I know its a SL game against an 0-3 opponent, but I haven't seen a Knicks offense with this kind of movement for as long as I can remember, and I tend to think it is a fair example of what PhilFisher wants because most of the guys out there are fighting for a spot on our training camp roster.
Even seemed that most of our turnovers were by guys trying too hard to make a good pass, and not off of 1/1 situations where they had to pass off after being stymied by an opponent's good defense. Lots of movement, back doors, and most importantly, guys getting rewarded for getting free and moving without the ball.
Some stuff I saw/heard:
I think Larkin is the real thing. He is one of those little guys you hated to play in pickup games because they seemed to be everywhere. Finally showed some of his speed and confidence. Don't know if he will ever be a starter, but he should be able to play 15-20 mpg in the NBA as a spark plug. A disruptive defender and stronger than people think. He seems to be able to hit shots from all over and is strong going to the basket. Hope that Phil is as impressed as I was. Have to give this guy a full season as a Knick before considering a trade.
Galloway's scoring outburst in the 1st half may have gotten him a training camp ticket. Finally showed his jumper, which he is known for, but really showed good movement and quickness without the ball, something Phil pointed out while he was being interviewed. Phil also mentioned that he saw him play at Portsmith- not sure we ever asked him in for tryouts, so they might have invited him based on Portsmith.. Showed some finishes at the basket that surprised me. Seems to be able to compete as a defender- has those long arms. Still not sure about his ball handling, but he moves the ball around well, although he had no assists in 20 minutes. Wish he was a #2 pick- would have him play in Europe for a year. We just have too many guards at this point.
Hardaway played a better all around game, IMO, something he has to do. Still has to do a better job staying in front of his man.
Brown looked pretty good, and hit a few midrange shots. Dribbled a bit too much, but he seems to be getting into shape.
Tyler has some holes, but for a big guy he was a great jump shot. Might just win him a spot on the team, but he has to tighten up his game.
Wanted to see more jumpers from the Greek, fewer behind the back dribbles. Still think he is ticketed for Europe or the DL. Great defender, even though he is foul prone.
Our big guys were really helping out on the inside, and these are guys who are relatively unknown to me. They were also looking to make passes, and actually made a bunch of them.
Phil talked about getting good shots at one point, and how guys wouldn't have to use as much effort to get good shots off (think he meant jumpers) if the offense was working correctly. Might have had Melo and JR in mind.
Hope our starting team can play like this as far as ball movement and passing. Quite a change from Woodson's ISO stuff.
EnySpree: Can we agree to agree not to mention Phil Jackson and triangle for the rest of our lives?
7/14/2014 9:16 PM