Knicks · Knicks holding "Pre-Training Camp" starting Monday to hit the ground running before Training camp officially begins (page 1)

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Knicks sharpshooter Steve Novak told ESPNNewYork.com on Wednesday that he and most of the team have organized a "pre-training camp" starting Monday.

The camp will take place at the Knicks' training facility in Greenburgh, N.Y., and will continue all the way through Oct. 1, when the Knicks must report for media day.

Novak said the activities will include alternating days of basketball and conditioning skills work.

"We just want to make sure we hit the ground running," Novak said.

Travis King, the longtime training adviser for Amare Stoudemire, said it's unique for players to join as a unit this early in the offseason. But he added that coach Mike Woodson, who had the idea for the "pre-training camp," and the key veterans (Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler) who picked the date, wanted to do it at this time because they've never been together from the beginning.

"Amare was there in 2010, then Melo came around (in 2011) and then last year with the lockout, they didn't really get to have a training camp," King told ESPNNewYork.com. "I think coach Woodson knows that it's important getting those guys to jell together and knows that they can have a championship-caliber team. Coach knows he's going to have to jell the team earlier, so a lot of the guys agreed to come out earlier in the year."

King said the "pre-training camp" is especially important because the Knicks need to establish a connection between their veterans and new point guards -- a key relationship that will impact the team's chemistry-building. Raymond Felton, Jason Kidd, Pablo Prigioni and Chris Smith didn't suit up for the Knicks last season.

"I think that they've got one of the deepest teams in the NBA, one of the most veteran teams, and they definitely got some guys who are winners. But I think the key with them is going to be getting them to jell," King said. "They've got three point guards who didn't play on the team last year, and that's going to be crucial for them to help the guys who have been there, like Amare, Tyson and Melo, and get everybody on the same page. I think you don't want to try to wait all the way to training camp to do that if possible."

Novak, who's spent most of his offseason training at his alma mater, Marquette, said Woodson wanting to organize the "pre-training camp" speaks volumes about his dedication to the team.

"The way he's gone out of his way this summer to make sure he stays in touch with everybody and visits guys, that goes a long way," he said. "I think to build a winning culture, you have to do a little bit more, and that makes you a better team in the NBA. And I feel like knowing that your coach cares about you and he's thinking about you during the summer, and he has plans for you, that goes a long way."

Jared Zwerling is a regular contributor to ESPNNewYork.com

Gotta respect what Woody's doing. All these offseason activities to get everyone in shape early and on the same page.

They definitely sound hungry. This is more than just saying the right things, its another example of the Knicks doing the right things this offseason.

Kudos to Woodson; being a coach involves more than just the X's and O's. Being a leader of men, an organizer, a father-figure, a psychologist, etc. all come with the job description. He has pushed all the right buttons since taking over. Hopefully, he'll have a Van Gundy affect on this team similar to Jeff after he replaced another offensive guru in Nelson.

GustavBahler wrote:They definitely sound hungry. This is more than just saying the right things, its another example of the Knicks doing the right things this offseason.

+ 1....Talk the talk now walk the walk...

Great news.

Woodson has been really on these guys, just like a coach should.

Awesome. Woodson has been great so far. Can't wait for opening day.

I guess no more 7-18 starts under Dantoni because he would use the first 25games of the season to get guys in playing shape. Whereas other coaches use training camp

PLEASE let's not make this about bashing the previous coach!!! Let's just give praise to Woodson for the job he's doing... PERIOD!!! This is a new season and a much improved team. This is not the same situation as last year where we had to HOPE TD would be enough to get by. This year we start with 2 proven veteran NBA PG's and the 3rd string PG is at least a very worldly veteran himself. There is simply no comparison between last year and this year, with no lockout. REmember there was supposed to be a pre training camp get together, but that didn't happen. Also neither Melo nor STAT were really physically capable of working early due to just not being able to work all summer. Neither of our 2 top players were able to get in shape or work on their BB skills and that's why both STUNK shooting the ball.

This is Woody's team now and his time. So far he's been great. You can tell he's not beaten down from years of bad rosters, bad press and losing, but he's fresh and hungry. GREAT!!! This is what this franchise needs. A real legit start with a franchise that is all on the same page. The past doesn't matter anymore. This is a new day.

nixluva wrote:PLEASE let's not make this about bashing the previous coach!!! Let's just give praise to Woodson for the job he's doing... PERIOD!!! This is a new season and a much improved team. This is not the same situation as last year where we had to HOPE TD would be enough to get by. This year we start with 2 proven veteran NBA PG's and the 3rd string PG is at least a very worldly veteran himself. There is simply no comparison between last year and this year, with no lockout. REmember there was supposed to be a pre training camp get together, but that didn't happen. Also neither Melo nor STAT were really physically capable of working early due to just not being able to work all summer. Neither of our 2 top players were able to get in shape or work on their BB skills and that's why both STUNK shooting the ball.

This is Woody's team now and his time. So far he's been great. You can tell he's not beaten down from years of bad rosters, bad press and losing, but he's fresh and hungry. GREAT!!! This is what this franchise needs. A real legit start with a franchise that is all on the same page. The past doesn't matter anymore. This is a new day.

too many Knick fans are stuck in the past. The past is gone forever so, lets enjoy the present and look forward (positively) to the future.

Great move by Woody and the players. Chemistry and conditioning were the biggest concerns so working on them a month early is just what they need.

The difference is, there's no blockbuster trade talks, there's no lame duck(1 yr contract) from the head coach to any players, roles have been define early, more importantly most of these guys have played with each other at some point in there careers especially felton who has played with, chandler (bobcats) Amare (knicks) jr (denver) Camby (portland).

I really don't think chemistry is going to be much of and issue..

I think this is the first time in a very long time (like 12 yrs) that we don't see a mid season trade, or a lame duck coach firing..Everything is right, no one should be looking over there shoulder..

Should be a great season guys, unless amare & felton get traded for CP3, you never know with that idiot dolan

knicks1248 wrote:The difference is, there's no blockbuster trade talks, there's no lame duck(1 yr contract) from the head coach to any players, roles have been define early, more importantly most of these guys have played with each other at some point in there careers especially felton who has played with, chandler (bobcats) Amare (knicks) jr (denver) Camby (portland).

I really don't think chemistry is going to be much of and issue..

I think this is the first time in a very long time (like 12 yrs) that we don't see a mid season trade, or a lame duck coach firing..Everything is right, no one should be looking over there shoulder..

Should be a great season guys, unless amare & felton get traded for CP3, you never know with that idiot dolan

Amare and Felton for CP3? OH THAT WOULD BE AWFUL! You can't be serious.

This would upset you? Its a wet dream for me.

This is great news. Knicks will have 2 full months together before regular season starts. As long as they stay healthy there should be no excuses.

mrKnickShot wrote:

knicks1248 wrote:The difference is, there's no blockbuster trade talks, there's no lame duck(1 yr contract) from the head coach to any players, roles have been define early, more importantly most of these guys have played with each other at some point in there careers especially felton who has played with, chandler (bobcats) Amare (knicks) jr (denver) Camby (portland).

I really don't think chemistry is going to be much of and issue..

I think this is the first time in a very long time (like 12 yrs) that we don't see a mid season trade, or a lame duck coach firing..Everything is right, no one should be looking over there shoulder..

Should be a great season guys, unless amare & felton get traded for CP3, you never know with that idiot dolan

Amare and Felton for CP3? OH THAT WOULD BE AWFUL! You can't be serious.

This would upset you? Its a wet dream for me.

I wouldn't be to upset, but who needs that trade talk during the season

knicks1248 wrote:

mrKnickShot wrote:

knicks1248 wrote:The difference is, there's no blockbuster trade talks, there's no lame duck(1 yr contract) from the head coach to any players, roles have been define early, more importantly most of these guys have played with each other at some point in there careers especially felton who has played with, chandler (bobcats) Amare (knicks) jr (denver) Camby (portland).

I really don't think chemistry is going to be much of and issue..

I think this is the first time in a very long time (like 12 yrs) that we don't see a mid season trade, or a lame duck coach firing..Everything is right, no one should be looking over there shoulder..

Should be a great season guys, unless amare & felton get traded for CP3, you never know with that idiot dolan

Amare and Felton for CP3? OH THAT WOULD BE AWFUL! You can't be serious.

This would upset you? Its a wet dream for me.

I wouldn't be to upset, but who needs that trade talk during the season

Ah ... I see your point. We certainly can use stability.

ESPN did name us as "Team Turmoil" and while we can all see a nice calm path its still the KNicks we talking about.

Players usually get into town a month before camp and start really training at the facility anyway. I would not be suprised if other teams are doing thijs or something informal.

Its a good idea anyway you spin! Lets hope all this goodness tranlates to a really good season!

It doesn't matter what other teams are doing. what matters is that THIS SEASON, the Knicks are more focused and united than ever before and most of all this team has been built to succeed and battle with the best teams in the league. You can't really go into this year with the "Same Ole Knicks" lines of the past. To do so would be to totally ignore the facts or reason.

1. Woodson has taken the reigns and is 100% in control of this team. He's putting his stamp on the team more fully than he was able to do taking over late in the season. Woody started early and hasn't taken his foot off the gas since the end of the last season. I may have my concerns about his X's and O's, but as a leader of this team, I can't fault his approach since they took away the interim tag. He's shown himself to be a strong leader and a guy that wants to succeed in this job. That's all we can expect at this point.

2. Our 2 key players have had great off seasons this year. Unlike last summer this has been a very productive summer for our best players. I think the entire team is aware of the opportunity to win that this roster has. Felton and Novak have been working and I'm hopeful that some of the guys we've added who don't have any NBA experience to speak of will be able to make their mark. Surely they all have something to prove and are hungry for this big opportunity.

All in all this has to be the season that most fans should have the most reason to be upbeat. Only one game separated this team from possibly ending up a 2nd rd. playoff team. I truly believe this team can finally achieve that goal this year. I think this team has a good chance to win the Atlantic and get into the 2nd rd. That has to be the immediate minimum goal for this year. They have to put themselves in the best position to advance and have a shot at the ECF's and possibly the NBA Finals.

What does Melo think about this and will he be there to train with the guys.

Vmart wrote:What does Melo think about this and will he be there to train with the guys.

The article says melo, amare, and tyson picked the date for the training camp.

nixluva wrote:It doesn't matter what other teams are doing.

Oh but it does. To some people.

nixluva wrote:It doesn't matter what other teams are doing. what matters is that THIS SEASON, the Knicks are more focused and united than ever before and most of all this team has been built to succeed and battle with the best teams in the league. You can't really go into this year with the "Same Ole Knicks" lines of the past. To do so would be to totally ignore the facts or reason.

1. Woodson has taken the reigns and is 100% in control of this team. He's putting his stamp on the team more fully than he was able to do taking over late in the season. Woody started early and hasn't taken his foot off the gas since the end of the last season. I may have my concerns about his X's and O's, but as a leader of this team, I can't fault his approach since they took away the interim tag. He's shown himself to be a strong leader and a guy that wants to succeed in this job. That's all we can expect at this point.

2. Our 2 key players have had great off seasons this year. Unlike last summer this has been a very productive summer for our best players. I think the entire team is aware of the opportunity to win that this roster has. Felton and Novak have been working and I'm hopeful that some of the guys we've added who don't have any NBA experience to speak of will be able to make their mark. Surely they all have something to prove and are hungry for this big opportunity.

All in all this has to be the season that most fans should have the most reason to be upbeat. Only one game separated this team from possibly ending up a 2nd rd. playoff team. I truly believe this team can finally achieve that goal this year. I think this team has a good chance to win the Atlantic and get into the 2nd rd. That has to be the immediate minimum goal for this year. They have to put themselves in the best position to advance and have a shot at the ECF's and possibly the NBA Finals.

YOu mean we could have finished in the 8th seed instead, then beaten Chicago because Rose went down. Is that what your saying?

Perhaps Baron does not do a Joe Theisman impersonation and Shumps knee does not blow out either.

Or are you saying we move up to the 6th spot to play Indiana and beat them?