Allanfan20 wrote:

newyorker4ever wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:

WaltLongmire wrote:The only issue about Hezonja's game is that taking him seems to go against Phil's ideas about the 3pt shot, and I know there have been questions about his decision making and midrange shooting, too...

but this guy is dripping with talent and charisma, and he's one of those guys who simply does not know fear. He's more mature than Porzingis, and you can see him playing immediately- and he did not play a ton of minutes this year, so he's fresh.

I might have even started a "Case for Hezonja" but I never thought Jackson would even consider him. I agreed with Briggs' first reaction- that this is a trade down pick, but Givony does not hint at this in his comment.

Could start as a large 2 and easily fill out to be a SF at some point.

This is what Givony says, but have we EVER been linked to him?

While Winslow is viewed as the safe pick, Hezonja's ability to space the floor, make plays for others and play a significant role from day one have reportedly made him a real option at this spot.

Better offensive talent than Winslow, by far, IMO, and he is athletic enough to be a defender in the NBA. He can also pass the ball. He also has the kind of talent that would allow him to play in any offensive scheme, if we ever change things up.

I would be stunned if we took him without trading him, but the guy is talented and he has star power, in my opinion- I'd sign up for drafting him in a second.

Walt taking Hezonja at 4 is simply taking BPA which is always a very good decision--we dont need to get fancy--NY will LOVE Hezonja absolutely love him. Hes a good-looking kid the marketing of this kid would be very high for MSG. As for the team we havent had a player like Hezonga EVER. We never had a multi skilled athletic 6-8 guy.

We have had multi skilled 6-8 guys we just traded them all away.

Not quite like Mario though. He seems to have a very defined skill set and is excellent at what he does. I think he has a much higher ceiling than the Shumperts and Arizas and Gallos of the world... and I love all three of them.

BRIGGS wrote:

newyorker4ever wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:

WaltLongmire wrote:The only issue about Hezonja's game is that taking him seems to go against Phil's ideas about the 3pt shot, and I know there have been questions about his decision making and midrange shooting, too...

but this guy is dripping with talent and charisma, and he's one of those guys who simply does not know fear. He's more mature than Porzingis, and you can see him playing immediately- and he did not play a ton of minutes this year, so he's fresh.

I might have even started a "Case for Hezonja" but I never thought Jackson would even consider him. I agreed with Briggs' first reaction- that this is a trade down pick, but Givony does not hint at this in his comment.

Could start as a large 2 and easily fill out to be a SF at some point.

This is what Givony says, but have we EVER been linked to him?

While Winslow is viewed as the safe pick, Hezonja's ability to space the floor, make plays for others and play a significant role from day one have reportedly made him a real option at this spot.

Better offensive talent than Winslow, by far, IMO, and he is athletic enough to be a defender in the NBA. He can also pass the ball. He also has the kind of talent that would allow him to play in any offensive scheme, if we ever change things up.

I would be stunned if we took him without trading him, but the guy is talented and he has star power, in my opinion- I'd sign up for drafting him in a second.

Walt taking Hezonja at 4 is simply taking BPA which is always a very good decision--we dont need to get fancy--NY will LOVE Hezonja absolutely love him. Hes a good-looking kid the marketing of this kid would be very high for MSG. As for the team we havent had a player like Hezonga EVER. We never had a multi skilled athletic 6-8 guy.

We have had multi skilled 6-8 guys we just traded them all away.

Im sorry Im a 40+ year fan--who have we had as an elite athletic 6-8 multi akilled player in that time ? Carmelo is not an athlete like this kid. Kenny walker was not a skill player--so can you enlighten me?

Well first of all you added the word elite which is not what you said in the post i commentd on in which you said that the Knicks have never had a multi skilled athletic 6-8 guy so lets not change up our words please.I'm not gonna go back and look through every Knicks teams cause i don't care enough about being right but a few names of multi skilled guys we had and traded were W.Chandler, Z.Randolph, T.Ariza, L.Sprewell and i'm sure many more on our early to mid 90's teams.

WaltLongmire wrote:

newyorker4ever wrote:

nixluva wrote:

WaltLongmire wrote:

nixluva wrote:

WaltLongmire wrote:The only issue about Hezonja's game is that taking him seems to go against Phil's ideas about the 3pt shot, and I know there have been questions about his decision making and midrange shooting, too...

but this guy is dripping with talent and charisma, and he's one of those guys who simply does not know fear. He's more mature than Porzingis, and you can see him playing immediately- and he did not play a ton of minutes this year, so he's fresh.

I might have even started a "Case for Hezonja" but I never thought Jackson would even consider him. I agreed with Briggs' first reaction- that this is a trade down pick, but Givony does not hint at this in his comment.

Could start as a large 2 and easily fill out to be a SF at some point.

This is what Givony says, but have we EVER been linked to him?

While Winslow is viewed as the safe pick, Hezonja's ability to space the floor, make plays for others and play a significant role from day one have reportedly made him a real option at this spot.

Better offensive talent than Winslow, by far, IMO, and he is athletic enough to be a defender in the NBA. He can also pass the ball. He also has the kind of talent that would allow him to play in any offensive scheme, if we ever change things up.

I would be stunned if we took him without trading him, but the guy is talented and he has star power, in my opinion- I'd sign up for drafting him in a second.

Phil is not anti 3. He just wants the team to be more balanced and not mainly looking for 3's. The 3 is always there if it's open but there should be an attempt to get to the hole and force the defense to defend the entire floor, which will make things much more efficient for the offense. You want to get to the FT line too. Attacking the basket is the best way to get fouls. It would be very interesting if this was the pick. Wonder how savvy those Knick fans at the Draft are about Mario?

If you have read any posts I've made where I talk about Hezonja, you would know that I love him. I've compared him a little bit to Maravich, and I can even see some Rick Barry in him. I would love to take him, but I also read all the stuff about what Phil wants from players and his comments about the 3.

I understand that Phil does not hate 3's, but Hezonja is known to settle for them. Please read the scouting reports on him.

I would have a big smile on my face if we took him, and once everyone started looking more closely at what he can do, they would flip out and finally see how good he is, but he seems to go against what Phil has said he wants.

I'd still be smiling, though.

I think perhaps you are putting too much emphasis on some of Phil's comments. Kobe took 3's and Mario would be playing the Kobe role in our offense. It's also what Shved was doing in that same role. You want a versatile scorer in that role. a Guard that can shoot from anywhere on the floor and who can get to the basket as well as make solid passes. It's a very important role. The 2 key roles are post player and scoring guard. Mario would fill that huge hole that JR never figured out.

Yeah people are way over reacting about Phil's comments about the 3 point shot. Phil knows that every team needs players that can and will shoot the 3 ball.

Once again... if you go back and look at anything I've written about Hezonja you would know how much I like him as a player.I actually take exception when people take something I've said and turn it around. I actually take the time to think about what I write.

This is from something I wrote a month ago (May 25) and never posted(thinking of starting a thread with it later today:

I see these guys as having the greatest chance to be top 3 picks:

Towns
OK4
Russell
Mudiay
Porzingus
Hezonja (unlikely, but possible)

This was before any workouts had taken place...I've since dropped Mudiay as a top 4 pick. I also assumed that the two Euros were going to do regular workouts.

Please tell me how many folks on UK even considered Hezonja as a potential top 3 player a month ago... you can count them on one hand, I would think- and that might be generous.

This has nothing to do with Phil not having a problem with the 3.

Read the negatives about Hezonja, and you will know what I am talking about, but I would prefer not to have my words reinterpreted.

jbeachboy wrote:whats negatives on mario?

Most points he ever averaged is 5.6ppg. I don't see him as ready to contribute to an NBA team in any significant way for a year or two. Supposedly also has some maturity issues and is a bit of a hot head.

WaltLongmire wrote:

newyorker4ever wrote:

nixluva wrote:

WaltLongmire wrote:

nixluva wrote:

WaltLongmire wrote:The only issue about Hezonja's game is that taking him seems to go against Phil's ideas about the 3pt shot, and I know there have been questions about his decision making and midrange shooting, too...

but this guy is dripping with talent and charisma, and he's one of those guys who simply does not know fear. He's more mature than Porzingis, and you can see him playing immediately- and he did not play a ton of minutes this year, so he's fresh.

I might have even started a "Case for Hezonja" but I never thought Jackson would even consider him. I agreed with Briggs' first reaction- that this is a trade down pick, but Givony does not hint at this in his comment.

Could start as a large 2 and easily fill out to be a SF at some point.

This is what Givony says, but have we EVER been linked to him?

While Winslow is viewed as the safe pick, Hezonja's ability to space the floor, make plays for others and play a significant role from day one have reportedly made him a real option at this spot.

Better offensive talent than Winslow, by far, IMO, and he is athletic enough to be a defender in the NBA. He can also pass the ball. He also has the kind of talent that would allow him to play in any offensive scheme, if we ever change things up.

I would be stunned if we took him without trading him, but the guy is talented and he has star power, in my opinion- I'd sign up for drafting him in a second.

Phil is not anti 3. He just wants the team to be more balanced and not mainly looking for 3's. The 3 is always there if it's open but there should be an attempt to get to the hole and force the defense to defend the entire floor, which will make things much more efficient for the offense. You want to get to the FT line too. Attacking the basket is the best way to get fouls. It would be very interesting if this was the pick. Wonder how savvy those Knick fans at the Draft are about Mario?

If you have read any posts I've made where I talk about Hezonja, you would know that I love him. I've compared him a little bit to Maravich, and I can even see some Rick Barry in him. I would love to take him, but I also read all the stuff about what Phil wants from players and his comments about the 3.

I understand that Phil does not hate 3's, but Hezonja is known to settle for them. Please read the scouting reports on him.

I would have a big smile on my face if we took him, and once everyone started looking more closely at what he can do, they would flip out and finally see how good he is, but he seems to go against what Phil has said he wants.

I'd still be smiling, though.

I think perhaps you are putting too much emphasis on some of Phil's comments. Kobe took 3's and Mario would be playing the Kobe role in our offense. It's also what Shved was doing in that same role. You want a versatile scorer in that role. a Guard that can shoot from anywhere on the floor and who can get to the basket as well as make solid passes. It's a very important role. The 2 key roles are post player and scoring guard. Mario would fill that huge hole that JR never figured out.

Yeah people are way over reacting about Phil's comments about the 3 point shot. Phil knows that every team needs players that can and will shoot the 3 ball.

Once again... if you go back and look at anything I've written about Hezonja you would know how much I like him as a player.I actually take exception when people take something I've said and turn it around. I actually take the time to think about what I write.

This is from something I wrote a month ago (May 25) and never posted(thinking of starting a thread with it later today:

I see these guys as having the greatest chance to be top 3 picks:

Towns
OK4
Russell
Mudiay
Porzingus
Hezonja (unlikely, but possible)

This was before any workouts had taken place...I've since dropped Mudiay as a top 4 pick. I also assumed that the two Euros were going to do regular workouts.

Please tell me how many folks on UK even considered Hezonja as a potential top 3 player a month ago... you can count them on one hand, I would think- and that might be generous.

This has nothing to do with Phil not having a problem with the 3.

Read the negatives about Hezonja, and you will know what I am talking about, but I would prefer not to have my words reinterpreted.

I'm not understanding what you're objection is. You did mention 3pt shooting in reference to Hezonja and what Phil prefers. I merely stated that Phil actually doesn't have a problem with 3pt shooters as long as the offense is balanced between inside offense near the basket and perimeter offense. He's had players that primarily shoot the 3 on all of his teams. It's not about individual players but rather the overall approach to the game from a team standpoint. Guys like Hodges, Paxson, Kerr etc were primarily 3pt shooters which was needed. What Phil doesn't want is quick jacking up of 3's or an endless series of picks just to get a 3 point shot as we see some teams doing. He prefers his teams look for early offense at the basket, then flow into the offense with great motion and passing leading to either a post up, cut to the basket or open shot.

nixluva wrote:

WaltLongmire wrote:Read the negatives about Hezonja, and you will know what I am talking about, but I would prefer not to have my words reinterpreted.

I'm not understanding what you're objection is. You did mention 3pt shooting in reference to Hezonja and what Phil prefers. I merely stated that Phil actually doesn't have a problem with 3pt shooters as long as the offense is balanced between inside offense near the basket and perimeter offense. He's had players that primarily shoot the 3 on all of his teams. It's not about individual players but rather the overall approach to the game from a team standpoint. Guys like Hodges, Paxson, Kerr etc were primarily 3pt shooters which was needed. What Phil doesn't want is quick jacking up of 3's or an endless series of picks just to get a 3 point shot as we see some teams doing. He prefers his teams look for early offense at the basket, then flow into the offense with great motion and passing leading to either a post up, cut to the basket or open shot.

I choose to be realistic about players, even the guys I like, and I take Jackson's comments about what he looks at in a player for face value.

I also choose my words carefully... so read them all. I try not to deal in absolutes, and always seem to hedge on my initial comments because I try not to talk in absolutes.

Connecting on 39.6% (57/144) of his attempts from beyond the international line on the year. including an 8/8 performance against Manresa in the ACB on February 1st, the Croatian swingman is capable of running very hot from the perimeter, but also has the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack off the dribble if the defense closes out too aggressively.

Though 60% of Hezonja's field goal attempts are three-pointers, one of the highest marks of any player in our mock draft regardless of league, and he has scored a fantastic 1.34 points per spot up possession according to Synergy Sports Technology, Hezonja's potential at the NBA level extends well beyond his talents as a set shooter, even if that's an area the team drafting him will hope he can contribute in early on.

He can take and make difficult, contested shots with deep range, and throws some highlight reel passes, but doesn't always pick and choose his spots as well as one might hope or seem quick to recognize openings for others. He can be turnover prone when he puts the ball on the floor as his handle is a bit rigid, and often tries to get creative instead of drawing contact and forcing whistles when he ventures inside as his extremely low 1.6 free throw attempts per-40 minutes pace adjusted average reflects.

Hezonja's worst moments this season have come in situations where the intersection of his talent and confidence have led to him settling for difficult shots in the half court and looking to do too much with the ball in his hands in transition and on the pick and roll—something that is frowned upon far more in Europe from a player his age than it is in the States.

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/#ixzz3e62QqSVc
http://www.draftexpress.com

WaltLongmire wrote:

nixluva wrote:

WaltLongmire wrote:Read the negatives about Hezonja, and you will know what I am talking about, but I would prefer not to have my words reinterpreted.

I'm not understanding what you're objection is. You did mention 3pt shooting in reference to Hezonja and what Phil prefers. I merely stated that Phil actually doesn't have a problem with 3pt shooters as long as the offense is balanced between inside offense near the basket and perimeter offense. He's had players that primarily shoot the 3 on all of his teams. It's not about individual players but rather the overall approach to the game from a team standpoint. Guys like Hodges, Paxson, Kerr etc were primarily 3pt shooters which was needed. What Phil doesn't want is quick jacking up of 3's or an endless series of picks just to get a 3 point shot as we see some teams doing. He prefers his teams look for early offense at the basket, then flow into the offense with great motion and passing leading to either a post up, cut to the basket or open shot.

Once again...I like him, and have talked him up more that most on this forum, but if you go by what Jackson has spoken about, and been taken to task for by many after his Tweets during the playoffs, you have to examine why Hezonja has been linked to the Knicks.

I choose to be realistic about players, even the guys I like, and I take Jackson's comments about what he looks at in a player for face value.

I also choose my words carefully... so read them all. I try not to deal in absolutes, and always seem to hedge on my initial comments because I try not to talk in absolutes.

Connecting on 39.6% (57/144) of his attempts from beyond the international line on the year. including an 8/8 performance against Manresa in the ACB on February 1st, the Croatian swingman is capable of running very hot from the perimeter, but also has the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack off the dribble if the defense closes out too aggressively.

Though 60% of Hezonja's field goal attempts are three-pointers, one of the highest marks of any player in our mock draft regardless of league, and he has scored a fantastic 1.34 points per spot up possession according to Synergy Sports Technology, Hezonja's potential at the NBA level extends well beyond his talents as a set shooter, even if that's an area the team drafting him will hope he can contribute in early on.

He can take and make difficult, contested shots with deep range, and throws some highlight reel passes, but doesn't always pick and choose his spots as well as one might hope or seem quick to recognize openings for others. He can be turnover prone when he puts the ball on the floor as his handle is a bit rigid, and often tries to get creative instead of drawing contact and forcing whistles when he ventures inside as his extremely low 1.6 free throw attempts per-40 minutes pace adjusted average reflects.

Hezonja's worst moments this season have come in situations where the intersection of his talent and confidence have led to him settling for difficult shots in the half court and looking to do too much with the ball in his hands in transition and on the pick and roll—something that is frowned upon far more in Europe from a player his age than it is in the States.

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/#ixzz3e62QqSVc
http://www.draftexpress.com

Steve Kyler Final NBA Mock Draft 6/25/15
Pk
1 Karl Towns PF/C 19 years old; 7'0"; 248 lbs. Kentucky, Freshman
2 Jahlil Okafor C 19 years old; 6'11"; 272 lbs. Duke, Freshman
3 D'Angelo Russell PG/SG 19 years old; 6'5"; 193 lbs. Ohio State, Freshman
4 Mario Hezonja SG 20 years old; 6'8"; 200 lbs. Barcelona, International
5 Justise Winslow SF 19 years old; 6'7"; 222 lbs. Duke, Freshman
6 Kristaps Porzingis PF 19 years old; 7'0"; 220 lbs. Sevilla, International
7 Emmanuel Mudiay PG 19 years old; 6'5"; 200 lbs. Guangdong, International

Does not seem to be biting on the Russell to LA rumor, which might be LA's way of getting Philly to kiss their put with some of the picks they have in the future.

Do we assume that Hinkie trades down if Russell is not there?