Let's assume Willy progresses well and becomes a starting caliber big man within a couple of years. That would be great. But it does create a problem. Porzingis is likely a center in the future, and Willy is a center right now. It's obvious that they already have a chemistry together and compliment each other well on offense, but with the direction the NBA is going, are they a good fit together, or will it not work defensively?
Knixkik wrote:Let's assume Willy progresses well and becomes a starting caliber big man within a couple of years. That would be great. But it does create a problem. Porzingis is likely a center in the future, and Willy is a center right now. It's obvious that they already have a chemistry together and compliment each other well on offense, but with the direction the NBA is going, are they a good fit together, or will it not work defensively?
I think they work fantastic together because they both can play either position so they can switch with ease. also they play different styles so they are not bigs competing for the same spot on the floor. willy is a very scrappy garbage man type big. he can grab just about anything thrown his way including rebounds.
the line up I really wanna see more of is:
KP
Willy
Melo
rose
Jennings
if I'm a opposing coach that line up terrifies me, You have two bangers in melo and willy a two players that can really get to the hoop and create for others
and then you have the unicorn who can do it all !
I don't care if that line up starts together, that unit has the most talent and should see the most floor time. Jennings was a up and coming star for the Pistons before his injury, if he is fully healed, he needs to be on the floor. the defense he has been playing is vintage jennings, he's always been super scrappy player with legit court vision the scoring will come with more floor time.
Knixkik wrote:Let's assume Willy progresses well and becomes a starting caliber big man within a couple of years. That would be great. But it does create a problem. Porzingis is likely a center in the future, and Willy is a center right now. It's obvious that they already have a chemistry together and compliment each other well on offense, but with the direction the NBA is going, are they a good fit together, or will it not work defensively?
Never understood why Willy is pegged for Center only. Why can't he play PF in the NBA?
Willy may not be the fastest but he has quick feet. Think Zach Randolph; no one ever said he couldn't play PF, even today. Is Willy any slower than Love, Milsap?
martin wrote:Knixkik wrote:Let's assume Willy progresses well and becomes a starting caliber big man within a couple of years. That would be great. But it does create a problem. Porzingis is likely a center in the future, and Willy is a center right now. It's obvious that they already have a chemistry together and compliment each other well on offense, but with the direction the NBA is going, are they a good fit together, or will it not work defensively?
Never understood why Willy is pegged for Center only. Why can't he play PF in the NBA?
Willy may not be the fastest but he has quick feet. Think Zach Randolph; no one ever said he couldn't play PF, even today. Is Willy any slower than Love, Milsap?
Great point. If he can expand his range, maybe he is a PF.
Knixkik wrote:martin wrote:Knixkik wrote:Let's assume Willy progresses well and becomes a starting caliber big man within a couple of years. That would be great. But it does create a problem. Porzingis is likely a center in the future, and Willy is a center right now. It's obvious that they already have a chemistry together and compliment each other well on offense, but with the direction the NBA is going, are they a good fit together, or will it not work defensively?
Never understood why Willy is pegged for Center only. Why can't he play PF in the NBA?
Willy may not be the fastest but he has quick feet. Think Zach Randolph; no one ever said he couldn't play PF, even today. Is Willy any slower than Love, Milsap?
Great point. If he can expand his range, maybe he is a PF.
Yes. I'd expect after this offseason he will have a more consistent hook shot and a consistent 10-15 foot jumpshot. Maybe a bit more explosiveness too.
Third year I'd expect corner 3.
Would love to hear that he wants to work with Hakeem one summer.
If we have talent why be constrained by traditional notions of positions? Let KP and Willy thrive together and throw away the shackles of conformity. We have high bball -IQ guys along with a coach and GM who understand the game.
stanleybostitch wrote:If we have talent why be constrained by traditional notions of positions? Let KP and Willy thrive together and throw away the shackles of conformity. We have high bball -IQ guys along with a coach and GM who understand the game.
Exactly don't put a label on it, just let them play together and eventually start together in he future. He has been drawing comparisons to Marc Gasol so we'd be foolish not to make the most of his talent.
Knicks67 wrote:stanleybostitch wrote:If we have talent why be constrained by traditional notions of positions? Let KP and Willy thrive together and throw away the shackles of conformity. We have high bball -IQ guys along with a coach and GM who understand the game.
Exactly don't put a label on it, just let them play together and eventually start together in he future. He has been drawing comparisons to Marc Gasol so we'd be foolish not to make the most of his talent.
I agree, especially since basketball is becoming position-less. It's not the position, but it's the defensively responsibilities that are associated with each position. If they start together, most nights one of them will be guarding a quick forward. More than likely, they can make up for it on the other end of the floor, but are both players really at their best when playing together? That is what it comes down to.
Willy already has advanced low post footwork. He's shown a midrange shot in Europe but still needs to gain confidence. From what I see of the kid he's got everything except great hops. The Knicks saw how he and KP worked together and quite rightly brought him in to play with KP in the future. It's a great look to have 2 highly skilled bigs around the same age that you already KNOW can play together. Great job Phil and staff.
KP is a deadly weapon at the parameter and it allows him an easy transition back on defense when he shoots from out there.
I'd say being able to defend/rebound the 5 is what will define his career as well.
For now, KP is a stretch 4/5 on offense. and they have been willing to stay with Willy down the stretch while Noah cures what ails him.
martin wrote:Knixkik wrote:Let's assume Willy progresses well and becomes a starting caliber big man within a couple of years. That would be great. But it does create a problem. Porzingis is likely a center in the future, and Willy is a center right now. It's obvious that they already have a chemistry together and compliment each other well on offense, but with the direction the NBA is going, are they a good fit together, or will it not work defensively?
Never understood why Willy is pegged for Center only. Why can't he play PF in the NBA?
Willy may not be the fastest but he has quick feet. Think Zach Randolph; no one ever said he couldn't play PF, even today. Is Willy any slower than Love, Milsap?
When u watch Willy performance it spells PF .. not center.
Willy is to quick and versatile to be a center.
Quinn also is a outstanding PF.
When we let a 6.5 Lamb grab 17 rebounds in one game showed how WEAK our frontcourt coaching are
Willy can play on offense. Period. Has many post moves, good screen setter, smart roller. If he adds a consistent jumper he will a superb role player.
Where I worry about him is defence. He is a rookie right now so much of it's recognition and lack of experience. But he is not a quick defender nor a shot blocking threat.
If I'm Phil and Hornachek, I do consider the switch. This team is not going to contend in the East. We may make the playoffs as a team without home court in the 1st round, but not much more than that. Giving minutes to Willy (22, rookie) Kuz (rookie) and helping KP become a true number 1 option should be a priority. Likely we will be addding a quality 1st round pick in 2017 as well.
slap whichever label you want on the two. One excels elbow out and the other hopefully cane excel elbow in on offense. Defensively who gets what matchup is going to depend on the other roster
