If you are sitting back wondering what’s up with Andy Rautins or thinking why did the Knicks draft him you don’t have to wonder anymore. Apparently when the Knicks worked out Rautins he was tearing up the workouts.

From shooting drills to playing against tough competition, Rautins was a stud in the Knicks pre-draft workouts. People in attendance were highly impressed with Rautins ability to score and pass. When I spoke to Cal Ramsey and asked him why Rautins was drafted 38th he had this to say.

“I was there when the Knicks worked him out. He was doing everything. He could not miss. The guy can shoot. I mean he can really shoot. He could not could not miss. He looked great.

“I know he did not play well in summer league, but he showed that he can play.”

I also learned that Rautins played the point guard position during the pre-draft workouts. I was surprised that the Knicks did not explore Rautins bringing up the ball more during summer league. Especially since that is one of the aspects of his game that he needs to work on.

I think he is a great shooter. However, he has to prove that he can create a shot for himself and be able to bring up the ball at an NBA level. I have not seen enough of that in summer league or during Rautins' time in college. Rautins also showed his skills while playing on the Candian Olympic team and scoring 19 points.

So it is obvious that he can play, but at what level, we just don’t know yet. I am still on the fence with Rautins. However, it’s good to know that Rautins did out play the competition when the Knicks worked him out. Right now I feel Rautins' main challenges are to get stronger and work on this ball handling skills and driving to the hole.

How good he is, who knows? At least we know the talent is there. Now let’s see if he can make the adjustment to the NBA.

Link: http://www.fromthebaseline.com/home-mainmenu-1/blogs/2688-why-the-knicks-drafted-andy-rautins

Lance Stephanson we learned can bounce his baby mommas head on the stairs.

Tough summers for both.

My take is Rautins is not there yet but some players can assimilate at the higher level when given a chance.

Thats what he has, a chance!

He seemed to lose all confidence in his shot in the SL. When he finds his comfort zone I think he will be much more effective, he had better show something at PG, because I don't see him being able to deal with NBA SGs for any extended period of time.

CrushAlot wrote:That was a nice article and people that should be respected as judges of talent were quoted. However, Rautins was horrible in the summer league and that can't just be ignored. He also played his senior year at 'Cuse as a 23 year old and was more of a heart, soul, leadership guy who's talent doesn't translate to the NBA. There is really no way to sell this other than it was a mistake and the Knicks management team doesn't want to admit it. The second round of the draft is not a place to draft high character four year guys with limited upside in my opinion and I like 'Cuse.

So, I guess Stephen Curry should really worry about his first summer league? Oh wait, he is now on the olympic team.
Being horrible in summer league can be ignored, and the list is a loooooong one.

martin wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:That was a nice article and people that should be respected as judges of talent were quoted. However, Rautins was horrible in the summer league and that can't just be ignored. He also played his senior year at 'Cuse as a 23 year old and was more of a heart, soul, leadership guy who's talent doesn't translate to the NBA. There is really no way to sell this other than it was a mistake and the Knicks management team doesn't want to admit it. The second round of the draft is not a place to draft high character four year guys with limited upside in my opinion and I like 'Cuse.

can you fail before you begin? is that what you are selling?

rp wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:That was a nice article and people that should be respected as judges of talent were quoted. However, Rautins was horrible in the summer league and that can't just be ignored. He also played his senior year at 'Cuse as a 23 year old and was more of a heart, soul, leadership guy who's talent doesn't translate to the NBA. There is really no way to sell this other than it was a mistake and the Knicks management team doesn't want to admit it. The second round of the draft is not a place to draft high character four year guys with limited upside in my opinion and I like 'Cuse.

I guess you never got a job where the company gave you the opportunity to shine and prove them wrong?

Nalod wrote:
Rautins is the type of player that COULD fit into a system as a in flow type player. Summer league is about creating your own shot and individual play, not working within a system.

39th pick does not have high expectations so calling him a mistake in my opinion is premature.

Took JJ Reddick a few years to get up to speed and he was the College player of the year! 2nd round picks don't get 3 years, but they should at least get training camp? He can hang well at division one and is earning his keep on he canadian national team.

Rautins neither makes us or breaks us.

If I had to evaluate Bill Walker on summer league play alone I'd cut him.

What Nalod said.