I like what this kid had to say about his chances and philosophy. I don't care what it takes, we need to keep this guy:

Nichols Focused on Bright NBA Future
by Dennis D'Agostino

July 11, 2007
Demetris Nichols knows all about the stacked depth chart, and the number of veterans the Knicks have under contract, and the odds that work against players picked deep in the second round of the Draft.

And it doesn't deter him in the least.

"I know that (the roster is crowded). I'm going to do what I can do best. It's not up to me to make that decision," said Nichols on Tuesday, after helping lead the Knicks to their second straight victory at the NBA Summer League, presented by adidas. "All I can do is play hard, play smart and try to be a good teammate. It's up to the coaches to make that decision, but I think I have a good start. I think I'm doing pretty well for myself."

He's not alone in that belief. Nichols, the 6-foot-8, 22-year old Syracuse product, has been one of the Knicks' early Summer League standouts. He made his pro debut on Monday with 13 points in the Knicks' victory over Seattle, then followed it up with a game-high 14 points in Tuesday's win over Team China. Over the first two Summer League games, he's shooting 10-for-19 (.526), including 4-for-10 from three-point range.

Knicks president, basketball operations/head coach Isiah Thomas went out of his way following Tuesday's win to compliment Nichols' play (especially his shooting), adding that the second-rounder has a chance to make the roster and is definitely in the club's future plans.

Before the Knicks had even embarked for Las Vegas, assistant coach Dave Hanners characterized the New England native as "a very mature, focused kid. … He wants to learn, wants to improve, does everything you tell him to do."

Nichols, who led the Big East with a career-high 18.9 points per game as a senior at Syracuse, was -- without a doubt -- the least heralded of the Knicks' Draft Night acquisitions. A few hours after New York had acquired Zach Randolph, Dan Dickau and Fred Jones from Portland and drafted DePaul's Wilson Chandler in the first round, they made another late-night deal to acquire the draft rights to Nichols, whom the Blazers had tabbed with the 53rd overall pick in the Draft.

Nichols' Draft Night dropdown was a major topic that June night.

"I was very surprised, but I think it happened for a reason," said Nichols, who averaged 10.9 points and shot 36 percent from three-point range in four years at Syracuse. "I think I belong in New York, so that's why they got me. I'm not really concerned about that, because there have been some great guys who got picked in the second round, who surprised a lot of people. I should be one of those guys in a couple of more years."

As his professional life dawns, he already as a formula for that kind of success.

"It all starts on defense and that's what I try to do," says Nichols. "Once I get a stop I think it kind of carries over to my offense."

That kind of attitude has already made him one of the success stories of the Knicks' Summer League squad.

"We're all cool with each other," he says. "We all play well with each other. We all joke around and kid around in practice and stuff like that, so I feel like each and every day we're getting closer and closer. That is always a positive thing. And we're winning, so that's a real positive."

And if any doubts or weaknesses still linger, that's for others to contend with. . .and perhaps pay a price later on.

"I'm not really concerned about that," says Nichols. "I have a great opportunity of making the New York Knicks and I'm going to make the best out of it. I've been playing well and I'm not really worried about that. I know that I'm going to prove a lot of people wrong, (the) guys who didn't pick me. I can't wait for the opportunity."

STATUS REPORT: Thomas met with reporters following Tuesday's game against Team China and touched on a number of subjects. Thomas related that he has no plans to sign a veteran free agent at present, and that while he did have discussions with free agent guard Steve Blake (who played last season for Denver), he did not think a signing would be likely.

Thomas also said that he was not surprised by Ron Artest's comments, in which the 2004 NBA Defensive Player of the Year stressed his desire to remain with the Sacramento Kings. While he said the Knicks remain active in the trade market, Thomas also related that he wasn‘t confident that he could make a trade, and that he didn't expect to do anything major at this time. The Knicks' headmaster also commented that he likes the way the team has performed thus far at Summer League.

http://www.nba.com/knicks/news/nichols_070711_feature.html?rss=true

The Knicks' headmaster...

Interesting term. I know "headcase" but "headmaster"

Posted by arkrud:

The Knicks' headmaster...

Interesting term. I know "headcase" but "headmaster"

This thread is about Nichols and his play, not Isiah. Speaking of Nichols, is Morris Almond really that much of a better propect? Both are good shooters, Nichols is a longer athlete with a high release so his shot shouldn't be bothered much. His long arms allow him to play the passing lanes aswell. If he can work on his handle, he could see some minutes at the 2.

^^^^ LOL....I was just trying to stay true to the thread's title...Nichols development as a player.

[Edited by - bigbeast on 12-07-2007 12:28 AM]

Posted by bigbeast:

Posted by arkrud:

The Knicks' headmaster...

Interesting term. I know "headcase" but "headmaster"

This thread is about Nichols and his play, not Isiah. Speaking of Nichols, is Morris Almond really that much of a better propect? Both are good shooters, Nichols is a longer athlete with a high release so his shot shouldn't be bothered much. His long arms allow him to play the passing lanes aswell. If he can work on his handle, he could see some minutes at the 2.

Yes, Almond is a much better prospect.

I have nothing against Nichols. He was a good value for that point in the draft. For a 2nd rd pick, I like him.

But Almond should have been the 1st rd pick. Chandler is a reach and is redundant with Balkman on the roster.

Balkman and Chandler are NOT redundant in the sense that people assume Eddy and Zach are. The reason is that Balk and Chandler don't need the ball in their hands and at all times, you must have 5 guys on the court. We need unselfish hustle guys that are fast and athletic. Chandler can even shoot a little bit better than Balkman. Similar players, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be on the same team. Isiah shoulda traded DOWN to the 2nd round but thats no reason to call Chandler redundant.

Posted by islesfan:

Posted by bigbeast:

Posted by arkrud:

The Knicks' headmaster...

Interesting term. I know "headcase" but "headmaster"

This thread is about Nichols and his play, not Isiah. Speaking of Nichols, is Morris Almond really that much of a better propect? Both are good shooters, Nichols is a longer athlete with a high release so his shot shouldn't be bothered much. His long arms allow him to play the passing lanes aswell. If he can work on his handle, he could see some minutes at the 2.

Yes, Almond is a much better prospect.

I have nothing against Nichols. He was a good value for that point in the draft. For a 2nd rd pick, I like him.

But Almond should have been the 1st rd pick. Chandler is a reach and is redundant with Balkman on the roster.

1st off I didn't change the subject Arkrud did, I was merely responding to his comments. He read that article and the only thing he could key on was a statement about Isiah.

Now with regard to your assessment of Chandler, I think you have to realize that this was a preemptive strike. Isiah got this guy before he got fully on the radar of the rest of the GM's. In fact until Isiah was tabbed as having interest in him, no one was talking about him. The thing is, it's clear he has a lot of talent and could easily develop into a stud far beyond what Almond's upside seems to be. It may be that Chandler would've gone higher if he stayed in college and entered the draft next year. If you can't see the talent this guy has, then I can't help you.

The same goes for Nichols. This guy has the shooting we need and he DEFENDS! You can't ask for more of a 2nd rd pick. To me he's just what the doctor orderd for this team. He's done it at a better school and with better comp than Almond. Let's remember that Isiah got a good look at Almond and I believe if he was all that Isiah would've gone after him. It seems that you have a lack of respect for Isiah's talent evaluation skills. One of the widely recognized strengths he has.

Posted by ActionJackson:

notice how Isles shuts up after a grown-up metaphorically smacks him in the mouth. Like most bullies he only pushes down those who wont verbally push back.

It's a noticeable trend.

CHandler looks like he can shoot at a decent percentage and has unbelievable athleticism. Nichols looks like he can become an elite level shooter and he is also a decent defender, which will make him more valuable than a guys like Kapono or Carroll. IT's plan is simple. Acquire enough assets to entice a team to trade a superstar or at the least an allstar and still have enough assets left to be a contender. This team is 17 deep with quality players. We have two top notch lowpost scorers and a number of quality swing players. We can package Randolph or Curry with Lee or Balkman and one or 2 other players and put together a trade package that is worthy of a K.G., Kobe, or O' Neal. That is IT's grand plan and i think it has a decent shot of working.

Isles sleeps?