I thought the quote about Phil knowing who he'd take in the draft was interesting. Sounds like he has his board pretty much laid out. He agrees that the draft is a pretty talented crop. Hopefully he can get another pick somehow. I think he's gonna take a good hard look at anything that can increase his ability to get more talent.
nixluva wrote:
Is that a shot at Dolan? It sounds like a shot at Dolan.
I would hate to be in Phil's position. If he trades that pick, he will get destroyed by the fans and the hungry media; if he doesn't draft the much heralded Okafor, he will also get killed. Good luck
Will post more when I get home (recorded most of it on audio) but wanted to provide some high level takeaways:
- Phil was specifically asked what he looks for in a big man and whether he prefers a big man that has a strong offensive game or is ahead of the curve defensively. Phil was adamant that he prefers bigs that play D first (most of the ticketholders, including me, took this to mean that he would take Towns over Okafor). At a separate point in the town hall, Phil again emphasized that he prefers defense to offense and said in team sports, defense is what ultimately helps win championships
- From what we heard tonight, we were given a strong impression that they are not looking to trade the pick. Steve specifically mentioned that two teams have already contacted him about the pick and brought up specific scenarios of trades that could happen depending on where we pick. What was refreshing to hear though was Steve acknowledged how historically, the Knicks always trade first round picks and because of that, other GMs seem to think we will do it again this year. He made it clear that there is a different emphasis this year about doing what is right for the organization even if it means sacrificing short-term success.
- More on the 2nd point, Phil specifically mentioned Andrew Bynum in LA and how as his coach, he originally thought winning a championship with someone that young as a starter wasn't possible (even though they did in fact, end up winning one with Bynum still really young). He used it as an example to emphasize that the organization needs to do what is right foe the franchise and can't just continue on making moves for the short term.
- Phil: Free agent signings will complement the draft pick and vice versa. They already know who they like in free agency and will only go after guys they think fit the system and exhibit the qualities they are looking for. Steve mentioned that they are already speaking to agents and are trying to prioritize guys that they know they have a good shot at (he dressed urgency of finding out quickly whether players want to come or not in July so that they can move to other options)
More to come when I get home and can get on a computer. Lot of great insights that media still hasn't shared yet.
Obviously ignore my spelling mistakes, typing paragraphs on an iPhone isn't ideal...
VCoug wrote:nixluva wrote:
Is that a shot at Dolan? It sounds like a shot at Dolan.
That is a very important snippet
Boy I wonder if Willie Stein becomes a player there? Willie Stein has attributes on defense that no other player near the top has including Towns. Id be very surprised if he took Stein over Towns but from reading those tea leaves and his confidence that he would get said player--my guess is that Willie Stein is going to be a Knick.
BRIGGS wrote:Boy I wonder if Willie Stein becomes a player there?
Yea hope he meant Towns not Stein lol
gunsnewing wrote:BRIGGS wrote:Boy I wonder if Willie Stein becomes a player there?
Yea hope he meant Towns not Stein lol
Chris Webber whacked Willie Stein on ESPN radio--said he got outplayed by 6-5 Pat Connaghon and that Towns had to save them. Said he is to skinny to guard NBA C's. Listen to it.
to put in context...webber was talking about cauley stein in comparison to DJordan (since someone else did). so he basically said hes no where near jordan...he barely played well vs notre dame
