It's nice to see that they are playing together this summer. I hope they can dominate this year for this team. It really is important that they both play on a high level this year. When JR and Melo are both going good it makes a HUGE difference. Both players have the potential to really excel in the Triangle JR is an underrated passer and if he's coached up on how to play winning ball and how to best use his talent within a team concept it could be explosive.

Can't wait for the team workouts before Training Camp. This team is gonna need to get started early so they can come out strong.

Also, over the last few days a lot of people have been playing at Terminal 23. Hardaway and Early have also been there. Durant was there today and Lance was playing a few days ago. It's not all good though there are a couple of bad clips 1 showing Melo not hustling back on D after wanting a foul. Bad Melo.

Hopefully the whole/most of the team come together to start working out.

nixluva wrote:When people talk about the Knicks and a lack of talent I often think it's strange how easy it has been to discount JR. I've never been more angry at a Knick player than when JR has acted like an idiot and even when Starks did, at least he was playing with passion and just got caught up. JR was just doing dumb stuff and not focusing on the game. He did show his potential tho. We saw how good he can be when he's really got it going. If JR can also lift his level of play and buys into what Phil and Fish are going to teach him, then we really are talking about a big deal here.

We could possibly see a real change this year with the new culture being applied and the new style of play. The coaching is gonna be key. That's why I like how Phil came in and made the call for everyone to come into camp in great shape. Guys seem to be taking that seriously and why not? Phil does have clout. Don't let the naysayers fool you. Players know REAL and Phil is a man on another level. They grew up watching him win rings and from that I know many of them are listening intently to what he has to say. Melo has to see this as a real chance to learn what Phil taught MJ and Kobe. JR has WAY more talent than he's really displayed. If he took his game seriously there's another level he can get to.

I agree

EnySpree wrote:Shout out to David Lee playing his famous Jazz hand defense lol

I thought that was Jazz clown defense. It's all good, he's an allstar.

However, the main thing is Melo mentally being ready to play in the Triangle and to help this team win.

NEW YORK -- A confident Carmelo Anthony believes the New York Knicks will create a "new culture" and "new identity" this season and leave any remnants of last season's 37-win nightmare in the rearview mirror.

"I don't think we will have another season like we had last year. When I say, 'I believe that we will make the playoffs,' that's where I'm coming from. I think we will have a much better season than we did last year," Anthony said on Thursday night at Barclays Center, where he served as a coach in a celebrity basketball game sponsored by CC Sabathia and Robinson Cano's charities. "As far as putting a number on the games we want to win, it's hard to say that right now. But as far as us feeling good about this upcoming season, the way we feel I'm confident in what we're about to create. I believe we will be in the postseason."

JR is also attempting to get his act together mentally.

But Smith has one goal that may surprise you:

"Be a leader," Smith said in an interview with ESPNNewYork.com on Thursday at his foundation's annual golf fundraiser. "We've got so many younger guys around. A lot of the older guys left within the last two years. So be more of a leader and help out."

Smith is going into his 11th season, so he has the experience to take on a leadership role. But will he be able to transition from a player who has gotten into trouble, both on and off the court, to a player whom the Knicks organization can count on in a leadership role?

That's the goal.

"Just 'show instead of say' and stuff like that," Smith, speaking at his fundraiser for the J.R. Smith Youth Foundation at Eagle Ridge Golf Club, said when asked about his leadership approach. "'Sheed [Rasheed Wallace], J Kidd [Jason Kidd] -- those guys led by example and that's what I'm going to try to do."

We need these two to be on their game physically and mentally. If the Phil effect works on this team the way it has on his teams in the past it will be a welcome change. Just hearing them talk like this is good news. It's how Phil's teams usually think. He's all about TEAM and taking personal responsibility. A more focused Melo and JR on TEAM is only going to help.

For stretches we've seen JR as he should be. And then he reverts.
Could this be the culture change that gets bozo in line for an entire season? We shall see.
Let the man talk all he wants.

Beats the living sheehit out of reading the crap in here. Yeah, mine included.

Melo is clearly photoshopped. Some of those pics actually show muscles! The boy's cut!
My God! what are we going to complain about now? How his hair doesn't match up stylewise to Lance's? His suits aren't as trendy as PG's?

Oh well, at least there will always be the stupid headband and the annoying smiley game face. And the tats! Don't forget the WB!

F500ONE wrote:When the scoreboard is 0-0 guys talk the talk

J.R. Smith last year

However, even if Smith is deemed ready for the season opener, he will have to sit out the first five games while serving the drug suspension. Smith said his goal is to be ready for the opener.

“I have so many questions to ask them, but I’m afraid of the answer,’’ Smith said of his timetable. “I might be too far along. So I don’t really ask him too much.”

Smith’s playoff bust somewhat tainted his Sixth Man Award, but the Knicks were anxious to re-sign him with the early-Bird rights exception.

Smith said he still is nowhere near his prime.

“I have so much room for improvement,’’ Smith said. “I just want to be the best player I can be. I’m not at the elite level yet. No, not even close [to my prime].”

Smith says fans will see changes in him this season.

“Different attitude, a different approach,” he said. “I’m going to be more focused in on the game than myself and try to get the crowd hyped up. I’m going to be more locked into what [Coach] is telling us.’’

Smith said he believes the Knicks will be more consistent than they were last season, when they won 54 games. They no longer are the oldest team in league history.

“For one, we’re younger,’’ Smith said. “We’ve got a lot of youth. So we plan on extending our adrenaline throughout the whole year.’’

The playoff exit versus Indiana still stings.

“They were just more aggressive than us,’’ Smith recalled. “They beat us up on the boards. Our spacing at the end of the season was terrible. We got out of character a little bit. We have to remain in character throughout the whole season.”

J.R. forgot to walk the talk.

This year the sensations are different I suppose

Read articles from other teams at this time it reveals similar fluffery.

They probably have in shape and culture change type dudes selling company line MO

It's not just the words tho. It's not about just the other players on other teams also saying they're in shape and expect big years etc. This is about the VERY REAL presence of Phil and his staff who know how to teach players and get them to perform at their best. They have an actual track record of doing this. Woody and his Staff were not on the same level in this regard.

This will be the 1st time that JR is playing in this kind of system and being taught to play the game in this way. I'm pretty sure that he's not going to be perfect but I do think that this is an opportunity where the environment is more professional around him. The structure of a Phil Jackson led team is different than what we had before. Maybe that will have a positive impact on JR and all of our players. It seems to me that you and others are discounting the impact of Phil's way of doing things.

nixluva wrote:

F500ONE wrote:When the scoreboard is 0-0 guys talk the talk

J.R. Smith last year

However, even if Smith is deemed ready for the season opener, he will have to sit out the first five games while serving the drug suspension. Smith said his goal is to be ready for the opener.

“I have so many questions to ask them, but I’m afraid of the answer,’’ Smith said of his timetable. “I might be too far along. So I don’t really ask him too much.”

Smith’s playoff bust somewhat tainted his Sixth Man Award, but the Knicks were anxious to re-sign him with the early-Bird rights exception.

Smith said he still is nowhere near his prime.

“I have so much room for improvement,’’ Smith said. “I just want to be the best player I can be. I’m not at the elite level yet. No, not even close [to my prime].”

Smith says fans will see changes in him this season.

“Different attitude, a different approach,” he said. “I’m going to be more focused in on the game than myself and try to get the crowd hyped up. I’m going to be more locked into what [Coach] is telling us.’’

Smith said he believes the Knicks will be more consistent than they were last season, when they won 54 games. They no longer are the oldest team in league history.

“For one, we’re younger,’’ Smith said. “We’ve got a lot of youth. So we plan on extending our adrenaline throughout the whole year.’’

The playoff exit versus Indiana still stings.

“They were just more aggressive than us,’’ Smith recalled. “They beat us up on the boards. Our spacing at the end of the season was terrible. We got out of character a little bit. We have to remain in character throughout the whole season.”

J.R. forgot to walk the talk.

This year the sensations are different I suppose

Read articles from other teams at this time it reveals similar fluffery.

They probably have in shape and culture change type dudes selling company line MO

It's not just the words tho. It's not about just the other players on other teams also saying they're in shape and expect big years etc. This is about the VERY REAL presence of Phil and his staff who know how to teach players and get them to perform at their best. They have an actual track record of doing this. Woody and his Staff were not on the same level in this regard.

This will be the 1st time that JR is playing in this kind of system and being taught to play the game in this way. I'm pretty sure that he's not going to be perfect but I do think that this is an opportunity where the environment is more professional around him. The structure of a Phil Jackson led team is different than what we had before. Maybe that will have a positive impact on JR and all of our players. It seems to me that you and others are discounting the impact of Phil's way of doing things.

They aren't the only coaches/execs who have winning influence throught this league.

The spurs sent several of their people across the league

As well as many competent and bright minds associated with this league

I believe Smith will turn some new leaves

So will players from other teams

nixluva wrote:

F500ONE wrote:

nixluva wrote:

F500ONE wrote:When the scoreboard is 0-0 guys talk the talk

J.R. Smith last year

However, even if Smith is deemed ready for the season opener, he will have to sit out the first five games while serving the drug suspension. Smith said his goal is to be ready for the opener.

“I have so many questions to ask them, but I’m afraid of the answer,’’ Smith said of his timetable. “I might be too far along. So I don’t really ask him too much.”

Smith’s playoff bust somewhat tainted his Sixth Man Award, but the Knicks were anxious to re-sign him with the early-Bird rights exception.

Smith said he still is nowhere near his prime.

“I have so much room for improvement,’’ Smith said. “I just want to be the best player I can be. I’m not at the elite level yet. No, not even close [to my prime].”

Smith says fans will see changes in him this season.

“Different attitude, a different approach,” he said. “I’m going to be more focused in on the game than myself and try to get the crowd hyped up. I’m going to be more locked into what [Coach] is telling us.’’

Smith said he believes the Knicks will be more consistent than they were last season, when they won 54 games. They no longer are the oldest team in league history.

“For one, we’re younger,’’ Smith said. “We’ve got a lot of youth. So we plan on extending our adrenaline throughout the whole year.’’

The playoff exit versus Indiana still stings.

“They were just more aggressive than us,’’ Smith recalled. “They beat us up on the boards. Our spacing at the end of the season was terrible. We got out of character a little bit. We have to remain in character throughout the whole season.”

J.R. forgot to walk the talk.

This year the sensations are different I suppose

Read articles from other teams at this time it reveals similar fluffery.

They probably have in shape and culture change type dudes selling company line MO

It's not just the words tho. It's not about just the other players on other teams also saying they're in shape and expect big years etc. This is about the VERY REAL presence of Phil and his staff who know how to teach players and get them to perform at their best. They have an actual track record of doing this. Woody and his Staff were not on the same level in this regard.

This will be the 1st time that JR is playing in this kind of system and being taught to play the game in this way. I'm pretty sure that he's not going to be perfect but I do think that this is an opportunity where the environment is more professional around him. The structure of a Phil Jackson led team is different than what we had before. Maybe that will have a positive impact on JR and all of our players. It seems to me that you and others are discounting the impact of Phil's way of doing things.

They aren't the only coaches/execs who have winning influence throught this league.

The spurs sent several of their people across the league

As well as many competent and bright minds associated with this league

I believe Smith will turn some new leaves

So will players from other teams

No one said we have the only winning coaching staff. You have to admit that few have as many RINGS as our front office and coaches. How many teams added Phil Jackson, Fish, Rambis and Cleamons as a cohesive unit who have worked together to win Titles before? There is a profound difference here in NY. Our coaching change is more comprehensive. It's a plus for this team and worth acknowledging.

You keep trying to make this about what other teams will have that matches what we have and that's not really the point. From your posts you comes across like a "Self Hating Knick Fan". You don't sound proud of your team or willing to look at the areas that could be a positive for this team. You sound like someone who dislikes his team very much. There is always something positive that can be explored. This is a Knicks forum after all. Sober and pessimistic takes on this team are best left to sites that aren't focused on being a Knick Fan. This is the place where it's OK to take a more Pro Knick look at what this team can possibly be this year. If you want to Poo Poo every positive Knick aspect of the team why not go to a Non Knick Fan site where it's expected that there won't be a slant to the posting? It was a rough year last year. It happens. Doesn't mean that all is doomed forever. This could be a turn around year for this franchise and there are valid reasons to be optimistic.

Having titles doesn't mean squat although it could prove to be a huge benefit

How many titles did Popovich have before he took over the Spurs

What about the assistants he brought in

How many rings did Doc Rivers have before coming to Boston

How many teams had Mark Cuban led to championships before he took over ownership in Dallas

Lakers hired Byron Scott, he won rings with Lakers does that means he's better than D'Antoni

Woodson's coaching experience has been wrapped around pinnacle successs

How did that work out for us

We hired Donnie Walsh an accomplished exec with winning pedigree

How did that work out for us

Rambis came from Minny the past couple seasons

How come they never made the playoffs while he was there

Last but not least what about MJ//////the supposed G.O.A.T. in some circles

How many rings has he produced for Charlotte

You ignore what I like about this team and focus on what I don't

Meanwhile I haven't heard 1 thing you dislike about this team

Did you have high appreciation for this team last year

Before any game was played, they finished 37-45

Which means there must have been something to dislike before the season started

I do not poo-poo every positive aspect of the team, don't post lies

This "because I'm so psoitive and because I said so" schtik of yours

Is nothing but dust on a pair of cheating scales

nixluva wrote:

F500ONE wrote:

nixluva wrote:

F500ONE wrote:

nixluva wrote:

F500ONE wrote:When the scoreboard is 0-0 guys talk the talk

J.R. Smith last year

However, even if Smith is deemed ready for the season opener, he will have to sit out the first five games while serving the drug suspension. Smith said his goal is to be ready for the opener.

“I have so many questions to ask them, but I’m afraid of the answer,’’ Smith said of his timetable. “I might be too far along. So I don’t really ask him too much.”

Smith’s playoff bust somewhat tainted his Sixth Man Award, but the Knicks were anxious to re-sign him with the early-Bird rights exception.

Smith said he still is nowhere near his prime.

“I have so much room for improvement,’’ Smith said. “I just want to be the best player I can be. I’m not at the elite level yet. No, not even close [to my prime].”

Smith says fans will see changes in him this season.

“Different attitude, a different approach,” he said. “I’m going to be more focused in on the game than myself and try to get the crowd hyped up. I’m going to be more locked into what [Coach] is telling us.’’

Smith said he believes the Knicks will be more consistent than they were last season, when they won 54 games. They no longer are the oldest team in league history.

“For one, we’re younger,’’ Smith said. “We’ve got a lot of youth. So we plan on extending our adrenaline throughout the whole year.’’

The playoff exit versus Indiana still stings.

“They were just more aggressive than us,’’ Smith recalled. “They beat us up on the boards. Our spacing at the end of the season was terrible. We got out of character a little bit. We have to remain in character throughout the whole season.”

J.R. forgot to walk the talk.

This year the sensations are different I suppose

Read articles from other teams at this time it reveals similar fluffery.

They probably have in shape and culture change type dudes selling company line MO

It's not just the words tho. It's not about just the other players on other teams also saying they're in shape and expect big years etc. This is about the VERY REAL presence of Phil and his staff who know how to teach players and get them to perform at their best. They have an actual track record of doing this. Woody and his Staff were not on the same level in this regard.

This will be the 1st time that JR is playing in this kind of system and being taught to play the game in this way. I'm pretty sure that he's not going to be perfect but I do think that this is an opportunity where the environment is more professional around him. The structure of a Phil Jackson led team is different than what we had before. Maybe that will have a positive impact on JR and all of our players. It seems to me that you and others are discounting the impact of Phil's way of doing things.

They aren't the only coaches/execs who have winning influence throught this league.

The spurs sent several of their people across the league

As well as many competent and bright minds associated with this league

I believe Smith will turn some new leaves

So will players from other teams

No one said we have the only winning coaching staff. You have to admit that few have as many RINGS as our front office and coaches. How many teams added Phil Jackson, Fish, Rambis and Cleamons as a cohesive unit who have worked together to win Titles before? There is a profound difference here in NY. Our coaching change is more comprehensive. It's a plus for this team and worth acknowledging.

You keep trying to make this about what other teams will have that matches what we have and that's not really the point. From your posts you comes across like a "Self Hating Knick Fan". You don't sound proud of your team or willing to look at the areas that could be a positive for this team. You sound like someone who dislikes his team very much. There is always something positive that can be explored. This is a Knicks forum after all. Sober and pessimistic takes on this team are best left to sites that aren't focused on being a Knick Fan. This is the place where it's OK to take a more Pro Knick look at what this team can possibly be this year. If you want to Poo Poo every positive Knick aspect of the team why not go to a Non Knick Fan site where it's expected that there won't be a slant to the posting? It was a rough year last year. It happens. Doesn't mean that all is doomed forever. This could be a turn around year for this franchise and there are valid reasons to be optimistic.

Having titles doesn't mean squat although it could prove to be a huge benefit

How many titles did Popovich have before he took over the Spurs

What about the assistants he brought in

How many rings did Doc Rivers have before coming to Boston

How many teams had Mark Cuban led to championships before he took over ownership in Dallas

Lakers hired Byron Scott, he won rings with Lakers does that means he's better than D'Antoni

Woodson's coaching experience has been wrapped around pinnacle successs

How did that work out for us

We hired Donnie Walsh an accomplished exec with winning pedigree

How did that work out for us

Rambis came from Minny the past couple seasons

How come they never made the playoffs while he was there

You ignore what I like about this team and focus on what I don't

Meanwhile I haven't heard 1 thing you dislike about this team

Did you have high appreciation for this team last year

Before any game was played, they finished 37-45

Which means there must have been something to dislike before the season started

I do not poo-poo every positive aspect of the team, don't post lies

This "because I'm so psoitive and because I said so" schtik of yours

Is nothing but dust on a pair of cheating scales

Now you're just being difficult for the sake of arguing. You can' really be saying that having Phil and some of his staff is meaningless. Surely it's desirable to have a coaching staff that has been to the top many times. They've been thru the process over and over again and that will have some degree of impact on this team going forward. You can't have it both ways. It can't be important to have winning players but not important to have winning coaches.

As for not liking things with the team, I think it's obvious that i'd much prefer we had a dominant defensive team or at the least more really good defenders. I'd prefer younger more physically gifted PG's than Prigs and Jose. I'd love t have a shot blocking/rebounding beast at C. There's a number of things I could wish for. That's not what this is about. This is about what can this team realistically accomplish? What can we expect to change with this new coaching? What will the new players added contribute? What future moves can Phil make to improve the team? You're so negative about this team that you can't even see the positive changes that have already taken place on this team. I'm not the one with the problem.

I never said having Phil was a negative

I'm telling you having him doesn't equal instant positive

I provided several results proving this

Phil needs to change a lot of the groceries in the cupboards

As of now we're not a 50 win team, namely because the groceries are inferior

Phil job has only just begun

Kerr said it's going to take us some time to get this right

Therefore we're not coming out the gate as you're advertising with 50 wins

I can only imagine what the projections would be had we convinced Lebron to sign here

What 82-0, some aren't leaving room for true impaction improvement

Calderon is a 10-15 game improvement then what is Bron

What would a Triangle Darling Steph Curry be

I'm not rallying behind premature commentary from a knucklehead such as J.R.

His resume speaks for itself but you can