What it if we ask him to lose weight become really lean and keep working on his outside shot?
For 15-18 minutes a night as a backup to KP, I think he could be a fantastic 4 man.

This will allow us to have a magnificent 1-2 punch at both power spots.

Center - Kanter/O'Quinn
Power Forward - Porzingis/Hernangomez

It may not happen right away or this year, but the team should be working with Willy on his footwork on defense and his weight. If he can come in at 4, he'll be a post up nightmare and have a size advantage over many players in screen and roll switches. He has shown he can shoot the 3, and is a willing shooter. He could develop a regular spot up 3.

Thoughts?

Beasley is listed at 6'9 235 lbs
Willy is listed at 6'11 240 lbs

If Willy is on a weight loss program yet still working in the gym on his lower leg strength, he could develop into a physical skilled 4. Not your typical modern day 4, but more of an old school 4. He may not have a starting role with the team, but man off the bench to have a weapon like that on your second unit would be sick. He's a really good player on offense already. If he adds the 3 point shot, I see no reason he can't be a full time 4.

I’d say play to his strengths and use as a 6 man. He needs to work on D

THJ should have a heart to heart w him. He was a successful rookie who eventually went to d league

Keep ur chin up and keep grindingp

nyknickzingis wrote:

Chandler wrote:IMO square peg and round hole.

I’d say play to his strengths and use as a 6 man. He needs to work on D

THJ should have a heart to heart w him. He was a successful rookie who eventually went to d league

Keep ur chin up and keep grindingp

Kyle and now Noah will beat him for minutes at 5 because both are much better defenders at that spot.
However at the 4, the backup 4, it's been Beasley at times, other times Lance Thomas. There hasn't really been a consistent backup for KP. I think Will can develop into this player. He's a fantastic post player and in his rookie season hit quite a few three pointers. If he drops 10 lbs, works on the spot up 3 point shot, I see no reason he can't be a backup 4 eventually. I think the reason you don't see it right now is that Lance Thomas and Beasley are more natural fits and Hornachek likes that. Horny has to get wins, or his job isn't secure for next year.

However as a longterm project, I think Willy should target this role. We have a need for a go to scorer off the bench and we need a quality backup for KP. I think this is where Willy can fit in longterm.

Quickly on Kanter -- I'm starting to wonder if they're suppressing him on purpose in order to keep his eventual cost down. Maybe Jeff's getting word from topside to do that.. He's got the rest of this year and then a player option next year for over $18m I believe. Maybe they do know what he's capable of doing offensively, they like him & wanna keep him, but want him at their price. Otherwise, I continue to see a problem with Kanter not getting enough touches on the offensive end. Only thing I can think of that's even remotely plausible.

martin wrote:

Finestrg wrote:Willy's gotta play, bottom line. As soon as he starts playing regularly and contributing, you won't hear a word about how soft he's playing -- dude can score and rebound. As good as O'Quinn's looked in the early going, I'd rather see Willy get those mins.

Quickly on Kanter -- I'm starting to wonder if they're suppressing him on purpose in order to keep his eventual cost down. Maybe Jeff's getting word from topside to do that.. He's got the rest of this year and then a player option next year for over $18m I believe. Maybe they do know what he's capable of doing offensively, they like him & wanna keep him, but want him at their price. Otherwise, I continue to see a problem with Kanter not getting enough touches on the offensive end. Only thing I can think of that's even remotely plausible.

Bottom line, Knicks are winning, and within an offense and defense that seems to be working for them. Why mess with that because of some perceived slights?

When does reality kick in? You don't play guys just because you want them to get minutes or more shots.

KOQ is actually playing well and within his role at 16 minutes, 2-way player who spaces the floor out to about 20 feet, averaging 14.5 points, 13 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and an ungodly 5 assists at a rate of 36 minutes... and you want to cut his minutes in favor of Willy? Or did you mean to cut Kanter's minutes in favor of Willy? Or perhaps sit KP some extra time for Willy?

This is a real head scratcher for me

I am a big Willy fan but I have to agree with you. I don't know what happened during training camp and practices but it seems Horny selection of Kanter starting and KOQ being the 1st big off the bench is gold right now. Both players compliment KP right now and is producing wins. I am sure Willy can probably do the same but I would not change what he is doing right now. Both Kanter and KOQ has earned what they are getting now.

fishmike wrote:

Gudris wrote:I dont see him as NBA player

dude made all rookie team and produces every time he's on the floor. Also showed his chops internationally and looked great next to NBA talent. You dont even see him as NBA material? That doesnt add up

I think the play with Willy is probably pretty simple/straightforward.

Knicks should already be talking to Kanter's agent. They should have an ongoing dialogue and idea of what his base cost will be. Anyone who has followed his story knows he desperately wants to stay in NY. I am not asking for a hometown discount, but I do think he will be motivated to play hard and stay here. Loving where you live and work is a huge quality of life changer. My base line would be about $20mm, or a modest raise from where his is now. 4/$80 would lock him up from 26-30 years old and give us a big rugged post player/rebounder next to KP.

Trade KOQ or possibly package him for a pick or another asset.

That leaves you with Kanter as the starting 5 and Willy/Noah to fight for the backup minutes, which we see is an big role. Kanter picks up a lot of fouls and is very physical.

I think this is the best case scenario.

If Willy remains in NY he will need to REALLY re-shape his body ---- lose weight/add power (much like Kanter) and then....maybe he can be a solid all-around player for us.

Right now he looks soft and slow --- not a great combination.