What's your opinion of him?
What are his strength and weaknesses?
Does he play good D, in your opinion? Can he become a good defender?
Can he succeed as SF?
Who is he comparable to?
Is he worth the 2006 1st rd pick & 2007 1st rd swap given to CHI in Curry trade?

I like him Oak. I don't think he's a SF though. It's a tribute to his overall athleticism that Larry even considers playing him there. His skills better server the Knicks down low - offensively, defensively and rebounding-wise. He has a better chance to use his quickness as a big advantage against other 4s than chasing around smaller, quicker 3s on the perimeter. We lose some of his rebounding ability that way. I actually like the flashes he's shown offensively. Post him up more and run some plays for him. Give him touches offensively. Make him more of a focal point offensively. Whatever you do Larry, JUST PLAY THE KID FOR CHRIST'S SAKE, out-of-position or not!! No more DNPs like the recent game in Phily please. No more unnecessary trips to the 3-man inactive list. No more of Malik Rose taking PT away from him! He's got to be a part of the regular rotation EVERY GAME!
Me personally, I would like to see him go in the other direction than what Larry wants - I would like to see him return to his natural position at PF and put on a few more pounds of muscle in the off-season while retaining his natural quickness. I know that Isiah likens him to Dennis Rodman but I see more in this kid than that, to be honest. He's just a really smart, heady player that's capable of bringing more to the table than what we're seeing. I feel real good about him when he's out there. If he adds a little more muscle in the off-season he could be more of an Anthony Mason type with his ballhandling, passing and rebounding, although a little taller version of Mase with a smoother all-around game and a better attitude - that's probably the best case scenario. But I'd like to see him get stronger, bulk up and play closer to the basket...


[Edited by - finestrg on 01-30-2006 11:28 PM]

[Edited by - finestrg on 01-30-2006 11:30 PM]

I like Lee - he's an unselfish hustle player. Good rebounding and passing skills. Better than expected shooting. A good "chemistry" guy - I think he gets along with everyone and is supportive whether he is playing or on the bench.

I see him more at the 4 than the 3. I think he has trouble defending the better 3's. In general his defense needs work, but I see potential there.

I would guess he'd be a solid bench player on a good team. On a good team, you need a player like the player he can become.



[Edited by - BASKETBALLJONES on 01-30-2006 11:26 PM]

That Lee often plays behind Rose offers troubling evidence of Larry's curious coaching moves.

I think this entire year is being used as an audition. We are placing players in postions of adversity to see how they will respond. To see who will be Larry's Boys and can survive in NY. Those that respond well to all this adversity will be here and help us win. Those that cry about playing time and don't respond with increased effort will be gone. I've said this from the beginning of the season and am not going to stray from it.

Ariza has been whining a little. I don't think he gets it. I don't buy that he's inactive with "back spasms."