It All Starts on Tuesday

[irish2u2]

The 2021-22 season gets off to a start on Tuesday, September 28th. The Knicks will have 20 players in camp. Alphabetically: 

G/F Dwayne Bacon, 26 years old, 6’6, 221 lbs.
G/F RJ Barrett, 21 years old, 6’6, 215lbs
G/F Alec Burks, 30 years old, 6’6, 214lbs
G/F Evan Fournier, 28 years old, 6’7, 205 lbs
C/PF Taj Gibson 36 years old, 6’9, 235lbs
SG Quentin Grimes, 21 years old, 6’4, 210 lbs
G Immanuel Quickley, 6’3, 190lbs
SF Kevin Knox, 22 years old, 6’9, 215 lbs
PG Miles McBride, 21 years old. 6’1, 195 lbs
C Nerlens Noel, 27 years old, 8’11, 220lbs
PF Julius Randle, 26 years old, 6’9, 250 lbs
C Mitchell Robinson, 23 years old. 7’, 270 lbs
G Derrick Rose, 32 years old, 6’3, 200 lbs
SF Wayne Seldon, 26 years old, 230lbs
PF Aamir Simms, 22 years old, 6’8, 245 lbs
PF Obi Toppin, 23 years old, 6’9, 220 lbs
C Jericho Sims, 22 years old, 6’10, 250lbs
G Luca Vildoza, 26 years old. 6’3, 190 lbs
PB Kemba Walker, 31 years old, 6’, 184lbs
SG MJ Walker, 23 years old, 6’5, 213 lbs


Some observations before the analysis. THIS Knicks team is built on chemistry, defense and depth. It is also a team built on tradable, team friendly contracts that can be dealt for a star who may become available. Leon Rose and Co. have managed to keep the core of this team together without blowing the cap. They addressed glaring weaknesses. They made astute deals and drafted some fine young basketball players with the ability to contribute in the near future. 

I LIKE this basketball team. I like the character of the players. I like the camaraderie and team first attitudes. I don't see a lot of self destructive ego on this basketball team. I especially like how this team is constructed to build on last season's success which means first you have to talk about what made last year's team so successful. It starts with Leon Rose. The secretive, never heard from Leon Rose which is the exact opposite of most of the executives who have run the Knicks. Rose stays behind the curtain and it works.Rose hired Tom Thibodeau who is another reason this Knicks team surpassed all expectations last season. He stresses defense and the New York Knickerbockers were the best defensive team in the NBA last season. But the real reason the Knicks improved so much last season was because of three players. Julius Randle. RJ Barrett. Derrick Rose. The astronomical improvements of Randle and RJ plus adding Rose to stir the drink was the major reason the Knicks improved so drastically and it wasn't just offensive improvements that should be noted. Both Randle and Barrett became stellar defenders and Rose was effective as well especially in the passing lanes. 

Last year's Knicks team LIKED each other. You could tell there was genuine brotherhood on this basketball team which is why Rose, Noel, Burks and Taj were brought back. I also think this unique team chemistry is what led Rose to sign Evan Fournier and Kemba Walker this off season. Of course both players addressed some of the fundamental flaws exposed by the Hawks in the playoffs but they are both very good people too and obviously Kemba has roots in New York. In fact a guy I liked who was on the trading block and would have been a perfect fit for what the Knicks needed was never even discussed by the Knicks. I'm talking Colin Sexton, the young Cleveland Cavs PG. On paper he was what the doctor ordered. Young. Uber athletic. A scorer. A PG. But he was never considered by the Knicks and I suspect it might have been character questions. Walker and Fournier are not problem guys. 

Back to the team.   Julius Randle and RJ Barrett put in a tremendous amount of work on their games last summer and it showed last season. They are working just as hard this summer so I expect them both to improve. I also expect Quickley and Toppin to improve too. One of the great things about our team is they have been working out together all summer and the work ethic of Randle and RJ has rubbed off on IQ and Toppin. Both need to improve to make the Knicks significantly better. Both are very key to the Knicks improvement next season but IMHO the one player who has to step up is Mitch Robinson. 

I have heard multiple discussions and read numerous articles on the Knicks needing a more offensive minded center. From trading for Karl Anthony Towns or a recent article that stated the Knicks should keep DeMarcus Cousins on speed dial a lot of pundits think the Knicks need points from he pivot and not just lobs and putbacks. I can't disagree with that assessment especially against the better centers in the league. The best way to defend a great center is tire him out at both ends of the court.   An offensive minded center helps spread the court getting easier shots for everyone. The time has come for Robinson to become the center the Knicks need. I know the kid can defend and rebound. Supposedly he has gained weight with some saying he's 285 lbs. He's not 285 lbs and I was being generous listing him at 270 lbs but he is bigger and he does look stronger. In order for Mitch to impact games he first has to PLAY the games so staying healthy is key. Being stronger should help on defense and on the boards but what I have been saying for two damn years is the guy can shoot the basketball!! What's more he can shoot off the bounce!! I don't know if Mitch can be a legitimate 3 point threat though I suspect he can but he certainly can hit the pick and pop midrange jumper. Playing with Kemba Walker he can get that shot. He has to hit that shot and knowing he has the skills to make that shot doesn't mean anything if he isn't confident he can make that shot. The Knicks move up to a whole new level if Robinson becomes a midrange threat. I applauded the signing of Nerlens Noel but I'm hoping he becomes the best BACKUP center in the NBA. 

So looking at the depth chart you have Randle at PF. Mitch at center and either RJ or Fournier at SF with whoever isn't the SF playing SG. I kinda like the idea of RJ at SF. He's stronger than Evan and I hear he might have grown a couple of inches. Walker plays PG with Derrick Rose, Alec Burks, IQ, Noel and Obi off the bench. Left on the bench are Bacon, Knox, Gibson, Vildoza and one of the rookie players we drafted. I feel pretty sure Jericho Sims will play for Westchester but maybe McBride or Grimes make it to the end of the bench though frankly it's better they play as much NBADL ball as possible. 

More later on this thread. It's been a long day. 

[greatgates36]

Excellent post. I love the depth. I dont think the defense can be as good rplacing Payton and Bullock with Kemba and Evan. But we should be much better on offense and therefore better balanced. (And on a very minor but exceedingly important to me note; I enjoy Atlanta being unable to hide trae young defending any of our starters}

[irish2u2]

Sept 26, 2021 2:42:15 GMT -5 greatgates36 said:

Excellent post. I love the depth. I dont think the defense can be as good rplacing Payton and Bullock with Kemba and Evan. But we should be much better on offense and therefore better balanced. (And on a very minor but exceedingly important to me note; I enjoy Atlanta being unable to hide trae young defending any of our starters}

Great points about the defensive abilities of Fournier and Walker but consider Randle and RJ's defense before Thibs arrived. They certainly became much better defenders because of Thibs. Plus our defense is primarily a team/help defense which can hide some shortcomings of individuals. Then there is also the strategy of funneling opponents at Mitch and Nerlens.   I think our defense will be fine. Maybe a tad below last season but the trade-off in offense is well worth adding Fournier and Walker. And here is where I need to qualify myself.

I like Evan Fournier and Kemba Walker as players and people. I saw a lot of Fournier so I appreciate his skills. Walker killed my Gators in the NCAA Tourney in back to back years but I loved his toughness especially as a pro. Yet I didn't want either one. I never considered Kemba this summer right up till Rose signed him. As for Fournier I honestly thought the Knicks might go for DeRozan or even make a mega trade for Beal. So we get both and I spend a not inconsiderable time watching tape.   Keeping in mind I wanted Reggie Bullock 5 years ago and I totally appreciate his game and what he brings to the table it's not real difficult to see Fournier is a serious upgrade. His ability on offense and his smarts make Evan a very valuable addition. He doesn't force things and he's a highly intelligent and efficient player. Most of all he is not just a catch and shoot player. He can go get his own shot which would have made a huge difference against Atlanta. 

Walker is just one of those guys who has natural scoring ability. He's a volume scorer but so was Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson.   If he stays healthy, and splitting PT with Rose should help, Kemba is a guy who by himself can win 5 games or more a season. He has scored 60 points in a game. He has scored 52 points in a game. He has 16 career games over 40 points. Kemba gets hot and he can put a bad team on his shoulders. Imagine what he can do with a good team. 

Our depth and chemistry are the Knicks super powers. We have no drama in the locker room. We have no drama off the court. We have no drama on the court. Both Walker and Fournier have raved about the Knicks culture from top to bottom. Meanwhile across the river Dr. Kyrie Irving is challenging the CDC findings on vaccinations.   Our guys are just playing ball.   Together. Well before they were expected at Westchester the Knick players have been working literally day and night. So we got a team that likes each other, is smart, works hard and works together. I factor the improvement of the young players simply because of the influence of all the grinders around them. This. why I expect more out of Randle, RJ, IQ and Obi. They are busting their tails getting better. How many times did we hear about Knicks players going to the gym after a loss? It happened a lot and that is the culture Thibs has brought to the Knickerbocker organization. 

Besides almost unheard of team chemistry depth is a huge advantage. The Knicks are two or more deep at every position. They have a nice blend of youth (9 players under 25 years old), players in their prime years ( 5 between 26 and 29) and veteran leadership ( 4 players 30 and older). Thibs has a 10 man rotation and as Obi gets better that cuts down Randle's minutes while the addition of Fournier does the same for RJ. 

Again I'm tired so more later but I'll part with this thought. A lot of teams improved this summer so the Knicks will be hard pressed to retain their 4th best position in the Eastern Conference. Yet I'm not worried. The players we kept, the players we signed, the players we drafted and just the top to bottom management excellence fills me with confidence and anticipation. A number of teams are better than the Knicks on paper. Fortunately games are played on the hardwood. 

[irish2u2]

Let's talk about the 800 lb gorilla in the room.  

Last season that would have been Ntilikina but we don't have Frank to kick around anymore. Or it could have been Elfrid Payton. He's gone too. So who is left to raise the hackles and ire of the Knicks fan collective?

Kevin Knox. 

Knox averaged career lows in minutes, points and rebounds last season. This season there is even more competition at SF with Fournier, Barrett, Burks and Bacon all capable of playing today's NBA version of the small forward. Kevin is the tallest of the SF prospects at 6'9 (I have no idea why the official roster has him at 6'7 when the NBA combine in 2018 has him almost 6'8 barefoot and 6'9 in sneakers) and with maybe Bacon he is the most athletic. He has a 7' wingspan. And he just turned 22 years old. So the question is what is wrong with Kevin Knox. Kentucky coach John Calipari was certain with a little time Knox had superstar abilities yet this season he is fighting for his career.

I bring all this up because at least twice I have heard Thibs telling the press how hard Kevin worked this summer. Maybe grinding makes the difference. I have heard whispers Knox is easily discouraged so a tougher skin and more effort can only help. I don't question his skills and he is a very athletic young man. He's also smart so it all circles back to confidence. Certainly Kevin's confidence can't be helped by all the competition in front of him yet a Phoenix like ascension is what the doctor ordered for the Knicks. I think the Knicks improved in a lot of areas except athleticism. That's a key component in today's NBA along with a 3 point shot and we already know Kevin can shoot and we all know he's athletic and now we all know he has length. 

One of the pre-season stories will be Kevin Knox. Can he crack the rotation? Can he make an impact? If he can't he won't get extended and maybe that is motivation enough for him to take that big step up in his career and start being the player Calipar said he could be. 

[ReneNYG1]

I really like our chances with this team. My only concern heading in is the contract situation with my man Mitch ,I would like an extension. I'm not too worried about down time with our guards as I think we have tons of backup talent.

[greatgates36]

Sept 30, 2021 17:05:40 GMT -5 irish2u2 said:

Let's talk about the 800 lb gorilla in the room.  

Last season that would have been Ntilikina but we don't have Frank to kick around anymore. Or it could have been Elfrid Payton. He's gone too. So who is left to raise the hackles and ire of the Knicks fan collective?

Kevin Knox. 

Knox averaged career lows in minutes, points and rebounds last season. This season there is even more competition at SF with Fournier, Barrett, Burks and Bacon all capable of playing today's NBA version of the small forward. Kevin is the tallest of the SF prospects at 6'9 (I have no idea why the official roster has him at 6'7 when the NBA combine in 2018 has him almost 6'8 barefoot and 6'9 in sneakers) and with maybe Bacon he is the most athletic. He has a 7' wingspan. And he just turned 22 years old. So the question is what is wrong with Kevin Knox. Kentucky coach John Calipari was certain with a little time Knox had superstar abilities yet this season he is fighting for his career.

I bring all this up because at least twice I have heard Thibs telling the press how hard Kevin worked this summer. Maybe grinding makes the difference. I have heard whispers Knox is easily discouraged so a tougher skin and more effort can only help. I don't question his skills and he is a very athletic young man. He's also smart so it all circles back to confidence. Certainly Kevin's confidence can't be helped by all the competition in front of him yet a Phoenix like ascension is what the doctor ordered for the Knicks. I think the Knicks improved in a lot of areas except athleticism. That's a key component in today's NBA along with a 3 point shot and we already know Kevin can shoot and we all know he's athletic and now we all know he has length. 

One of the pre-season stories will be Kevin Knox. Can he crack the rotation? Can he make an impact? If he can't he won't get extended and maybe that is motivation enough for him to take that big step up in his career and start being the player Calipar said he could be. 

Nice post. I think Kevin has much improved and will continue to do so.  Problem is that the guys ahead of him are better. But there are always injurues,  He will get a chance. I like where he is (unlike Frank). He has to play HARD, Looking forward to seeing him this season.

[irish2u2]

Oct 6, 2021 9:05:46 GMT -5 greatgates36 said:

Sept 30, 2021 17:05:40 GMT -5 irish2u2 said:

Let's talk about the 800 lb gorilla in the room.  

Last season that would have been Ntilikina but we don't have Frank to kick around anymore. Or it could have been Elfrid Payton. He's gone too. So who is left to raise the hackles and ire of the Knicks fan collective?

Kevin Knox. 

Knox averaged career lows in minutes, points and rebounds last season. This season there is even more competition at SF with Fournier, Barrett, Burks and Bacon all capable of playing today's NBA version of the small forward. Kevin is the tallest of the SF prospects at 6'9 (I have no idea why the official roster has him at 6'7 when the NBA combine in 2018 has him almost 6'8 barefoot and 6'9 in sneakers) and with maybe Bacon he is the most athletic. He has a 7' wingspan. And he just turned 22 years old. So the question is what is wrong with Kevin Knox. Kentucky coach John Calipari was certain with a little time Knox had superstar abilities yet this season he is fighting for his career.

I bring all this up because at least twice I have heard Thibs telling the press how hard Kevin worked this summer. Maybe grinding makes the difference. I have heard whispers Knox is easily discouraged so a tougher skin and more effort can only help. I don't question his skills and he is a very athletic young man. He's also smart so it all circles back to confidence. Certainly Kevin's confidence can't be helped by all the competition in front of him yet a Phoenix like ascension is what the doctor ordered for the Knicks. I think the Knicks improved in a lot of areas except athleticism. That's a key component in today's NBA along with a 3 point shot and we already know Kevin can shoot and we all know he's athletic and now we all know he has length. 

One of the pre-season stories will be Kevin Knox. Can he crack the rotation? Can he make an impact? If he can't he won't get extended and maybe that is motivation enough for him to take that big step up in his career and start being the player Calipar said he could be. 

Nice post. I think Kevin has much improved and will continue to do so.  Problem is that the guys ahead of him are better. But there are always injurues,  He will get a chance. I like where he is (unlike Frank). He has to play HARD, Looking forward to seeing him this season.

There is room for Kevin Knox in the rotation. Not much but enough to kick start his career again even if it means making him more valuable as a trade asset. Knox's length and athleticism plus skills make Kevin Knox at 22 still a very intriguing prospect. He still has ceiling to his game but to get PT he has to find a way to make Burks the trade asset instead of him. The talent is there. The physical gifts are there. Is Kevin willing to commit to grind that gets him off the bench? 

One of the complaints about Kevin Knox was a lackadaisical attitude. The other was he needed to bulk up. On Tuesday he looked stronger and in 4 minutes on the floor he moved well, he went to the places he should go to and took the shots we all want him to take. The ball is in his court. Pun intended.