I know it was just one game but we didn't play very team oriented.
With KP out there, it seemed the offense was open and the defense was fluid.
Then with him out, they focus on Melo (who's numbers went down).
I am not trying to say he is all that, but he is European (and typically unselfish) so I wonder how much his absence or presence affects the team?
Eventually, this spreads and I have a really good feeling about this season. Had it before the first game.
We have a really high (hate to say the word) "character" team.
You mean the offense looked different when two end of bench players got the start? Thomas and Sasha should not get much time this year If everyone is healthy. Having actual nba talent will always help
yellowboy90 wrote:You mean the offense looked different when two end of bench players got the start? Thomas and Sasha should not get much time this year If everyone is healthy. Having actual nba talent will always help
Sasha is good. It's that guy Thomas... he plays like he knows what he should be doing but his body doesn't completely agree. I value his contribution in the locker and in practice but I don't want to see him out there unless absolutely necessary
KP out there is having a high IQ team oriented, play within confines of the offense and defense, know your role despite being only 20 guy. His body won't allow him to bang with the big boys yet, but his basketball mind is beyond the charts. Also, you can't teach length and height with that mobility, not to mention the god given stroke.
Lance Thomas is just a bum. Nice guy, good for practice and lockerroom type player, but a grade A NBA bum. Shouldn't get burn under any circumstances, unless you're going for a high draft pick.
Talented players always have an impact. I think I saw the same impact in Summer League the team just played different with KP in there and certainly the other team was impacted by his presence. People think shot blocking numbers tell the story but actually having a mobile big like KP impacts a lot more of what an opposing team tries to do. He chases off a lot of penetration and makes the court smaller for the other team because of his length. When we have both RoLo and KP in there it shrinks the court and that's why I think they like having them both in there.
KP already has a reputation as a shooter as well and he draws his man anywhere he goes. Not sure anyone is that worried about Thomas. KP is already becoming a guy we are depending on in many ways. If he can play consistently like he did in the Wizards game he will really help this team a lot this year.
yellowboy90 wrote:You mean the offense looked different when two end of bench players got the start? Thomas and Sasha should not get much time this year If everyone is healthy. Having actual nba talent will always help
No, I didn't mean that as that would simplify things too much. Of course that also affects things, but I am looking deeper at the KP.
EnySpree - Yeah, I think the idea with Sasha is he is going to play as much as his skill allows (or doesn't). We have a capable bunch. And Affalo is not yet here.
ChuckBuck - Yeah, that is more what I was talking about. I am just excited to finally have a YOUNG All Star type talent on this team. And in a few years with Jeremy, one never knows, might have 2.
Nixluva - Yeah (to all), Summer League was interesting. I know it is just summer league but he just showed an all around game, was a thing of beauty. After years of wishing for a high caliber player
one "fell" into our laps, maybe two (Grant).
And regarding that 2nd unit - Is Grant really affecting the team so much?
Man, is this really the Knicks? Money well spent (for a change) Dolan.
