I know for sure he was the main reason they signed copeland last season
“What happened in Europe was a chance for him to see just how big the court can be and how he can use the space on the floor to find different ways to score,” Spencer said. “That gave Chris confidence.” In the last five years, Copeland worked out for the San Antonio Spurs, the Dallas Mavericks and the Cavaliers. Allan Houston, the Knicks’ assistant general manager, was the first person in the team’s front office who believed Copeland could have success in the N.B.A.
Copeland opted out of a guaranteed contract with Okapi Aalstar in Belgium to accept a one-year, nonguaranteed deal with the Knicks. But he struggled in his first summer league game.
“Allan was really on him about his body language and how he needed to play with energy at all times,” Spencer said.
Since then, Copeland has played well. In the preseason he averaged 15.5 points a game and had his best performance against the Boston Celtics, when he had 34 points and 6 rebounds.
Copeland knows he needs to improve his defense and become a better rebounder to stay with the Knicks for the entire season. He was able to accomplish one of his goals by being a better defender against the Nets. But Copeland also understands that Woodson will continue to push him. Woodson’s critique on Thursday will likely center on Copeland getting just one rebound Wednesday night.
“He’s been extremely tough, but that’s how you get better,” Copeland said. “He’s not on me just to be on me. He’s on me because he believes I can play.”