2004-05 Player Recap

Jackie Butler

Vitals
Position: C Born: 03/10/85 Height: 6-10 / 2.8 Weight: 250 lbs. / 1134 kg. College: Coastal Christian Academy (VA)

“He runs the floor, has very good hands and he loves to bang. He likes being in contact down there. That's a big thing because some guys shy away from it. And he's got a nice hook, a nice touch. He's so raw. There are a lot of things he doesn't know. But the talent is there. That's my challenge.” -- Assistant coach Mark Aguirre

SEASON HIGHS:
POINTS: 6 (March 23 vs. Boston)
ASSISTS: 0
REBOUNDS: 0

THE SEASON
Second-youngest Knick ever (debuting at 20 yrs, 11 days old) came off the bench in three games in rookie NBA season. . .Averaged 3.3 ppg on perfect 4-4 FGA (1.000) over 1.7 mpg. . .Went 2-2 FTA.

Signed by Knicks as a free agent on Feb 27, 2005, after starring for CBA’s Great Lakes Storm. . .Upon signing, was placed on injured list (right patella tendinitis), Feb 28-March 21, and missed eight games due to injury. . .Following activation, appeared in three games for Knicks (five total minutes). . .DNP (CD) 15 times, including the season’s final nine games.

KEY GAMES
The rundown of Jackie’s three game appearances w/NY:

MARCH 21: Upon activation off injured list, made NBA debut by coming off the bench for the final minute of win over Spurs. . .Scored his first NBA basket, a layup off a Jermaine Jackson feed with 47.3 seconds left to complete NY scoring in 88-75 win. . .At 20 years and 11 days old, became the second-youngest Knick in franchise history. Only Trevor Ariza (19 yrs, four months, four days old when he debuted on Nov 3, 2004 at Minnesota) was younger.
MARCH 23: Scored season-high six points (2-2 FGA, 2-2 FTA) in just two bench minutes in win over Celtics.
APRIL 5: In final appearance of season, scored two points (1-1 FGA) in two bench minutes in loss to Pacers.

PRIOR TO
After going undrafted out of high school in 2004 NBA Draft (early entry candidate), Jackie attended pre-season training camp with Minnesota Timberwolves. Released by Wolves on Oct 25, 2004. . .Then made pro debut with impressive stint for CBA’s Great Lakes Storm. . .Over 40 games w/Great Lakes, averaged 18.1 ppg (tenth in CBA), 10.7 rpg (third) and 1.45 bpg (third). . .Signed as a free agent by Knicks on Feb 27, 2005.

COMMUNITY CORNER
Joined the rest of his teammates and a bevy of celebrities at Knicks Bowl 6 at Chelsea Piers Lanes, March 10, to raise funds for the Red Holzman Cheering for Children Foundation and to aid after-school programs in NYC schools.

http://www.nba.com/knicks/news/recap0405_butler.html


[Edited by - sky on 05/16/2005 09:18:05]

I would love to see them sign him for 3 years $2.8mm. He's big, good attitude, great work ethic. Use the MLE on Butler, Ariza and Charlie Bell. Lock up some good young players and commit to working on them.

I know its the Knicks.. but I had a good weekend so my optimism is high. By Thurs it will be back to 3 picks for Mike Finley scenarios.