knicks1248 wrote:

Philc1 wrote:

blkexec wrote:

gradyandrew wrote:RJ will be the primary wing defender on guys like Tatum and Beal. I think Randle matches up with DeRozan and Butler since those guys don't shoot 3's but we will see. I'm getting strong All Star vibes for RJ. I think Randle Fournier and Kemba will be feeding him a lot of shots. He seems to have added a foul line floater to his game. That pass to Taj vs the Wizards was awesome.

RJ has the right tenacity to be a super star. Regardless who's on his team, he will continue to play like that. You saw it in college, playing with zion. But RJ was still the focal point. I'm sure when he gets it going, everybody will start feeding him and riding his star potential. He might have a ways to go, but you can see it developing.

I think we are going to see RJ take the next step this season. I know I’ll get killed for saying this but I see some Jordan in him. Similar size, frame, obviously Jordan is the GOAT but he had a killer instinct and drive that I also see in RJ. RJ doesn’t have Jordan’s speed or insane leaping ability but he is much stronger than Jordan was at the same age plus the left hand

No Knick benefited more from getting away from Fiz than RJ. His shooting form changed last season and it was night and day

That's not true, every player on the roster benefited from getting away from FIZ, especially RANDLE.

I need to see RJ taking over games like ALL Stars do. Hitting open shots is good, but he has to get to the point where he can't be guarded 1 on 1. When you start seeing double teams on RJ, that's when you know he has gotten to the next level.

As a huge fan of RJ - this here is very true. He seems to have the desire, work ethic and one physical attribute (strength) that can help him take the next step. While his shooting has improved - I see his offensive development possibly similar to a Harden in that he has to be a lights out shooter to evolve into a higher level player. Harden is crafty and doesn't rely on quickness - more of change of pace and the fact that he's a threat from 35 feet and in. This season should be interesting to see how he performs as a 3 in that his matchups will likely be tougher/bigger/stronger. He has taken a big step last season so let's see what he adds this year with a stronger/deeper bench.

jskinny35 wrote:

knicks1248 wrote:

Philc1 wrote:

blkexec wrote:

gradyandrew wrote:RJ will be the primary wing defender on guys like Tatum and Beal. I think Randle matches up with DeRozan and Butler since those guys don't shoot 3's but we will see. I'm getting strong All Star vibes for RJ. I think Randle Fournier and Kemba will be feeding him a lot of shots. He seems to have added a foul line floater to his game. That pass to Taj vs the Wizards was awesome.

RJ has the right tenacity to be a super star. Regardless who's on his team, he will continue to play like that. You saw it in college, playing with zion. But RJ was still the focal point. I'm sure when he gets it going, everybody will start feeding him and riding his star potential. He might have a ways to go, but you can see it developing.

I think we are going to see RJ take the next step this season. I know I’ll get killed for saying this but I see some Jordan in him. Similar size, frame, obviously Jordan is the GOAT but he had a killer instinct and drive that I also see in RJ. RJ doesn’t have Jordan’s speed or insane leaping ability but he is much stronger than Jordan was at the same age plus the left hand

No Knick benefited more from getting away from Fiz than RJ. His shooting form changed last season and it was night and day

That's not true, every player on the roster benefited from getting away from FIZ, especially RANDLE.

I need to see RJ taking over games like ALL Stars do. Hitting open shots is good, but he has to get to the point where he can't be guarded 1 on 1. When you start seeing double teams on RJ, that's when you know he has gotten to the next level.

As a huge fan of RJ - this here is very true. He seems to have the desire, work ethic and one physical attribute (strength) that can help him take the next step. While his shooting has improved - I see his offensive development possibly similar to a Harden in that he has to be a lights out shooter to evolve into a higher level player. Harden is crafty and doesn't rely on quickness - more of change of pace and the fact that he's a threat from 35 feet and in. This season should be interesting to see how he performs as a 3 in that his matchups will likely be tougher/bigger/stronger. He has taken a big step last season so let's see what he adds this year with a stronger/deeper bench.

The spacing will be much improve this yr, and when teams try to lock down the paint (like the wizards did saturday) the 3's will be launched from every where. That will eventually open up the paint for RJ to beat his man off the dribble.

Now that we don't have to rely on Randle bringing the ball up court every possession (a big reason for the slower pace) we can open it up for RJ because he's a much better player in transition as opposed to half court.

wargames wrote:Jimmy Butler with a better 3 pt shot is still the best comp I can think of for RJ. The work ethic is the same too.

The big difference is that RJ has been on the All Star track since age 12 or so. He's basketball royalty. He knows the work he has to put in to reach his potential.

tomlin8 wrote:

Nalod wrote:
For now…..

Noel/Taj/Mitch (until Mitch gets back)
Randle/Obi
RJ/Burks/Knox
Fornier/burks/IQ
Kemba/Drose/IQ

Not loving Fornier at the 3 defensively. Burks can fill that spot.
Im not counting on Rookies cracking the rotaton unless injury. Grimes can find minutes. How is his defense at this level? Obviously a long way to go until opening night and then there is injuries.
Knox can find some minutes at the 3?

IQ has to be one of the best 3rd stringers in the NBA

There is a lot to how he is used. Thibs has him working at PG skills and he’ll see time there with Kemba and Drose out, or resting on some games. If RJ is the 3, IQ can play back back up to the 2 as well. Burkes can back up RJ?? Thats my point. Knox if effective could find some time at the three. Likely not at IQ’s expense but lets be real, IQ might not be as effective. Nothing is guaranteed. If IQ can’t do the playmaking to Thibs expectaton and his shot is not there that will effect some things. Expect the unexpected.
I don’t expect much from Grimes or McBride no matter how happy Thibs says he is. Its along season and yes, guys get hurt. IQ might be the one who gets his groin pulled!
I see 100 possibilities and no value in predicating.