Dolan. Silent. Probably a positive at this point. He has shown a check book and a willingness to defer to the professionals. No complaints this last two

Leon Rose/World Wide Wes. Leon’s silence gives little room to criticize or exclaim. I paint him and WWW as a team as the pitch at signing was that their network of relationships would be leveraged to fill the roster with quality players. Thus far, beyond adding some Kentucky alum to the G team, I haven’t seen those relationships. At best, Rose’s son deliverer Obi Toppin. At worst, WWE has no contacts.

Scott Perry. A holdover from the last regime, he plays a conservative approach with a fondness towards his prior signings. Payton, Fournier and the resigning of Burks and Noel being the limited proof of fact. Perry shows know willingness or adventurism in his signings, taking mediocrity at face value and accepting it as the Knicks current position in the NBA. Do not presume a trade involving four first round draft picks is on the horizon. It’s not.

Brock Aller. Without internal knowledge of decision-making, I attribute the wheeling and dealing during draft night to Brock. Appears to be squeezing water from a rock getting extra picks from modest trades. His capology and draft prowess seems spot on. He knows his value and maximizes return. No complaints but still waiting for that lottery ticket to payout.

Tom Thibodeau. Unrelenting taskmaster that appears to be stubbornly leashed to veteran starting roles. This year, the lack of comparative performance in the starting unit has not created even an emoticon from this coach. His temporary benching of Kemba was barely responsive to the plus minus differential between the first and second unit. His loyalty to the first unit is cute, but is quickly becoming outdated as the team strings together a losing record. No one expected the reigning CoY to put together a winning team last year, but this year we expect nothing less. Change is needed and his unwillingness to tweak the starting unit may result in a willingness to tweak the coaching staff.

Kenny Payne. Man is a legend and his relationship to player is his fuel. Rumors of Louisville coaching raise doubts to his long term viability. His Kentucky contacts being the source of most excitement. Hope he stays orange and blue, but in the absence of Wildcats flocking to NYC, what difference does it make. He is Bette than Herb Williams but do any of our big man really seem to stand out?

Johnnie Bryant. Love love Johnnie. Clearly cares. Sprinting to whisper in Thibs ear. He is a student of the game. Read it here. He is the next Knicks head coach. His relationship to Donovan Mitchell and Dame Lillard spoke to his inside connections and a coach, but more so spoke to his chops in development. I hope he is a NY mainstay regardless of what’s going on around him.

Mike Woodson. Whoops. 2021 is no more. It isn’t lost on me that Woodson was involved in both of our last seasons that resulted in playoff berths. His absence during the ATL series was palpable - Thibs stubborness and unwillingness to adapt his game plan being clearly evident. Reigning CoY may be an unrelenting taskmaster that wills his team to win, even in summer league, but the lack of creativity hasn’t shown prowess in the post-season. I miss Woodson.

Randle. Can’t play in front of fans. Prove me wrong. He works as a second or third position, think Dray Green, but is lacking in leadership and attitude when things don’t go his way. Love his work ethic and his family. I accept him for all years on his contract. Can he accept RJ as the lead? That up to him. But his choice is to become Dray Green or get the hell out of the way.

Barrett. He is not Kobe. But no one else is. He needs to hit his free throws and embrace this leadership role. We welcome him as a potential leader, but I need to see that killer instinct instead of ducky. It’s appeared from time time to time. But maybe once instead of the left hand layup, you go up strong an dunk on a mofo. Be strong. It’s time.

Fournier. It’s not you, it’s me. That’s what I would say if his stats were better. But they aren’t. It’s him. He is the best player on a losing team. Not sure that’s a thing. He clearly looks for his shot first but seems to lack the playmaking that makes that shot occur naturally. His defense is suspect at best as he consistently reaches for steals instead of staying in front of his man. Something needs to change. Mostly his commitment to defense.

Kemba. Loveable. But… how do I say this. He’s too short and lost a step, making it impossible for him to defend in today’s NBA. Not sure he could defend IQ in a pickup game. Can’t fight over picks. Can’t stay in front of his man. He is the point of attack on every opposing play. He is being the biggest negative plus/minus of the starting rotation single-handedly. In moments, he shines like that UConn hop step we all remember. But in volume, he results in a losing team. Can’t blame the FO at 8m per, but this experiment isn’t working. He needs to accept the occasional role of instant offense or be relegated to the trading block indefinitely. Doesn’t change my warm feelings for him, but it is what it is

Robinson. I’ve been his biggest advocate but his play is slow and lazy. He has every physical attribute to be a beast in this league. Deandre Jordan-ish. But he is slow footed to his block. Lost a step on his bounce. Doesn’t accelerate on his roll to the basket. I saw a mix of DeAndre and Tyson challenging Rudy for DPOY. Right now, I see a octogenarian trying to cross the street. He needs to wake the f——- up and earn that next contract. He could be DPOY with his bounce and his length, but he isn’t. No Bamba has me drooling compared to this cat.

Derrick Rose. I love him. I love his ideals. His family. His approach to game. His acceptance of his role. He single-handedly validates Thibs as a coach. His injury exposes the team overall. I wish he would embrace who and what he is - he is a superstar. He could take the reigns of the first unit and will it to victory single-handedly. But he prefers to lead the second team, slightly outside that spotlight. I respect his decision but wonder what else could be. I’ll take whatever he has to give.

Toppin. Randle’s shadow is hard to avoid, but it’s given him time to grow. His age speaks to a maturity that isn’t quite there yet, but he was a late bloomer to begin with. The game still needs to slow down for him. That shot looks a bit rushed. His footwork a step slow. His hips a but rigid. But he feels like Amar’e upside. He’s a Steve Nash away from stardom. No need to panic here, he still has time on his contract.

IQ. Love/Hate. Unlimited range. Zero hesitation. Lacks a bit of self control. His wingspan and dribble speak to a 3&D PG that could dominate on a Championship squad. His lack of restraint makes him a gunslinger SG that lives and dies with his chucks. A 3pt specialist hitting 34% of his shots will be short lived. He needs to look at an efficiency chart and do better. He has all the skills, but none of the decision making. Unfortunately, I have him as trade bait. Someone else can create that value.

Burks/Noel. Welp. Both are overpaid for what they are. Not really against them. But they are both specifically replaceable at a cheaper cost. Didn’t understand either contract in the offseason. Felt kind of lazy to lock them both up on the first moon. It’s not that either is “bad” but,9-10mm each is a lot to tie up in role players when not using the MLE. This is more about the FO than the players. At 6mm each they would be golden. At 9 and 20 respectively, they are moderately overpriced filler.

Grimes. Love. Give him time, but he has skills and tenacity that works. A little shot happy, but he earns those shots with his defense. No complaints. Willing to watch him grow.

McBride. His value to the Knicks is in his defensive prowess. Marcus Smart upside. Toney Douglas baseline. With a 2nd rd pick, he has time to earn out. I’m a fan. But his minutes only get earned in Avery Bradley like tenacity. He needs the get the footwork to be “up in their grill” without drawing the foul. Anything less puts him back on the bench. I’m a buyer long term. Hope he sees his role and attacks.

Sims. Whooo. Give me a year or two on this kid. Wait. Watch. It will be sick.I see Jarrett Allen.

Cam Reddish. I only know what I hope, not what he is. I see a defensive 3&D that has the wingspan to change the perimeter and close passing lanes. I see a player that takes bad shots off the dribble and seeks a high payout despite not living up to draft level expectations. As RJ moves into the spotlight, I see a guy that could be his +1 and make a career tandem, but can he be Klay Thompson to RJ’s Curry? His eyes might be too big to be second fiddle. A three pack of Barrett/Reddish/Randle should physically manhandle their opponents, but, to me, they seem to goofy (ducky?) to do that. Curry/Thompson/Green has the clear advantage over Barrett/Eeddish/Randle, but should it be so overwhelming an answer? Those three can be the future, they need to man up and embrace their roles. It’s possible.

Taj. He is great but the 4.9mm contract is an overpay. FO rewarded a good guy with a few extra bucks. Can’t complain. He’s like a Udonis Haslem. If you are over the cap and not trading him, who cares how much you pay.

Fans. Bing bong. Treachery. MSG needs to be home court advantage. Sucks that the Knicks are presently unwatcheable. A change needs to come. Fans aren’t gonna just change. Team needs to start winning or start changing. Nothing stops an angry crowd in its tracks like a winning streak. It’s not us. It’s you, knickerbockers. Do better.

EwingsGlass wrote:

Marv wrote:enjoyable read

I was trying to channel my inner-Marv.

Next time try starting off with a martini or 2 before you do the channeling

Good stuff though, need a lot more coffee to make sure I can read the whole thing

[insert slow clapping meme of your choice]

EwingsGlass wrote:Top Down.

Dolan. Silent. Probably a positive at this point. He has shown a check book and a willingness to defer to the professionals. No complaints this last two

Leon Rose/World Wide Wes. Leon’s silence gives little room to criticize or exclaim. I paint him and WWW as a team as the pitch at signing was that their network of relationships would be leveraged to fill the roster with quality players. Thus far, beyond adding some Kentucky alum to the G team, I haven’t seen those relationships. At best, Rose’s son deliverer Obi Toppin. At worst, WWE has no contacts.

Scott Perry. A holdover from the last regime, he plays a conservative approach with a fondness towards his prior signings. Payton, Fournier and the resigning of Burks and Noel being the limited proof of fact. Perry shows know willingness or adventurism in his signings, taking mediocrity at face value and accepting it as the Knicks current position in the NBA. Do not presume a trade involving four first round draft picks is on the horizon. It’s not.

Brock Aller. Without internal knowledge of decision-making, I attribute the wheeling and dealing during draft night to Brock. Appears to be squeezing water from a rock getting extra picks from modest trades. His capology and draft prowess seems spot on. He knows his value and maximizes return. No complaints but still waiting for that lottery ticket to payout.

Tom Thibodeau. Unrelenting taskmaster that appears to be stubbornly leashed to veteran starting roles. This year, the lack of comparative performance in the starting unit has not created even an emoticon from this coach. His temporary benching of Kemba was barely responsive to the plus minus differential between the first and second unit. His loyalty to the first unit is cute, but is quickly becoming outdated as the team strings together a losing record. No one expected the reigning CoY to put together a winning team last year, but this year we expect nothing less. Change is needed and his unwillingness to tweak the starting unit may result in a willingness to tweak the coaching staff.

Kenny Payne. Man is a legend and his relationship to player is his fuel. Rumors of Louisville coaching raise doubts to his long term viability. His Kentucky contacts being the source of most excitement. Hope he stays orange and blue, but in the absence of Wildcats flocking to NYC, what difference does it make. He is Bette than Herb Williams but do any of our big man really seem to stand out?

Johnnie Bryant. Love love Johnnie. Clearly cares. Sprinting to whisper in Thibs ear. He is a student of the game. Read it here. He is the next Knicks head coach. His relationship to Donovan Mitchell and Dame Lillard spoke to his inside connections and a coach, but more so spoke to his chops in development. I hope he is a NY mainstay regardless of what’s going on around him.

Mike Woodson. Whoops. 2021 is no more. It isn’t lost on me that Woodson was involved in both of our last seasons that resulted in playoff berths. His absence during the ATL series was palpable - Thibs stubborness and unwillingness to adapt his game plan being clearly evident. Reigning CoY may be an unrelenting taskmaster that wills his team to win, even in summer league, but the lack of creativity hasn’t shown prowess in the post-season. I miss Woodson.

Randle. Can’t play in front of fans. Prove me wrong. He works as a second or third position, think Dray Green, but is lacking in leadership and attitude when things don’t go his way. Love his work ethic and his family. I accept him for all years on his contract. Can he accept RJ as the lead? That up to him. But his choice is to become Dray Green or get the hell out of the way.

Barrett. He is not Kobe. But no one else is. He needs to hit his free throws and embrace this leadership role. We welcome him as a potential leader, but I need to see that killer instinct instead of ducky. It’s appeared from time time to time. But maybe once instead of the left hand layup, you go up strong an dunk on a mofo. Be strong. It’s time.

Fournier. It’s not you, it’s me. That’s what I would say if his stats were better. But they aren’t. It’s him. He is the best player on a losing team. Not sure that’s a thing. He clearly looks for his shot first but seems to lack the playmaking that makes that shot occur naturally. His defense is suspect at best as he consistently reaches for steals instead of staying in front of his man. Something needs to change. Mostly his commitment to defense.

Kemba. Loveable. But… how do I say this. He’s too short and lost a step, making it impossible for him to defend in today’s NBA. Not sure he could defend IQ in a pickup game. Can’t fight over picks. Can’t stay in front of his man. He is the point of attack on every opposing play. He is being the biggest negative plus/minus of the starting rotation single-handedly. In moments, he shines like that UConn hop step we all remember. But in volume, he results in a losing team. Can’t blame the FO at 8m per, but this experiment isn’t working. He needs to accept the occasional role of instant offense or be relegated to the trading block indefinitely. Doesn’t change my warm feelings for him, but it is what it is

Robinson. I’ve been his biggest advocate but his play is slow and lazy. He has every physical attribute to be a beast in this league. Deandre Jordan-ish. But he is slow footed to his block. Lost a step on his bounce. Doesn’t accelerate on his roll to the basket. I saw a mix of DeAndre and Tyson challenging Rudy for DPOY. Right now, I see a octogenarian trying to cross the street. He needs to wake the f——- up and earn that next contract. He could be DPOY with his bounce and his length, but he isn’t. No Bamba has me drooling compared to this cat.

Derrick Rose. I love him. I love his ideals. His family. His approach to game. His acceptance of his role. He single-handedly validates Thibs as a coach. His injury exposes the team overall. I wish he would embrace who and what he is - he is a superstar. He could take the reigns of the first unit and will it to victory single-handedly. But he prefers to lead the second team, slightly outside that spotlight. I respect his decision but wonder what else could be. I’ll take whatever he has to give.

Toppin. Randle’s shadow is hard to avoid, but it’s given him time to grow. His age speaks to a maturity that isn’t quite there yet, but he was a late bloomer to begin with. The game still needs to slow down for him. That shot looks a bit rushed. His footwork a step slow. His hips a but rigid. But he feels like Amar’e upside. He’s a Steve Nash away from stardom. No need to panic here, he still has time on his contract.

IQ. Love/Hate. Unlimited range. Zero hesitation. Lacks a bit of self control. His wingspan and dribble speak to a 3&D PG that could dominate on a Championship squad. His lack of restraint makes him a gunslinger SG that lives and dies with his chucks. A 3pt specialist hitting 34% of his shots will be short lived. He needs to look at an efficiency chart and do better. He has all the skills, but none of the decision making. Unfortunately, I have him as trade bait. Someone else can create that value.

Burks/Noel. Welp. Both are overpaid for what they are. Not really against them. But they are both specifically replaceable at a cheaper cost. Didn’t understand either contract in the offseason. Felt kind of lazy to lock them both up on the first moon. It’s not that either is “bad” but,9-10mm each is a lot to tie up in role players when not using the MLE. This is more about the FO than the players. At 6mm each they would be golden. At 9 and 20 respectively, they are moderately overpriced filler.

Grimes. Love. Give him time, but he has skills and tenacity that works. A little shot happy, but he earns those shots with his defense. No complaints. Willing to watch him grow.

McBride. His value to the Knicks is in his defensive prowess. Marcus Smart upside. Toney Douglas baseline. With a 2nd rd pick, he has time to earn out. I’m a fan. But his minutes only get earned in Avery Bradley like tenacity. He needs the get the footwork to be “up in their grill” without drawing the foul. Anything less puts him back on the bench. I’m a buyer long term. Hope he sees his role and attacks.

Sims. Whooo. Give me a year or two on this kid. Wait. Watch. It will be sick.I see Jarrett Allen.

Cam Reddish. I only know what I hope, not what he is. I see a defensive 3&D that has the wingspan to change the perimeter and close passing lanes. I see a player that takes bad shots off the dribble and seeks a high payout despite not living up to draft level expectations. As RJ moves into the spotlight, I see a guy that could be his +1 and make a career tandem, but can he be Klay Thompson to RJ’s Curry? His eyes might be too big to be second fiddle. A three pack of Barrett/Reddish/Randle should physically manhandle their opponents, but, to me, they seem to goofy (ducky?) to do that. Curry/Thompson/Green has the clear advantage over Barrett/Eeddish/Randle, but should it be so overwhelming an answer? Those three can be the future, they need to man up and embrace their roles. It’s possible.

Taj. He is great but the 4.9mm contract is an overpay. FO rewarded a good guy with a few extra bucks. Can’t complain. He’s like a Udonis Haslem. If you are over the cap and not trading him, who cares how much you pay.

Fans. Bing bong. Treachery. MSG needs to be home court advantage. Sucks that the Knicks are presently unwatcheable. A change needs to come. Fans aren’t gonna just change. Team needs to start winning or start changing. Nothing stops an angry crowd in its tracks like a winning streak. It’s not us. It’s you, knickerbockers. Do better.

Lots changed since this post and yet som much of it was either on point or predictive.
Gonna skip down to players after patting myself on the back for the coaching analysis.

Randle. Love Randle’s toughness despite no longer being the number one option. He seems to work the two man game with Fournier, it kind of divides the starting lineup oddly. That starting 5 needs to be broken up. If I focused on one thing for Randle to improve on, it’s shot selection specifically as it relates to eFG. He just takes too many low efficiency shots to be effective. Love his passing, rebounding and scoring, generally, just would like less fadeaway jump shots - he’s strong enough to finish through fouls, he should play a little bigger. Take a step behind the line before shooting an 18 foot jump shot. Small things will add more points over 100 possessions.

Barrett. Embraced this leader roll and has been taking that ball to the hoop. Solid performances lately. Love watching him lead the huddle. Vets are noticeably absent from his huddle. It’s not RJ, it’s them. I’m looking to move guys not in RJ’s huddle.

Fournier. He looks less bad with Kemba off the floor. Still lost on defense and focused on his shot first. Shows a bit more synergy with Randle. I’m just not a fan. He can lead the team in scoring on any given night but just as equally can go 2 for 12. I mean, anyone can, but his just seems more polarizing to me because I don’t really see the effort on defense.

Robinson. He’s looking a bit healthier. Still playing heads up defense and heads down offense. I love the guy but wonder if his days here are numbered. I’m on board to get him more involved in the offense. Maybe he should start demanding the ball down low. Really want to see what he looks like with a PG.

Burks. I mean, I like him as the 6th or 7th man. A lot. But as the starting point guard? I do t get it.

Toppin. Still has trouble moving his hips and weak lateral movement but his speed up and down the court is an asset. Shows effort on defense. Maybe the guy just needs a yoga course to unlock those hip flexors. I like lineups with him in it, but Thibs has him on a short leash, always. If Randle demands a trade, we will be fine with Toppin in line to take that spot in the rotation.

McBride. Man, kid loves defense and for that I am grateful. Will keep getting stronger and finish through contact. Needs to calm his nerves and just play ball on offense. Rushes that shot too much. Don’t really understand Thibs lineups with IQ and McBride. They work, but would like to see McBride get a chance to orchestrate an offense.

Grimes/Reddish. Injuries are keeping these guys from getting a real update. Liked what I was seeing in their limited time.

Sims. Still smiling on this guy. With some more minutes I think he needs to work on his timing on defense. I think that is something that Robinson has naturally that Sims may need to work on. Feels like Sims is just slightly out of position with his footwork on defense more often than not. Other than that I love love this kid. Energy and excitement. Toughness. Reminds me a bit of Robin Lopez. It’s mostly the hair. Happy to keep growing with this guy.

Noel. Inured too much this year. Great guy

I’m probably looking to move Fournier, Burkes and Noel in the offseason. Not for any other reason than it’s a lot of salary tied up in these guys where it feels like they are blocking less expensive but higher upside youth. I am on board with Barrett/Randle as our tandem, looking for Barrett to continue that aggressiveness on offense while tightening up his passing, free throw shooting and 3 point shooting. Want Randle to keep doing what he is doing while working on his two man game with Barrett and maybe making some better shot selection.

McBride/Rose
Grimes/IQ
Barrett/Reddish
Randle/Toppin
Robinson/Sims

Not a perfect squad by any means, but I like it. Can move guys around a bit.

McBride/Rose
Grimes/IQ
Barrett/Reddish
Randle/Toppin
Robinson/Sims

You have Deuce starting? Look out for the “He must be a Frank lover” comment. Seems like Frank really made an impact with some of these fans, and he’s not even on the team or getting any real minutes anywhere lol.

I agree. Deuce should either start or come off the bench. As long as he’s in the rotation I’m fine with that. Right now he’s a defensive specialist. As a second round pick, there’s less pressure on him to grow.

With that said, looks like thibs prefer IQ over deuce at point guard. But either way, I can see a nice rotation between deuce, rose and IQ. All 3 are combo guards that can play both PG/SG.

Love grimes and barrett duo. RJ opens the floor for grimes and others.

martin wrote:

blkexec wrote:

McBride/Rose
Grimes/IQ
Barrett/Reddish
Randle/Toppin
Robinson/Sims

You have Deuce starting? Look out for the “He must be a Frank lover” comment. Seems like Frank really made an impact with some of these fans, and he’s not even on the team or getting any real minutes anywhere lol.

I agree. Deuce should either start or come off the bench. As long as he’s in the rotation I’m fine with that. Right now he’s a defensive specialist. As a second round pick, there’s less pressure on him to grow.

With that said, looks like thibs prefer IQ over deuce at point guard. But either way, I can see a nice rotation between deuce, rose and IQ. All 3 are combo guards that can play both PG/SG.

Love grimes and barrett duo. RJ opens the floor for grimes and others.

To me it looks like McBride isn't even ready to be the PG. Still learning and that's OK. His dribble is not there, he doesn't have a burst to get by a defender, hesitates on shot.

It'll come but it's just not there yet for all of the GLeague confidence.

I don’t think McBride is far off on offense. Needs to get a bit more comfortable. But the end of the day, there are not that many shots available to him either. The Frank-Lover comments aren’t correct for me, I always loved Frank’s potential more than I loved his performance. McBride has the grit I want in the starting lineup and he is the only PG on the roster that I think can stay in front of his man. He’s a rookie this and will have an offseason to work, but I see a young Marcus Smart there and am not really afraid to get him more minutes with the starting unit.

I think the issue is that PGs aren’t really allowed to be PGs. Thibs will run his offense through Randle or Barrett as the case may be. So, I want a 3&D PG and I think McBride has that written all over him once he drops the jitters.

EwingsGlass wrote:

martin wrote:

blkexec wrote:

McBride/Rose
Grimes/IQ
Barrett/Reddish
Randle/Toppin
Robinson/Sims

You have Deuce starting? Look out for the “He must be a Frank lover” comment. Seems like Frank really made an impact with some of these fans, and he’s not even on the team or getting any real minutes anywhere lol.

I agree. Deuce should either start or come off the bench. As long as he’s in the rotation I’m fine with that. Right now he’s a defensive specialist. As a second round pick, there’s less pressure on him to grow.

With that said, looks like thibs prefer IQ over deuce at point guard. But either way, I can see a nice rotation between deuce, rose and IQ. All 3 are combo guards that can play both PG/SG.

Love grimes and barrett duo. RJ opens the floor for grimes and others.

To me it looks like McBride isn't even ready to be the PG. Still learning and that's OK. His dribble is not there, he doesn't have a burst to get by a defender, hesitates on shot.

It'll come but it's just not there yet for all of the GLeague confidence.

I don’t think McBride is far off on offense. Needs to get a bit more comfortable. But the end of the day, there are not that many shots available to him either. The Frank-Lover comments aren’t correct for me, I always loved Frank’s potential more than I loved his performance. McBride has the grit I want in the starting lineup and he is the only PG on the roster that I think can stay in front of his man. He’s a rookie this and will have an offseason to work, but I see a young Marcus Smart there and am not really afraid to get him more minutes with the starting unit.

I think the issue is that PGs aren’t really allowed to be PGs. Thibs will run his offense through Randle or Barrett as the case may be. So, I want a 3&D PG and I think McBride has that written all over him once he drops the jitters.

Deuce may not appear like he's ready to be the starting PG of the knicks. But he's ready to have knick names like "off night". Also, here's a question for you Martin, who on the roster is ready? Rose prefer to come off the bench. IQ is a SG in training to be a PG. But he's still a SG, in a PG position. Burks was never ready to be a PG and should go back to his natural position. In Thigs current system, RJ and Randle initiates the offense. Unless CP3 is coming here, there aren't many PGs that can step into a knicks starting role that Randle or RJ will defer to. Since nobody on the roster is "READY" then how does it hurt the team if Deuce was the starter from now until the end of the season? Portland is starting 3 or 4 undrafted rookies (they get it). Houston has nothing but rookies and sophomores running the show. They understand development and draft picks. Two things we as a franchise have struggled with for decades. We simply have a hard time developing our own picks or positioning the team to receive a high pick, by playing the yoots that are (wait for it) NOT READY.

Yes, Deuce doesn't look comfortable. Yes he plays like a rookie and can be timid at times, yes he has more fouls than points, yes he's a second round pick. But can he at least get the minutes that Frank got, before we say he's not ready? Sure, this is all about what us fans want to see, and it's up to Thibs. Just saying that now, because that seems to be the most popular response on a fan driven forum , which still doesn't make since to me. These forums are designed for fans to voice their opinions, not to say, Thigs is the coach so he must know what he's doing.

I love the Marcus Smart comparison or Bradley. Toney Douglas is the floor, but I think he has more potential than him. In the off season, if Deuce is smart (which I think he is), and hangs with IQ, RJ and others who are trying to improve. Grimes is also a close friend and a hard worker on his craft. You can see the chemistry between them on the sidelines. The off season will be key for Deuce getting rotational playing time. Personally, I don't care if he starts or not. I just want him in thibs rotation, ahead of any over paid vet, unless we have a championship caliber team, then I would understand. But we don't. So might as well play the guys that are not ready, especially if the goal is to get the highest pick possible, correct?

blkexec wrote:

EwingsGlass wrote:

martin wrote:

blkexec wrote:

McBride/Rose
Grimes/IQ
Barrett/Reddish
Randle/Toppin
Robinson/Sims

You have Deuce starting? Look out for the “He must be a Frank lover” comment. Seems like Frank really made an impact with some of these fans, and he’s not even on the team or getting any real minutes anywhere lol.

I agree. Deuce should either start or come off the bench. As long as he’s in the rotation I’m fine with that. Right now he’s a defensive specialist. As a second round pick, there’s less pressure on him to grow.

With that said, looks like thibs prefer IQ over deuce at point guard. But either way, I can see a nice rotation between deuce, rose and IQ. All 3 are combo guards that can play both PG/SG.

Love grimes and barrett duo. RJ opens the floor for grimes and others.

To me it looks like McBride isn't even ready to be the PG. Still learning and that's OK. His dribble is not there, he doesn't have a burst to get by a defender, hesitates on shot.

It'll come but it's just not there yet for all of the GLeague confidence.

I don’t think McBride is far off on offense. Needs to get a bit more comfortable. But the end of the day, there are not that many shots available to him either. The Frank-Lover comments aren’t correct for me, I always loved Frank’s potential more than I loved his performance. McBride has the grit I want in the starting lineup and he is the only PG on the roster that I think can stay in front of his man. He’s a rookie this and will have an offseason to work, but I see a young Marcus Smart there and am not really afraid to get him more minutes with the starting unit.

I think the issue is that PGs aren’t really allowed to be PGs. Thibs will run his offense through Randle or Barrett as the case may be. So, I want a 3&D PG and I think McBride has that written all over him once he drops the jitters.

Deuce may not appear like he's ready to be the starting PG of the knicks. But he's ready to have knick names like "off night". Also, here's a question for you Martin, who on the roster is ready? Rose prefer to come off the bench. IQ is a SG in training to be a PG. But he's still a SG, in a PG position. Burks was never ready to be a PG and should go back to his natural position. In Thigs current system, RJ and Randle initiates the offense. Unless CP3 is coming here, there aren't many PGs that can step into a knicks starting role that Randle or RJ will defer to. Since nobody on the roster is "READY" then how does it hurt the team if Deuce was the starter from now until the end of the season? Portland is starting 3 or 4 undrafted rookies (they get it). Houston has nothing but rookies and sophomores running the show. They understand development and draft picks. Two things we as a franchise have struggled with for decades. We simply have a hard time developing our own picks or positioning the team to receive a high pick, by playing the yoots that are (wait for it) NOT READY.

Yes, Deuce doesn't look comfortable. Yes he plays like a rookie and can be timid at times, yes he has more fouls than points, yes he's a second round pick. But can he at least get the minutes that Frank got, before we say he's not ready? Sure, this is all about what us fans want to see, and it's up to Thibs. Just saying that now, because that seems to be the most popular response on a fan driven forum , which still doesn't make since to me. These forums are designed for fans to voice their opinions, not to say, Thigs is the coach so he must know what he's doing.

I love the Marcus Smart comparison or Bradley. Toney Douglas is the floor, but I think he has more potential than him. In the off season, if Deuce is smart (which I think he is), and hangs with IQ, RJ and others who are trying to improve. Grimes is also a close friend and a hard worker on his craft. You can see the chemistry between them on the sidelines. The off season will be key for Deuce getting rotational playing time. Personally, I don't care if he starts or not. I just want him in thibs rotation, ahead of any over paid vet, unless we have a championship caliber team, then I would understand. But we don't. So might as well play the guys that are not ready, especially if the goal is to get the highest pick possible, correct?

You keep changing your stances. First most all guards like IQ/Deuce are combo guards and then there aren't many pure PG's unless they are in that CP3 range. I don't believe that last part.

Next, IQ is a SG in training to be a PG? Well so is Deuce for all practical purposes and so far as we have seen.

Deuce is not better than IQ. Right now, when IQ beats out Burks, he will be the starting PG but that hasn't happened.

After that, it's draft time and offseason to figure out what happens next.

Ewingsglass- one thing I noticed- Fournier has made 200 3s this season- good for top 8 in the league on a scorching .395%. Only Patty Mills has made more at a higher rate. Fournier has upped his 3pAR from 52%-62%. He's been a better 3 pt marksman than Duncan Robinson. He's been pretty much as advertised.

If the Knicks start a second round rookie PG we might as well just wave the white flag. The team has played better as the season continued. We just need a 6x all NBA PG to play in front of former MVP Derrick Rose and we will have that 4 seed locked up.