staying healthy, but I also worry a little bit about his head after the toxic culture that has surrounded him since he's come into the league.
There is obviously no one else on this roster whose ceiling is higher than a nice player on a good team.
That's not why fans are impressed.
Why?
What is the story?
If I missed practice for a day I would be in early to go over anything new we put in? Can I get an article?
Right...slob fans would certainly conduct themselves in a much more professional manner than typical rookie athletes. How do I know this? Everyone tells me so.
Around the time the executives were touting that work ethic and Hornacek was talking about building around defense, they were also signing Tim Hardaway Jr. and then readying to move out Carmelo Anthony and bringing back Enes Kanter and Doug McDermott. You can say what you want about those deals, but you really cant say they are known as tenacious defenders.When the Knicks scroll the game film - if they really want to watch - theyll see Hardaway giving up on a few Rockets buckets and theyll see Hornaceks favorite hard worker, Ron Baker, helpless in trying to stop Harden.
There were no hard fouls, which might be the quickest way to stop the Rockets from playfully creating a preseason highlight reel. The Knicks were beaten by the Brooklyn Nets by 34 points the night before. But beyond a hard foul, there is a simpler way to prevent these exclamation points in blowouts - be better.
The Knicks dont talk much about that. Steve Mills, the Knicks president, stood on a stage with Doc OConnor, the Madison Square Garden CEO, Tuesday morning and spoke about the similarities between their team and the newly-minted jersey sponsor, Squarespace. Link - ( New Window )
A+ ?? Because the Knicks didn't adopt the new layups rule in a preseason game and because they aren't any good despite being literally 2 hrs into a rebuild?
Ok.
"Around the time the executives were touting that work ethic and Hornacek was talking about building around defense, they were also signing Tim Hardaway Jr. and then readying to move out Carmelo Anthony and bringing back Enes Kanter and Doug McDermott. You can say what you want about those deals, but you really cant say they are known as tenacious defenders.When the Knicks scroll the game film - if they really want to watch - theyll see Hardaway giving up on a few Rockets buckets and theyll see Hornaceks favorite hard worker, Ron Baker, helpless in trying to stop Harden."
100% on point.
Berger thinks it's about his DLeague rights. Might not be a good sign for Jarrett Jack. Might be PG depth if Jack is sent packing.
Im so tired of watching teams hit a million 3's on us. Guard the damn 3 point line and figure out how a basic defensive rotation shoudl work.
The Nets... 42% from 3, 50% from the field
Jeezus, what are they waiting for? I'll drive Thomas to the airport
Watch it will be another center. I'd give Lance Thomas away (just don't take back a worse deal). I wouldn't "give away" KOQ but I'd obviously deal him if the right deal came along.
I can't see this team winning more than 23-25 games. This team is not athletic, has no toughness, etc...other than that they might be fine. LONG LONG YEAR
Why on earth would I want them to?
The Nets... 42% from 3, 50% from the field
Dan you're better then this. Its a few games into the preseason, and we're SUPPOSED to be bad this year. Knicks are finally doing the right thing and you're killing them? You know more about basketball then that. How has that Wolves defense been the last few years, even with Thibs?
I like the Burke signing- he's been bad in the NBA, but he's only 24 and a former top 10 pick. Knicks should absolutely be giving anyone under 25 a look who is on the scrap heap. Those guys do turn into contributors sometimes, might as well take the chance to see if it can be here.
I can't see this team winning more than 23-25 games. This team is not athletic, has no toughness, etc...other than that they might be fine. LONG LONG YEAR
He's a FA after the year. If they get a multi-year piece or pick you move him. You aren't giving Kyle O'Quinn a significant contract to backup KP and the league just gave the corpse of Nick Collison 2 years 20, Christiano Feliciano 4 years 32 million and Taj Gibson 2 years 28...
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Knicks allowed the Rockets to shoot 48% from 3, 54% from the field. 22 3 pointers!! That's an embarrassment and yes that's about effort. Oh, but the Rockets are contenders...but
The Nets... 42% from 3, 50% from the field
Dan you're better then this. Its a few games into the preseason, and we're SUPPOSED to be bad this year. Knicks are finally doing the right thing and you're killing them? You know more about basketball then that. How has that Wolves defense been the last few years, even with Thibs?
I like the Burke signing- he's been bad in the NBA, but he's only 24 and a former top 10 pick. Knicks should absolutely be giving anyone under 25 a look who is on the scrap heap. Those guys do turn into contributors sometimes, might as well take the chance to see if it can be here.
What? I can't blast the defensive EFFORT being put forward? The Nets have an awful lineup/talent as well. Why aren't they being embarrassed by the Knicks? Why aren't they giving up 110+ per night? The Knicks effort has been bad enough that the MSG talking heads (homers) have trashed them.
I'm going with
#bekakaforluka
#loseinthefirstquarterforporter
#winstarvinformarvin
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In comment 13642679 DanMetroMan said:
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Knicks allowed the Rockets to shoot 48% from 3, 54% from the field. 22 3 pointers!! That's an embarrassment and yes that's about effort. Oh, but the Rockets are contenders...but
The Nets... 42% from 3, 50% from the field
Dan you're better then this. Its a few games into the preseason, and we're SUPPOSED to be bad this year. Knicks are finally doing the right thing and you're killing them? You know more about basketball then that. How has that Wolves defense been the last few years, even with Thibs?
I like the Burke signing- he's been bad in the NBA, but he's only 24 and a former top 10 pick. Knicks should absolutely be giving anyone under 25 a look who is on the scrap heap. Those guys do turn into contributors sometimes, might as well take the chance to see if it can be here.
What? I can't blast the defensive EFFORT being put forward? The Nets have an awful lineup/talent as well. Why aren't they being embarrassed by the Knicks? Why aren't they giving up 110+ per night? The Knicks effort has been bad enough that the MSG talking heads (homers) have trashed them.
I mean sure, but in the preseason when we're playing 11 guys, none of whom are KP, Frank or Wily, who cares? That's worth multiple posts to complain about?
We ALL have been waiting years for the Knicks to do what they're doing now. Lets give it some time and see what happens. Can we even get one season of just being awful and letting the kids learn, an offseason with another high draft pick and a new coaching staff(hopefully) and see what happens?
No better so they decide Rambis will no longer fill this role and it will be more of a "group" thing. So we get to pre-season and see them allow the Nets to shoot 14/22 in the first quarter and allow the Rockets to nail 22 3's (many of which 100% wide open). It's more than fair to nail the Knicks on defense and what their defensive effort is.
2)Most of these horrific defenders will be gone in a year or two.
2. Willy not playing last game has 0.0% impact on the Rockets hitting 42% from 3, he played the previous game vs. the Nets where they put in an embarrassing defensive effort. He's played in 3 of the 4 preseason games they allowed 115, 104 and 117. KP has played in 2 games 115 and 117 allowed. I don't think it's very fair to point to KP and Willy "not playing" as a defense for the defense. If anything Willy is a net negative defensively anyway.
No better so they decide Rambis will no longer fill this role and it will be more of a "group" thing. So we get to pre-season and see them allow the Nets to shoot 14/22 in the first quarter and allow the Rockets to nail 22 3's (many of which 100% wide open). It's more than fair to nail the Knicks on defense and what their defensive effort is.
To what point though? Who cares what their defense looks like this year? If we go 12-70, end up with our choice of studs in this years draft class and RC Buford as our new HC - will this year be a success or a failure?
I just dont see what the point of getting upset over defense on a tanking team, especially in the preseason.
2)Most of these horrific defenders will be gone in a year or two.
Greg,
That's more than fine but you can still point out poor effort when you see it. Hornacek is lost. I'd be "stunned" if he's back next year. He went 101-112 in Phoenix and THAT is what people point to as proof he's a good coach? He won 48 games his first year, props for that but plenty of crappy NBA HC's have had a surprisingly good season before. Mike Woodson had 2 50 win seasons, does anybody want him back next year? Bernie Bickerstaff won 47 one season in Seattle, I sure as hell don't want him as our HC.
For your own health, for everyone it would be wise to not get so caught up in this teams performance. They are going to be dreadful. Specifically on the defensive end. I'm not sure getting crazy about it is worth it. But if you want to spend the next 6 months freaking out, have at it...
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Jeff Hornacek was having trouble coaching defense in Phoenix so he brought in Longabardi as a "defensive coordinator" of sorts. Phil hires him, they try for Longabardi knowing Hornacek's "issues" with defense. They can't get him, decide to go without such a coach... defense and defensive effort are embarrassing and they decide Rambis will now fill this role.
No better so they decide Rambis will no longer fill this role and it will be more of a "group" thing. So we get to pre-season and see them allow the Nets to shoot 14/22 in the first quarter and allow the Rockets to nail 22 3's (many of which 100% wide open). It's more than fair to nail the Knicks on defense and what their defensive effort is.
To what point though? Who cares what their defense looks like this year? If we go 12-70, end up with our choice of studs in this years draft class and RC Buford as our new HC - will this year be a success or a failure?
I just dont see what the point of getting upset over defense on a tanking team, especially in the preseason.
It's valid to point out where a roster isn't even putting in effort for the HC. RC Buford? No I wouldn't particularly want him as Knicks HC. I don't think he's coached at any level in over 20 years. That would be a bizarre hire as coach.
For your own health, for everyone it would be wise to not get so caught up in this teams performance. They are going to be dreadful. Specifically on the defensive end. I'm not sure getting crazy about it is worth it. But if you want to spend the next 6 months freaking out, have at it...
Not flipping out at all. Popper said the effort wasn't there. djm makes it sound like it's just because it's pre-season I find that to be absurd. They can lose every single game, I don't care.
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Mindaugas Kuzminskas says he will likely return on Friday. He's missed the preseason with a calf injury.
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Ian Begley @IanBegley 17m17 minutes ago
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Kristaps Porzingis says he hopes to play Friday but his status is still unclear. His hip feels better.
I don't know if I agree that you "dont care", since you've posted a ton about the Knicks defensive efforts but to each their own. I actually truly dont care so if you want to let your blood pressure rise over Knicks losing by 20, have at it! In the meantime, I'm all in for #loseinthefirstquarterforporter
Would love Jack to stay on as a development coach if he doesn't get a look elsewhere.
Coaches on hot seat - ( New Window )
No brainer. #1 realistic HC on my wish list. Really doubt it happens. He likely wants more say than he would have here.
Honestly? Non-descript but he's long and looks the part of a potential good defender. He hasn't particularly "stood out" in pre-season defensively but I think that would be kind of hard to do anyway.
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during Knicks season. Dans already flipping out about the defense, almost obsessively so, and it's not going to get any better. Season hasn't even started yet and people are losing their minds.
For your own health, for everyone it would be wise to not get so caught up in this teams performance. They are going to be dreadful. Specifically on the defensive end. I'm not sure getting crazy about it is worth it. But if you want to spend the next 6 months freaking out, have at it...
Not flipping out at all. Popper said the effort wasn't there. djm makes it sound like it's just because it's pre-season I find that to be absurd. They can lose every single game, I don't care.
my point wasn't that it was only preseason, that's part of it, but it's just an overstated, premature, and somewhat obvious article that doesn't deserve the credit you gave it. Wow the Knicks D sucks...no shit. OK the Knicks traded Melo for defensively challenged players. That doesn't mean the Knicks franchise isn't committed to D over the long haul. It's not like the Knicks had ample chances to sign a 28 year old Dennis Rodman and Patrick Ewing in the offseason to shore up that bad D.
Whatever, yes the KNicks D sucks and will suck. We know that. The article isn't worth shit.
And no layups in preseason isn't really something that happens anymore.
And no layups in preseason isn't really something that happens anymore.
Again, the Rockets EMBARRASSED the Knicks. Forget layups WIDE open 3's. The Nets 14-22 in the first quarter. THE NETS!!
That would be a fantastic hire which is why it won't happen.
And if they are going full rebuild- don't go half measures. Move Lee, Kanter and KOQ the first chance you get. Play KP/ Frank/ Dotson/ Willy as much as possible. Take some fliers on young wings and see if you find a diamond in the rough.
And if they are going full rebuild- don't go half measures. Move Lee, Kanter and KOQ the first chance you get. Play KP/ Frank/ Dotson/ Willy as much as possible. Take some fliers on young wings and see if you find a diamond in the rough.
Well this is the entire basis for my supposed "rant". This shouldn't just be a total throw away of a season developmentally. THjr shouldn't get a pass for defensive effort because "we suck", KP, Willy, Frank etc either. The idea is to use this year to help push forward not "okay but NEXT year we will show them how to put in proper defensive effort"!
"for an opportunity"... Perry's new mantra
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Hornacek wants Knicks to play faster. So far they're 21st in pace this preseason. Faster than Utah, but slower than Maccabi Haifa.
Later in the interview, he tried to be more optimistic.
I hope to play the last game and be ready for the season, Porzingis said. Im like a lizard. I recover quickly.
Europeans can't play fast? KP can't play fast? Holy crap...
What's the league average fast at each position?