They all seem to have some flaws, but... they're young, and they're capable of getting better. It's doubtful that a Frye will ever become a lockdown defender, but becoming a more efficient offensive player like his rookie season, and perhaps becoming a more average defender, maybe.
The jury never even was in session w/ Morris. We saw about 10 minutes of him. He had no training camp, no professional basketball experience, and he just played the longest basketball season of his career. 100% upside compared to what we saw from him.
Nate has his flaws, but he seemed to play more in control this year than last year. And there's no doubt that he's still a bit hot-headed, but that can be curbed. I think he's learning some of his limitations. He's got lots of room to get more efficient, and lots of room to grow in terms of PG skills. Seems like your impression is that he's so flawed that if he learns not to dribble off his foot, that'd make a marked difference in his game.
Collins showed he could be a solid 40+mpg starter for the past dozen games or so. He contributes across a statline. He's apparently a jumpshot away from being someone to be reckoned with. Considering he was completely lost in the summer league, he's come a long way. Tough to say he can't get better with more experience.
I'm not sure Balkman has high upside, actually. He put up great numbers as an energy-type player. I'm not sure if that type of game scales well to more minutes. He wasn't a mistake-prone player - in fact he handled himself like a veteran after New Years. Yeah, he can show more of an offensive game... and if he shoots some open jumpers (and makes them), he'll be more of a weapon. Like I said, he already played w/ the poise of a veteran. If anything, I'd hope he could improve his free throw shooting.
Lee performed to very high standards, and for the most part, mistake-free. I kind of doubt he'll have an easy time replicating these numbers. Teams have a scouting report on him now. He can still further refine his game, though... and refine his offense and defense.
Curry has a huge opportunity for improvement. I wouldn't be surprised if he averaged 21ppg/8rpg... and brought his steals, assists, and blocks to 1.x level. He made huge strides in fitness. This was a player who never was capable of averaging 30mpg. He plowed through that number. Now that he knows how to score night in and night out, he can now work on the rest of his game, oh yeah, and using his 3pt shooting more often. Manute Bol, watch out.
I'd say that just based on internal team improvements, the Knicks are very capable of winning 10 more games compared to this season. A minimum of 43 wins. You can quote me.
-KD
Posted by MS:
Morris, Frye
-Two soft big guys that don't rebound, blk shots or play good defense:
-you can add curry to soft on defense
Nate
-Most immature player in basketball, cares about one thing self promotion, not winning-lets keep him
Which really leaves us with
Collins-solid backup pg that will do the intagibles to win
Balkman-i think his ceiling is uncertain depending on the ability to add a jump shot, if he gets on he is a starter and a possible fringe all-star, but thats an if
Lee-great feel for the game is not going to get much better which is fine by me, he will add a little more offensive bench and average
Where is this stockpiled talent you speak of?
We need someone that can take over a game-if we can get minny to bite on a frye/nate for foye i would do it in a second. we need winners on this team
Curry-doesn't have much room for improvement in his overral game it comes down to desire and hardwork two words eddy doesn't know
4/19/2007 10:07 AM