KnickDanger wrote:OldFan wrote:OldFan wrote:
nixluva wrote:
Even with the improved play of Jack and Frank, most teams have us beat in terms of PG's that can break down a defense and score. We also are weak at SF in terms of a versatile scoring threat. Any improvements in these areas will have a significant impact.
All of our guards are fairly similar so maybe that's why they have interest in Burke who is at least a change of pace. I can see him eventually getting the call up to see if he can be that change of pace spark plug type. He's not a big time player of course but sometimes just giving teams a different look can help. A smaller quicker and shiftier PG that is a scoring threat could round out the team a bit.
I'm much more interested in having more scoring from positions other than PG. I think our point guards are giving us more than expected. Their most important jobs are managing the offense, distributing the ball and playing defense. They're doing those things better than any point guards we've had in recent history.
Frank will get better at scoring over time but I can wait, he's showing great potential running the team and playing defense.
Our PGs are shooting 35 to 39%. It's awfully hard to win NBA games like that.The main point is they run the offense and play defense. Which I think is more important for the PGs than scoring and more than we've gotten from our point guards in years.
Rose - could score, but did run the offense or play D.
Calderon - Tried to run the offense but could not score or play D.
Felton - Could not do much of anything.
We're over .500 getting no scoring from our starting 3 and inefficient scoring from our starting 2. If Lee can find a way to score and Timmy gets more efficient I think that's more important than getting scoring from the PGS.
Not saying they don't need to improve just that I'm happy with what we've gotten so far and I don't think the PG lack of scoring is our biggest problem. (And at least they aren't forcing it combined they take less then 10 shots per game.)
To be fair, Felton had his moments when he wasn't discovering all the fine cuisine New York has to offer. But I completely agree -- what I've wanted is a point guard in the mold of Jason Kidd (on the court) -- runs the offense, good instincts at setting up others, strong D including effort. And a leader. The ability to score is of course important, but not if it's all you do. I am very pleased with the Jack/Frank combo, especially as it seems it will get better, Frank in particular.
Frank's REAL value will be his ability to make others better. Frank is averaging 8pts, 9ast and 2.8 steals per 36 mins and he's playing defense at a very high level (dare I say all NBA?). I mean his defense impacts the game every night and he's 19. When KP dropped 15 straight it was Frank feeding him the ball. ALL this kid wants to do is play D, make plays for his teammates and not make mistakes.
This is ALL ABOUT THE EYE test. Frank's advanced stats and shooting is abysmal. Someone might check the box scorer to see how Monk did playing against Frank. They would laugh as Monk's #s were eye popping but who won? Who's skill was the most impactful when the game was on the line? Monk missed his look and Frank was keeping guards from penetrating and getting those octopus arms in passing lanes.
This is a different type of PG. He's got A LOT to work on. The kid is raw but he's helping the Knicks win games as a 19 year old rookie. I am hoping he's the Kirilenko of PGs. Fingers crossed. Lots to like!!!!
"winning is more fun... then fun is fun" -Thibs