KP needs to be breaking down go to moves, counter moves.... footwork in the paint and in isolation. He's got to start creating space and being a target ave a threat. That's something that he hasn't shown. He needs to take that next step. He's got to work on his game. He should not be going around cones like a little kid just learning how to dribble

Knixkik wrote:

ekstarks94 wrote:

nyknickzingis wrote:

nixluva wrote:

Knixkik wrote:

LivingLegend wrote:Would prefer to see him carrying +10 more Lbs and working around the basket/block --- rather than dribbling thru legs away from basket and shooting foul line extended jump shots.

The last thing we want to do is try to make someone into something they are not. I am sure he is spending plenty of time working in the post. I want to see him put on weight, but not force it, rather it come naturally over time. He is 21 years old, and weighs probably 235-240ish. I don't see him long-term being more than 245-250. So he should add those 10 pounds slowly.

Dirk has only ever been about 245! He's far from a banger. KP seems to be naturally a similar body type. He needs strength more than bulk. He wants to stay quick and agile. KP wants to be a highly skilled guy like Dirk.

The problem with KP is he has more talent than Dirk. Dirk was more consistent in his application, even younger. KP because he has all these dribbling skills and more guard ability, he likes to stand outside and take tougher shots or not get as good shots.

As Dirk became 22, 23, he really became great at having a couple of areas where he could be automatic from. KP has to find that as well. When I see him work on his ballhandling it does not bother me. But I hope he realizes that Dirk is probably the best style of play for him. And Dirk as he became a consistent all-star was great at having spots on the court he was automatic from. KP is still a little too erratic for my taste, in that he takes too many bad shots. Phil wants him to get closer to the basket. For KP that doesn't mean posting up like Ewing or Hakeem. It means more like Dirk where he's able to get the ball in the mid-range, and free throw line. The shots he can get off from there are much, much easier. The other thing, KP will benefit so much just from playing with a really smart good point. In his 2 years in the league he has played with Jose/Galloway and BJ/Rose/Baker. Of all of them, Baker/Jose/BJ were the ones that actually had some chemistry with him. But the problem there is those three are not seen as a threat from the opposing defense to score. Would love for us to draft a point guard (Or get one) that passes and has a high IQ, but whom also can draw the defensive attention or be a scoring threat. Jose, Ron, Brandon all pass but none of them put any fear in an opposing defense. If we can get a partner for KP who can do that for him and the team, that alone adds a few points and efficiency to his game.

Why limit KP(not sayin that you are) but why cannot he be Dirk with a little handle. If KP has a decent enough handle(ala Toni Kukoc) along with hanving the strength to go on the block....he will be...in the (7 up man voice)..."Unbelievable..haha"

The problem is people still want to put players in squares. Center means he must develop his post game and put on weight as highest priorities. It requires a new kind of thinking to get passed this and realize he can be a great center for many different reasons.

Very good post and this how I feel. Too much stereotyping. People are frustrated because KP isn't doing what they envision him doing. But to me the important thing is that he continued to progress on BOTH sides of the ball. I don't want or care to predefine what he needs to do in order to get their. If his stats improve and he becomes a net positive player on the plus minus and makes his teammates better then I will be happy

While discussions of moving KP for a top 3 pick in this years draft might be unpopular, how do you risk building around a player who goes rogue?

Knixkik wrote:

Rookie wrote:To bad KP skipped his exit interview. Now i'm wondering if the team has had any input in it's future franchise players offseason training priorities or if he will even be on the team next season. How do you have confidence in building your team around someone who after two seasons is dancing to his own tune?

While discussions of moving KP for a top 3 pick in this years draft might be unpopular, how do you risk building around a player who goes rogue?

We have no idea the full story, and probably never will. Maybe they have already fixed the problem. It doesn't matter. You don't throw in the towel on every disagreement. They will fix the problems, if they haven't already.

You can be sure the media isn't going to let this go. It is sure to be a distraction for the team going into next season.

I can only tell you what I do know.

KP skipped out on his exit interview
The team asked KP not to participate in Eurobasket
KP is participating
Last year we sent an assistant to work with KP in the offseason
This year we didn't renew the contract of the assistant KP worked with KP and have't sent anyone to work with him in Latvia
Janis met with Phil and made the comment afterward that if KP were traded, he would not resign with the team he is traded to

None of this is pisitive or good for the Knicks or KP.

Rookie wrote:

Knixkik wrote:

Rookie wrote:To bad KP skipped his exit interview. Now i'm wondering if the team has had any input in it's future franchise players offseason training priorities or if he will even be on the team next season. How do you have confidence in building your team around someone who after two seasons is dancing to his own tune?

While discussions of moving KP for a top 3 pick in this years draft might be unpopular, how do you risk building around a player who goes rogue?

We have no idea the full story, and probably never will. Maybe they have already fixed the problem. It doesn't matter. You don't throw in the towel on every disagreement. They will fix the problems, if they haven't already.

You can be sure the media isn't going to let this go. It is sure to be a distraction for the team going into next season.

I can only tell you what I do know.

KP skipped out on his exit interview
The team asked KP not to participate in Eurobasket
KP is participating
Last year we sent an assistant to work with KP in the offseason
This year we didn't renew the contract of the assistant KP worked with KP and have't sent anyone to work with him in Latvia
Janis met with Phil and made the comment afterward that if KP were traded, he would not resign with the team he is traded to

None of this is pisitive or good for the Knicks or KP.

The bold makes them seem hell-bent on remaining in NY and resolving the conflict. Why say this if you don't want to remain in NY. I think the likelihood is KP wants to remain in NY, however, has soured on Phil. And i also think it's unlikely Phil stays after his contract is up. His contract is up at the same time that KP can extend, so i don't really see any of this as a major issue moving forward. I think the writing is on the wall for Phil.