smackeddog wrote:Woody is speaking highly of CJ and his work ethic, even talked about how he'd get more time along with Tim Jr and Shump, with JR out. So looks like he's making the team (some people thought we should cut him to make another roster spot available). Just don't see us using our last spot on CDR...

I wasn't impressed with SL, but then I hear CJ was coming off a hip injury? Glad to hear he's impressing the coaching staff - a reason to be as excited about the signing as I was immediately after the draft. I'd like to see Tyler and Murry each make the team. CJ/Aldrich/CDR/Diogu can battle it out for the last spot. Either way, I feel better about the end of our bench than I have in a long time.

*Holy ****...just saw Diogu's already 30. Doesn't seem like he was drafted all that long ago...

MaTT4281 wrote:

smackeddog wrote:Woody is speaking highly of CJ and his work ethic, even talked about how he'd get more time along with Tim Jr and Shump, with JR out. So looks like he's making the team (some people thought we should cut him to make another roster spot available). Just don't see us using our last spot on CDR...

I wasn't impressed with SL, but then I hear CJ was coming off a hip injury? Glad to hear he's impressing the coaching staff - a reason to be as excited about the signing as I was immediately after the draft. I'd like to see Tyler and Murry each make the team. CJ/Aldrich/CDR/Diogu can battle it out for the last spot. Either way, I feel better about the end of our bench than I have in a long time.

*Holy ****...just saw Diogu's already 30. Doesn't seem like he was drafted all that long ago...

Yep, he was recovering from an injury and wasn't at 100%. He didn't look like he was putting in max effort in summer league. That's why it was a surprise when Woody went out of his way to complement him and talk about how hard he was working. Fingers crossed!

nixluva wrote:Do you keep Leslie, Tyler, Cole, Murry or CDR? There are only a few spots at the end of the rotation. Who do you think they'll actually keep on the roster?

Just my 2 cents -- Aldrich and CDR should be locks. I want the nearly 7' shot-blocking/rebounding C and I want the extra skilled 2/3, esp. down JR early. Sounds more like indefinitely to me -- remember, no timetable on JR's return at all. He's even saying he has a ton of questions but is afraid of the answers. That's disconcerting a little, no? Then I think it's between Tyler and Diogu as an extra 4. I'm now leaning toward Tyler, even with him being hurt. We've come this far with him -- let's keep him, rehab him and then see if he's anything close to the next Vin Baker...Although if Ike brings it and plays well he'll be in the mix for sure--he can play...Wish there could be a spot for Murry too but he's where I'd have to draw the line. And no to Leslie -- like the potential but I just don't think he fits here. We need players that Woody can go to throughout the year at any given moment. Guys that can be inserted and expected to produce, showing the ablility to pick right up for whoever they're in for and not miss a beat. CDR can definitely do that. This guy's had multiple 30 pt. games in the NBA...I'm not sure if Murry's ready for that type of responsibility (plus we already have the 3 PGs and, with CDR, we'd have 4 legit SGs with plus size once JR returns)...Just mho but I don't think Leslie would excel and produce in that scenario at all. The kid's green, man. I question his motor & basketball IQ. I could see him being overmatched in a James White sorta way...CDR makes a lot more sense to me over Murry and esp. Leslie.

Aldrich
Tyler or Diogu (leaning towards Tyler)
CDR

I don't know too much about him. He looks good. If we sign him we better have an option. I think that dolan was upset that we had none on Copeland.

tj23 wrote:He always had a handle and driving skills. Solid pull up J. But can't stretch the floor and has always been a defensive liability. These types just aren't good role players in today's league. Although I'm curious what he does, always liked his talent, and this team needs slashers.

That's fair.

The Knicks can't pass this dude up though. in my opinion the dude is good enough to think hard about trading jr smith. I bet if we had him earlier jr wouldn't have been resigned. Cdr talent is exactly what we need at the 2 next to Raymond. From a fast break offensive stands point. Dude can handle the Rock and pass. You have to guard him tough and with the guys we have is Gonna cause problems for defenses. His defense is ok not horrible.

At the Same time this dude is a late camp invite? Good grief. 30 nba teams and nobody called?

EnySpree wrote:

tj23 wrote:He always had a handle and driving skills. Solid pull up J. But can't stretch the floor and has always been a defensive liability. These types just aren't good role players in today's league. Although I'm curious what he does, always liked his talent, and this team needs slashers.

That's fair.

The Knicks can't pass this dude up though. in my opinion the dude is good enough to think hard about trading jr smith. I bet if we had him earlier jr wouldn't have been resigned. Cdr talent is exactly what we need at the 2 next to Raymond. From a fast break offensive stands point. Dude can handle the Rock and pass. You have to guard him tough and with the guys we have is Gonna cause problems for defenses. His defense is ok not horrible.

At the Same time this dude is a late camp invite? Good grief. 30 nba teams and nobody called?

He was always a serious talent since his Memphis days and I could never understand why he doesn't stick anywhere.

Cole - seems like he has to be a lock since there is no real backup C on this roster.

Tyler - is who I expect to be another guy to make it just because of the possible upside.

CDR/Murry/Leslie - for the last spot and, like you said, while CDR is probably the most ready to produce, I hope that Leslie doesn't turn into a serious player. The guy is extremely athletic and seems like if he wanted it badly enough could become a very solid rotation player. I think Murry's ceiling isn't quite as high as Leslie's and even though he plays tough D, we already drafted a SG in the 1st so it's on THJ to play tough D. Leslie and CDR just seem more capable of playing the 2 or 3, which is why I think it comes down to one of them over Murry.

smackeddog wrote:Tyler and CJ are making the team, so if we don't sign Cole, who the heck is our back up C? Amar'e is out, K-Mart is either nursing an injury or is going to be treated with kid gloves, Tyler is out- I just don't see how we have a spot free for CDR.

I just don't see how CJ Leslie is a lock to make this club. Based on what criteria exactly?? OK, there's a good deal of potential but other than that there's a ton of question marks -- overall skill level, motor, jump-shot, position, does he really want it? etc.. If he didn't have these obvious question marks, he would've gotten drafted...Hopefully he could end up becoming a rotation NBA player down the road but as of right now, I don't see a guy that can help us if called upon.

To me Aldrich and CDR are the instant locks. Aldrich is the backup C we've been lacking and CDR is great insurance at the 2 in case we have problems there (we already have 1 legit problem there with JR who's out indefinitely with no real timetable to return soon). After that, I'm willing to take a flier on Tyler as the 15th man. Gotta see how pre-season shakes out though. Some guys may play better than others. Maybe Leslie wows us and looks a lot better than what we've seen up to this point.

smackeddog wrote:

Finestrg wrote:

smackeddog wrote:Tyler and CJ are making the team, so if we don't sign Cole, who the heck is our back up C? Amar'e is out, K-Mart is either nursing an injury or is going to be treated with kid gloves, Tyler is out- I just don't see how we have a spot free for CDR.

I just don't see how CJ Leslie is a lock to make this club. Based on what criteria exactly?? OK, there's a good deal of potential but other than that there's a ton of question marks -- overall skill level, motor, jump-shot, position, does he really want it? etc.. If he didn't have these obvious question marks, he would've gotten drafted...Hopefully he could end up becoming a rotation NBA player down the road but as of right now, I don't see a guy that can help us if called upon.

I would have agreed with you until I saw that Woody interview- it's unlike him to praise a young player, but he went out of his way to mention CJ (took me by surprise- I thought Woody wouldn't like him), and talked as if he's here for the long haul. Plus remember he has a 2 year contract.

Then remember Woody is a big fan of Murry too, so I'd say at this point CDR is behind those two in the pecking order. Also Cole is ahead of him just because of our injuries.

CDR is going to have to wow with his work ethic, and play great from the get go if he is to stand a chance.

You might be right. We'll see.

Markji wrote:The other thing to consider is the possibility of a trade. Maybe Dolan wants JR traded? or Shump traded? You never know. Then CDR, Leslie, and Toure Murry(combo guard) play JR's and Shump's position - 2 or 3.
Edit: and Hardaway.

Thats a huge possibility.

I never been so interested in camp invites. We have guys that can make any team in the league. Sine are just as good as players we already have!

Crazy man.

At this point, Tyler, Cole and cdr are my guys. I wish I can watch practice!