Posted by Cosmic:

Posted by SupremeCommander:

Posted by Cosmic:

Hughes and Wilcox are known underachievers. Hughes is a terrible chucking guard. Wilcox had never acheieved his potential and was phased out a few times along his career.

So at this point I'm not sure I'd call their additions something that could contribute to a quick turnaround that would guarantee a playoff spot, no, not without seeing their impacts.

Tim was playing a good role for us so in some way we didn't just GET Wilcox/Hughes we gave up some production for them.

Let's see what we do with the roster spots and/if there's one more trade to be had before the day ends.

I know you're down on Hughes, and i don't think that's necessarily out of line. What I'm looking forward to though is that what earned Hughes that huge contract in the first place was his role in Eddie Jones running offense and his transition defense. Maybe Hughes can recapture that here

It's going to come down to them wanting to ressurrect their careers - even if just a LITTLE - while here.

Meanwhile both are out of shape, have been shunned by their teams, so it may take some time for them to get it together - and again - that's if they want to.

Either way, like the players that were sent out for them, they're rentals. If they get it going they're better than what we gave up but that is up to them and remains to be seen.

I'll agree with that... but here's the big thing. Most of these guys that would half ass it, well, they just got traded. Say what you will about Donnie, but I don't think there is any argument about his professionalism. Mike D'Antoni is all about winning. There's a different feeling around the team these days, and I really don't think Hughes has much of a choice here. He's about to be playing for a contract and it's expected that he should care.

Posted by King1:

Talent wise Larry Hughes can still play. He just has to work hard and I think MDA can get him to do that. If he cant play for MDA then he will be out of the league. Larry can guard and has more talent than any guard we have. He has played in the playoffs and the finals before. He can also guard and push the ball up the floor. I think he will fit in with the Knicks

Posted by VDesai:

Posted by King1:

Talent wise Larry Hughes can still play. He just has to work hard and I think MDA can get him to do that. If he cant play for MDA then he will be out of the league. Larry can guard and has more talent than any guard we have. He has played in the playoffs and the finals before. He can also guard and push the ball up the floor. I think he will fit in with the Knicks

King did you have Hughes as one of your players (he's a St. Louis guy)

Posted by Martice:

Posted by fishmike:

Martice, not trying to make you look dumb but NBA players and military are about as far apart as you can get. NBA players get coaches and GMs fired. NBA players play for money, fame and play to win. I am sure Malik had a good influence on several guys but he's not affecting their play. The real leaders on this team are MDA and Duhon

Thanks for taking it easy on me Fish and not making me look too "dumb"...lol. In regards to the military comparison, I may have stretched it a bit but most people that can peak outside of the box will understand my point but let me break it down to you a little simpler.

Just because a person is not playing doesn't mean that they are less of a leader than anyone on the court. No one can deny that Malik played an important role in San Antonio's championships. He was an excellent utility guy. Just like David Lee is minus the pick and rolls. What he brings is his first hand experience in the playoffs and championship series. He also played along one of the greatest of all time. Just off that alone, Malik can bring a perspective to a young team that no one else can. From that perspective, he is a leader. A steady hand I might say.

Right now, this team doesn't have a on court leader with the closest being Q Rich. Duhon as steady as he is, does not become leader by default. Duhon may run a nice pick and roll but how's he running on the defensive side of things? Leaders (the kind you are talking about) should do it on both ends of the floor right? Lead by example or at the very least be so exceptional at one part of your game that people overlook your other shortcomings right? Now since we know the best thing that Duhon has brought to this team is running the base offense, what else would you say he brings? How about experience? Ummmm Nope. Has he performed under pressure situations on a high level? So I ask you this, what makes him a leader?

i happen to think Duhon's the closest thing to a leader on this team... Q Rich tries to be a vocal leader but u gotta be able to do it on the court & too many times he's nonexistent... Al Harrington likes to think of himself as a leader but when he's launching up ill advised shots i'm sure it has to wear on his teammates a little... i think Duhon does it on the floor, is the PG, he orchestrates the offense & he makes smart decisions w/the basketball... he's also 1 of the toughest guys on this team as has been demonstrated all year w/him playing w/nagging injuries, as is Q... Duhon may not be the vocal leader that Q is but i'm pretty sure guys have a huge amount of respect for him & for his toughness.