Chandler is one dynamic versatile player and during Las Vegas summerball he has his chance to impress his new coach and show how much he can help our New York Knicks team next season. He is young quick and contributes at both ends of the floor.
Under-the-gun Stephon Marbury, sporting his new head tattoo of his Starbury 3 logo, sat on Knicks bench in dark shades, looking unworried. But a reporter from Italy told D’Antoni in Italian he liked Marbury and the Knicks coach laughed and retorted in Italian, “You like Marbury?” NY Post
Jamal Crawford, Quentin Richardson, David Lee and Stephon Marbury attended the game, and Crawford, Richardson and Marbury made guest appearances during the MSG Network broadcast. Marbury, wearing an unbuttoned shirt and mirror sunglasses, also sat on the Knicks’ bench for part of the game. NY Newsday
Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy, whose team is participating in the summer league, left after watching the Knicks game from the stands. Dunleavy’s team had discussions with the Knicks about acquiring Zach Randolph to replace the surprising free-agent departure of Elton Brand. But Knicks president Donnie Walsh turned down the initial offer, which is believed to have been a second-round pick. Walsh believes Randolph has more value. NY Newsday
Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy was in attendance. The Knicks recently turned down a deal that would have sent Zach Randolph to Los Angeles. NY Daily News
That Zach Randolph-to-the-Clippers scenario for a second-round draft pick reminded us of a few summers ago, when the Nets were in salary-dump mode and besides letting Kenyon Martin leave for Denver, also dealt Kerry Kittles to the Clips for a second-rounder. Fans screamed, with reason. This, though, is a little different. Dealing Z-Bo for essentially nothing would be simple addition-by-subtraction, unloading not only a salary-cap albatross, but freeing Eddy Curry, if you presume he can be of any use next season. Bergen Record
Mike D’Antoni loves Wilson Chandler, who had 26 points in the win over the Cavs. His line was solid: 26 points (11 of 21 FGs), 8 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocked shots. “His defense is awesome; that’s what impresses me more than anything,” D’Antoni said. “His shot-blocking, coming from the weak side. He’s got an extra gear. Yeah, I’m really happy with him.” NY Newsday
Gallinari struggled at first, mainly because of the adjustment to the North American game and, more importantly, officiating. He had a good burst in the second half when he hit 5 of 6 and got to the line twice. Nice follow-up dunk. Missed all four from downtown, however. NY Newsday
The 6-foot-10 Gallinari missed his first five shots before knocking down a 15-footer late in the third quarter. On the Knicks next possession, Gallinari, held scoreless in the first half, misfired on an open jumper. His best moment came in the final minute of the period when he jumped high for an offensive rebound and dunked it all in one motion. NY Daily News
In the fourth quarter, Gallinari showed off his ball handling skills by using a crossover dribble to beat J.J. Hickson to the basket. He sank five of his last six shots but oddly enough he was on the bench for all but the last seven seconds of the final five minutes. NY Daily News
D’Antoni and Donnie Walsh were in attendance as were Jamal Crawford, David Lee and Quentin Richardson. Stephon Marbury arrived fashionably late – minutes before the second half – and sat at the end of the Knicks bench. NY Daily News
On one drive, Gallinari committed a palming violation. He also got pushed around on defense. When Tractor Traylor back in on Gallinari, the 6-10 small forward went crashing to the court as the comebacking Cavs center laid it in uncontested. That will be the Knicks’ biggest concern – whether he can play physical defense. After missing his first five attempts, Gallanri made his first basket with 2:10 left in the third quarter on a 15-footer and then caught fire. NY Post
The New York Knicks players is the problem out there on the basketball court, because they are a bunch of selfish, me-first millioniares basketball professionals that can’t pass the ball to make teammates around them better….. I said it all last year, and will continue to say it until I see otherwise… The New York Knicks are not a team, and have not been a team since Larry Brown took over as coach…..
I see the big picture and remember that Stephon Marbury has 1 year and 21 million dollars left on his contract. They will be 82 games for him to earn his money in the 08/09 season, if he plays well great, if not, we’ll sit his ass on the bench. (his is guaranteed money). It is so easy to call for buyout of a player (whats the scenario here …? ….. pay Marbury what..?… 20 1/2 million dollars …? then he’d go off to another team, come back and kick our asses for 4 games next season.
……so, what do we have in our backcourt 4 guards …? ……Duhon, Marbury, Robinson, Collins…(our roster is complete with 15 players)…..now get rid of Steph……. who is left….?. I personally like the players we have, (even heard our new coach say it too (a couple of times), he likes what we’ve got))….so that’s a plus.
D’Antoni can win with our present players, I still believed they are one hell of a talented squad but not a half court squad. These knicks can run and they can score which is the cure for us…… easy baskets in the paint and wide open 3’s, and they will have it if they pass the ball more and play as a team.
……….Big Picture …….I have said this too before, New York Knicks need coaching to fit our players individual gifts. We’ve got plenty of weapons on the offensive floor and we can compete offensively with any NBA team, other teams absolutely must defend us.
……One thing is guaranteed in an NBA 82 game schedule …Injuries….. remember Antonio McDyess and high hopes the Knicks had when they traded for him…..? ….remember how a few games into the exhibition season he busted his knee and his New York Knick career…?. Players will be injured next season so don’t be so hasty to get rid of Stephon Marbury.
Duhon’s arrival paves the way for the Knicks to release Marbury, who has fallen out of favor with club ownership. Duhon, who will sign a two-year contract with the Knicks, was told he will be the team’s starting point guard. NY Daily News
Chris Duhon celebrated his July 4th yesterday by verbally committing to the Knicks yesterday, agreeing to terms on a two-year, roughly $6.5 million contract, his agent Kevin Bradbury told The Post today. NY Post
Bradbury said he’s been told by the Knicks he will have every opportunity to be the starting point guard and is expected to compete with Stephon Marbury during training camp. NY Post
A source close to Donnie Walsh said Duhon’s signing does not mean Marbury will be demoted or bought out. NY Post
With Orlando deciding against extending Duhon a formal offer until after the Magic explore the Corey Maggette situation, the Bulls backup point guard chose the Knicks, who courted him on the first day of free agency. NY Post
Duhon to Knicks deal: It’s a two-year deal for the full mid-level exception, according to a person familiar with the situation. That means it’s in the $12 million range. NY Newsday
Just spoke with Duhon’s agent, Kevin Bradbury, who says his client will be the starting point guard for the Knicks next season. “There’s no guarantees in life, so he’s going to have to come in and earn it,” Bradbury said. “But we’ve been given all the assurances that they’re not bringing him here to sit on the bench.” NY Newsday
Congratulations Danilo. Welcome to the New York Knicks.
Gallinari: This is a Dream Come True
SERBY’S SUNDAY Q&A WITH…DANILO GALLINARI
By: STEVE SERBY ( www.nypost.com )
… they pressure the ball, I got the ball. Q: Could you play point guard if the Knicks needed you to? A: If they need it, yeah. Q: Is it fun? A: Yeah, it’s the pos …
Thursday noon:…….excited about tonight’s NBA Draft. Who will The New York Knicks pick at number 6? ……will there also be a trade?. Guess, I’ll find out soon enough.
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In the meantime, digging on some (eye candy) Maria Sharapova here on ESPN2 as she battles back (down a set to fellow Russian, Kudryavtseva) in her tennis match at Wimbledon. She’s playing terribly right now, and her Dad and Coach is so nervous, chewing on his fingernails, but I don’t expect this bad play to last much longer. Whoops!!!!! I was wrong …..Sharapovas’ out in the second round
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………back to the Knicks:
A front-office executive in the league and another person familiar with the Knicks’ thinking continue to say that Donnie Walsh will use his first selection as team president on Italian swingman Danilo Gallinari. Whether that selection is made with the sixth pick remains to be seen. NY Newsday
The Knicks continue to have interest in trading forward David Lee to Memphis for the fifth pick, which would allow Walsh to land not only Gallinari, but also UCLA point guard Russell Westbrook. But the team executive cautioned that Walsh is exploring other trade scenarios for Lee, and The New York Times has confirmed what Newsday reported in today’s paper — that Portland is one of those scenarios. NY Newsday
The Knicks and Blazers are said to be discussing a deal that would send Lee to Portland along with the No. 6 pick and another player for Portland’s 13th and 27th selections and Steve Blake or Jarrett Jack. NY Newsday
On Wednesday, for example, owner Michael Heisley was genuinely stunned to hear about a report that the Grizzlies have talked to the Knicks about sending their No. 5 pick and Brian Cardinal to the New York Knicks for David Lee. “I’ve never heard of that trade,” said Heisley, who appeared to be telling the truth. Memphis Commercial Appeal
………. off topic ….. Saw some pictures of cast actors Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, taken at the Saturn Awards. I swear to god these guys (are still in character) and absolutely look in terminator mode. Which is understood …they have been filming their new season two of the show. Anyway, good seeing them out and about ……………
New York Coach Mike D’Antoni says Magic assistant coach Patrick Ewing, credited with helping sharpen the play of Orlando all-star center Dwight Howard this season, isn’t expected to be on his Knicks coaching staff when he finishes selecting it. Newsday, citing a person with knowledge of the situation, said Ewing is upset that new Knicks President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh did not get in touch with him when Walsh was searching for a head coach for the team. Orlando Sentinel
Hey Patrick, who cares if you’re upset with Donnie Walsh and have decided not to join the New York Knicks coaching staff….its’ your lost….. You should’ve welcome the opportunity to rejoin our Knicks organization….Anyway, and foremost, the New York Knicks didn’t need an inexperience/rookie headcoach coming into MSG to keep our team in the basement. Sorry, but Knicks fans have suffered long enough, and I don’t think that you can cut the mustard at this time. We needed someone thats been there before…… Our Knicks players need experience at the helm; A Coach they are familiar with, has coached some of our present players, therefore familiarity is there…… has an established winning system, proven methods we know will work from the day our players arrive at training camp. Our players know Coach D’Antoni, they should be excited, confident in him, they’ve played against his former team (Phoenix Suns) and knows his style of basketball, he’s a creative Coach they can look up to and prepare for this upcoming 08/09 season, there is no doubt in their minds his method of coaching can work and make them winners, because he’s been there, done that… the rest is now up to them.
I will admit it too, I was hoping our Knicks team would be lucky enough to grab the number one pick last night……but really, I say, who cares…….so now Walsh/D’Antoni have the number six pick in the upcoming 08/09 NBA draft, what will they do with it, we’ll know soon enough……. anyway, as I have been saying all off season, we don’t need more scoring; I will continue to always say that our Knicks team can compete offensively, we need players however, that drastically enhances the defensive IQ of the team. Plain and Simple, Knicks suck on the defensive side of the court, there is no one there to give us hope. Renaldo Balkman always shows signs, but last season, he was never on the court long enough to get it done, Jarred Jeffries showed me nothing defensively the last two years, (but did show me his 3 point shot is coming along) … Wilson Chandler I like his defensive game as he can block some shots, but still not enough to give this team hope in tight fourth quarters when it means something to keep another team from scoring. Easy baskets I don’t like, and it hurts to see other teams score so easily against us.
I know I’ve been hitting the Knicks hard recently with on their half court play. … but really this only kicked in last season…. and why is this anyway …..? …The year before Eddie Curry Strived in the middle didn’t he? He scored a lot of points and we were proud of his play, which gave us hope for this year. Knicks needed those points this year and Curry was no where to be found.
Eddie Curry seem to have lost his magic last season. I felt for him, He was trying, but the basketball just didn’t fall, his shot was always around the rim but just not good enough go in for the score, and he would always try to score pretty much every time he had the ball…… Eddie Curry must try and turn some of his possessions into assists, it would make things around the basket easier and his scoring easier. On defense, I still say he should throw his weight around as he does on offense….get himself into position and step strongly into the lanes and don’t fear the contact he has a big body…..and most of all keep his eyes on the basketball………
Was the Addition of Zach Randolph a part of the teams demise…..I don’t know, and don’t think it would have mattered had Eddie Curry put up good numbers offensively. It is amazing though, how Zach Randolph got his double/double each game yet the team did not thrive, Zach too must pay attention to his assist arc.
Turnovers absolutely killed the team all season, and If their assists were up to league average, which was 26 per team, that would have helped alot….. consistency from Jamal Crawford and Nate Robinson also would have helped the team too…..plus more play from Renaldo Balkman….I still don’t understand why Isiah Thomas refused to play Taz with any consistency, and when he did play him, Taz would quickly be in foul trouble which didn’t help his game at all.
The New York Knicks had no player with an outstanding season which also hurt, because they needed someone to rally around and there was no one there.
…..and so, the New York Knicks has hired a new coach. Mike D’Antoni will bring his exciting brand of Basketball to the Madison Square Garden. Quinton Richardson and Stephon Marbury, will be reunited with their former coach from Phoenix. They are both very excited. Richardson says D’Antoni’s system is easy and fun, Marbury says its the way players like to play, up and down.
At his press Conference, One reporter, Warner Wolf, who obviously do not like our current Knicks players asked Coach the ’stupid question of the day….’ will it be safe to assume that 50% of the current players will not be on the Knicks next season. What an idiot. Why would the Knicks completely gut their team? … I still believe we have excellent players. Sure, some tweeking will be done, we all know this, but 50%……. Coach D’Antoni had a good laugh with that one.
Most coaches like the 3 point shot nowadays, and D’Antoni is no exception with his fast pace system. As I see it, the Knicks core 3 point shooters are Quinton Richardson, Stephon Marbury, Jamal Crawford, Nate Robinson and Wilson Chandler ….Jeffries is working on his 3 point game and so is Balkman…… with Dave Lee, Renaldo Balkman, Zach Randolph and Eddie Curry manning the boards for dunks and easy layups.
I wonder now what the process is in evaluating his players. How will Mike D’Antoni go about it….since its still some time before training camp. I would guess he will pull games from last few seasons and start watching them taking serious looks at all his players. ….of course the first thing he’ll notice is that the team doesn’t play well in half court sets, don’t trust their teammates or defend the paint, never pass the ball with any consistency, making it difficult on themselves to score easy baskets……