Post by daglazer on Jun 26, 2009 9:30:34 GMT -5
While I think that Charlotte and Denver got the two steals of the draft in Henderson and Lawson, I am extremely pleased with what Walsh has done so far. He is rapidly rebuilding this team to fit Coach D'Antoni's style. Looking at the moves made, I am happy with all three. I think that I was truly happy with only one of Isiah's moves.
Q for Darko is a great move. Q's back prevented him from being an effective wing player anymore and the Knicks needs a center who can block shots. Darko has no post moves, but he can shoot a little and most importantly, he is an athletic shot blocker. As such, he can be expected to improve our defense even if he can't score 10 points per game. What is even better is that we now have a legit center on the roster other than fat Eddy.
The pick of Jordan Hill makes a lot of sense. I have little doubt that the Knicks have spread the word around that they are open to a sign and trade for David Lee. So, we needed a replace PF who can really rebound. Hill averaged 11 boards in the Pac-10. If you can rebound like that in a major conference, you can rebound in the NBA. Plus, He showed some ability to block shots. So, we now have two players on the baseline who can actually protect the basket and can also shoot. Sounds like 2 players who fit the D'Antoni system.
I also love buying the Lakers pick. We are a team with a lot of needs, particularly for young talent. The end of the draft is often where you find skilled players who are not quite the right size, but can be quality role players. Toney Douglas is that type of player. For those who do not know much about him, he was the best player on FSU. He is the ACC defensive player of the year and was basically unstoppable on offense. Every year at FSU, he had more assists than turnovers. He is a very good athlete. His biggest problem is that he is 6'2" and not 6'4". If he was two inches taller, he would have been a lottery pick. He needs to work on his passing skills and improve his shot selection, but he is a could value at 29. He will be a combo guard off the bench in the NBA. He reminds me of Vinnie Johnson. He is another player who will be a good fit in the D'Antoni system. I envision him replacing a lot of what Nate gave the team after we trade Nate.
So, Walsh added three athletic players who all fit not only a need, but are good fits for D'Antoni. Donnie Walsh continues to give me hope for the Knicks future with his shrewd moves.
For the first time since the 90's, I can honestly say that I could not have done better myself.
Q for Darko is a great move. Q's back prevented him from being an effective wing player anymore and the Knicks needs a center who can block shots. Darko has no post moves, but he can shoot a little and most importantly, he is an athletic shot blocker. As such, he can be expected to improve our defense even if he can't score 10 points per game. What is even better is that we now have a legit center on the roster other than fat Eddy.
The pick of Jordan Hill makes a lot of sense. I have little doubt that the Knicks have spread the word around that they are open to a sign and trade for David Lee. So, we needed a replace PF who can really rebound. Hill averaged 11 boards in the Pac-10. If you can rebound like that in a major conference, you can rebound in the NBA. Plus, He showed some ability to block shots. So, we now have two players on the baseline who can actually protect the basket and can also shoot. Sounds like 2 players who fit the D'Antoni system.
I also love buying the Lakers pick. We are a team with a lot of needs, particularly for young talent. The end of the draft is often where you find skilled players who are not quite the right size, but can be quality role players. Toney Douglas is that type of player. For those who do not know much about him, he was the best player on FSU. He is the ACC defensive player of the year and was basically unstoppable on offense. Every year at FSU, he had more assists than turnovers. He is a very good athlete. His biggest problem is that he is 6'2" and not 6'4". If he was two inches taller, he would have been a lottery pick. He needs to work on his passing skills and improve his shot selection, but he is a could value at 29. He will be a combo guard off the bench in the NBA. He reminds me of Vinnie Johnson. He is another player who will be a good fit in the D'Antoni system. I envision him replacing a lot of what Nate gave the team after we trade Nate.
So, Walsh added three athletic players who all fit not only a need, but are good fits for D'Antoni. Donnie Walsh continues to give me hope for the Knicks future with his shrewd moves.
For the first time since the 90's, I can honestly say that I could not have done better myself.
