RonRon wrote:

upstate wrote:Key for this team is a smart, pass-first PG who can penetrate and D up when needed. That is why I am in favor of playing Lin more. In terms of the list, Kidd and Nash would both be excellent assuming we don't play them 40 minutes a game. Kidd is better on D (6 steals last night!) and Nash on O.

Starter: 27-30 min/game
1. Kidd/Nash
3. Miller/Baron

Backup: Lin 18-21 min/game

I agree Lin should have seen playing time way before last night. We have literally given everyone a shot, we need 2 players that can penetrate to the basket at all times.
It is part of the reason why we cannot produce, its in all our scouting reports that we CAN NOT penetrate.

Good things happen when we can take it to the paint, as the defense gets broken down, our opponents will be forced to choose switch or double, leading to players open.
The defense are playing the shot and penetration half ass, they were so surprised to see TD drive pass them, because he barely has done it all year.

Fields pump fakes every time get gets the ball at the 3point line, when no one is falling for it, he just gives them extra time to come up, and make his decision making even harder.
At this point of his career, Kidd can still pass, but he cannot penetrate. Meaning the penetration must be coming from another position.

Dirk, can take his guy of the dribble, and is very skilled. He can post up, drive in, shoot it on u, drive in for pull up, or take it in all the way.
I just don't know if Kidd would be as effective here. Last year Barea, Terry, and Dirk, with some Marion were the main penetrators.
With Dirk and Marion being the post up players, moving the ball to the open man, with 4 shooters on the floor together, that is capable of hitting the 3pointer.

Agree, probably Kidd's biggest issue would be his ability to consisntently penetrate. My hope is that with limited minutes he can still run PNR and get to the hoop, and that he is not doing it much now because it makes more sense to have Dirk run the show as point forward, as Dirk is not a slasher/PNR player with the athleticism of Stat or even Chandler. Kidd still gets plenty of assists in the open court and from running the motion offense. I am also hoping that Kidd's experience and basketball smarts would rub off onto the other players, as the Knicks are sorely lacking in that area. Among those four, probably Miller would still be best at getting into the lane, but he is not a good defender, and I'm not sure about his leadership for such a group that really needs a strong one; Baron should be able to both penetrate and be a leader, but his durability, fitness, and drive are a concern; we should find out shortly. Either way, Lin would be a good complement to any of these experienced players with his athleticism, defense, not to mention cheap contract if the Knicks resign him, and he could develop behind an experienced veteran.