Knicks like what they see in newcomer Robin LopezSEPTEMBER 30, 2015, 5:42 PM LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2015, 5:42 PM
BY STEVE POPPER
STAFF WRITER | THE RECORD
WEST POINT, N.Y. - It is just the second day of training camp, the time when players are just getting to know each other, coaches are working to teach the new system, and teams take their first tentative steps.
And that just made what Knicks coach Derek Fisher has seen from Robin Lopez seem odder.
“That basically all tables, stanchions and what appear to be immovable objects should get out of the way when he gets (angry),” Fisher said. “If a guy scores on him or something doesn’t go well, he tends to make sure that everybody knows that he’s not happy.
“Just having a guy with that type of mindset protecting the basket for you, we hope, can be a good thing," Fisher added. "But it’s still a team game, more defensively than offensively. So we can’t just rely on the big hair and the loud voice to save the day. We have to be a good defensive team.”
Lopez, with his wild hair and deep voice seems more like Simpson’s character Sideshow Bob than one of the comic book characters he and his brother, Brook, favor. Soft-spoken, the tantrums seem out of character for Lopez.
“I have to start off by saying it was much worse when I was younger,” Lopez said. “I have to pick and choose my battles now. I like to stay emotionally invested in the game. If you’re emotionally invested I don’t think you have to worry about things like playing hard, staying committed, staying behind your teammates.
“(I) never really (was like this) outside of the court. My brother and I got in our share of fights. I think they were always at our most epic when we were on the basketball court. We were totally in the game, totally intent on besting the other. I think that’s kind of where that desire to win comes from.”
“I hated him as an opponent,” Carmelo Anthony said. “He’s a big guy. He’s a load down there. He’s one of the best big guys in the NBA as far as not committing fouls. He’s a hell of a pick-and-roll guy. He sets crazy screens. I used to think it was dirty, but now I think they’re clean.”
Anthony insisted Tuesday that despite low expectations for the team outside the organization, he still has hope that they can compete for a title. “People might not believe that, but we’re definitely competing for that,” he said. “That’s always going to be the goal. Whether we get there or not depends on us and what we’re doing.”
While the Knicks struck out in their search for a star in free agency, Lopez was the biggest ticket item that they did land - handing him a four-year, $54 million deal. His numbers aren’t overwhelming - averaging 9.6 points and 6.7 rebounds last season. But his offensive efficiency has been solid in his limited opportunities and his defense is what he has made his reputation on.
“Robin is a great passer and facilitator, so we’re kind of looking forward to being able to utilize him in those ways,” Fisher said. “He’s a great offensive rebounder and we want guys to feel confident about who they are. So we’re not going to tell them to hold back. At the same time we’re not going to tell them to force trying to do more. Just be who he is.”
