Ha, BRIGGS with one of his accurate prophecies of doom:

http://www.ultimateknicks.com/forum/topic.asp?t=51573&page=1

Allanfan20 wrote:Can someone explain his attitude/arrogance and where you got that info?

This is from an April 2015 Draftnet scouting report...

Weaknesses: He still could work on his body strength to better withstand contact in the NBA ... He lacks a solid mid-range game, which is the area where he struggles the most ... He’s effective in ISO situations, but he tends to need a screen or generally a situation that creates an advantage for him, since when he’s forced to create a basket from off the dribble, he is less effective than other elite prospects ... Despite his improved shot selection, he still tends to look for his shot instead of finding an open man when the defense is good, even though he has solid passing skills ... His off the ball defense is not effective enough, since he lacks focus and positioning, furthermore he tends to be too aggressive in the closeouts leading to useless fouls ... This could be considered his breakout season concerning his performances, but the consistency is still a sticky point, especially from one game to the next ... He has worked a lot on his temper, but his fiery nature and ****y attitude is still his trademark, and can get him in trouble at times ...

Allanfan20 wrote:

WaltLongmire wrote:

Allanfan20 wrote:Can someone explain his attitude/arrogance and where you got that info?

I seem to recall he had issues with Euro coaches...

This is from an April 2015 Draftnet scouting report...

Weaknesses: He still could work on his body strength to better withstand contact in the NBA ... He lacks a solid mid-range game, which is the area where he struggles the most ... He’s effective in ISO situations, but he tends to need a screen or generally a situation that creates an advantage for him, since when he’s forced to create a basket from off the dribble, he is less effective than other elite prospects ... Despite his improved shot selection, he still tends to look for his shot instead of finding an open man when the defense is good, even though he has solid passing skills ... His off the ball defense is not effective enough, since he lacks focus and positioning, furthermore he tends to be too aggressive in the closeouts leading to useless fouls ... This could be considered his breakout season concerning his performances, but the consistency is still a sticky point, especially from one game to the next ... He has worked a lot on his temper, but his fiery nature and ****y attitude is still his trademark, and can get him in trouble at times ...

That’s all pretty concerning, especially considering we have a young and developing team, which includes KP. If these things haven’t been addressed then I wouldn’t be sad if he signed elsewhere. Signing Beasley for another year isn’t much worse.

I expect that Perry would have had a good discussion with him...or maybe even knows what progress he has, or has not made. Wonder if Fizdale has any thoughts on him as a player...how he might use him?

He seems to have made some progress...not sure if that includes his D. Seems to get some steals, but I have no idea about him as a 1/1 or team defender.

A 1yr contract is a good gamble, though. Can't see the downside. Unlike Beasley, who I came to like as a player with the Knicks, Mario is much younger and has more of an upside.

Give him a 1yr deal...play him enough minutes to see what he has to offer, then decide if you want to keep him (and if he likes playing for Fizdale) next year.