nixluva wrote:I never understood why some fans didn't like the pick. The kid was one of the most athletic players in the draft, but some didn't think he was a real athlete. Now maybe they know better. He has more skills than his doubters thought too. Perhaps they didn't watch enough Michigan games, but the kid came in with a good skill level. He just needs to continue to be developed. He's got tons of upside when you consider his poor defensive skills. His handle isn't elite, but it's not horrible as some thought. He's a better shooter and finisher than Shump. Those of us who liked the kid were told we were being typical Knick fans who overrate all of our picks. There was a contingent who said we should've taken Reggie Bullock instead. I felt THJ had a better overall game and more upside. We'll see, but I am very happy with how THJ has progressed.

I didn't like the way Hardaway looked in the few games I saw him at Mich --- I actually thought he looked short for some reason - may have been the way he wore his uniform. Also didn't see the athleticism.

But once it got close to draft and I heard his true size (heard people talking about his legit length)I decided to watch some tape.
The thing I liked about him was that his offense was 3 tiered which is unusual in todays game.

By 3-tiered I mean he can catch and shoot the 3, he can catch and take 1 or 2 dribbles and knock down mid-range shot and he also has the ability to catch and get all the way to the hoop. I liked that he is decisive - catch and shoot, or catch 1 dribble jump-shot or catch and drive/dunk. Stroke is pure.

playa2 wrote:

nixluva wrote:I never understood why some fans didn't like the pick. The kid was one of the most athletic players in the draft, but some didn't think he was a real athlete. Now maybe they know better. He has more skills than his doubters thought too. Perhaps they didn't watch enough Michigan games, but the kid came in with a good skill level. He just needs to continue to be developed. He's got tons of upside when you consider his poor defensive skills. His handle isn't elite, but it's not horrible as some thought. He's a better shooter and finisher than Shump. Those of us who liked the kid were told we were being typical Knick fans who overrate all of our picks. There was a contingent who said we should've taken Reggie Bullock instead. I felt THJ had a better overall game and more upside. We'll see, but I am very happy with how THJ has progressed.

I was the initiator of the Reggie Bullock fan club, by what I say in college.
He had a few things going against him in Clipper land.

Jamaal Crawford and injuries.

HARDAWAY JR has made me a believer ! His pedigree and his father pushing him to excel really put a chip on his shoulder and he didn't want to be a chump in the media capital of the world.

We have to ask ourselves is it the knicks personal issues with JR and shump's slump that allowed Hardaway to grow faster or would he have gotten time regardless. I would think with Woody on board he would have rotten on the bench.

Now if Bullock was on the knicks I would have to believe he would have been playing more than he would have in LA.

Sangfroid wrote:

NYKBocker wrote:I really like him but his father is stopping me from truly embracing him. Senior is in my **** list which includes Reggie Miller and Michael Jordan.

That's a really good list. I definitely see your point.

You gotta let it go, especially they way his father used to see stars with even the mention of the Knicks. I mean he was saying the official Nick Bevetta wa Knick Bevetta. LOL. Of course we won our share of the wars with the Heat so it makes it easier to take him off my **** list.

CrushAlot wrote:

playa2 wrote:

nixluva wrote:I never understood why some fans didn't like the pick. The kid was one of the most athletic players in the draft, but some didn't think he was a real athlete. Now maybe they know better. He has more skills than his doubters thought too. Perhaps they didn't watch enough Michigan games, but the kid came in with a good skill level. He just needs to continue to be developed. He's got tons of upside when you consider his poor defensive skills. His handle isn't elite, but it's not horrible as some thought. He's a better shooter and finisher than Shump. Those of us who liked the kid were told we were being typical Knick fans who overrate all of our picks. There was a contingent who said we should've taken Reggie Bullock instead. I felt THJ had a better overall game and more upside. We'll see, but I am very happy with how THJ has progressed.

I was the initiator of the Reggie Bullock fan club, by what I say in college.
He had a few things going against him in Clipper land.

Jamaal Crawford and injuries.

HARDAWAY JR has made me a believer ! His pedigree and his father pushing him to excel really put a chip on his shoulder and he didn't want to be a chump in the media capital of the world.

We have to ask ourselves is it the knicks personal issues with JR and shump's slump that allowed Hardaway to grow faster or would he have gotten time regardless. I would think with Woody on board he would have rotten on the bench.

Now if Bullock was on the knicks I would have to believe he would have been playing more than he would have in LA.

Hardaway was a grunwald pick. I think Woodson and Grunwald had a really good working relationship. My guess is Woodson wanted Hardaway also and would have used him accordingly. I think the Knicks may have been planning on trading Shump though. Injuries and apparent attitude issues were apparent prior to his poor play. Have to wonder if the guy is lifting before games.

Interesting and it makes sense. Maybe he would've been packaged for Aldridge?

Hated the Hardaway pick and was one who preferred Bullock, who I just assumed was the better shooter and would be more useful come playoff time. Tim has been great so far, just needs to work on that D.

playa2 wrote:

nixluva wrote:I never understood why some fans didn't like the pick. The kid was one of the most athletic players in the draft, but some didn't think he was a real athlete. Now maybe they know better. He has more skills than his doubters thought too. Perhaps they didn't watch enough Michigan games, but the kid came in with a good skill level. He just needs to continue to be developed. He's got tons of upside when you consider his poor defensive skills. His handle isn't elite, but it's not horrible as some thought. He's a better shooter and finisher than Shump. Those of us who liked the kid were told we were being typical Knick fans who overrate all of our picks. There was a contingent who said we should've taken Reggie Bullock instead. I felt THJ had a better overall game and more upside. We'll see, but I am very happy with how THJ has progressed.

I was the initiator of the Reggie Bullock fan club, by what I say in college.
He had a few things going against him in Clipper land.

Jamaal Crawford and injuries.

HARDAWAY JR has made me a believer ! His pedigree and his father pushing him to excel really put a chip on his shoulder and he didn't want to be a chump in the media capital of the world.

We have to ask ourselves is it the knicks personal issues with JR and shump's slump that allowed Hardaway to grow faster or would he have gotten time regardless. I would think with Woody on board he would have rotten on the bench.

Now if Bullock was on the knicks I would have to believe he would have been playing more than he would have in LA.

I was right behind you on Bullock. I really wanted that cat. Of course I'm ecstatic about Hardaway. I was afraid because of his bad shot selection. I knew he had a great chance of turning things around due to his pedigree.

Regarding Bullock, we just haven't really seen much of him though. I'm curious as to how he turns out.
Hardaway's ability to drive and finish (as well as shoot) has me sold though. Hopefully his defense gets better.

Moonangie wrote:

NYKBocker wrote:I really like him but his father is stopping me from truly embracing him. Senior is in my **** list which includes Reggie Miller and Michael Jordan.

Get over it Bocker: MJ and RM were torturers, along with TH, but ya gotta give respect where it's due. Those guys killed us and were the major obstacles to our goals. But damn, they were fine ballers as it comes. Hopefully, THjr is made in the same mold.

Love the kid and CERTAINLY consider him untouchable. Hell, rather watch him than 1000 JR Smiths.

Oh I think they are great players, but I don't want them to be a Knick. When Reggie was in free agency I was all pissed because he was being rumored to come here. To this day, if I see them in the street, I will punch them out. Fookers!

callmened wrote:BRIGGS i remember when you were pissed off at that draft pick

Yeah I wanted to draft Muscala because we had no size that was healthy and I thought down the road hed be a high quality 6-11 PF. Hardaway is better than he was in college imho.