BRIGGS wrote:he certainly did nothing to earn his way in there--I would have to think there are 50 better candidates. A lot of guys can hit an open three with no one in their face at your local YMCA and he could not prove he could shoot under any duress--nor do anything else. Nothing there.

You, and everyone on UK, know he will be brought to camp, however disappointing he was.

As we all know, his value as a player on the Knicks will ultimately be determined by his value as a sniper.

We kind of went through this with Douglas last year- folks got all upset because he did not shoot well in SL and was really tight on his jumpers. What we saw with Rautins is probably an anomaly for him but only time will tell. He looked tight on his shot, and may have been pressing.

He will be starting out in the DL anyway, probably along with Jordan, so he will have a lot of time to work on his game.

He was not on the list of players I wanted the Knicks to draft, so I was never in love with him from the beginning. Just have to see how he works out. I do expect that if there is a better player out there who we can after the SL is over, we do it, and have him into camp, even if he plays the same position as Rautins.

Now this year, Rautins is thinking about converting himself into a point guard. In light of last year's mistake, wouldn't it make sense to give Rautins a bit more time to see how he plays when he gets a bit more comfortable with his new role. Whats the rush?

Why can't Briggs be more patient?

rvwink wrote:Last year you described Toney Douglas as someone who couldn't shoot because that is what your eyes told you. What you failed to take into account is that Toney was shooting badly because he was concentrating on a new role of distributing the ball.

Now this year, Rautins is thinking about converting himself into a point guard. In light of last year's mistake, wouldn't it make sense to give Rautins a bit more time to see how he plays when he gets a bit more comfortable with his new role. Whats the rush?

rvwink--TD showed things in SL last year even thought he couldnt shoot. He showed great speed he drove the ball he played good defense he passed it well(actually much better last year) Andy Rautins showed NOTHING in 5 games against much lower class comp than he will be facing--he is not a pro NBA player. Rvwink can you name one thing---one little hope that showed that this kid is an NBA player? How can you compare what TD did last year to what douglas did? Rautins was dreadful and I wouldnt waste my time with him. Go convert yourself into a PG in Europe and we will see you in 5 years.

playa2 wrote:

KNICKSdom wrote:I wanted Stephenson over Rautins and once again Knicks pass the hometown golden boy. Knicks need stop being afraid of drafting their kind if they drop on their laps gift wrapped.

Golden boy , I think not. Danphoney couldn't handle this kid that's why we didn't take him, NYC inner city kid not happening with mike. The run in with Stephon gave Mike nightmares, no way was he bringing in a kid from NY on his watch.

Marbury is a different animal. Stephenson is a young man ready to be a player for his hometown Knicks. Just crazy to pass on him with the skill set he have. Lance had his off court problems sure but who has not when you live in the inner city?

mikesknicks wrote:Please don't start with the Lane Stephenson stuff. Nobody here wanted him said he was going to be garbage, so don't change now. But this is fans that 80-90% of the time don't know what they are talking about. There was very few people here willing to give him a chance yes I'm one of them and a few other non regular posters here. If I remember correctly none of the regular posters wanted him picked. So stop with the I want L Stephenson post Briggs and other regular poster!

BRIGGS
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6/20/2010 10:34 PM

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He cant shoot but he is a 6-5 225 player with one of the best handles in the world for a guy his size --he showed nice flashes this year[year 1] and he calmed the waters with his *character issues* with good conduct at his school this year. He was a guy who had some really good moments who showed he could score rebound pass and play within a system. Now you have to look at him and say what is this kid with two more years of school with a much improved jumper? Probably a lottery pick

mikesknicks wrote:What does this prove???? Nothing!! You still did not want to be the knicks pick!!!

If I was in charge I wouldve given pick 38+39 +3mm to get that 25 pick to get Whiteside --that is a lock. That wouldve changed any thought I had on the draft. Like I said before I wouldve picked up a late 50 for Lin and Blakely after the picks were done. So Lin Blakely and Whiteside wouldve been my draft.