I was the same boat as some of you guys, I begged them to start Sweetney and give him 30+mins but when they finally put him in the starting lineup he wasn't as effective as he was coming off the bench and dominately 2nd unit players. He was too foul prone against those taller and quicker frontline starters and most of all had a really difficult time getting his shot off. The moves he used off the bench were no longer working. They should definitely feature him as soon as he gets in the game. Steph penetrating and getting him the ball inside is a beautiful to watch. Now if they start him over Frye or Jsmes he better be in shape and quicker. There was a time when Sweets was my favorite Knick but I kinda lost hope after instead of continuing to get in shape he got progressively worse throughout the season.

[Edited by - gunsnewing on 07/26/2005 17:03:52]

This is my first post and I gotta say boys, very impressive dialogue over here. As for Sweetney, I'm fired up. I agree that he can be a force if he wants to be. No punn intended but Sweetney is as hungry as it gets on the court. For a man who was overweight last year (and most of his career) he can be tenacious on the offensive boards at times. He's a gamer. I'm a Syracuse grad and Sweetney used to KILL us when he played against us. He was unstoppable downlow. John Thompson got it out of him and there is not reason wy LB won't be able to as well. I too believe that LB will be the man to get the most out of him. Like he always does with his players. I honestly believe that like with all great coaches, players buy into what they say and do what they are told to do becuase they believe that if they do, they have a shot at a ring. LB will make Sweetney believe and he will be big for us and give us that surprise-playing-to-potential player that can help get us over the top. He is our X-factor (along with Jerome James, TT, and a few too many players for us to compete this year).

Unless...everyone buys in, Marbury becomes Chauncey Billups, Q goes down low, Crawford improves his Shooting %, the young guns play above their collective heads, JJ is as a force next to TT, Ariza shuts down the big guns and Sweetney is a monster. Sorry, first post, had a lot to hit on. And yes, I'm one of those glass half full fans, but I really do believe.

Welcome Bernard30. bernard here. My favorite Knick too. And I like the 1/2 full glass.

I'd be willing to drink from it too, if not for watching Sweet so much last season. Biggest disappointment to me was how uninspiring his rebounding was. I thought going into the season that he was a special rebounder ... after summer league and the way he finished his rookie season. Fact is, he's just good on the boards, not great. Still I'd be surprised if he isn't better this year in all facets than he was last year.

Posted by Bernard30:

This is my first post and I gotta say boys, very impressive dialogue over here. As for Sweetney, I'm fired up. I agree that he can be a force if he wants to be. No punn intended but Sweetney is as hungry as it gets on the court. For a man who was overweight last year (and most of his career) he can be tenacious on the offensive boards at times. He's a gamer. I'm a Syracuse grad and Sweetney used to KILL us when he played against us. He was unstoppable downlow. John Thompson got it out of him and there is not reason wy LB won't be able to as well. I too believe that LB will be the man to get the most out of him. Like he always does with his players. I honestly believe that like with all great coaches, players buy into what they say and do what they are told to do becuase they believe that if they do, they have a shot at a ring. LB will make Sweetney believe and he will be big for us and give us that surprise-playing-to-potential player that can help get us over the top. He is our X-factor (along with Jerome James, TT, and a few too many players for us to compete this year).

Unless...everyone buys in, Marbury becomes Chauncey Billups, Q goes down low, Crawford improves his Shooting %, the young guns play above their collective heads, JJ is as a force next to TT, Ariza shuts down the big guns and Sweetney is a monster. Sorry, first post, had a lot to hit on. And yes, I'm one of those glass half full fans, but I really do believe.

Fish is right about Sweetney not getting too lite. I think his thickness gives advantage over more athlethic/slimmer guys like a Frye. The guys he trouble with are guys like Ben Wallace are can match his strength but are also decent to good athletes. Dwight Howard is another guy who gives him alot of trouble. Too bad he isn't as athlethic as a Zack Randolph.