Knicks · Knicks Sign CJ Leslie NC State (page 4)

Just looking at more tape to get a feel...I dunno man, some guys you look at and say they have potential but really have no idea -- they don't really show any semblance of possessing any true basketball skills -- no sign of a workable offensive game, no jump-shot, no ability to handle the ball, to put it on the floor, no defensive potential, etc.. They're just athletic and you say 'hey, maybe someday' but don't really feel it in your gut and not before long, the book gets closed on them and they're quickly forgotten....Well this guy's different. First off, he looks a hell of a lot further along skill-wise than he's given credit for. Not only is he a FREAK athlete, but these other ingredients are all there -- I mean you can see it. There's not any one category where he doesn't show true potential (and a lot of these categories - that potential's already pretty advanced -- you can see the ability to handle it (go coast to coast even at top speed); you can see a workable post up game (Schmidt on his DX video says 'no post up game' - but that's wrong -- he definitely has one, it just needs a little more polish); you can see the ability to put it on the deck & whip by people with a ridiculous 1st step; you can see a more-than-decent mid-range jump-shot with touch (his mechanics look great). I'm excited by this pickup -- this kid has real, honest to goodness potential to be a very good NBA player.

Another thing I like -- say what you want about Woody and he has me scratching my head too a lot: if guys like Hardaway jr and Leslie get lost on defense/play aloof on the defensive end -- he'll let them know it right away and they'll sit. Defensive intensity looks to be the one main concern with both players -- like a lot of young players (and certain vets too) they get lost and don't give 110% on the defensive end of the floor. Woody, for all his problems, won't put up with poor defensive effort, esp. from rookies. That's a given with him and I look at it as a major positive with these 2. Woody will keep the pressure on and get these guys to the point where they'll be giving optimum effort on the defensive end...If these kids wanna play for a guy like Woodson, they're gonna have to bring it defensively right off the bat. If each guy tightens that area up to the point where, unlike college, the defensive effort's there all the time now -- look out!

CJ Leslie is a worthwhile low risk pickup, IMO. He might not have the head/game for the Knicks but I suspect he's going to at least kick around the league for a few years and he might figure it out. NC State's teams and style of play over the last couple of years were iffy and even on a good night, it was hard to figure out what Leslie might look like playing with better/stronger players. Maybe, maybe not, but worth trying.

Has anyone picked up Seth Curry? For my money, I think he's a slightly better bet than either Leslie or Hardaway Jr. Yes, his upside is limited and he's never going to be a star but even playing injured and not practicing this year, he looked to me smart enough and skilled enough to contribute significantly to the right team. Like Leslie and Haraway, he's a longshot but I'm not going to be surprised when he surfaces as a contributor on a winning team in a few years. I will be pleasantly surprised if Leslie or Hardaway playing for more than a couple years.

I don't think Seth Curry is a better prospect than either T Jr. or CJ Leslie. T Jr. can do a little bit of everything and has legit size for his position. CJ is a freak athlete and all he really needs is to add more range to his jumper and refine his overall skills. He doesn't lack the ability. He just needs to put in more work. CJ is built to be a really good SF in the NBA. Seth is only a good shooter. A 6-3 SG that isn't a spectacular physical specimen. I think he can be a good role player but I don't see the same upside as T Jr. or CJ.

NumberTwoPencil wrote:CJ Leslie is a worthwhile low risk pickup, IMO. He might not have the head/game for the Knicks but I suspect he's going to at least kick around the league for a few years and he might figure it out. NC State's teams and style of play over the last couple of years were iffy and even on a good night, it was hard to figure out what Leslie might look like playing with better/stronger players. Maybe, maybe not, but worth trying.

Has anyone picked up Seth Curry? For my money, I think he's a slightly better bet than either Leslie or Hardaway Jr. Yes, his upside is limited and he's never going to be a star but even playing injured and not practicing this year, he looked to me smart enough and skilled enough to contribute significantly to the right team. Like Leslie and Haraway, he's a longshot but I'm not going to be surprised when he surfaces as a contributor on a winning team in a few years. I will be pleasantly surprised if Leslie or Hardaway playing for more than a couple years.

I agree about Curry. I read somewhere that he had an injury and is having surgery and might miss the summer leagues. If not the Knicks should bring him in or give him an invite for training camp. Mbawke would be a good signing as well in my opinion. I don't think he has hooked up with a team yet.

The extent of Seth Curry's injury is unclear. He apparently didn't participate in team practices this year and IIRC he had surgery immediately after Duke's season ended. I'm not sure if worked out for teams before the draft or not. At a glance, it looks like his assists dropped significantly this year, perhaps because of the injury. Anyway, maybe teams are waiting to see what's what with his shin before signing him.

I hope Leslie and Hardaway make the all star team but I think Seth Curry will end up playing some ball, one way or the other.

Seth curry, is nothing special. I think of the bunch.. CJ has the most upside, reminds me of Michael beasley

Why would the knicks pick up Leslie when nobody else wanted him in the entire draft ?

playa2 wrote:Why would the knicks pick up Leslie when nobody else wanted him in the entire draft ?

Leslie was a great signing. Knicks wanted him possibly at 24. If you look back at the draft thread he was the guy some were discussing as a puzzling non pick. He is very good.

NYY1NYK2 wrote:Seth curry, is nothing special. I think of the bunch.. CJ has the most upside, reminds me of Michael beasley

Curry is hurt and recovering from surgery I believe. I don't think he will even play in the summer leagues.

CrushAlot wrote:

playa2 wrote:Why would the knicks pick up Leslie when nobody else wanted him in the entire draft ?

Leslie was a great signing. Knicks wanted him possibly at 24. If you look back at the draft thread he was the guy some were discussing as a puzzling non pick. He is very good.

So why wasn't he picked in the 2nd rd? Does he have any off the court issues ? Knicks brass said they were going to take Reggie Bullock at 24 if Hardaway was gone.

Knicks were trying to get a 2nd round pick and most believe it was to draft Leslie. His weakness is consistant play and focus. Also, most believe he is a tweener - a PF in a SF body and so were unsure about his transition to the NBA. However, he can score, handle the ball well, and has great athleticism.

Markji wrote:Knicks were trying to get a 2nd round pick and most believe it was to draft Leslie. His weakness is consistant play and focus. Also, most believe he is a tweener - a PF in a SF body and so were unsure about his transition to the NBA. However, he can score, handle the ball well, and has great athleticism.

He was one of the best atheletes in the draft.

CrushAlot wrote:

Markji wrote:Knicks were trying to get a 2nd round pick and most believe it was to draft Leslie. His weakness is consistant play and focus. Also, most believe he is a tweener - a PF in a SF body and so were unsure about his transition to the NBA. However, he can score, handle the ball well, and has great athleticism.

He was one of the best atheletes in the draft.

All the more why somebody would have taken him in the 2nd rd, not really looking for snything special.

playa2 wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

playa2 wrote:Why would the knicks pick up Leslie when nobody else wanted him in the entire draft ?

Leslie was a great signing. Knicks wanted him possibly at 24. If you look back at the draft thread he was the guy some were discussing as a puzzling non pick. He is very good.

So why wasn't he picked in the 2nd rd? Does he have any off the court issues ? Knicks brass said they were going to take Reggie Bullock at 24 if Hardaway was gone.

Lack of effort can be found all over his games. He doesnt compete consistently. He should be a very good defender with his length but it doesnt show up because he doesnt move his feet. Ive seen hi labeled as uncoachable to. Physically speaking he is talented enough and was worth signing. Worth giving him a year ont the team see if he improves

Leslie's an undrafted free agent. A guy with that length and athleticism doesn't escape two rounds of the draft unless there are holes in his game and some questions about him personally. I'm glad we went with someone with significant upside rather than someone who doesn't have the talent to make it no matter how hard he works. The odds are against him, but if he does see the light and develop a good work ethic and some kind of jump shot, this kid could be very good.

Ira wrote:Leslie's an undrafted free agent. A guy with that length and athleticism doesn't escape two rounds of the draft unless there are holes in his game and some questions about him personally. I'm glad we went with someone with significant upside rather than someone who doesn't have the talent to make it no matter how hard he works. The odds are against him, but if he does see the light and develop a good work ethic and some kind of jump shot, this kid could be very good.

Draftnets last mock had him going at 37. He should have been drafted. Did he stop working out for teams?
Here is the weaknesses from draftnet:

Weaknesses: Most of his problems stem from a lack of focus and motivation on the court … Questionable motor on both ends of the floor … Scouts have major reservations about his basketball IQ / attitude / negative body language ... Doesn't have a true position. Lacks strength at the 4 and skills to play the 3 ... Lacks great decision making, passing skills to play on the perimeter (1:2 A/TO ratio) ... Has been known to disappear in games, although he was a bit more consistent in his final college season … Needs to be more assertive, particularly when matched up against smaller or slower defenders … Offensively his touches come in a variety of ways, but nothing is overly effective ... Lacks any sort of consistent perimeter shot, which allows bigger defenders to play off of him … More effective in transition than in the half court game. NC State attempted to use him on the block, but his post game never evolved ... Gets lazy on defense and fails to do the little things, such as closing out on shooters and fighting through screens … Too skinny for his size and must put on weight or he will be unable to defend the 4 (his natural position) in the NBA … Turnover-prone (3 per game last season) … No consistent post moves will force him to be a face-up forward … Inability to ad strength via weight training during college career points to a lack of work ethic ... Hasn’t come close to his full potential at age 21, which suggests that he never will … Will turn 22 just before draft night, meaning he's the age of a senior ... Should be a much more efficient defender considering his athleticism and length ... Really struggles defending in the post

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/cj-lesli...

CrushAlot wrote:

Ira wrote:Leslie's an undrafted free agent. A guy with that length and athleticism doesn't escape two rounds of the draft unless there are holes in his game and some questions about him personally. I'm glad we went with someone with significant upside rather than someone who doesn't have the talent to make it no matter how hard he works. The odds are against him, but if he does see the light and develop a good work ethic and some kind of jump shot, this kid could be very good.

Draftnets last mock had him going at 37. He should have been drafted. Did he stop working out for teams?
Here is the weaknesses from draftnet:

Weaknesses: Most of his problems stem from a lack of focus and motivation on the court … Questionable motor on both ends of the floor … Scouts have major reservations about his basketball IQ / attitude / negative body language ... Doesn't have a true position. Lacks strength at the 4 and skills to play the 3 ... Lacks great decision making, passing skills to play on the perimeter (1:2 A/TO ratio) ... Has been known to disappear in games, although he was a bit more consistent in his final college season … Needs to be more assertive, particularly when matched up against smaller or slower defenders … Offensively his touches come in a variety of ways, but nothing is overly effective ... Lacks any sort of consistent perimeter shot, which allows bigger defenders to play off of him … More effective in transition than in the half court game. NC State attempted to use him on the block, but his post game never evolved ... Gets lazy on defense and fails to do the little things, such as closing out on shooters and fighting through screens … Too skinny for his size and must put on weight or he will be unable to defend the 4 (his natural position) in the NBA … Turnover-prone (3 per game last season) … No consistent post moves will force him to be a face-up forward … Inability to ad strength via weight training during college career points to a lack of work ethic ... Hasn’t come close to his full potential at age 21, which suggests that he never will … Will turn 22 just before draft night, meaning he's the age of a senior ... Should be a much more efficient defender considering his athleticism and length ... Really struggles defending in the post

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/cj-lesli...

Yep these are the same exact weaknesses I was seeing. Lots of physical potential but I dont see it being used very often. The word that kept going through my mind was lazy.

This dude will never see any PT with Woodson, given his weaknesses. Nor should he.

loweyecue wrote:This dude will never see any PT with Woodson, given his weaknesses. Nor should he.

Unless he overcomes his weaknesses. Grows up. Matures. The skill is there. Check out highlights of NC State against Duke (who was undefeated and ranked #1 at the time. Leslie (#5) outplayed Plumlee.

loweyecue wrote:This dude will never see any PT with Woodson, given his weaknesses. Nor should he.

Unless he overcomes his weaknesses. Grows up. Matures. The skill is there. Check out highlights of NC State against Duke (who was undefeated and ranked #1 at the time. Leslie (#5) outplayed Plumlee.

Markji wrote:

loweyecue wrote:This dude will never see any PT with Woodson, given his weaknesses. Nor should he.

Unless he overcomes his weaknesses. Grows up. Matures. The skill is there. Check out highlights of NC State against Duke (who was undefeated and ranked #1 at the time. Leslie (#5) outplayed Plumlee.

I agree. Leslie was a good signing. He would have been a good second round pick as that is a bit of a crapshoot and you take fliers on guys with elite athleticism. I wouldn't be surprised if the Knicks have Leslie spend significant time playing for the Bayhawks to work on his game.