franco12 wrote:

ESOMKnicks wrote:I see KP as a Marcus Camby with a jump shot. And Camby became a good rebounder despite being rail thin. So it is all about focus, boxing out and timing, not muscle. KP needs to get strong enough to protect himself better against injuries, that's all, I don't think he will ever be a banger, nor does he need to. I really see no point in making him change his offensive skill set and playing style completely and become mainly a low post guy. Why can't he play like Dirk, a bit away from the basket on offense?

I like the comparison to Camby, alot.

I'd agree about him needing to operate away from the basket.

He is a real young 19- he's not as physically matured as other 19 year olds might be, and this is a good thing as he will probably remain effective long into his 30's like Dirk & Camby.

If this were more like baseball, he would be sent to the NBDL and we wouldn't see him for 2 years.

I'm hoping he plays every game (unless hurt) and gets at least 15-20 mins every night.

I think his 20 min limit in summer league was a test for the regular season, to see how effective he can be at the limit. As a basketball player, I really hate minute restrictions, because he lose your rythm and sitting too long makes it hard to regain that same momentum. But I rather he stay healthy for now until he get stronger. I agree, he's not as strong as a normal 19 yr old, he's a late bloomer. Like some of us grow facial hair at 19.....and others like me didn't start until I was mid 20's

I just hope that his good showing in the SL does not create unrealistic expectations from our fan base and media, KP is no savior (or certainly not in his first 2-3 years).

BRIGGS wrote:

ESOMKnicks wrote:Most important thing for KP his rookie season is to stay injury free. If he manages to average 15-20 mpg, 5-6 ppg, high shooting %, 3 rpg and close to 1 bpg, his rookie season should be considered a resounding success.

I just hope that his good showing in the SL does not create unrealistic expectations from our fan base and media, KP is no savior (or certainly not in his first 2-3 years).

If you look at the % of nba stars who were stars by age 21 you'd find out it is very high. My expectations for kp is to have a quality injury free rookie season and to be ready to go 32 min season 2. He will be significantly stronger in 17 months with an nba season 2 sl behind him. That's the reasonable target

With that line drive 3 point shot it would be awful if they let him camp out back there. We'll have to wait and see. My hope is in 5 months he has three quality post moves down pact

One move he seems he can utilize right now is curling out of the post to the mid range for a very nice looking jumper. That seems like a play they can start the season with.

Most big guys become stars by 21-22, so he has a bit more time. But, basically you are right. Would be good to see him cautiously ease into the league this year, show significant improvement his second year (i.e. mid-teens scoring per game), and by the 3rd year it would be clear if we have a star on our hands or not. And, please, no fanaticism, no injuries!

One thing about Phil and his choice of the Triangle is that it requires players to be effective at every spot on the floor. The motion will cause players to end up with the ball in every spot on the floor so you have to work on being able to score from everywhere. KP has the raw talent to do that and I suspect they want him to improve his post skills as a 7'er. He's gonna be in and around the basket a lot even if he's not posting up all the time. He's gonna have to be proficient inside.

callmened wrote:Kind of a catch 22 regarding kp...he needs to play to get more experience. This is a rebuilding effort (I don't care what melo thinks). But the problem is he's gonna be snapped in 2 with his skinny frame. When I was there I noticed they were doing alot of hip drills and he's already wincing in pain.

Dude has the skills and ability. He just needs to gain weight. I'm just worried about him being prone to injury