CrushAlot wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

HofstraBBall wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

Knicksfan wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:Barrett is called the "Maple Mamba" We'll see about that. Kobe was jacking up shots as a rook. Just watch him in his first playoffs. More concerned about Barrett getting a step faster than his FG pct. Dont believe he was ready for the pace.

Every rookie says the thing that surprises them the most is the speed of the game. Hopefully he used all SL to get used to it.

Know that well, was speaking about Barrett's conditioning, not his reaction time.

Biggest take away is how Barrett was strong side dominant and had little lift at end of a drive. Think his vision and shot were off but should improve. Did seem overwhelmed by the moment. Hopefully he gets better at that as he is playing in the mecca of expectation. Did show ability to navigate to the basket. Wanted him as the number 3 pick but he had an off game and did not play up to it last night. I'm sure/hoping he Will show more in next few games amd throughout the year..

Also, really like Knox but he showed no progress in developing a drive, post up or mid range pull up game. Defense was lack luster and did not look physically stronger. Came out hitting threes and with his game face on. That was erased when Zion manhandled him end of 1st.

Mitch looked skinnier than last year. Love his motor but scared me falling all over the place. Would of been nice to see him pop instead of dive and try a 10 footer. Teams know he always cuts for a dunk off a pick and are taking that away.

Trier was Trier. Instant points but not setting up others. Would like to see him play the point in SL and have the coaches make him create for others. May help him understand amd enjoy the passing game.

Iggy looked scrappy on offense but slower on D than I would have hoped.

Of course this is all way too early and mostly a comment on things I was looking for as a sign of a continuation of development for the young kids. Hard to judge Barrett and Iggy too harshly as they were playing with so many new faces, pressure of first NBA action and NO coaching. However, It would have been nice to see our second year guys work better collectively. As they did not have the same excuses.

Guessing Barrett spent a lot of time in the weight room (not a bad thing) and not enough time running, suicides, stuff like that. Knox is a big lanky guy. Id be worried too about taking it to the rim with so many rooks. There were more than a few times players were hit off balance.

When we have a PG who is more of a threat to score, should open the floor more. Was impressed with the 3s right off the bat. Played some good D on Zion as well. Would give Knox time to start driving. Showed some nice moves to close last season.

Trier passed a little more towards the end, but they were more like bailout passes. If he said to himself once in a while "got my looks, time to get my teammates involved" Zo would be a dangerous player, because it would be harder to game plan for him.

I liked how Iggy, drove to the rim if he saw daylight, does it with less dribbling thsn Trier.

That block on Zion and dunk, after the Zion strip of Knox, was some world class representing for the Knicks. Ive mentioned how Mitch is almost martial arts like. The way he got Zion was right out of the movies, lol.

Believe the addition of Smith jr and Payton will grease the wheels.

Not sure where the thread is but I got together with an old friend who has been a Net fan for at least 30 years. He said having the state of the art practice facility in Brooklyn is huge for the Nets. He said the players on last year’s team all lived in Brooklyn except for Dudley. He said the team hung out a lot off the court and would get together for impromptu work outs. He said it made a dramatic change for the team.

Not sure I can see Irving or Durant, once recovered, doing this kind of thing, but who knows.

You wonder how the team chemistry will change with alpha dogs like Irving and Durant joining a team that got by on teamwork and "hero for a night" performances.

This will be a more difficult job for Atkinson than taking a bunch of younger players trying to prove something and making them into a unit.

Tweet was deleted or there was problem with the URL:

https://twitter.com/shamscharania/status/1147600250653368320

CleaverGreene wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

HofstraBBall wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

Knicksfan wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:Barrett is called the "Maple Mamba" We'll see about that. Kobe was jacking up shots as a rook. Just watch him in his first playoffs. More concerned about Barrett getting a step faster than his FG pct. Dont believe he was ready for the pace.

Every rookie says the thing that surprises them the most is the speed of the game. Hopefully he used all SL to get used to it.

Know that well, was speaking about Barrett's conditioning, not his reaction time.

Biggest take away is how Barrett was strong side dominant and had little lift at end of a drive. Think his vision and shot were off but should improve. Did seem overwhelmed by the moment. Hopefully he gets better at that as he is playing in the mecca of expectation. Did show ability to navigate to the basket. Wanted him as the number 3 pick but he had an off game and did not play up to it last night. I'm sure/hoping he Will show more in next few games amd throughout the year..

Also, really like Knox but he showed no progress in developing a drive, post up or mid range pull up game. Defense was lack luster and did not look physically stronger. Came out hitting threes and with his game face on. That was erased when Zion manhandled him end of 1st.

Mitch looked skinnier than last year. Love his motor but scared me falling all over the place. Would of been nice to see him pop instead of dive and try a 10 footer. Teams know he always cuts for a dunk off a pick and are taking that away.

Trier was Trier. Instant points but not setting up others. Would like to see him play the point in SL and have the coaches make him create for others. May help him understand amd enjoy the passing game.

Iggy looked scrappy on offense but slower on D than I would have hoped.

Of course this is all way too early and mostly a comment on things I was looking for as a sign of a continuation of development for the young kids. Hard to judge Barrett and Iggy too harshly as they were playing with so many new faces, pressure of first NBA action and NO coaching. However, It would have been nice to see our second year guys work better collectively. As they did not have the same excuses.

Guessing Barrett spent a lot of time in the weight room (not a bad thing) and not enough time running, suicides, stuff like that. Knox is a big lanky guy. Id be worried too about taking it to the rim with so many rooks. There were more than a few times players were hit off balance.

When we have a PG who is more of a threat to score, should open the floor more. Was impressed with the 3s right off the bat. Played some good D on Zion as well. Would give Knox time to start driving. Showed some nice moves to close last season.

Trier passed a little more towards the end, but they were more like bailout passes. If he said to himself once in a while "got my looks, time to get my teammates involved" Zo would be a dangerous player, because it would be harder to game plan for him.

I liked how Iggy, drove to the rim if he saw daylight, does it with less dribbling thsn Trier.

That block on Zion and dunk, after the Zion strip of Knox, was some world class representing for the Knicks. Ive mentioned how Mitch is almost martial arts like. The way he got Zion was right out of the movies, lol.

Believe the addition of Smith jr and Payton will grease the wheels.

Not sure where the thread is but I got together with an old friend who has been a Net fan for at least 30 years. He said having the state of the art practice facility in Brooklyn is huge for the Nets. He said the players on last year’s team all lived in Brooklyn except for Dudley. He said the team hung out a lot off the court and would get together for impromptu work outs. He said it made a dramatic change for the team.

Sounds like something a lot of younger guys trying to prove themselves would do.

Not sure I can see Irving or Durant, once recovered, doing this kind of thing, but who knows.

You wonder how the team chemistry will change with alpha dogs like Irving and Durant joining a team that got by on teamwork and "hero for a night" performances.

This will be a more difficult job for Atkinson than taking a bunch of younger players trying to prove something and making them into a unit.

Or maybe they just enjoy each other's company, which has nothing to do with age. Irving and Durant passed on the Knicks, went to the Nets, so they can play together. And you wonder if hanging out with teammates, working out, a few minutes from their homes would interest them?

GustavBahler wrote:

CleaverGreene wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

HofstraBBall wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

Knicksfan wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:Barrett is called the "Maple Mamba" We'll see about that. Kobe was jacking up shots as a rook. Just watch him in his first playoffs. More concerned about Barrett getting a step faster than his FG pct. Dont believe he was ready for the pace.

Every rookie says the thing that surprises them the most is the speed of the game. Hopefully he used all SL to get used to it.

Know that well, was speaking about Barrett's conditioning, not his reaction time.

Biggest take away is how Barrett was strong side dominant and had little lift at end of a drive. Think his vision and shot were off but should improve. Did seem overwhelmed by the moment. Hopefully he gets better at that as he is playing in the mecca of expectation. Did show ability to navigate to the basket. Wanted him as the number 3 pick but he had an off game and did not play up to it last night. I'm sure/hoping he Will show more in next few games amd throughout the year..

Also, really like Knox but he showed no progress in developing a drive, post up or mid range pull up game. Defense was lack luster and did not look physically stronger. Came out hitting threes and with his game face on. That was erased when Zion manhandled him end of 1st.

Mitch looked skinnier than last year. Love his motor but scared me falling all over the place. Would of been nice to see him pop instead of dive and try a 10 footer. Teams know he always cuts for a dunk off a pick and are taking that away.

Trier was Trier. Instant points but not setting up others. Would like to see him play the point in SL and have the coaches make him create for others. May help him understand amd enjoy the passing game.

Iggy looked scrappy on offense but slower on D than I would have hoped.

Of course this is all way too early and mostly a comment on things I was looking for as a sign of a continuation of development for the young kids. Hard to judge Barrett and Iggy too harshly as they were playing with so many new faces, pressure of first NBA action and NO coaching. However, It would have been nice to see our second year guys work better collectively. As they did not have the same excuses.

Guessing Barrett spent a lot of time in the weight room (not a bad thing) and not enough time running, suicides, stuff like that. Knox is a big lanky guy. Id be worried too about taking it to the rim with so many rooks. There were more than a few times players were hit off balance.

When we have a PG who is more of a threat to score, should open the floor more. Was impressed with the 3s right off the bat. Played some good D on Zion as well. Would give Knox time to start driving. Showed some nice moves to close last season.

Trier passed a little more towards the end, but they were more like bailout passes. If he said to himself once in a while "got my looks, time to get my teammates involved" Zo would be a dangerous player, because it would be harder to game plan for him.

I liked how Iggy, drove to the rim if he saw daylight, does it with less dribbling thsn Trier.

That block on Zion and dunk, after the Zion strip of Knox, was some world class representing for the Knicks. Ive mentioned how Mitch is almost martial arts like. The way he got Zion was right out of the movies, lol.

Believe the addition of Smith jr and Payton will grease the wheels.

Not sure where the thread is but I got together with an old friend who has been a Net fan for at least 30 years. He said having the state of the art practice facility in Brooklyn is huge for the Nets. He said the players on last year’s team all lived in Brooklyn except for Dudley. He said the team hung out a lot off the court and would get together for impromptu work outs. He said it made a dramatic change for the team.

Sounds like something a lot of younger guys trying to prove themselves would do.

Not sure I can see Irving or Durant, once recovered, doing this kind of thing, but who knows.

You wonder how the team chemistry will change with alpha dogs like Irving and Durant joining a team that got by on teamwork and "hero for a night" performances.

This will be a more difficult job for Atkinson than taking a bunch of younger players trying to prove something and making them into a unit.

Or maybe they just enjoy each other's company, which has nothing to do with age. Irving and Durant passed on the Knicks, went to the Nets, so they can play together. And you wonder if hanging out with teammates, working out, a few minutes from their homes would interest them?

Also have to say that one of their mates, Russell, was thrown aside after they reached the playoffs together, and now others will be pushed off the court by Irving, Jordan, and eventually Durant. They will be a better team because of the new additions, but some might be disappointed with the change.

Younger players, especially unproven ones are usually more hungry, and they might have less going on in their lives. I would say they are more likely to do what the other poster said the young Nets were doing.

Sounds like Irving was coming over to play in Brooklyn and live in the Tri-State area no matter what, but I think Durant's decision was a business decision based on Irving being there, and the Nets having some pieces.

I tend to think the team dynamics off the court will be different, but who knows.

CleaverGreene wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

CleaverGreene wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

HofstraBBall wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

Knicksfan wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:Barrett is called the "Maple Mamba" We'll see about that. Kobe was jacking up shots as a rook. Just watch him in his first playoffs. More concerned about Barrett getting a step faster than his FG pct. Dont believe he was ready for the pace.

Every rookie says the thing that surprises them the most is the speed of the game. Hopefully he used all SL to get used to it.

Know that well, was speaking about Barrett's conditioning, not his reaction time.

Biggest take away is how Barrett was strong side dominant and had little lift at end of a drive. Think his vision and shot were off but should improve. Did seem overwhelmed by the moment. Hopefully he gets better at that as he is playing in the mecca of expectation. Did show ability to navigate to the basket. Wanted him as the number 3 pick but he had an off game and did not play up to it last night. I'm sure/hoping he Will show more in next few games amd throughout the year..

Also, really like Knox but he showed no progress in developing a drive, post up or mid range pull up game. Defense was lack luster and did not look physically stronger. Came out hitting threes and with his game face on. That was erased when Zion manhandled him end of 1st.

Mitch looked skinnier than last year. Love his motor but scared me falling all over the place. Would of been nice to see him pop instead of dive and try a 10 footer. Teams know he always cuts for a dunk off a pick and are taking that away.

Trier was Trier. Instant points but not setting up others. Would like to see him play the point in SL and have the coaches make him create for others. May help him understand amd enjoy the passing game.

Iggy looked scrappy on offense but slower on D than I would have hoped.

Of course this is all way too early and mostly a comment on things I was looking for as a sign of a continuation of development for the young kids. Hard to judge Barrett and Iggy too harshly as they were playing with so many new faces, pressure of first NBA action and NO coaching. However, It would have been nice to see our second year guys work better collectively. As they did not have the same excuses.

Guessing Barrett spent a lot of time in the weight room (not a bad thing) and not enough time running, suicides, stuff like that. Knox is a big lanky guy. Id be worried too about taking it to the rim with so many rooks. There were more than a few times players were hit off balance.

When we have a PG who is more of a threat to score, should open the floor more. Was impressed with the 3s right off the bat. Played some good D on Zion as well. Would give Knox time to start driving. Showed some nice moves to close last season.

Trier passed a little more towards the end, but they were more like bailout passes. If he said to himself once in a while "got my looks, time to get my teammates involved" Zo would be a dangerous player, because it would be harder to game plan for him.

I liked how Iggy, drove to the rim if he saw daylight, does it with less dribbling thsn Trier.

That block on Zion and dunk, after the Zion strip of Knox, was some world class representing for the Knicks. Ive mentioned how Mitch is almost martial arts like. The way he got Zion was right out of the movies, lol.

Believe the addition of Smith jr and Payton will grease the wheels.

Not sure where the thread is but I got together with an old friend who has been a Net fan for at least 30 years. He said having the state of the art practice facility in Brooklyn is huge for the Nets. He said the players on last year’s team all lived in Brooklyn except for Dudley. He said the team hung out a lot off the court and would get together for impromptu work outs. He said it made a dramatic change for the team.

Sounds like something a lot of younger guys trying to prove themselves would do.

Not sure I can see Irving or Durant, once recovered, doing this kind of thing, but who knows.

You wonder how the team chemistry will change with alpha dogs like Irving and Durant joining a team that got by on teamwork and "hero for a night" performances.

This will be a more difficult job for Atkinson than taking a bunch of younger players trying to prove something and making them into a unit.

Or maybe they just enjoy each other's company, which has nothing to do with age. Irving and Durant passed on the Knicks, went to the Nets, so they can play together. And you wonder if hanging out with teammates, working out, a few minutes from their homes would interest them?

Coming over to play together on a team, and hanging out together as a team are two different things.

Also have to say that one of their mates, Russell, was thrown aside after they reached the playoffs together, and now others will be pushed off the court by Irving, Jordan, and eventually Durant. They will be a better team because of the new additions, but some might be disappointed with the change.

Younger players, especially unproven ones are usually more hungry, and they might have less going on in their lives. I would say they are more likely to do what the other poster said the young Nets were doing.

Sounds like Irving was coming over to play in Brooklyn and live in the Tri-State area no matter what, but I think Durant's decision was a business decision based on Irving being there, and the Nets having some pieces.

I tend to think the team dynamics off the court will be different, but who knows.

You are suggesting that Durant and Irving, who have been planning on joining up for at least a year, landed on the same team by mostly coincidence. Thats just plain silly. They're very good friends. Just like LeBron and Wade were. Its not just business.

Players on the Nets werent forced to hang out, but apparently they did. Like on every other NBA team.

You're suggesting that its not a big deal about an hour's drive out of town in NY traffic to practice. That having the option of all living near the team's state of the art practice facility. What is in essence their own private, exclusive club in the city, wouldn't be something that would interest FAs. Very much disagree.

Part of the big pitch the Knicks always make to elite FAs that rings somewhat hollow, is the notion of playing and working in NYC. The Nets can claim that with their brand spanking new practice facility, Knicks cant. Players have to choose between convenience and NYC, if they want to live in the city.

GustavBahler wrote:

CleaverGreene wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

CleaverGreene wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

HofstraBBall wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

Knicksfan wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:Barrett is called the "Maple Mamba" We'll see about that. Kobe was jacking up shots as a rook. Just watch him in his first playoffs. More concerned about Barrett getting a step faster than his FG pct. Dont believe he was ready for the pace.

Every rookie says the thing that surprises them the most is the speed of the game. Hopefully he used all SL to get used to it.

Know that well, was speaking about Barrett's conditioning, not his reaction time.

Biggest take away is how Barrett was strong side dominant and had little lift at end of a drive. Think his vision and shot were off but should improve. Did seem overwhelmed by the moment. Hopefully he gets better at that as he is playing in the mecca of expectation. Did show ability to navigate to the basket. Wanted him as the number 3 pick but he had an off game and did not play up to it last night. I'm sure/hoping he Will show more in next few games amd throughout the year..

Also, really like Knox but he showed no progress in developing a drive, post up or mid range pull up game. Defense was lack luster and did not look physically stronger. Came out hitting threes and with his game face on. That was erased when Zion manhandled him end of 1st.

Mitch looked skinnier than last year. Love his motor but scared me falling all over the place. Would of been nice to see him pop instead of dive and try a 10 footer. Teams know he always cuts for a dunk off a pick and are taking that away.

Trier was Trier. Instant points but not setting up others. Would like to see him play the point in SL and have the coaches make him create for others. May help him understand amd enjoy the passing game.

Iggy looked scrappy on offense but slower on D than I would have hoped.

Of course this is all way too early and mostly a comment on things I was looking for as a sign of a continuation of development for the young kids. Hard to judge Barrett and Iggy too harshly as they were playing with so many new faces, pressure of first NBA action and NO coaching. However, It would have been nice to see our second year guys work better collectively. As they did not have the same excuses.

Guessing Barrett spent a lot of time in the weight room (not a bad thing) and not enough time running, suicides, stuff like that. Knox is a big lanky guy. Id be worried too about taking it to the rim with so many rooks. There were more than a few times players were hit off balance.

When we have a PG who is more of a threat to score, should open the floor more. Was impressed with the 3s right off the bat. Played some good D on Zion as well. Would give Knox time to start driving. Showed some nice moves to close last season.

Trier passed a little more towards the end, but they were more like bailout passes. If he said to himself once in a while "got my looks, time to get my teammates involved" Zo would be a dangerous player, because it would be harder to game plan for him.

I liked how Iggy, drove to the rim if he saw daylight, does it with less dribbling thsn Trier.

That block on Zion and dunk, after the Zion strip of Knox, was some world class representing for the Knicks. Ive mentioned how Mitch is almost martial arts like. The way he got Zion was right out of the movies, lol.

Believe the addition of Smith jr and Payton will grease the wheels.

Not sure where the thread is but I got together with an old friend who has been a Net fan for at least 30 years. He said having the state of the art practice facility in Brooklyn is huge for the Nets. He said the players on last year’s team all lived in Brooklyn except for Dudley. He said the team hung out a lot off the court and would get together for impromptu work outs. He said it made a dramatic change for the team.

Sounds like something a lot of younger guys trying to prove themselves would do.

Not sure I can see Irving or Durant, once recovered, doing this kind of thing, but who knows.

You wonder how the team chemistry will change with alpha dogs like Irving and Durant joining a team that got by on teamwork and "hero for a night" performances.

This will be a more difficult job for Atkinson than taking a bunch of younger players trying to prove something and making them into a unit.

Or maybe they just enjoy each other's company, which has nothing to do with age. Irving and Durant passed on the Knicks, went to the Nets, so they can play together. And you wonder if hanging out with teammates, working out, a few minutes from their homes would interest them?

Coming over to play together on a team, and hanging out together as a team are two different things.

Also have to say that one of their mates, Russell, was thrown aside after they reached the playoffs together, and now others will be pushed off the court by Irving, Jordan, and eventually Durant. They will be a better team because of the new additions, but some might be disappointed with the change.

Younger players, especially unproven ones are usually more hungry, and they might have less going on in their lives. I would say they are more likely to do what the other poster said the young Nets were doing.

Sounds like Irving was coming over to play in Brooklyn and live in the Tri-State area no matter what, but I think Durant's decision was a business decision based on Irving being there, and the Nets having some pieces.

I tend to think the team dynamics off the court will be different, but who knows.

You are suggesting that Durant and Irving, who have been planning on joining up for at least a year, landed on the same team by mostly coincidence. Thats just plain silly. They're very good friends. Just like LeBron and Wade were. Its not just business.

Players on the Nets werent forced to hang out, but apparently they did. Like on every other NBA team.

You're suggesting that its not a big deal about an hour's drive out of town in NY traffic to practice. That having the option of all living near the team's state of the art practice facility. What is in essence their own private, exclusive club in the city, wouldn't be something that would interest FAs. Very much disagree.

Part of the big pitch the Knicks always make to elite FAs that rings somewhat hollow, is the notion of playing and working in NYC. The Nets can claim that with their brand spanking new practice facility, Knicks cant. Players have to choose between convenience and NYC, if they want to live in the city.

Agree they all talk amd KD was looking to pair up with KI for some time. Even heard he also wanted Jordan to be included.,Reason,why they will do a contract that allows the Neta to sign him.

Disagree that the facility, although good to have, was a main factor why they chose the Nets. Believe it makes more sense to that KDs plan only had three options. Clips, Knicks and Nets. Clips wanted Kawhi and the Knicks backed off commiting to KD let alone all three.

Nalod wrote:Season ended two and a half months ago. What expectations do you have? Say they took two weeks off to rest?
Two months? What did you expect? Some sci-fi metamorphosis? Some Over night wolf man transformation?
These guys have three MORE months before camp opens.
how silly the whole evening was portrayed. The interviews were silly, the earth quake was silly.

Dont think anyone is expecting a "Wolf man transformation" or "Sci-fi metamorphosis". Specially in first game of SL. Disagree that it takes "months" of work to add some of skills Knox, Mitch and Trier can improve on. Its not like we are talking about middle school level kids? These are PRO LEVEL players. They all have the skills needed to add items mentioned to their games. And yes, you can do it in SL. Trier adding a drive and dish in SL to set other up does not take "Months" of work. Just a "Commitment" by him and coaching staff to do so. Dont think that Mitch needs months of work to pop and take a 10 footer off picks just a "Commitment" by him and coaching staff. Dont think it takes months of work for Knox to attempt a few mid range pull ups and drives. Just a "commitment" by him and coaching staff to do so.

Was anyone expecting for it to come together in first of SL? No way. But it would be nice to see signs of "commitment" by them and coaching staff, specially after not seeing it for most their first 2018 season. And yes, even in the first game of meaningless SL play. Hopefully they are working with coaching staff towards this commitment. Think they are. It was good to see signs of commitment by Dennis to working with his shot(Which takes a lot more than a couple of months) Again, I am not looking for a "metamorphosis" change, however, I am looking for some similar signs of commitment by our other yoots.

https://clutchpoints.com/knicks-news-dennis-smith-jr-confirms-theres-a-big-difference-on-his-shot-now/

HofstraBBall wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

HofstraBBall wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

CleaverGreene wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

CleaverGreene wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

HofstraBBall wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

Knicksfan wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:Barrett is called the "Maple Mamba" We'll see about that. Kobe was jacking up shots as a rook. Just watch him in his first playoffs. More concerned about Barrett getting a step faster than his FG pct. Dont believe he was ready for the pace.

Every rookie says the thing that surprises them the most is the speed of the game. Hopefully he used all SL to get used to it.

Know that well, was speaking about Barrett's conditioning, not his reaction time.

Biggest take away is how Barrett was strong side dominant and had little lift at end of a drive. Think his vision and shot were off but should improve. Did seem overwhelmed by the moment. Hopefully he gets better at that as he is playing in the mecca of expectation. Did show ability to navigate to the basket. Wanted him as the number 3 pick but he had an off game and did not play up to it last night. I'm sure/hoping he Will show more in next few games amd throughout the year..

Also, really like Knox but he showed no progress in developing a drive, post up or mid range pull up game. Defense was lack luster and did not look physically stronger. Came out hitting threes and with his game face on. That was erased when Zion manhandled him end of 1st.

Mitch looked skinnier than last year. Love his motor but scared me falling all over the place. Would of been nice to see him pop instead of dive and try a 10 footer. Teams know he always cuts for a dunk off a pick and are taking that away.

Trier was Trier. Instant points but not setting up others. Would like to see him play the point in SL and have the coaches make him create for others. May help him understand amd enjoy the passing game.

Iggy looked scrappy on offense but slower on D than I would have hoped.

Of course this is all way too early and mostly a comment on things I was looking for as a sign of a continuation of development for the young kids. Hard to judge Barrett and Iggy too harshly as they were playing with so many new faces, pressure of first NBA action and NO coaching. However, It would have been nice to see our second year guys work better collectively. As they did not have the same excuses.

Guessing Barrett spent a lot of time in the weight room (not a bad thing) and not enough time running, suicides, stuff like that. Knox is a big lanky guy. Id be worried too about taking it to the rim with so many rooks. There were more than a few times players were hit off balance.

When we have a PG who is more of a threat to score, should open the floor more. Was impressed with the 3s right off the bat. Played some good D on Zion as well. Would give Knox time to start driving. Showed some nice moves to close last season.

Trier passed a little more towards the end, but they were more like bailout passes. If he said to himself once in a while "got my looks, time to get my teammates involved" Zo would be a dangerous player, because it would be harder to game plan for him.

I liked how Iggy, drove to the rim if he saw daylight, does it with less dribbling thsn Trier.

That block on Zion and dunk, after the Zion strip of Knox, was some world class representing for the Knicks. Ive mentioned how Mitch is almost martial arts like. The way he got Zion was right out of the movies, lol.

Believe the addition of Smith jr and Payton will grease the wheels.

Not sure where the thread is but I got together with an old friend who has been a Net fan for at least 30 years. He said having the state of the art practice facility in Brooklyn is huge for the Nets. He said the players on last year’s team all lived in Brooklyn except for Dudley. He said the team hung out a lot off the court and would get together for impromptu work outs. He said it made a dramatic change for the team.

Sounds like something a lot of younger guys trying to prove themselves would do.

Not sure I can see Irving or Durant, once recovered, doing this kind of thing, but who knows.

You wonder how the team chemistry will change with alpha dogs like Irving and Durant joining a team that got by on teamwork and "hero for a night" performances.

This will be a more difficult job for Atkinson than taking a bunch of younger players trying to prove something and making them into a unit.

Or maybe they just enjoy each other's company, which has nothing to do with age. Irving and Durant passed on the Knicks, went to the Nets, so they can play together. And you wonder if hanging out with teammates, working out, a few minutes from their homes would interest them?

Coming over to play together on a team, and hanging out together as a team are two different things.

Also have to say that one of their mates, Russell, was thrown aside after they reached the playoffs together, and now others will be pushed off the court by Irving, Jordan, and eventually Durant. They will be a better team because of the new additions, but some might be disappointed with the change.

Younger players, especially unproven ones are usually more hungry, and they might have less going on in their lives. I would say they are more likely to do what the other poster said the young Nets were doing.

Sounds like Irving was coming over to play in Brooklyn and live in the Tri-State area no matter what, but I think Durant's decision was a business decision based on Irving being there, and the Nets having some pieces.

I tend to think the team dynamics off the court will be different, but who knows.

You are suggesting that Durant and Irving, who have been planning on joining up for at least a year, landed on the same team by mostly coincidence. Thats just plain silly. They're very good friends. Just like LeBron and Wade were. Its not just business.

Players on the Nets werent forced to hang out, but apparently they did. Like on every other NBA team.

You're suggesting that its not a big deal about an hour's drive out of town in NY traffic to practice. That having the option of all living near the team's state of the art practice facility. What is in essence their own private, exclusive club in the city, wouldn't be something that would interest FAs. Very much disagree.

Part of the big pitch the Knicks always make to elite FAs that rings somewhat hollow, is the notion of playing and working in NYC. The Nets can claim that with their brand spanking new practice facility, Knicks cant. Players have to choose between convenience and NYC, if they want to live in the city.

Agree they all talk amd KD was looking to pair up with KI for some time. Even heard he also wanted Jordan to be included.,Reason,why they will do a contract that allows the Neta to sign him.

Disagree that the facility, although good to have, was a main factor why they chose the Nets. Believe it makes more sense to that KDs plan only had three options. Clips, Knicks and Nets. Clips wanted Kawhi and the Knicks backed off commiting to KD let alone all three.

Never even remotely suggested it was the deciding or most important factor. Went through this in the thread I started on the subject. Again it was just one reason. Still important enough IMO to be considered in the Knicks future plans. Was disagreeing with the notion that a state of the art facility in NYC, wouldn't be a draw.

Dont think I was saying YOU said it was the main factor. Just a making a point for anyone that thinks it was a factor at all. Dont think it was a factor in KD's decision IMO. Think It was all about where those three were able to play together. But agree that having a nice practice facility is something every major franchise should have. I guess its hard for Knicks to make that happen as we are talking about the MECCA of basketball and something I dont think Knicks ownership would want to knock down and redevelop nor is it easy to gain nearby space in the Manhattan real estate landscape.

You're recovering from a serious injury, you know you have a long rehab ahead, some of it with the team. If you decide to live in the city, would you want to get in a limo or van, for that commute to upstate NY, or a couple of minutes in a limo to a new practice facility?

Nets just showed that the Knicks need every edge they can get. Nets arent going to be considered the red headed step child of NY basketball anymore. Even if KD/Kyrie bombs.

The reasoning behind the practice facility being in Westchester was to avoid distractions. Believe the commute is a distraction for those who want to live in the city. All that time sitting in traffic, can be tiring as well. Might even affect performance a little.

Some of these draft picks are teenagers. Giving them a drama free place to hang out with teammates, (maybe family) could be a draw as well.

Maybe he’ll have a rough rookie year as well. But let’s accept that he’s a talent that has already showcased his stuff vs an international stage and in college. With his overall pedigree, he’s a good bet to have a strong work ethic and improve with age and experience.

Lebron struggles during his summer league then was surprisingly excellent during his rookie campaign. I think I have memories of his NBA debut - vs the Kings - and everything going right for his for the next decade or so :).

Many top wings - Harden, PG13, Kobe, Beal, McCollum, Klay, Kawhi - took a few years to become awesome. Look at Kawhi - For several seasons, it looked like Danny Green was going to be the more impressive player, but there’s really no comparison now.

Of course we can only hope RJ is one of those guys that gets it sooner than later.