Posted by bigbeast:

Posted by gunsnewing:

Posted by bigbeast:

Posted by gunsnewing:

Balkman is special.

starting lineup:
C-Curry
PF-Frye(shooter)
SF-Balkman(need his rebounding, defense, energy)
SG-Francis(ughhh)
PG-Marbury

I like the idea of having Balkman in that lineup to balance it out. Not sure Isiah would start Balkman over Lee, however.

that would be huge mistake because Balkman is much better at guarding SFs than Lee.

From a basketball standpoint, your absolutely right, which is why I agree. But, Lee played some Sf last yr (particularly during the 6 game streak) he seemed to have added more range on his jumper at Isiah's request. With all the hardwork, Lee might look at the idea of a rookie started over him as a slap in the face, especially after Isiah told Lee to work on his SF skills this summer.

yeah you have a point. Thats the worst starting 5 defense I've ever seen though

Posted by crzymdups:

Posted by misterearl:

crzy - Balkman at NBADraft.net

>>Balkman isn't a scorer, his handle is horrible. Raw offensive player, averaged under 10 ppg in his junior season ... Lacks any real range on his shot ... Very sloppy.

Turnover prone, needs to become better at protecting the ball off the dribble, and cut down on turnovers

as much as I love those sites - they're a little dubious. I'd trust Zeke's take any day. from what I've seen, Balkman has some pretty damn good handle for the SF position.

there was a really interesting article posted by someone who went to south carolina while Balkman played there saying that the coach was only interested in running sets where small guards took 3s and he didn't like it when Balkman took the ball inside. Balkman apparently took it to Noah repeatedly last year and was taking it to him again in the SEC championship game but his coach benched him and South Carolina lost a tight game to the national champs. Balkman has proven himself on the college level, he just didn't get to play in a system that showed off his skill.

can you imagine the threads we would have had to put up with if Balkman went 0-7 in Summer League? We'd be hearing he wasn't NBA talent, etc, etc...

yeah i remember that article, the guy said that balkman was taken out of the game nearly each time he was doing something good.

Posted by Masterplan:

Posted by misterearl:

Masterplan - outstanding research on Balkmans USC "issues".

The Balkman benchings seemed a bit extreme... and at least caused some wonder if they were about some off-court discipline... but they were not. Nor is it the first time a college coach felt HE was the star of the show and had to run things with a tight rein.

Our gain. He's from Staten Island and belongs in NYC.

Let him run.

Let us cheer his effort.

hey, i was just surprised that the 2004 SEC coach of the year would have a policy as unconventional as "do something good, have a seat." all i could find were a few USC Daily Gamecock sportswriters who were generally displeased with Coach Dave Odom, not the stuff you were talking about.

i'll root for balkman as much as any guy on this site. i love hustle players who play tough D and make exciting plays. just, the reports you guys mentioned seemed too apologetic for him for me to take them at face value. do you have a link? i don't need excuses for his low NCAA scoring average to be a fan.


[Edited by - Masterplan on 07-14-2006 4:36 PM]

Posted by newyorknewyork:

http://realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=535610

SouthCackknick

I am a diehard Knicks fan that happens to live in Columbia, SC home of the Univ of SC gamecocks. I have seen Balkman play in person over 20 times and even though his numbers as far as points are concerned were sometimes not that impressive his effort, intensity, and passion were always on display. As many of you have already stated that is what the Knicks need more than anything else. Balkman carried us to 2 victories over National Champion Florida this season while outplaying Joakim Noah and Al Horford. His interior passing is very underrated and so is his handle. He is not concerned with stats just his effort and that of his team. He wants to win period. He guarded everyone in the SEC from Noah to Rajon Rando and never once backed down. He is relentless on the glass and is quick enough to guard the 2 or 3 and mix it up with most 4's. I even had my doubts when he came in as an unheralded freshman but he quickly proved me wrong and he will do the same in NY.

Balkman is one of those players who is just as fast with the ball as without it, knows how to fill a lane and can finish strong. His second jump may be his biggest strength it is super quick and he does have that Rodman like ability to know where the ball is coming off the rim. Look I know i sound like Isiah or his agent but i have seen this dude play so many times. I think his skills will translate to the NBA and dont forget that his coach at USC was the ultra conservative Dave Odom who held him back until the latter part of this past season. The Knicks should also take a look at his teammate Tarence Kinsey 6'6 guard with a nice mid range game and mad hops.

The only explanation I have for Balkmans sometimes reduced mins was Coach David Odom and his my way or the highway philosophy. Balkman is much like Nate Robinson in that to see his best u need to just put him on the floor and let him go. Balkman has a high B-ball IQ but still plays more by instinct and feel. Foul trouble was sometimes an issue since he was asked to guard 2-5's on any given night.