EnySpree wrote:Did anyone notice that Batum had a terrible post season? Anybody remember how he sucked his last year in Portland?

Truth? Batum is a bench player on a good team. A very good bench player, but not a real starter if you want to win. He's not good enough to start over Melo or KP. He's not a true shooting guard. I'm not maxing out this guy just to have him playing out of position and probably off the bench and unhappy

I agree, honestly I hope Phil goes frugal again this year and slightly overpays some players with potential.

TLover wrote:I would be interested if Batum is playing the 3, Melo the 4, Porzingis the 5. Looks like both Affalo & D.Williams will opt out.
R.Lopez could be used in a s&t to Lakers involving Jordan Clarkson. Sign Jokeem Noah to a reasonable deal. He's an ideal triangle center with his passing ability. If anymore $ left over sign Eric Gordan.

G: Clarkson, J.Grant
G: E.Gordan, Wroten
F: Batum
F: Melo,O'Quinn
C: Porzingis,Noah

Still might be too soon to have KP start at Center for a full season. I prefer having RoLo absorb some of the load and banging. Don't forget Bynum and Pau were technically 2 Centers starting for the Lakers!

nixluva wrote:

TLover wrote:I would be interested if Batum is playing the 3, Melo the 4, Porzingis the 5. Looks like both Affalo & D.Williams will opt out.
R.Lopez could be used in a s&t to Lakers involving Jordan Clarkson. Sign Jokeem Noah to a reasonable deal. He's an ideal triangle center with his passing ability. If anymore $ left over sign Eric Gordan.

G: Clarkson, J.Grant
G: E.Gordan, Wroten
F: Batum
F: Melo,O'Quinn
C: Porzingis,Noah

Still might be too soon to have KP start at Center for a full season. I prefer having RoLo absorb some of the load and banging. Don't forget Bynum and Pau were technically 2 Centers starting for the Lakers!

Before OKC beat GS, I would've disagreed with you and said put KP at center.....on paper he's the ultimate small ball center to have, because he becomes a stretch 5, who has an inside out game. But the way OKC beat GS with their bigs getting offensive rebounds and protecting the rim, it shows you that small ball has it's weaknesses.

What I like most about this team and having KP is the versatility we have. I think Fisher messed up by not using that to his advantage. We have the ability to play both styles (small and big)......Most teams are only good one way.....OKC doesn't have that flexibility, but so far they don't need it. But in the playoffs, you need it depending on the matchups.

The other advantage of KP and Rolo.....There's no hack a shaq player who bricks free throws. So we have a solid foundation to win in the playoffs, and only a few guards and solid bench away from competing. All the good teams right now have a bench that plays as good as the starters.

SupremeCommander wrote:

fishmike wrote:

EnySpree wrote:Did anyone notice that Batum had a terrible post season? Anybody remember how he sucked his last year in Portland?

Truth? Batum is a bench player on a good team. A very good bench player, but not a real starter if you want to win. He's not good enough to start over Melo or KP. He's not a true shooting guard. I'm not maxing out this guy just to have him playing out of position and probably off the bench and unhappy

cmon... he's a starter. The argument (which is fair) is that he's not a star, but he's a 100% a high end rotation player. I believe for all SGs he was #1 in assists and #2 rebounds.. No, he would not start over KP or Melo, but you put him at SG and move to SF when one of the 3 bigs comes out.

Look at Batum's passing. He's a fantastic ball mover and playmaker. He would really help the Knicks and their style of play, and I have no doubt you would see a jump in his #s playing in the triangle.

Its no doubt an overpay, but Batum would look better on the Knicks (and have more value) than most. He fits nicely into the near future as well. If KP progresses nicely and can start playing center you have then slide everyone over. Melo to the 4, KP to the 5 and you trade Rolo to upgrade whatever position you need or try to get a decent pick and keep building it up.

It would be overpaying but he fills a need and would give the Knicks such insane length. If they can get a big PG or develop Wroten, all of a sudden the Knicks are big. Can't teach size

French guy getting huge money to come play in NYC? Yea... Knicks are going to at least get a conversation

fishmike wrote:

GoNyGoNyGo wrote:Does Batum fit JH's offense?

just speculation but I wouldn't be surprised is JH said I can get much more from the guards you have on this roster right now.

Yeah. He could very well have broke it down to Phil how he would get them going. We all know Phil is a deep and cerebral guy. You can't fake it with him. If Jeff had a clear vision it may have really impressed Phil.

As for the roster and adding Triangle fits like Batum, I suspect Phil still looks for that type of player. It's more about having more passers at as many positions as possible. IMO that totally changes a team when you have multiple players with PG like passing. No matter what style you play that's a good thing.