Why can't the guys who show the young guns some tricks be Malik Rose and JYD? I thought these guys were basically brought in Isiah to do this.

Rose has won 2 rings, JYD has made a career out of being scrappy, I think they'll do fine in teaching the younger guys how to practice, play, and live as a pro player.

[Edited by - bigsm00th on 06/29/2005 22:07:50]

I think Isiah wants Brown to be the coach for the same reason. He wants a guy who can teach both basketball skills and how to be a successful person in the NBA.

Definitely, I think the new coach/system is going to be a real fast-paced team, offensively and defensively.

It seems to me they'll have a wide-open offensive game, with the players they've acquired, pushing the ball on the fast break and spreading things out.

Defensively, I'd imagine a system with lots of pressure (esp. with Robinson now, he's a ball-hawk if I've ever seen one), double teams, etc. The Knicks got the best athlete at 1, 4, and 5 in the draft. Combine that with Crawford, Marbury, and Q on the perimeter, and JYD, Rose, and Sweetney inside, and with the right coaching/mindset, I think they should be pretty good defensively.

One of the things I remember reading when Nazr went to the Spurs was him talking about the differences of the Knicks and Spurs. He said when the Knicks finish a huddle at a timeout, they'd say "Knicks." The Spurs said "Defense." That's the mindset I'm talking about.

Posted by Rich:

According to Isola (I know), Isiah wants to trade JYD and Rose:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/gossip/story/323471p-276508c.html

[...]

The trade is the first of many moves Isiah Thomas is expected to make to clear out veterans with long-term contracts. Allan Houston is expected to be released and the Knicks want to trade Jerome Williams and Malik Rose.

I understand the need to get rid of one of those guys but both... I like JYD's energy and Rose is a winner. He has always ask what his coach wanted him to do. Can hold his own against Shaq when Duncan wasn't able to man up. I guess that explains why he let those guys play out. I still would like to see the rookies go to the minor league and earn a spot. And far as veterans, we should go after Sam Mitchell.

Posted by fishmike:

namely at the center position. I like our young bigs in Frye/Lee/Sweetney as a group. Its not a great unit but they all bring some things. I think its very important we add a veteran role player for a year.
Two guys that I think would fit very well are Tony Battie or Cliff Robinson. I'm looking for solid pros that can defend and show the younger guys some tricks.

Theo Ratliff?

Posted by VDesai:

Isiah has been distracted David Lee as a "glue" guy. Malik and JYD are also glue guys. Unfortunatley, our glue guys are all power forwards. But I agree with the sentiment of this thread. A good clubhouse guy who's been around and can teach a thing or two would definitely help.

At least JYD can defend SFs and sometimes even SGs. Maybe Lee too...

I don't really agree fishmike. I think what this team needs in the frontcourt is a flat out stud who is or can or definitely will be a star. I don't know if Channing Frye will be like that. Everything I hear is he will be real solid and nothing beyond that. The way I see it, if you're going to go for a veteran frontcourt player, than why not go all out for a guy like Marcus Camby. He can't be THAT untouchable in Denvers eyes. The guy is 32 and could break in half any second. Heck, that's reason for us not to go for him, but if we could reduce the price, then we should go for him. We need someone who's gonna gobble up 10 boards at least and block like 2 shots a game. If that turns out to be Dan Gadzurick instead, then hell yeah, go for him. I've been all for that for a year and a half now. But if you want that veteran, than why not go for Camby? See what the price is and negotiate.

I think what this team needs in the frontcourt is a flat out stud who is or can or definitely will be a star.

well duh!!! Cmon.. thats everybody's first choice, mine too. In no way do I feel that Frye and Lee fix our frontcourt problems, but I do think they improve it. My only point was to get the most out of these guys I think it makes sense to have a veteran there that can play center and take a little pressure of them.

Posted by Allanfan20:

I don't really agree fishmike. I think what this team needs in the frontcourt is a flat out stud who is or can or definitely will be a star. I don't know if Channing Frye will be like that. Everything I hear is he will be real solid and nothing beyond that. The way I see it, if you're going to go for a veteran frontcourt player, than why not go all out for a guy like Marcus Camby. He can't be THAT untouchable in Denvers eyes. The guy is 32 and could break in half any second. Heck, that's reason for us not to go for him, but if we could reduce the price, then we should go for him. We need someone who's gonna gobble up 10 boards at least and block like 2 shots a game. If that turns out to be Dan Gadzurick instead, then hell yeah, go for him. I've been all for that for a year and a half now. But if you want that veteran, than why not go for Camby? See what the price is and negotiate.

Man, the lack of big men is crazy and frustrating. Just thinking about this makes me think that Shaq will be in this league until age 40. Ratliff would be perfect of course but is now too oft injured player. Dalembert would be the guy. I wonder what would it take to pry him from Philly. They have cap issues of their own. I think Chris Webber will just break down this year. I think any deal would have to include Webber, maybe TT and Malik Rose to Philly for Webber and Dalembert (as a sign-and trade). Cheeks and King both like Dalembert so you have to make this deal as sweet as possible. Taking Webber will hurt and further kill the Knicks cap but the prize is a developing talent Center. Frye at 4 and Dalembert at 5 would be a very versatile and mobile front line.