meloanyk wrote:Kristap was worth the pick. He is not an athletic freak like David Robinson was , don't see the advertised 38 inch vertical or an ability to quickly jump. If he had those attributes then he'd be a defensive terror. What impresses most on D is his ability and instincts to move feet and stay in front of people especially when helping. He limits penetration and alters shots despite not leaping like a Ndour. Needs to improve his timing on all jumps--blocks, boards and lobs but he could be Duncanesque in low post D simply with his length if he improves his timing. His offense does resemble a combo of Gasol and Nowitski, those turnaround bankers look like Pau as did that left hook in close. Pleased to see Kristaps battle for post (footwork needs refinement)but also somewhat disappointed that Knicks not screening and letting him float out for threes. Not sure I like Larry Johnson envisioning him at center as it may limit his repertoire. His outside shot is very good but flat unlike Nowitski and hope he adds some arc . The one glaring weakness is his boarding, Nowitski (7.9) and Gasol (9.4) both board well. They also both weigh 250 at 7ft so hopefully Kristap will be more like Nowitski and less like Bargs in that dept. Finally, he's definitely appears up for the battle which is half the battle. Worth the pick, going to very interesting watching how he develops.

Others:
- Ndour, believed he was a year or two away but he impresses with his energy and athleticsm. Knicks should consider keeping him up.
- Gallo is a useful player off bench but he will be a career rotation player at best
-Grant, he played well but Im not getting carried away yet. See him developing into solid starting pg which is a positive for a 19th
-Ledo may have talent but he's not ready for prime time mins. He may be on roster but better suited for heavy mins in NBDL
-Early will be in rotation but he is going to be polarizing, he might even make me appreciate Williams
-Labieyre is a feisty focker, looked pissed that he is not getting time to show. Talent and tude is there,he's going but keep his rights,
-Thanasis, he may make team as D specialist but shouldnt, everyone be best served by playing abroad until he gets a semblance of a shot
-Dirk, Fischer looked shocked that he took and made that three. Probalbly never see that agaisn. SL game but looked agile and tuff enuff to be 3rd center if Galikunas isnt

-Wear, DNP does a little of everything but I dont want him making this regular team again.
-Baron-why the fock isnt someone else better getting the advantage of his audition
-Strong and Bary-who the fock knows

KP will be fine as he matures physically. I've been surprised at his movement on D, but as someone who watched a lot of his Euro games, I also know that they had him guarding smaller players a lot and he had to run around after them. Put him at C or PF, and I see no reason why he can't do an excellent job positionally, and become even better as he learns the NBA game and matures and develops physically.

I did a post on TJ Bray, just for the fun of it, because I never saw him play except in some videos, and I'm surprised they have not given him some time over Baron. Have to assume, though, that for some players, Fisher is basing his playing time on what they look like in practice, so I assume that Bray has not stood out. Would still like to see him play at some point though, as well as the Lithuanian center.

Kirk seems like a solid player. Seems like a good shooter, surprisingly good passing the ball and knowing what to do with it, and a decent rebounder, with some bulk. More of a positional defender than a shot blocker. He and KP should be working out together to get stronger. Wingspan is 7'3.5," something that can't be taught.

He and Ndour should get camp invites. We have the Frenchman's rights, so he should be brought in, too, but I thought he was a little more relaxed yesterday, and would not mind seeing him start tonite and get some more minutes.

Want to see more from Ledo, but we've worked with him, so expect to see him in training camp, too.

If Ndour is willing to stay here this year, I have to think that Wear and Thanasis are expendable, even though I would like to see both be brought to camp, and I think Phil will do this, unless he trades Thanasis' rights away.

So far the most interesting SL camp for me to watch.

though i wonder if that's more a function of summer league officiating. hard to say since 80% of NBA calls are arbitrary.