https://www.thestrick.land/podcasts/zsj5kw9rgy1ptgnjsf5zv1bo7fig57

Very interesting info that clearers up some stuff, plus some surprises

-Seemed adamant that we’re not drafting Okoro (didn’t finish explaining why, but went on to a tale about shooting, so maybe that’s why)

-Adamant that we’re not signing VanVleet, and likely VanVleet’s recent comments were just trying to get the Raptors to increase their offer

-Fiz realized early that Randle could not be the main guy, and Randle was not pleased which is why he looked so bad early

-Randle & Payton did freeze out RJ though Randle’s hostility waned towards the end of the season

-The reason for the Frank hostility from the coaches or org was that he refused to listen or compromise- the org want him to be a glue guy, multi-positional swing player, who defends 1-3, but Frank refuses to listen and insists on being the PG and main facilitator. Said his other 4 teammates didn’t like playing with him because they had no idea what he was going to do (because he’s not a good facilitator or starting PG material).

-doesn’t think we end up with Westbrook, thinks the Hornets will trade for him (MJ connection) (here’s hoping)

-Doesn’t really believe CP3 to Suns, thinks if the Clips and Lakers can’t land him, only way he ends up in NY is if he decided he wants to be here for his future career or wants to live here, or his connection with Rose etc

-Other teams would target and say to target Knox and it completely shattered his confidence, led to like an imposter syndrome.

For me, the VanVleet info was disappointing, as it seems to signal that there’s nothing particularly exciting coming via free agency, I’m preparing myself for things like: MKG, DJ Augustine, just marginal bench role players really. I’m worried that once again we’re not going to have decent PG. Hope this doesn’t make us panic and go for Westbrook

smackeddog wrote:Interesting and enjoyable Strickland podcast with Alan Hahn:

https://www.thestrick.land/podcasts/zsj5kw9rgy1ptgnjsf5zv1bo7fig57

-The reason for the Frank hostility from the coaches or org was that he refused to listen or compromise- the org want him to be a glue guy, multi-positional swing player, who defends 1-3, but Frank refuses to listen and insists on being the PG and main facilitator. Said his other 4 teammates didn’t like playing with him because they had no idea what he was going to do (because he’s not a good facilitator or starting PG material).

Didn't we see Fiz try Frank as a "3" during postionless experiments and didn't RJ say how much he liked playing with Frank. I doubt the #8 pick, especially an underperforming one, has enough clout to dictate much to the franchise. There may be some truth to what Hahn is saying, but alot doesn't really jibe. But it does explain Perry's thought process (Mudiay, Burke etc.), who

I am totally on board with a coach defining a players role and taking him out if he dos not abide. New staff thru and thru. If you got a role you execute or sit. If Thibs is not confident in the kid then move him off the roster. Frank is on his 5th coach walking into his 4th season.

Uptown wrote:Interesting tidbits on Frank. If true, the wholesome, team first image that is portrayed takes a serious hit and I can see this regime not hesitating to move him.

I think Vanvleet is in a great situation, playing in Toronto alongside Lowry. I think he gets exposed a bit if he is asked to be not only the main. ball hander and decision maker but the number 1 player on a team (he would be here). He is in a great system with a really good coach and battle tested teammates. He won't be the same player here.

I like Okoro but maybe the Knicks think his game is too similar to RJ in terms of being a physical slasher that needs to work on his shot. If the Knicks stay at 8 and Hayes is on the board, I can see them grabbing him.

Nalod wrote:
Not sure I agree (or want to??LOL) about Frank. Fiz had him tucked in the corner and passing early in the offense. Under Miller he got more aggressive on offense but he seemed like a playmaker first. Didn’t we all yell “Shoot it frankie!!” His +- was usually good. Was it Mook or Randle that were confused about what he was doing? Did Frank freeze out RJ?

I am totally on board with a coach defining a players role and taking him out if he dos not abide. New staff thru and thru. If you got a role you execute or sit. If Thibs is not confident in the kid then move him off the roster. Frank is on his 5th coach walking into his 4th season.

Uptown wrote:Interesting tidbits on Frank. If true, the wholesome, team first image that is portrayed takes a serious hit and I can see this regime not hesitating to move him.

I think Vanvleet is in a great situation, playing in Toronto alongside Lowry. I think he gets exposed a bit if he is asked to be not only the main. ball hander and decision maker but the number 1 player on a team (he would be here). He is in a great system with a really good coach and battle tested teammates. He won't be the same player here.

I like Okoro but maybe the Knicks think his game is too similar to RJ in terms of being a physical slasher that needs to work on his shot. If the Knicks stay at 8 and Hayes is on the board, I can see them grabbing him.

If its true, Im very surprised. You add that to Frank mostly training in the off-season, in France, instead of with the team, as they requested. His reluctance to play pick-up BBall in the summer with his peers. As his first NBA coach (Hornacek) recommended. And now, not accepting his role on the team. Shows a player with diva-like behavior, without the requisite talent. If this story is true.

His teammates started freezing Frank out last season, because they knew he wasnt going to move the needle. Thats the part that, if true makes me want the Knicks to close the chapter on Frank. He hasnt moved the needle on offense, but going into year 4, he's still acting like the heir apparent.

Hahn works for MSG. Doubt we would be hearing about this if they werent ready to move on. My guess is that Rose and Thibs want to give Smith jr a shot at PG (or backup PG) over Frank. And Frank is resisting. Dont believe this info leaking was by accident. Might be a way to prepare fans. Frank has a lot of Knicks fans who support him. Very surprised, if true.

Uptown wrote:Interesting tidbits on Frank. If true, the wholesome, team first image that is portrayed takes a serious hit and I can see this regime not hesitating to move him.

I think Vanvleet is in a great situation, playing in Toronto alongside Lowry. I think he gets exposed a bit if he is asked to be not only the main. ball hander and decision maker but the number 1 player on a team (he would be here). He is in a great system with a really good coach and battle tested teammates. He won't be the same player here.

I like Okoro but maybe the Knicks think his game is too similar to RJ in terms of being a physical slasher that needs to work on his shot. If the Knicks stay at 8 and Hayes is on the board, I can see them grabbing him.

ANd the Knicks have earned your trust to believe this?

BigDaddyG wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

Uptown wrote:Interesting tidbits on Frank. If true, the wholesome, team first image that is portrayed takes a serious hit and I can see this regime not hesitating to move him.

I think Vanvleet is in a great situation, playing in Toronto alongside Lowry. I think he gets exposed a bit if he is asked to be not only the main. ball hander and decision maker but the number 1 player on a team (he would be here). He is in a great system with a really good coach and battle tested teammates. He won't be the same player here.

I like Okoro but maybe the Knicks think his game is too similar to RJ in terms of being a physical slasher that needs to work on his shot. If the Knicks stay at 8 and Hayes is on the board, I can see them grabbing him.

If its true, Im very surprised. You add that to Frank mostly training in the off-season, in France, instead of with the team, as they requested. His reluctance to play pick-up BBall in the summer with his peers. As his first NBA coach (Hornacek) recommended. And now, not accepting his role on the team. Shows a player with diva-like behavior, without the requisite talent. If this story is true.

His teammates started freezing Frank out last season, because they knew he wasnt going to move the needle. Thats the part that, if true makes me want the Knicks to close the chapter on Frank. He hasnt moved the needle on offense, but going into year 4, he's still acting like the heir apparent.

Hahn works for MSG. Doubt we would be hearing about this if they werent ready to move on. My guess is that Rose and Thibs want to give Smith jr a shot at PG (or backup PG) over Frank. And Frank is resisting. Dont believe this info leaking was by accident. Might be a way to prepare fans. Frank has a lot of Knicks fans who support him. Very surprised, if true.

I disagree with most of the above. There's plenty of Instagram clips of Frank working out with his "peers" in Chris Brickley's gym. True, Randle and Payton froze Frank and other players out. But I also noticed Frank develop chemistry with Portis, RJ, Mitch, Taj and Bullock. I agree that this is a strategic "leak" and it looks like they're getting ready to dump Frank. As we saw during the Mills debacle, Perry is very savvy with the media. I think diva is probably the last word I'd use to describe Frank.

Im talking about the first couple of off-seasons. Why I said "mostly". He was over there more than he was in the US, with the team. Sure didnt help with his groin issues, or his offense.

Doubt Perry is driving this. Doubt he would try to move on from Frank without Rose agreeing its the right thing to do.

smackeddog wrote:Interesting and enjoyable Strickland podcast with Alan Hahn:

https://www.thestrick.land/podcasts/zsj5kw9rgy1ptgnjsf5zv1bo7fig57

Very interesting info that clearers up some stuff, plus some surprises

-Seemed adamant that we’re not drafting Okoro (didn’t finish explaining why, but went on to a tale about shooting, so maybe that’s why)

-Adamant that we’re not signing VanVleet, and likely VanVleet’s recent comments were just trying to get the Raptors to increase their offer

-Fiz realized early that Randle could not be the main guy, and Randle was not pleased which is why he looked so bad early

-Randle & Payton did freeze out RJ though Randle’s hostility waned towards the end of the season

-The reason for the Frank hostility from the coaches or org was that he refused to listen or compromise- the org want him to be a glue guy, multi-positional swing player, who defends 1-3, but Frank refuses to listen and insists on being the PG and main facilitator. Said his other 4 teammates didn’t like playing with him because they had no idea what he was going to do (because he’s not a good facilitator or starting PG material).

-doesn’t think we end up with Westbrook, thinks the Hornets will trade for him (MJ connection) (here’s hoping)

-Doesn’t really believe CP3 to Suns, thinks if the Clips and Lakers can’t land him, only way he ends up in NY is if he decided he wants to be here for his future career or wants to live here, or his connection with Rose etc

-Other teams would target and say to target Knox and it completely shattered his confidence, led to like an imposter syndrome.

For me, the VanVleet info was disappointing, as it seems to signal that there’s nothing particularly exciting coming via free agency, I’m preparing myself for things like: MKG, DJ Augustine, just marginal bench role players really. I’m worried that once again we’re not going to have decent PG. Hope this doesn’t make us panic and go for Westbrook

Thanks for the recap, much appreciated.

Would you or anyone else have a list of NY Knicks podcasts or YouTube video channels that would help me out with? I'll take a shot at adding into our mix of things we gather. Thanks

newyorknewyork wrote:No reason not to believe Hahn. But the Frank tidbit doesn't add up. If this was the case they would have moved him by now. There also isn't anything to point to that would back this up. Can't name a time when he refused lineup at other positions or play off ball. And you never see him sulking on the bench.

Unless this is something that he communicated that he desires this offseason while the FO & coaching staff have different plans. Saying his teammates didn't like him in that role would be speaking on the past experience. At the same time a new demanding Frank would be interesting to see.

They’ve tried to move him each deadline and offseason but never got offered anything worth doing it.

Hahn wasn’t saying Frank was a villain or anything- he was saying both the organization and coaches have been and fault but so has Frank. He said Phil drafted him then was fired, and no one remaining knew what to do with him, starting with Hornacek. Remember when Fiz was interviewed he said Mills asked him what to do with Frank and Fiz also had no idea but sold it as “let Frank be Frank”.

Frank sees himself as a PG, and likely his agent is telling him he’s a PG (remember when he switched agents and the new one said they had to de-programme him from what the Knicks had said to him or something)- that’s not unreasonable, especially when your team seems to have no idea what to do with you for years. However I think the Knicks don’t think he can be that and want him to just be a 1-3 defender, swing man off the bench. He said if Frank would just accept that role and be good with it, he’d be fine keeping him around. I don’t think Frank’s a diva, I think he’s just been messed over by our terrible developmental and organizational malaise since he came into the league- you can see him get down or look sad or lost a lot of the time because it’s a dysfunctional relationship.