Top performances:

Lee - this will be a recurring theme for our best & most efficient player, the guy just knows: a)his limitations b) how to play (great instincts) c) how to give top effort every minute he's on the court

Nate - the only Knick guard who left you with hope last night

ZBo - we know he can rebound & score, but last night he at least tried on D & at least tried to be unselfish, kudos

Chandler - showed off everything that makes Knick fans optimistic about this guy

Uninspiring performances:

Crawford - never really got involved, disn't seem comfortable playing off the ball

Malik, Roberson - didn't contribute

Q - looked like a slimmer version of last year's waste of space

Marbury - had a few nice plays, but clearly the ego vs. playing time will be a problem (despite his bogus statements)

Bad:

Duhon - didn't make any creative plays like a PG should, didn't shoot the ball well, didn't take care of the ball

I agree with most of your observations Purple, but I disagree about Duhon. While it was far from good, Duhon showed that he can contribute even while struggling. This was evidenced by his 10 boards. Keeping in mind that this is the first preseason game, and that Duhon is in a unique position of being one of the only new comers on the Knicks, AND that this is his first starting role of his career, I don't think that his performance was all that bad. Look for Duhon to settle in nicely and deliver much more in the next few games.

He's a freak. He can jump over himself. If the dude was Crawfords height 6'5"? sheeeet he would probably be able to dunk with his arm pits.

Yea Spree, that dude is a freak for sure. Every time he gets up it amazes me. Even the Toronto crowd was going wild. I'm glad we hung on to him. I've been telling all of my friends this summer that Nate is going to prosper under D'Antoni. It seems that he has matured since he first came in the league, too; or was he never very immature to being with, just under a horrible coach?

I agree Anji, you really can't judge players or teams in the pre-season. We've seen teams do really well in the pre-season and have lousy years. Lebron only played 8 minutes, for example, and no starters really get that much playing time.

There are several reasons why I feel this Knick preseason is different that most other teams in the league. Given the historical stature of our club and the media coverage of the Isiah-D'Antoni switch, I don't think it would be misguided to assume that even the veterans on the Knicks actually care about this preseason. The Knicks are in a unique position this year in that they are learning a new system, adapting to a new coach, and pretty much battling for their roles on this new-look team. This is why I am very optimistic about their performance last night and the preseason in general. Our veterans are forced to care.

Here's my take on Zach and Lee (and briefly Crawford):

I don't think most of us are going to expect Zach to average 5 assists a game, but he made other passes that could have turned into assists that he NEVER made last year, including that one towards the end of the game where following a possession where he made a nifty set of post moves to score, he received the ball in the post, and actually kicked it out to Duhon, who missed a long 3.

I think what can be said is that D'Antoni's offense REQUIRES ALL PLAYERS to either shoot, pass, or drive soon after getting the ball.

That means Zach can't hold the ball like he used to, nor Craw (who seemed to be struggling with this more, and why I wonder if he may not thrive as much as some think). It means you HAVE to look to pass if well defended and not in good position to score, or you aren't following the rules of the system, because shots are only to be taken when you're open. When Z-Bo scored in the post on the play before the kick out to Duhon he was within 10-12 feet, and close to the lane.

I am beginning to think Randolph may really thrive in this system, because it forces him to pass more, but still utilizes his scoring skills (I'd like to see less 3's though).

I also think by having Zach look to pass, maybe he has been a better passer than we knew because he just rarely thought about doing it. You could see how he and Lee seemed to have good chemistry last night.

Why?

I suspect it is because Lee is always active and moving around to get open, which is exactly why Lee should be highly effective and efficient in this offense. Zach also didn't seem to want to pass last year because he didn't trust his team mates, nor the coach. Now that this has changed, it could mean that we see more positive results.

[Edited by - PresIke on 10-09-2008 12:08 PM]

Our team has some vets trying to prove something, so what does that mean??? To me preseason is always about working on stuff, that's you why see Zach taking a lot of threes even for him, or Lee trying to be aggressive offensively or Jamal passing the ball every time he gets it. That's what preseason is about

What about the Raptors?? Do they care??? I don't think so. They work on stuff, get Bargs and Humps in the post and just make sure Oneil makes it threw a game with out hurting his knee by running a couple of plays for him. Again, can't judge most players on preseason since most of them are going at half speed and this isn't how the raptors are going to play or most of the players on our team.

[Edited by - Anji on 10-09-2008 12:12 PM]

speaking of things never seen nor done...Marbury actually set screens on the drop off passes...the last one being for the 3 Nate hit to end the 3rd.

watching it again, I don't see why people think Nate had a great overall game nor do I see Steph struggling to operate in the system...

I'm with Allanfan and a few others. This preseason our guys have to care. There is no more fooling around here. No starting positions are set and some roster spots are at stake. They will be forced to give it there all for the preseason. That being said you can't judge the turnovers at this point. You can't judge poor shooting at this point. It will all come out. If Duhon is turning it over 7 times a game at the end of the preseason it probably will be in a back up roll. For now, I'm not too worried about it. If he stinks I'm sure Marbs or Nate will be used to replace them in a minute.

hat means Zach can't hold the ball like he used to, nor Craw (who seemed to be struggling with this more, and why I wonder if he may not thrive as much as some think). It means you HAVE to look to pass if well defended and not in good position to score, or you aren't following the rules of the system, because shots are only to be taken when you're open

Prez, the reason Crawford will not thrive like Zach is:

A) Zach is naturally a better passer than Crawford because he understands basketball and Crawford does not.
B) Crawford's entire game is based on dribbling. That is because he is basically the ultimate And1 player. he has to put the ball on the floor to get his rhythm and 'thoughts' (I use that term loosely) together.

Crawford does not know how to get the ball and read his options instantly. Marbury on the other hand, can get the ball and attack without thinking and he is good at it. Zach can do it too. Or D'antoni mandates they have to give the ball up to someone in a better position.

For Randolph and Marbury it is more of breaking a bad habit. In Crawford's case he basically has to learn how to play organized team basketball. Ditto Curry.

oohah