nixluva wrote:Like I said, the Knicks just have to grind it out with these Bulls.

But it isn't easy to grind it out when you're average to slow at every position pace wise.

Lopez - average pace for a C.
Porzingis - above average for a PF, but most teams match him with a quick SF, so he's average in pace/athleticism in that match up
Melo - In his 30's, not very athletic or quick right now. Strong and highly skilled not quick.
Afflalo - In his mid-30's almost, strong not quick.
Calderon - slow, slow, slow

You've got to make a change - because you have loads of guys off the pine that can reduce the lack of speed. I understand sticking with the Lopez/Porzingis/Melo front court based on longterm reasoning, but the backcourt? I doubt either JC or AA will be Knicks in 2 years. Certainly not starters in a year or two. If Fish/Phil want to keep the passing/playmaking because we need it on O in Calderon, ok. But get in an uber energy wing man in there at 2. Galloway can help to an extent, Lance Thomas as well. Anyone that provides some more speed to the starting 5.

Personally I think I'd go with Lance Thomas because he's shown consistency in his energy.

Knicks1969 wrote:

knickscity wrote:Turn out to be a decent first half. Starters cant come out flat again though.

How much you want to bet??

knickscity wrote:

Knicks1969 wrote:

nyknickzingis wrote:Thomas looks good with the starting 5 in place of Afflalo. Maybe bring AA off the bench, give them a go to scorer outside of DWill. Something needs to be done starting 5 way too slow.

Nice response though. Really cut into the deficit.

So you would replace the only guard who can attack the basket while keeping the main culprit in the lineup??

He really doesnt attack, his preference is a post up. Lance and Afflalo are somewhat similar imo. The change has to be at point if any.

Travla wrote:Anyone with an MSG stream/link?

google "nba stream reddit". They usually post links.

TPercy wrote:I think this game will serve as a good learning expierence that we must start out playing 100%

But they already know this....I'm sure Fisher and company preached this from day one. But you can't teach quickness, younger legs and agility. At 7'3 KP doesn't have the agility of a 6'9 PF for example. So he will always be at a disadvantage....Same with most of the starting unit.

Lance or D.Will should be starting.....

And they knew this lineup was slow....but they figured KP and Melo would carry them. I agree with Nix.....they will probably wait and see who they add before shuffling the lineup. Under Phils culture, he doesn't like to make too many changes at one time. I'm currious if they bring in a starter or a bench player, and how they will affect the starting lineup. Or will he keep the lineup the same (which is my guess) and just add even more energy off the bench. Then coach up Fisher to make quicker substitutions like Lance or D.Will......vs......Seraphin who rarely gets any playing time at all......that was a head scratcher.

knickscity wrote:

nixluva wrote:Until we see who Phil brings in and what if any trades he makes I see no point to panicking about how the roster looks right now. They had to play games in order to learn what worked and what didn't. Now there's no doubt about what needs to be done to fix the roster.

The issues are with Phil's longer contracted players. Gonna be tough to make changes. Lopez seems to be mismatched with any team that has a big that can step out which is nearly every night, and Calderon....is actually playing well tonite, but cant really count on him.

Not really worried about Jose or RoLo. As long as Phil can bring in younger talent at guard I expect their to be improvement.