nixluva wrote:Jimmer and Klay Thompson both talked about how the Knicks coaches were really focused on defense, so much so that it made an impression on them. I don't believe that you need a defensive coach in order for the team to play good D. The Knicks lacked quality size and rebounding, starting with Amar'e who should be the LAST player to ever talk about defense and rebounding. If he simply did more of both this team would improve immediately. If you notice Turiaf, Jared, Fields, Sean Williams, Gallo, Chandler, Felton, TD and Carter didn't need any special coaching to defend hard in games. They all did as much as they could, however you can't expect a miracle if you don't have players that can battle inside and secure a rebound to finish off the possession. That's the biggest area that stopped this team from being better defensively. If you let teams get second chances they're gonna score.

nixluva wrote:Jimmer and Klay Thompson both talked about how the Knicks coaches were really focused on defense, so much so that it made an impression on them. I don't believe that you need a defensive coach in order for the team to play good D. The Knicks lacked quality size and rebounding, starting with Amar'e who should be the LAST player to ever talk about defense and rebounding. If he simply did more of both this team would improve immediately. If you notice Turiaf, Jared, Fields, Sean Williams, Gallo, Chandler, Felton, TD and Carter didn't need any special coaching to defend hard in games. They all did as much as they could, however you can't expect a miracle if you don't have players that can battle inside and secure a rebound to finish off the possession. That's the biggest area that stopped this team from being better defensively. If you let teams get second chances they're gonna score.

That's right. Nobody knows about defense more than Jimmer Fredette.

nixluva wrote:Jimmer and Klay Thompson both talked about how the Knicks coaches were really focused on defense, so much so that it made an impression on them. I don't believe that you need a defensive coach in order for the team to play good D. The Knicks lacked quality size and rebounding, starting with Amar'e who should be the LAST player to ever talk about defense and rebounding. If he simply did more of both this team would improve immediately. If you notice Turiaf, Jared, Fields, Sean Williams, Gallo, Chandler, Felton, TD and Carter didn't need any special coaching to defend hard in games. They all did as much as they could, however you can't expect a miracle if you don't have players that can battle inside and secure a rebound to finish off the possession. That's the biggest area that stopped this team from being better defensively. If you let teams get second chances they're gonna score.

Best comment I've seen you make yet. Far too many times excellent defensive team play and rotations were met with a chance to practice it again.

CrushAlot wrote:

nixluva wrote:Jimmer and Klay Thompson both talked about how the Knicks coaches were really focused on defense, so much so that it made an impression on them. I don't believe that you need a defensive coach in order for the team to play good D. The Knicks lacked quality size and rebounding, starting with Amar'e who should be the LAST player to ever talk about defense and rebounding. If he simply did more of both this team would improve immediately. If you notice Turiaf, Jared, Fields, Sean Williams, Gallo, Chandler, Felton, TD and Carter didn't need any special coaching to defend hard in games. They all did as much as they could, however you can't expect a miracle if you don't have players that can battle inside and secure a rebound to finish off the possession. That's the biggest area that stopped this team from being better defensively. If you let teams get second chances they're gonna score.

Nix, I am not saying this isn't accurate. I only read the workout reviews posted on this site and I don't remember seeing that. Most of what I read was about how Jimmer would have come out last year with a guarantee. Can you post a link. I prefer substance to fluff and I think I just read the fluff.

http://www.msg.com/blogs/charlie-zegers/knicks-workout-draft-prospects-fredette-thompson-1.68596?localLinksEnabled=false There's some video of Fredette talking to the press.

Jimmer Fredette and Klay Thompson put on a three-point shooting clinic at the Knicks’ practice facility in Greenburgh today. Both hit 20 of 25 attempts from NBA range and 19 of 20 from the shorter NCAA three-point line.

Of course, shooting ability isn’t really in question for either player.

Fredette became a household name while averaging 28.9 points per game as a senior at BYU, hitting at a .452 clip from the floor and .396 from three-point range. Thompson toiled in relative obscurity at Washington State, but averaged 21.6 points per game on .436 shooting (.398 from three) as a junior. The son of ex-NBA player Mychal Thompson, Klay has outstanding range and has drawn comparisons to Allan Houston.

Their workout with Knick management went well beyond the three-point shot. Both future pros said the coaching staff stressed defense – particularly the ability to defend ball screens. Thompson thought he did a good job showing off his ability to slide his feet on defense; a crucial skill when trying to stay in front of a man. Fredette said he did a good job competing on the defensive end, and showed a very solid understanding of the way individual defense is played at the pro level. “There are very few who can really defend NBA players,” he said, citing the league’s rules forbidding perimeter contact. “The best you can do is force them to their weaknesses.”

The two marquee players in today’s workout didn’t match up head-to-head in the three-on-three drills. Thompson wound up guarding Providence’s high-scoring guard Marson Brooks. He said he fared pretty well against the ex-Friar, but that Brooks would be an excellent fit for the Knicks due to his handle and outstanding “street” game. Fredette covered Michigan point guard Darius Morris.