Bottom line I can't think why anyone wouldn't like what they saw last night from him. He showed more promise than Darko, Bender, and Hill combined. Then again he is 28, has played for quite some time regardless of league, and looked to be in terrific shape. So what his ceiling is...who knows. We might have just witnessed his career game. Still, good for him, and good for us if he can keep it up. Given our plan for next year it'd be nice to find a guy who can play like this on the cheap to help round out the roster. At 28 a player can give you a solid 5 years of top level play - yet there are reasons why he has stuck in the NBA in the past. Maybe this is his break. I guess it's just something to watch over the final few games and expect him back in camp maybe.

fishmike wrote:when advanced scouting gets guys like Earl you really dont need draft picks.

Man that sounds like it saying getting Randolph was like having two first round picks.

But you have to give knicks props. Barron appears to be a good find. Given the fact that pat Riley played him gives me confidence the kid can play.

The Duke hit the mid range jumper and he drove the paint. He displayed agility and defensive mobility. The Duke hit the defensive AND offensive boards, he was energetic and he hit the open man like he knew the plays. Maybe it was the glow of playing in New York. Perhaps matching up with the Celtics was a motivator. Whatever it was, it was all good for 40 minutes. (Just win baby) Most important, it looked like he belonged.

Besides, I don't remember the dearly beloved Jackie Butler going for 17 and 18.

"Alright now. I'm telling you this guy is better than advertised. He's active around the basket and he'll be the first center we've had in ages that actually has the pride and the work ethic to stay in shape. And no, i'm not talking about the power forwards we've had standing in for the last 3 years. I'm making the call now, he'll stick and surprise because he's hungry and actually has some skill."

The fishing story was a gas

Offense: Gets about a third of his touches in spot up situations, with another two fifths coming off of cuts and offensive rebounds. Displays a consistent midrange shooting stroke, which is without question his best offensive weapon. (the lost art of the mid range jumper is a nice compliment to a long-range bomber like Gallo) Takes some contested shots that he probably shouldn’t. (experience can fix that) Runs the pick and pop frequently. Proves to be a capable finisher at the rim as well. Works well off the ball, which helps him score a few easy baskets at the rim. Needs to do a better job absorbing contact. Lacks some toughness in that regard. (see the weight room) Doesn’t show much back to the basket game. Won’t put the ball on the floor very often. An average passer.

Defense: Doesn’t have the strength to maintain position on the block, and lacks the lateral quickness necessary to step out and defend players that like to face up in the post. Usually asked to defend the center position, but struggles as a weak-side defender. Has a hard time containing bigger, strong post players. Doesn’t show good discipline when contesting shots. Will reach over the top and get called for a lot of fouls. Decent rebounder, but nothing to write home about. (cough) Not a defensive playmaker.

NYKBocker wrote:

TMS wrote:

NYKBocker wrote:In that highlight clip, almost all of his points were from an assist from Sergio. He was running and cutting to the basket. If we can have our guys follow this formula of actually running with Sergio, I think we can have a pretty good 1-2 punch in the PG department with TD and Sergio.

is it too early to call him Amare Lite?

In all seriousness, Baron reminds me a lot of Nazr Mohammed.

David Lee:

"I said on the bench that he plays like Antonio McDyess, a very, very good 15-foot jump shooter," Lee said. "He's a solid post player. Defensively he's strong and has a good basketball IQ."