Charley Rosen
ByCharley RosenPosted on July 22, 2016 7SHARES SHARE TWEET SHARE EMAIL
Over the course of the 2015-16 NBA season, Today’s Fastbreak’s Charley Rosen met with New York Knicks president Phil Jackson to discuss the state of the team. This is Part 2 of “The Phil Jackson Chronicles.”

Sunday afternoon, November 15, 2015

New York — 95 New Orleans — 87

Knicks’ record = 5-6

Back in the mid-1980s, when I was Phil Jackson’s assistant coach with the Albany Patroons in the Continental Basketball Association, our routine was to eat Chinese food before home games. Of course PJ is no longer coaching and I am no longer his assistant, but on this day we revived our CBA routine with a twist — eating Chinese food after the game.

Shun Lee West was the scene and our delicious repast included soup, “Sizzling Chicken,” sautéed string beans and what was advertised as “A Whole Peking Duck,” but strangely enough had three drumsticks.

Also on the menu was Phil’s dishing out a candid evaluation of his team from Afflalo to Zinger — their strengths as well as aspects of their games that needed improvement as the season (and their careers) progressed.

ARRON AFFLALO

“He missed quite a few games because of a hamstring strain, but once he regains his timing he’ll be our secondary scorer. He’s really effective when he gets the ball in the low post but, at 33 percent, he’s just okay shooting three-pointers — which he does most effectively shooting from the corners. Actually, 33 percent is the cutoff point here.”

(NOTE: If a player hits 3-of-9 from behind the arc, he’ll score nine points. The league average for two-point makes is about 45 percent — so 4-of-9 regular baskets equals eight points.)

“Some NBA watchers have expressed concern about Arron’s defense, particularly his lateral movement, if only because he’s 30 years old, which is often the tipping point in a player’s career. But he’s always in great shape, he works hard, and I still think he’s got a lot of game left.

“In any case, his character is excellent and he has the ability to keep everybody focused on team goals.”

LOU AMUNDSON

“He’s another guy who was injured to start the season, but he’s healthy now. Over the summer, Lou lost about 10 pounds so he’s now down to about 220, which means he usually gives up size and bulk to the other centers in the league. But he’s much quicker this year and this helps him compensate.

“Lou has great instincts on defense and he does a great job of stepping out and covering guards when he has to switch in screen/roll situations. He’s a highly dependable utility player and his nonstop hustle and unselfishness makes him a leader by example.

“Lou is a situational player who, unlike last season, is no longer in the rotation. Every team needs a player like him.”

CARMELO ANTHONY

“His jump shot is a great tool, plus he gets off the floor quickly and follows his own shots. But I’d like to see him attack the basket more often and get more free throws.

“There’s no doubt that he’s playing hard on defense. He did a good job defending both Kobe and LeBron. And Carmelo rebounds well in traffic.

New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 8, 2016, in Denver. The Nuggets won 110-94. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
AP Photo/David Zalubowski

“He’s definitely our front guy, and it’s Carmelo who has to lead us along the right path and he’s getting more comfortable doing this. I’ve wanted him to take a bigger role in helping his teammates, and that’s exactly what he did in today’s game. Calling guys to get back on defense. Motioning for guys to make the proper moves on offense. Still, like everybody else, he needs to improve his reads on offense and move the ball quicker than he does. That’s because our offense is predicated on quick ball and player movement.”

JOSE CALDERON

“After being hindered by a calf injury all of last season, Jose is finally healthy. He does a terrific job of running the offense and getting the ball where it’s supposed go. He’s a really good shooter and seldom forces a shot.

“Jose’s defense is better than most people think it is. He fights over screens and, today, he did a good job containing Jrue Holiday.

“Jose is a total team player who is constantly helping our younger guards to learn the pro game. Most importantly, Jose teaches them to never lose their focus.”

CLEANTHONY EARLY

“He’s actually playing well in his limited rotations — running the lanes, taking shots in rhythm and finishing. His remarkable length helps make him a solid defender.

“Cle is not a rookie anymore. He is working on his game, and he seems to realize that if he wants to make a living playing pro ball, he has to keep working.

“At some point, we’ll send him to our D-League team in Westchester to give him minutes.”

LANGSTON GALLOWAY

“Although he’s not a true point guard, that doesn’t matter because the triangle starts with a two-guard front. He’s got long arms and quick hands on defense, and Langston makes plays on both ends of the court. Perhaps the best aspect of his game is his reliability in clutch situations. An impressive attribute for such a young player.”

JERIAN GRANT

“I’m really pleased with him. Jerian has a nice on-court demeanor, a quiet but influential presence, and he never complains about bad calls that go against him.

“He’s been reluctant to shoot, and hasn’t found the range or the shots that suit him best. Finding the spot in our format where he’s comfortable shooting — and getting there — is something he’s learning.

“He’s not yet an effective three-point shooter, mainly because his feet are too close when he releases the ball, which means that when he leaves the floor he’s too often a bit off-balance. This is something that’s entirely correctable. But Jerian can penetrate to the basket, take a blow and still finish.

“He’s got active hands on defense and never takes a play off at that end.

“Jerian has a point guard’s handle. He does need to push the ball more and increase his capability to direct our half-court offense. Of course, mastering the triangle is a long process, especially for rookies. But we have hopes that he’ll evolve into being our point guard of the future.

“Overall, Jerian is a very interesting player.”

ROBIN LOPEZ

“A stout post defender, Robin is also a good position rebounder and defender in the lane. In today’s game that features high screen/rolls and three-point shots, Robin is very attentive to his role — which is stopping penetration and challenging shots.

“He can make free throws as well as open mid-range jumpers. In the low post he can score on hook shots with either hand.

“He’s also a good teammate, which is always an important factor. But it’s primarily his plus defense and rebounding that makes Robin such a valuable player — and he’s been playing well.”

KYLE O’QUINN

“He has a physical presence and is a good helper on defense. On offense, he has a nice mid-range jumper. While Kyle can occasionally hit a three, that’s not his game. His biggest problem is forcing passes, which isn’t really unusual with a young player learning a new system.”

KEVIN SERAPHIN

“More bounce to the ounce! He’s got really quick feet for such a big guy {6’9”, 280} and is a good combination of power and athleticism — so he’s really active on defense. He can step out on high screens, switch and take on a guard.

“Kevin had some knee issues at the start of the season, so he’s still finding his way in the offense. He’s got a nice touch on mid-range jumpers and, inside, on jump hooks.

“He’s a willing passer but, mainly because he’s still unfamiliar with the triangle, the ball sometimes gets stuck in his hand. But he did have a breakout game today.”

(Phil lays down his chopsticks and consults the stat sheet = 6-8, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 12 points in 14 minutes.)

“Kevin really was the difference. He hit a couple of jumpers, bullied his way into the lane for his jump hook. Best of all, were those two assist-passes he made when he recognized the backdoor cuts.

“He certainly can be a force for us.”

LANCE THOMAS

“A hard worker who’s learning to shoot threes. Lance is a great resource for Coach Fisher when an aggressive, experienced, situational defender is needed.”

SASHA VUJACIC

“It was nice to have him when Arron was out. Sasha rebounds, works hard and plays active defense. The only way he scores is making three-pointers, which he’s been missing so far because he’s rushing his shots. I told him that since his shot release is so quick anyway he could be a little more deliberate.

“Of course, since Sasha played on the Lakers for so many years, he has the triangle down pat. That makes him a really good mentor for the kids.”

DERRICK WILLIAMS

“He’s a wild card. Derrick can grab a defensive rebound and push the ball to the rim. I mean, he’s a threat from 94 feet. The challenge for him here is recognizing when to pull back and organize our half-court set.

“He has a nice high-arcing jumper which increases the chances of the ball dropping through the rim.

“On defense, Derrick must recognize when to switch and when not to, and understand his responsibilities in our defensive rotations. He has difficulty playing post defense, getting a handle on the angles and pressure points. But he has a good activity level and has the equipment to be a good defender.

“Because of his size {6’8”, 241 pounds}, Derrick can play both the small- and the power-forward spots — which means that he has to learn two positions. I like him better at power forward because he can outrun most of the guys he’ll match up against.

“He should be a better free throw shooter than he is. That’s because when he sets his feet, his right foot is too far ahead of his left foot. This creates an imbalance and a strain around his hip area.

“Derrick is signed through next season, so we’ll find out how much he wants to learn.”

KRISTAPS (DON’T CALL ME “ZINGER”) PORZINGIS

“Why is such a good shooter missing so many shots? Because his shot selection is not always good. Because many of them are taken under the pressure of the shot clock running down. Because he’s often knocked off-balance when he spins and shoots. And because he’s shooting while he’s turning instead of turning, planting and then shooting. But I’m not at all worried about his low shooting percentages. As the season progresses and he gets more familiar and more comfortable, KP’s shots will start falling.

New York Knicks' Kristaps Porzingis smiles after sinking a long three-point basket during the second half of the NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016 in New York. The Knicks defeated the Bucks 100-88. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
AP Photo/Seth Wenig

“What other specific areas does he need to concern himself with? Using his off-wing to protect the ball when he’s shooting layups in a crowd. Chinning the ball when he gets an offensive rebound instead of dribbling to gather himself for the jump. Boxing out is a problem. As is his high dribble which makes him vulnerable to turnovers.

“He’s also exploring and developing ways to create his own shot — both in the pivot and on the perimeter.

“Some of these problems come with his being so tall. But he does fight for rebounds and is very athletic and coordinated. And he’s so long and intuitive that he takes up space and is good at providing defensive help.

“KP works very hard, both the fans and his teammates really like him.

“Everywhere we play, the media keeps asking the opposing coaches and players about KP. And their responses have all been positive. That’s okay, but enough is enough. I wish they all would just let him play. As for me, I’m pleased with his progress but I really don’t know how good this kid can be.”

***

Thus far, Phil is mostly happy with his team’s performances: “We’re competitive and even against Cleveland, Atlanta and San Antonio we were within striking distance in the end game. It’s all a learning experience for this group. Sometimes it’s necessary to lose before you learn how to win — but only if you can learn something positive from the losses. There’s no question, though, that we’re headed in the right direction.”

Despite his calm, Zen-like public persona, Phil Jackson always was and still is a ferocious competitor as a player and as a coach. Indeed, PJ and MJ got along so well because they were arguably the most competitive people in the entire Bulls organization. Nor has his competitive edge diminished in his new role.

So, when I asked Phil if he was having fun — despite the win over the Pelicans — this was his somewhat grim response: “I hate losing. I don’t sleep well when we lose.”

At least on that particular Sunday night, however, Phil did enjoy a good night’s rest.

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