Post by irish2u2 on Mar 28, 2021 17:56:50 GMT -5
I imagine Mitchell Robinson is done for the year with his fractured foot. I won't act like it's not a major deal because it is but not for the same reasons most Knick fans are crying in their beer. With Drummond signing with the Lakers (totally shocked he didn't go for the money in Boston) and Dieng to the Spurs that leaves Boogie Cousins as the last big standing. Personally I think the Knicks stick with Estus Fezeli or Skai Labissiere because they have contract rights to both. Either way it doesn't matter. My sights aren't set on the playoffs. Yet. I hope we make them because it's a great experience for a young team and a great growing tool for their future success but right now I know this isn't a championship level team. In a few years they should be which is why I'm upset Mitch is down. He needs the experience to be his best self. He's not there yet but he's showing signs and now after his second freaky accident this season he must rehab again and put his career on hold... again.
But I do like the direction the Knicks are heading. In 2 years the win now at all costs Brooklyn Nets will have more stars on Injured Reserve than on the court.
In 2 years Randle will still be in his prime, RJ will be a beast and an All-Star talent and a third star will emerge. In the meantime the restraint shown by Leon Rose to pass on the bandaid solutions will pay off. It should also be noted that while Obi Toppin is still struggling a bit Leon Rose did draft IQ and sign Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel who can be key pieces for the Knicks as a future SERIOUS playoff challenger. When you see Burks play you think Kris Middleton while Nerlens Noel has been spectacular filling in for Robinson. IQ has shown he too can be a major influencer.
I'm a Big Picture kinda guy so when Knicks fans are lamenting Leon should have taken Haliburton instead of Obi I am reminded had they done this they likely would have passed on IQ. I like IQ and there are little hints here and there that Obi can be a contributor for this team. He did show some signs against Milwaukee.
The most important thing that has happened to the Knicks is the change culture. Not just because Thibs has them playing defense but because they are playing TOGETHER which is what TEAM is all about. Derrick Rose crying when he heard Mitch fractured his foot is simply another sign that the whole direction of the Knicks has changed towards the positive. Nobody likes playing us. Every announcer for other teams marvels at the Knicks hustle and competitiveness.
Losing Mitch hurts but not panicking and going for players who don't fit the vision is another sign the Knicks are on the right path. My understanding is the Knicks brass was never high on Drummond and maybe one Knicks shot caller liked him. Likely that was Thibs and his win now attitude but cooler heads prevailed. The irony is Drummond does help the Lakers who need the high percentage points he provides but I wonder if Drummond gets in the way of Davis and LeBron in the paint? I had that same reservation with Drummond and Randle.
FWIW I do think the Knicks can make the playoffs even without Robinson. Even if they don't they are certainly better and way more fun to watch than last year.
But I do like the direction the Knicks are heading. In 2 years the win now at all costs Brooklyn Nets will have more stars on Injured Reserve than on the court.
In 2 years Randle will still be in his prime, RJ will be a beast and an All-Star talent and a third star will emerge. In the meantime the restraint shown by Leon Rose to pass on the bandaid solutions will pay off. It should also be noted that while Obi Toppin is still struggling a bit Leon Rose did draft IQ and sign Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel who can be key pieces for the Knicks as a future SERIOUS playoff challenger. When you see Burks play you think Kris Middleton while Nerlens Noel has been spectacular filling in for Robinson. IQ has shown he too can be a major influencer. I'm a Big Picture kinda guy so when Knicks fans are lamenting Leon should have taken Haliburton instead of Obi I am reminded had they done this they likely would have passed on IQ. I like IQ and there are little hints here and there that Obi can be a contributor for this team. He did show some signs against Milwaukee.
The most important thing that has happened to the Knicks is the change culture. Not just because Thibs has them playing defense but because they are playing TOGETHER which is what TEAM is all about. Derrick Rose crying when he heard Mitch fractured his foot is simply another sign that the whole direction of the Knicks has changed towards the positive. Nobody likes playing us. Every announcer for other teams marvels at the Knicks hustle and competitiveness.
Losing Mitch hurts but not panicking and going for players who don't fit the vision is another sign the Knicks are on the right path. My understanding is the Knicks brass was never high on Drummond and maybe one Knicks shot caller liked him. Likely that was Thibs and his win now attitude but cooler heads prevailed. The irony is Drummond does help the Lakers who need the high percentage points he provides but I wonder if Drummond gets in the way of Davis and LeBron in the paint? I had that same reservation with Drummond and Randle.
FWIW I do think the Knicks can make the playoffs even without Robinson. Even if they don't they are certainly better and way more fun to watch than last year.
