SocraticBallin22 wrote:Btw, we got to 30 wins. Two more to beat the preseason Vegas Odds. Yes!

SocraticBallin22 wrote:

nyknickzingis wrote:

SocraticBallin22 wrote:Fellas...Rambo got the boys playing some darn good ball last two games. Looks like they bought into the system. Both units playing well.

System has never been the problem.
It's about KP playing like a star (he has the last 2 games) and guys making their good open shots, which leads to the team having a flow.

Golden State wouldn't look anything like they do if they had the Knicks talent. That's just how it is. You need talent.

One change in the last 2 has been the 3 point shooting. They're freely shooting the 3 pointers. If you make 8/20 on three pointers, it's like going 12/20 on two pointers. There's plenty of value in being able to get good looks from 3 point land in your offense and taking it.

I think that's a key moving forward. KP has to play consistently like a 2nd star and we need guys that can knock down the open shots. On offense that should be enough to be very good.

Yeah. Obviously you need talent regardless of any system you're playing for it to work, but they have bought into the system the last couple games. Their execution in the halfcourt set running the triangle has been spot on. They're playing with control and poise like they know what they're doing and reacting to the defense well taking what it gives them. There's no hesitancy or confusion--especially from the starting unit. Playing really cohesive. The 3 point shooting definitely helps too, but the shots are coming from good passing. KP getting his legs and finding his shot again certainly helps, too. They do need him as a solid 2nd option. Give Rambis credit, though. I never saw this type of triangle execution under Fish--just chaos.

The Bulls inside/outside defense was crap for 2 games in a row, any time Calderon can start his dribble from the FT line, circle around a screen and get a layup you have defensive problems. Add to it 2 days where the Knicks were lights out from beyond the arc.

Malcolm wrote:So . . . who predicted 34 wins for the Knicks (?)

i did, and i gave my reasoning behind my prediction in detail at the beginning of the season, but being anything close to right doesn't earn props around here.

SocraticBallin22 wrote:Give Rambis some credit, it looks like the starters really understand the triangle and are employing it well the last two games--good cuts, screens, movement taking good shots. I'm impressed.

SocraticBallin22 wrote:The starters are playing so under control and poised in the triangle. I've never seen this before. They know exactly where they're going, where the ball is going, when to shoot it. Haven't seen this in 2 years. Give Rambis credit.

Only saw the first Chicago game and then half of last night, but YES

First time all season that it seems like the guys know what they are doing and are executing. Magical

newyorker4ever wrote:I still can't figure out why KOQ just all of the sudden lost all of his minutes to Seraphin?? KOQ wasn't playing bad at all, he wasn't playing great but he was doing some good things. Anyone here anything on why he got benched for Seraphin??

my purely uninformed guess, could be one of these or a combo or none:

- KOQ has been underwhelming on court and in practice
- Seraphin been doing OK in practice
- Seraphin doesn't have a contract for next year and the staff is doing him a solid by giving him minutes.

nyknickzingis wrote:

mreinman wrote:

knickscity wrote:

dk7th wrote:

Malcolm wrote:So . . . who predicted 34 wins for the Knicks (?)

i did, and i gave my reasoning behind my prediction in detail at the beginning of the season, but being anything close to right doesn't earn props around here.

I did as well, but predicting anything less than playoffs deems a person a hater.

me too.

I think I predicted 33 or 34. Forget which one. But of course, being right is not what flies around here. Being blindly positive is what flies.

I give you credit in that even when the team was 22-22 you said they were a 33 win roster but that you didn't think Melo would play like he was or KP play the way he was a rookie. It seems since then KP hit a wall and physically couldn't sustain it. These last 2 games, KP has elevated his game big time with more energy. Melo then suffered some injuries and we lost a few games without him, then never really got back into a groove until these last 10 games (5-5).

The veteran proven talent on this roster (Melo, Lopez, Afflalo, Calderon, Williams to an extent) make us a 30 to 35 wins type of team. No question about that. The difference is KP/Grant. If they play like they can, if they can give us what their potential shows to be, then we can be a playoff team. For that to happen though, KP has to play like he does when he has energy on a consistent basis. Grant has to play like he has post all-star break for an entire season. That still may not be enough to be better than a 42 or 43 win roster, but it'll put us in the playoff picture or near by. The major question will be is if Porzingis can make that jump so fast within one summer. It usually takes a guy who is built like him a few years to become consistent with his energy level and strength. Grant is what he is, but he can definitely give a team 20 minutes a night next year. Said this a few times already. Our biggest improvement will come internally not externally. Free agents will maybe tick the wins/losses a few wins (3-4 at most). Having the right coach and getting more consistent production from Porzingis/Grant will help most in the wins/losses department.

I'm also hoping RoLo can play like he has the last few months from start to finish next year. Don't think his improved post game is a fluke at all. I think he needed an offense where his coaches told him to be more than a screen setter or cut guy. This team and system has allowed him to grow as a player and utilize his hook shots and short jumper much more than in the past. I think 12-13 points a night from RoLO is very realistic for next year. Biggest thing I love about RoLo is his character. Unbelievable teammate and positive influence. He's a definite keeper.

Good stuff, I mostly agree on all.

I think there is very big potential for an external improvement, if the Knicks can grab just 1 guard (and let's hope AA opts out), then potential outlook changes immensely (look at what Sasha is doing for lineup when he clicks and he's not even that talented).

Other thoughts:

- Guys started pretty much at zero at beginning of year. KP, Grant, DWill, Rolo, AA, all new. Melo coming off injury and not playing ball for like 8 months (Jose was the same'ish).
- First year Rolo actually had a role in an offense, and he surprises (at least for me) and keeps growing. I expect more during the offseason, it'll be his first where he KNOWS he is going to get touches and what types of touches.
- KP. Selfishly for the Knicks, I hope he doesn't participate in Olympics. Ramping up for draft, moving, acclimating, sponsors & contracts, those things are done. All he should have going on this summer is training.
- DadMelo 2.0. We had DadMelo for like 1 month this year? Imagine that for more months with guys already anticipating it and playing for it.

Way I see it right now is that we need someone that fits in at 2 guard to replace Sasha. Sasha has shown what a shooter who defends can do for the team. He isn't even a good shooter or a good defender but his effort and willingness to step in and take those shots are always there as are his efforts on defense. If Grant improves, Wroten is taken on as a project, we've got athleticism and guards that can get into the paint there. I agree with you Martin that a free agent upgrade at one of the guard spots would go a big way, but who is that free agent? Hard for me to pinpoint that player.

In 16 games Sasha has started, I believe the Knicks are 8-8. Pretty crazy how a player who doesn't shoot, drive, or do anything all that well but fill in the role in the offense very well can make it seem as if there's no net loss with starting him. Makes one think what we would like with a player doing what Sasha is with actual skill level to make 3's, open shots and defend. Evan Turner isn't that player though. He's not a good 3 point shooter. If we sign Turner, I like him for the bench, as an upgrade to Galloway. Galloway has struggled as the season has progressed and I don't trust his ballhandling or decision making. Good spot up guy that can drive to the basket. Not a reliable ballhandler/decision maker.

Next year I'd like Jose/Grant to split minutes at point guard. Irrelevant who starts, just split the minutes. For that to happen Grant has to shoot the ball well, like he has in the post all-star break. And keep getting into the paint, look for those drives. IF, and that's a big IF we can trust Grant to bring that on a nightly game to game basis, we can probably go all in on spending on a starting 2 guard. Fournier? Although he is a restricted free agent. A name doesn't pop up to me who does the following things well - shoot the 3, defend, athletic, in his prime. Batum would really help on many levels. Don't see why Charlotte wouldn't keep him.

After that you're looking at getting guys on the Afflalo level of last year. There's Bayless (Grant would play 2 in this scenario). OJ Mayo. Courtney Lee. I think odds are higher we wind up with a player of this category in free agency than a Fournier or even Batum.