MONDAY, JULY 06, 2015
THE KNICKS FIX: KNICKS GET QUANTITY INSTEAD OF QUICK FIX

BY ALAN HAHN

Editor's Note: The signings discussed in this piece are not official. Teams cannot announce signings until July 9.

The fact of the matter is, the Knicks missed out on the biggest name in free agency. So did 28 other teams.

Marc Gasol was the one marquee name the Knicks were going to chase with the fervor of their 2010 pitch to LeBron James. Gasol fit everything the Knicks wanted and needed as they rebuild the franchise not just in talent, but in philosophy and character.

Gasol never put himself on the open market. He wants to stay in Memphis and made that abundantly clear. No other team, not even the San Antonio Spurs, got audience with him.

So, for the Knicks, instead of eating up the largest portion of their salary cap space on one player, their Plan B became an effort that was quite opposite of the way the team has done business in the past.

Yes, there was a scheduled meeting with LaMarcus Aldridge, who would have taken up the same chunk that Gasol would have. The truth is that meeting was strategically placed, by both sides, at the bottom of Aldridge’s itinerary. Once it was clear that LMA heard what he wanted from the Spurs, his reps and the Knicks agreed there was no reason to pursue.

They created an excuse based on what position he would play. As if that would have been allowed to be the deciding factor in landing the biggest name available in free agency. Both sides had to use their time wisely.

Another reality that has yet to be presented involves Greg Monroe, who, for months, was linked to the Knicks as a free agent target. The Knicks reportedly met with Monroe on the first night of free agency, but contrary to reports based on what Monroe’s agent, David Falk, said, the Knicks never made a full max offer to Monroe. In fact, I’ve heard from a few people that the Knicks never made any offer to Monroe. The max, apparently, was assumed by Falk.

There was interest in Monroe, but the plan changed at the NBA Draft, when the decision to draft 7-1 project Kris Porzingis was made. With Porzingis, an offensive talent, the Knicks needed to focus on a defensive-minded big man.

This is why DeAndre Jordan, not Monroe, became the priority. Jordan, who was frustrated being overshadowed on the endorsement front by teammates Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, had an interest in the New York market. Jordan’s defense and rebounding would have been major assets for the Knicks, but there was greater competition for his services. The Dallas Mavericks, in Jordan’s home state of Texas, were a better fit.

Enter Robin Lopez.

Phil Jackson has long admired Lopez. You can just imagine what that meeting was like between the two eccentric personalities, who, I’m told, became fast friends. Lopez brings the Knicks a defensive presence who is also quite mobile and, most importantly, has a high basketball IQ. He'll easily fit into the “learners” category when it comes to the Triangle Offense.

At a reported $13.5 million per year, Lopez becomes the second-highest paid Knick on the roster (behind Carmelo Anthony). He’s coming off a season limited to just 59 games due to injury, but he did return for the playoffs. He's a good defensive big who can also finish around the rim (66.9% FG within three feet) and is a better-than-advertised offensive rebounder.

After moving JR Smith, Iman Shumpert and Tim Hardaway Jr., the Knicks had a desperate need on the wing, so they signed Arron Afflalo to a two-year deal at a bargain of $8 million per year, based on the market. Afflalo will be 30 when the season starts and was a teammate of Melo’s in Denver. His Szczerbiak Slash Line (FG/3PT/FT) is 45.3%/38.5%/81.9%, which is right at the criteria my studio partner Wally Szczerbiak calls for when labeling someone a good shooter.

[Note: Wally believes you must shoot 45+% FG, 40+% 3PT and 80+%FT]

Afflalo struggled in Portland after he was traded late in the season from Orlando. His reputation as a good defender took a hit after his years with the Magic. But he's considered a pro’s pro -- a high-character player who the young players in Orlando raved about -- and, of course, he’s in that “learners” category, too.

The third addition is somewhat of a gamble and a curious one. Derrick Williams, the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, reportedly signed for two years at $5 million per year. Williams, at 6-8 and 240 pounds, has been considered a bust, but he’s still just 24-years-old. His issues have mostly surrounded the fact that he hasn’t been a good shooter at the NBA level and his production elsewhere -- especially rebounding -- has not made up for it.

Williams has proven to be a strong finisher near the basket (59.2% within 8 feet last season), but those numbers plummet the further away he goes (between 8-16 feet, he shot 27.8% last season). Despite paltry perimeter shooting, he actually proved to be reliable from a critical spot on the floor in today’s game: the corner three. Williams hit 10 of 36 (45.5%) from the left corner three-point spot last season.

Another statistical quirk: Williams was 29th in the NBA in dunks (65), which is notable since he was rarely the focus of the Kings offense this season. By comparison, no Knick finished in the Top 50 in dunks in the NBA last season.

The question will be if Williams can build off last season, and also live off the many opportunities afforded by the Triangle Offense along the baseline.

The addition that, to me, is the most intriguing is Kyle O’Quinn, a 6-10, 240 pound late-bloomer who's from Queens. O’Quinn, at 25, is still developing and could wind up being a steal at a reported $4 million per year.

O’Quinn is a bit raw, but has improved each year in Orlando. He averages 13 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.1 blocks and 1.1 steals per 36 Minutes. You also have to point out that he averages 5.2 fouls per 36, so he’s got to watch that part of his game.

What you also like is that he shoots 76.8% at the rim (0-3 feet) and a very steady 44.8% between 8-16 feet.

He represented the last of the Knicks cap space for this summer. The team does qualify for a $2.8 million “room” exception, which they are expected to use on a remaining veteran that's still available.

At this point, the Knicks have 8 players under contract for next season, with the two first round picks Porzingis and Jerian Grant yet to be signed. There's also last year’s second-round pick Thanasis Antetokounmpo in the organization. The NBA requires 12 players on the active roster for a game.

Along with the exception, the Knicks can offer the veteran’s minimum to other players to fill out the roster.

What can’t be overlooked is that the Knicks did maintain flexibility in the future, which is especially important with the salary cap exploding upward in each of the next two offseasons. Right now, there are just three players who are committed to contracts beyond 2016-17. After the first round picks are signed, it will be five.

These factors -- and adding a second first-round pick this year when they don’t have one next year -- are important as the franchise takes the route of the slow build over the quick-fix effort that just wasn’t available this summer.

Another reality that has yet to be presented involves Greg Monroe, who, for months, was linked to the Knicks as a free agent target. The Knicks reportedly met with Monroe on the first night of free agency, but contrary to reports based on what Monroe’s agent, David Falk, said, the Knicks never made a full max offer to Monroe. In fact, I’ve heard from a few people that the Knicks never made any offer to Monroe. The max, apparently, was assumed by Falk.

Remember when people were killing me and others for saying Phil obviously didn't offer a max to Monroe?

I'm glad we didn't get him, but that is so clearly what happened.

nixluva wrote:

MONDAY, JULY 06, 2015
THE KNICKS FIX: KNICKS GET QUANTITY INSTEAD OF QUICK FIX

BY ALAN HAHN

Editor's Note: The signings discussed in this piece are not official. Teams cannot announce signings until July 9.

The fact of the matter is, the Knicks missed out on the biggest name in free agency. So did 28 other teams.

Marc Gasol was the one marquee name the Knicks were going to chase with the fervor of their 2010 pitch to LeBron James. Gasol fit everything the Knicks wanted and needed as they rebuild the franchise not just in talent, but in philosophy and character.

Gasol never put himself on the open market. He wants to stay in Memphis and made that abundantly clear. No other team, not even the San Antonio Spurs, got audience with him.

So, for the Knicks, instead of eating up the largest portion of their salary cap space on one player, their Plan B became an effort that was quite opposite of the way the team has done business in the past.

Yes, there was a scheduled meeting with LaMarcus Aldridge, who would have taken up the same chunk that Gasol would have. The truth is that meeting was strategically placed, by both sides, at the bottom of Aldridge’s itinerary. Once it was clear that LMA heard what he wanted from the Spurs, his reps and the Knicks agreed there was no reason to pursue.

They created an excuse based on what position he would play. As if that would have been allowed to be the deciding factor in landing the biggest name available in free agency. Both sides had to use their time wisely.

Another reality that has yet to be presented involves Greg Monroe, who, for months, was linked to the Knicks as a free agent target. The Knicks reportedly met with Monroe on the first night of free agency, but contrary to reports based on what Monroe’s agent, David Falk, said, the Knicks never made a full max offer to Monroe. In fact, I’ve heard from a few people that the Knicks never made any offer to Monroe. The max, apparently, was assumed by Falk.

There was interest in Monroe, but the plan changed at the NBA Draft, when the decision to draft 7-1 project Kris Porzingis was made. With Porzingis, an offensive talent, the Knicks needed to focus on a defensive-minded big man.

This is why DeAndre Jordan, not Monroe, became the priority. Jordan, who was frustrated being overshadowed on the endorsement front by teammates Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, had an interest in the New York market. Jordan’s defense and rebounding would have been major assets for the Knicks, but there was greater competition for his services. The Dallas Mavericks, in Jordan’s home state of Texas, were a better fit.

Enter Robin Lopez.

Phil Jackson has long admired Lopez. You can just imagine what that meeting was like between the two eccentric personalities, who, I’m told, became fast friends. Lopez brings the Knicks a defensive presence who is also quite mobile and, most importantly, has a high basketball IQ. He'll easily fit into the “learners” category when it comes to the Triangle Offense.

At a reported $13.5 million per year, Lopez becomes the second-highest paid Knick on the roster (behind Carmelo Anthony). He’s coming off a season limited to just 59 games due to injury, but he did return for the playoffs. He's a good defensive big who can also finish around the rim (66.9% FG within three feet) and is a better-than-advertised offensive rebounder.

After moving JR Smith, Iman Shumpert and Tim Hardaway Jr., the Knicks had a desperate need on the wing, so they signed Arron Afflalo to a two-year deal at a bargain of $8 million per year, based on the market. Afflalo will be 30 when the season starts and was a teammate of Melo’s in Denver. His Szczerbiak Slash Line (FG/3PT/FT) is 45.3%/38.5%/81.9%, which is right at the criteria my studio partner Wally Szczerbiak calls for when labeling someone a good shooter.

[Note: Wally believes you must shoot 45+% FG, 40+% 3PT and 80+%FT]

Afflalo struggled in Portland after he was traded late in the season from Orlando. His reputation as a good defender took a hit after his years with the Magic. But he's considered a pro’s pro -- a high-character player who the young players in Orlando raved about -- and, of course, he’s in that “learners” category, too.

The third addition is somewhat of a gamble and a curious one. Derrick Williams, the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, reportedly signed for two years at $5 million per year. Williams, at 6-8 and 240 pounds, has been considered a bust, but he’s still just 24-years-old. His issues have mostly surrounded the fact that he hasn’t been a good shooter at the NBA level and his production elsewhere -- especially rebounding -- has not made up for it.

Williams has proven to be a strong finisher near the basket (59.2% within 8 feet last season), but those numbers plummet the further away he goes (between 8-16 feet, he shot 27.8% last season). Despite paltry perimeter shooting, he actually proved to be reliable from a critical spot on the floor in today’s game: the corner three. Williams hit 10 of 36 (45.5%) from the left corner three-point spot last season.

Another statistical quirk: Williams was 29th in the NBA in dunks (65), which is notable since he was rarely the focus of the Kings offense this season. By comparison, no Knick finished in the Top 50 in dunks in the NBA last season.

The question will be if Williams can build off last season, and also live off the many opportunities afforded by the Triangle Offense along the baseline.

The addition that, to me, is the most intriguing is Kyle O’Quinn, a 6-10, 240 pound late-bloomer who's from Queens. O’Quinn, at 25, is still developing and could wind up being a steal at a reported $4 million per year.

O’Quinn is a bit raw, but has improved each year in Orlando. He averages 13 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.1 blocks and 1.1 steals per 36 Minutes. You also have to point out that he averages 5.2 fouls per 36, so he’s got to watch that part of his game.

What you also like is that he shoots 76.8% at the rim (0-3 feet) and a very steady 44.8% between 8-16 feet.

He represented the last of the Knicks cap space for this summer. The team does qualify for a $2.8 million “room” exception, which they are expected to use on a remaining veteran that's still available.

At this point, the Knicks have 8 players under contract for next season, with the two first round picks Porzingis and Jerian Grant yet to be signed. There's also last year’s second-round pick Thanasis Antetokounmpo in the organization. The NBA requires 12 players on the active roster for a game.

Along with the exception, the Knicks can offer the veteran’s minimum to other players to fill out the roster.

What can’t be overlooked is that the Knicks did maintain flexibility in the future, which is especially important with the salary cap exploding upward in each of the next two offseasons. Right now, there are just three players who are committed to contracts beyond 2016-17. After the first round picks are signed, it will be five.

These factors -- and adding a second first-round pick this year when they don’t have one next year -- are important as the franchise takes the route of the slow build over the quick-fix effort that just wasn’t available this summer.

http://www.msg.com/teams/knicks/knicks-fix/knicks-get-quantity-instead-of-quick-fix.html

nyk4ever wrote:

StarksEwing1 wrote:The only move i really disliked was the williams deal. Other than that i think the moves have been pretty good

not that im telling you what to like and what not to like but... what's to really not like about a 2yr/10mm deal for a former 2nd overall pick who is still only 24yrs old? even if he sucks, the contract is only 2 years and only 10mmm. he can be traded pretty easily if we make any deals.

TPercy wrote:

nixluva wrote:It seems clear that Phil had a list of values for each player that he was willing to spend. He stuck to it for the most part. Perhaps the only exception being Derrick Williams, but you could say that he just had a different value than we did for him. $5 mil is not as exorbitant as some may think. Derrick is still a 24 yr old former #2 pick and he has legit talent. From what I can see this kid got off to a bad start with some bad franchises and it could've messed up his development. Phil knows that his system has structure and roles which may just be the perfect solution to Derricks problems. Derrick is an excellent finisher and makes cuts and finishes them at a very high rate. Usually when he gets the ball within 2 steps of the basket, he finishes. Phil likely hopes they can get him right and happy and more engaged for more than scoring. So that's my take on what Phil was thinking with Derrick Williams.

I honestly can't look at that Derrick Williams deal from any other perspective. He is a decent finisher, but he is so freaking terrible at everything else. He can't pass, he can't defend, He can't rebound to save his life(no excuses),and he is a teddy bear that comes off as someone who doesn't want to improve his game. It is not like Phil had no options, he had a good range of options. He had Brandon Bass, a proven player who can impact on both ends of the court, you had Carlos Boozer who is a bad defender, but he is an efficient player and a RELIABLE scorer, rebounder and passer coming off the bench, then Luc A Mboute a defensive specialist. Don't get me wrong, I am rooting for this guy to really turn things around, he does have some sort of talent going for him deep down..I just doubt if he can.

Phil has something specific in mind for Derrick. Bass is a solid player for sure and better than Derrick so far. He's also 30 yrs old. I think Phil sees a chance to get a player with more upside and youth. Derrick's strengths actually fit into a role in the system for a rim attacker and 3pt shooter. He of course has to greatly improve his D and REB. Thing is that he's sneaky around the basket within 2 steps. He can get to the rim off the catch and he can find space to get his layups and dunks off back cuts even with defenders around.

StarksEwing1 wrote:The only move i really disliked was the williams deal. Other than that i think the moves have been pretty good

I did not understand or like the Williams signing either. I then watched some tape on Williams and noticed one thing he is great at is finding space on the baseline and making backdoor cuts at the right time. I then looked the the O'Quinn tape and noticed he is great as passing to backdoor cutters from the high post. Only then is when I understood what Phil noticed that no one else did. I still would have rather us get Bass instead of DWill but I now see one of the reasons why Phil thinks he could be a good fit. Melo will also take advantage of those backdoor cuts.