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Iman Speaks
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nixluva
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9/27/2011  6:25 PM
Iman is doing a diary for the Post:

My two weeks in Las Vegas at the Impact League turned out great. I got to know over 30 NBA players, got a chance to meet union president Derek Fisher to get insight on the lockout, bumped into Barry Bonds at the Venetian, watched a friend play blackjack at a table with boxer Victor Ortiz and finally played some basketball alongside my future Knicks teammate Chauncey Billups.
HAPPENS IN VEGAS: Knicks rookie Iman Shumpert says he has benefited from playing in the Impact League in Las Vegas during the lockout with future teammate Chauncey Billups (right).
ap
HAPPENS IN VEGAS: Knicks rookie Iman Shumpert says he has benefited from playing in the Impact League in Las Vegas during the lockout with future teammate Chauncey Billups (right).

I couldn't be happier with the Vegas experience, with league play ending Friday. I know most people's stories from Vegas are cliche due to the gambling and partying, but this was a pure business trip for me. I chose not to stay in a hotel because I DO NOT GAMBLE. I rented an apartment off The Strip. Thank God.

I tried my first slot machine to say I'd done it. I started with 20 dollars, played an hour and cashed out for 35 cents. Won't be doing that anymore, even with my first NBA check, whenever that comes.

At first, competition was just mediocre in the Impact League, due to only having five players to a team and not everyone being in tip-top shape. Once teams began to stack up, it surely got intense -- more technical fouls, more loud trash-talking from my Vegas teammate, former Heat guard Damon Jones.

My experience with Chauncey was big. He breaks the game down, makes it simple and demands a lot out of everyone on the team. I plan to work out with him soon 1-on-1, and we will definitely see each other in a few weeks at Amar'e Stoudemire's training camp in Florida.

The best part of playing in the Impact wasn't just competing against guys like O.J. Mayo, John Wall, Rudy Gay and Kyle Lowry, but it was advice and pointers given by all the older players and encouraging words they gave me when evaluating my game.

To look on my Twitter after Day 1 and seeing Jared Dudley had shouted me out only drove me to go harder to gain respect from NBA players and turn heads in the crowd.

Myself and rookies Josh Selby, Travis Leslie and Isaiah Thomas -- not that one -- all came out to go at the older guys and we did some exciting things that our youth allows us to do. LOL. I can't tell you how many times guys like Tony Allen, who usually plays above the rim, laid the ball in and then said that they would leave the dunking to me.

I don't think any of the veteran guys have called me by name. An occasional "Shump" here and there, but mostly it's "Young Blood," "Young'n," or my favorite: "Rook".

Vegas was a nice preview for me since the lockout has handicapped my rookie experience and transition into the league. Heading to my hometown Chicago to work out this week. Until next time . . .
http://Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/class_in_session_szjcd4ufOYCxnuutAq6bpL#ixzz1ZC6SttZP

Nothin heavy, but it's interesting how this kids being embraced and he hasn't even officially been signed yet.

AUTOADVERT
Moonangie
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9/27/2011  6:37 PM
Thanks for that great post, Nix. Iman sounds like a great find for us.
Nalod
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9/27/2011  7:08 PM
nixluva
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9/27/2011  7:38 PM
Nalod, what is your mental malfunction? If you don't have anything to contribute, i'd appreciate you stop responding with dumb videos behind my posts. Either make a real point backed up with some substance or just ignore the thread.
Nalod
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9/27/2011  7:49 PM
ramtour420
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9/27/2011  8:35 PM
Nalod is no use to argue with. He has been around for too long and is smart enough to use it against people that don,t share his view. He always says the right thing. He always sucks up to the moderators whenever he has a chance and its never direct either, he is the master of the sublime. So, whenever he decides to be annoying its no use to call him out. Most likely he can justify posting stupid crap. I have learned to have a great deal of respect for Nalod, he will simply repeat himself in an arguement without adding anything, to outlast his opponent.
Everything you have ever wanted is on the other side of fear- George Adair
Nalod
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9/27/2011  11:03 PM
Whoa, there is no argument here. Commentary over Nix overly optimistic views perhaps a bit obnoxious on my part but just some lite ribbing where there is not spice on the UK these days........

Some guys like the banter, some don't. No intentions to hurt anyone.

Rooting for the Knicks is like going to the Candy mountain. Isiah is waiting to take your kidney.

nixluva
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9/27/2011  11:29 PM
Nalod, I don't share your sense of humor or sarcasm. I think we've suffered for years with horrible situations for this franchise and now we finally have a team we can get behind. We've got some good kids in addition to a couple of All Stars in their prime. I'm not being overly optimistic given the circumstances.

We've drafted a kid who seems to have great talent. As happy and surprised as people were about how well Fields played, Iman has even more talent and could possibly be an impact player for this team. What does any Knick fan have to be down about or even apathetic about when it comes to this team? We're probably just a couple of good role players away from contention. Who knows we may already have those players depending on how some of the young players workout. In any event the core of the team is at least capable of serious playoff contention, which we haven't had for years.

Nalod
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9/28/2011  8:01 AM
nixluva wrote:
Nalod, I don't share your sense of humor or sarcasm. I think we've suffered for years with horrible situations for this franchise and now we finally have a team we can get behind.
We've got some good kids in addition to a couple of All Stars in their prime. I'm not being overly optimistic given the circumstances.

We've drafted a kid who seems to have great talent. As happy and surprised as people were about how well Fields played, Iman has even more talent and could possibly be an impact player for this team. What does any Knick fan have to be down about or even apathetic about when it comes to this team? We're probably just a couple of good role players away from contention. Who knows we may already have those players depending on how some of the young players workout. In any event the core of the team is at least capable of serious playoff contention, which we haven't had for years.


Seriously? "suffered for years with horrible situations"......and a video of Shirley Temple bugs you out? On these forums we have discussed politics, constitutional amendments, racism, and a host of other problems in the world. I hardly think what we "suffered" as fans hardly compares with any real problems and thus my comments are harmless. In fact I have often commented on your writing as it is fraught with optimism which itself is not a terrible thing but I suppose you really are serious about all this and anyone telling you the "gum drops and jelly beans" outlook is perhaps over the top is off limits.

I would imagine all this would be great sport to go back and forth on had it been an overly negative subject (some posters are redundantly trying to prove something) but your a pleasant fellow with a positive spin so perhaps I should be in the positive spirit and not engage. No problem.

Regarding "suffering"? We are victims of one sort. I have been a knick supporter this team for 40 years.

SupremeCommander
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9/28/2011  8:34 AM
nixluva wrote:Nalod, I don't share your sense of humor or sarcasm. I think we've suffered for years with horrible situations for this franchise and now we finally have a team we can get behind. We've got some good kids in addition to a couple of All Stars in their prime. I'm not being overly optimistic given the circumstances.

We've drafted a kid who seems to have great talent. As happy and surprised as people were about how well Fields played, Iman has even more talent and could possibly be an impact player for this team. What does any Knick fan have to be down about or even apathetic about when it comes to this team? We're probably just a couple of good role players away from contention. Who knows we may already have those players depending on how some of the young players workout. In any event the core of the team is at least capable of serious playoff contention, which we haven't had for years.

I'm keeping out of the bigger debate

I do think your enthusiasm--in this case--is justified. His physical gifts make him an immediate fit on this squad. I haven't really kept my well-documented pre-draft concerns. but we've read a lot of unjustified enthusiasm when "we've suffered for years with horrible situations for this franchise."

DLeethal wrote: Lol Rick needs a safe space
SupremeCommander
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9/28/2011  8:43 AM    LAST EDITED: 9/28/2011  8:44 AM
Nalod wrote:On these forums we have discussed politics, constitutional amendments, racism, and a host of other problems in the world.

I love the OT board and/or threads with "OT:" in front of them... but some hate it and I don't necessarily blame them

DLeethal wrote: Lol Rick needs a safe space
Moonangie
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9/28/2011  10:29 AM
Nalod wrote:Whoa, there is no argument here. Commentary over Nix overly optimistic views perhaps a bit obnoxious on my part but just some lite ribbing where there is not spice on the UK these days........

Some guys like the banter, some don't. No intentions to hurt anyone.

Rooting for the Knicks is like going to the Candy mountain. Isiah is waiting to take your kidney.

I thought Candy Mountain was hilarious, even if I appreciate Nix' optimistic take on our team.

Nalod
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9/28/2011  10:30 AM
SupremeCommander wrote:
nixluva wrote:Nalod, I don't share your sense of humor or sarcasm. I think we've suffered for years with horrible situations for this franchise and now we finally have a team we can get behind. We've got some good kids in addition to a couple of All Stars in their prime. I'm not being overly optimistic given the circumstances.

We've drafted a kid who seems to have great talent. As happy and surprised as people were about how well Fields played, Iman has even more talent and could possibly be an impact player for this team. What does any Knick fan have to be down about or even apathetic about when it comes to this team? We're probably just a couple of good role players away from contention. Who knows we may already have those players depending on how some of the young players workout. In any event the core of the team is at least capable of serious playoff contention, which we haven't had for years.

I'm keeping out of the bigger debate

I do think your enthusiasm--in this case--is justified. His physical gifts make him an immediate fit on this squad. I haven't really kept my well-documented pre-draft concerns. but we've read a lot of unjustified enthusiasm when "we've suffered for years with horrible situations for this franchise."

Nix makes the best of most things. COmpared to what we subjected Bonn1997 years ago what I did was nothing!

jrodmc
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9/28/2011  10:32 AM
Moonangie wrote:
Nalod wrote:Whoa, there is no argument here. Commentary over Nix overly optimistic views perhaps a bit obnoxious on my part but just some lite ribbing where there is not spice on the UK these days........

Some guys like the banter, some don't. No intentions to hurt anyone.

Rooting for the Knicks is like going to the Candy mountain. Isiah is waiting to take your kidney.

I thought Candy Mountain was hilarious, even if I appreciate Nix' optimistic take on our team.

Personally, Isiah collecting kidneys is pure gold.

nixluva
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10/4/2011  4:14 AM
New Iman Post Diary

CHICAGO -- Despite the lockout, I can't complain about how things are going.

I feel like I'm getting better and staying in shape. When the lockout ends, I will be ready. So will the Knicks. I'm in my hometown Chicago now, training until further notice.

Union president Derek Fisher and fellow Knicks guard Roger Mason, who is on the negotiating committee, both have been checking in on me to tell me what's going on. I've gotten a lot of texts from them. They know me and all the rookies are so excited to play our first NBA games and want to explain the issues. I understand them and know this lockout is necessary.

Last week, I flew to Portland for the Adidas Tour, an orientation for rookies who signed with the company. Talk about excitement. I love Adidas so much more now.

I'm excited about the styles like the "Crazy Lights," "Jeremy Scotts" and their most famous, the "Shell Toes." Jeremy is one of their top designers and known for his colorful, loud shoes. Adidas has yet to tell me what I will wear as a Knick. The brand is a lot deeper than I initially thought and I feel like I made the right decision.

I went through the tour with other rookies -- Nets guard Marshon Brooks, Detroit's Brandon Knight, Utah's Alec Burks and others. We played pickup and did a dunk contest. Marshon is a scorer, very creative and will blend in well with the Nets.

From Portland, I flew to Atlanta to play in an exhibition, the Southern Hospitality Showcase, headlined by Rajon Rondo, Marquis Daniels and ex-Knick Nate Robinson.

Nate told me I'll love New York and it fits my personality. You can tell how much he loved NYC. The exhibition was a ton of fun for fans and kids and raised money for charity. Any time I can give back, I try.

Amar'e Stoudemire came to Atlanta for the BET Hip-Hop Awards. I gave him my first NBA assist. He needed a gym, and I opened up the Georgia Tech gym for him for a late-night workout. I hope to give STAT many more assists in the future.

http://Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/knicks_rookie_is_getting_his_kicks_DXPP7oQK8t8nYzBCsSaEpL#ixzz1ZnaDT89P

Already love this kid's mentality. Can't wait to see him in action.

jrodmc
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10/4/2011  8:08 AM
At this point, I'd love to see Jerome James in action.
nixluva
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10/12/2011  4:49 AM
Here's the latest installment from out young gun.

CHICAGO -- Traveling to play in Mexico -- as far from the labor meetings as you can get -- was a great experience for me.

Bobcats guard Eduardo Najera put together a couple of exhibition games in Mazatlan and Cullican. It was a different crowd than an NBA gathering -- plenty of families and children.

It was great to see fans come out for us to play despite the lockout continuing on. And, again, it was a chance to pick the brains of veteran guys like Tyson Chandler, Shawn Marion, Corey Maggette and Marcus Camby.

The Mexican food was a different taste than the Americanized version that I love so much. The enchiladas were nothing I was used to. I decided to stick to American food.

We stayed at a beautiful hotel along the water. Seeing nothing but water and sun from my balcony really helped me relax during these unsettling times, a break from the union text messages and a time to enjoy myself and appreciating all my summer work as we head into fall.

The games in Mexico electrified the crowd. The arenas were filled and the games were full of highlight dunks and long 3-point jumpers beyond the NBA arc, flashy passes hitting guys on the money and poster dunks that I want to see footage of.

The best thing about to the game was guys played with competitiveness and we returned to the states with no injuries. Overall, a wonderful experience put together by Najera and his associates. Definitely something I'd be interested in doing again in Mexico as the lockout continues and fans still want something to see.

I flew from Mexico to LAX and caught a connection back home to Chicago's O'Hare.

I am now home to see family before heading back to train at IMG Academies in Bradenton, Fla. I'm planning to visit my old high school as well and stopping by the local YMCA in Oak Park just to share my experiences.

Hopefully, I can give some words to encouragement to the kids as I used to be one of them.

http://Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/mexican_exhibition_games_great_experience_0ExBnxEcjkVnEfZiNqZKYI#ixzz1aYVLfjjd

RonRon
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10/12/2011  2:26 PM
As much as I hate it, I fear Nalod could be right.
If Shumpert show the qualities that he can be a rising star at PG/SG, there is a good chance he would be asked for in exchange for Cp3 and whatever we have left.
I don't know if he would Shumpert would be "untouchable" because the team seems so intrigued to add the 3 headed monster we have been seeking.

It is hard to compare him, not seeing him vs NBA competition. He does have the tools and ceiling to becoming a star in the future.
Cp3 when healthy is one of the best pure PG's in the league however, he doesn't fit our defensive needs. With the way the charity games have been, Cp3 has been teaming up with Amare and Melo. Shumpert can become a lockdown defender used to guard the NBA elites, a player we simply need compete for a finals appearance.
We can just hope, we would play out the year, watching how this kid develops.

The only thing I think would keep the Knicks from trading him for Cp3, a proven all star PG, is the possibility of adding Dwight Howard in the summer. I think NO would be trying to unload their undersized center, Ok4. However, we would not be able to take on his contract. Jack and Ariza are also 2 players I have interest in.

I pray we don't pull another Melo, wait out the year and try to add to our core vs trading the farm for 1 player. Reevaluate what we have, what is open in FA, and what we need to take us to the next level during next summer.

nixluva
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10/12/2011  3:00 PM
Stern is adamant about keeping the Hornets in NO. So he's going to do everything he can to keep CP3 in NO. The NBA won't likely agree to any trade to the Knicks.
Nalod
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10/12/2011  3:32 PM
RonRon wrote:As much as I hate it, I fear Nalod could be right.
If Shumpert show the qualities that he can be a rising star at PG/SG, there is a good chance he would be asked for in exchange for Cp3 and whatever we have left.
I don't know if he would Shumpert would be "untouchable" because the team seems so intrigued to add the 3 headed monster we have been seeking.

It is hard to compare him, not seeing him vs NBA competition. He does have the tools and ceiling to becoming a star in the future.
Cp3 when healthy is one of the best pure PG's in the league however, he doesn't fit our defensive needs. With the way the charity games have been, Cp3 has been teaming up with Amare and Melo. Shumpert can become a lockdown defender used to guard the NBA elites, a player we simply need compete for a finals appearance.
We can just hope, we would play out the year, watching how this kid develops.

The only thing I think would keep the Knicks from trading him for Cp3, a proven all star PG, is the possibility of adding Dwight Howard in the summer. I think NO would be trying to unload their undersized center, Ok4. However, we would not be able to take on his contract. Jack and Ariza are also 2 players I have interest in.

I pray we don't pull another Melo, wait out the year and try to add to our core vs trading the farm for 1 player. Reevaluate what we have, what is open in FA, and what we need to take us to the next level during next summer.

Shump could be a bust.

Iman Speaks

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