Knicks · Observations From Courtside (page 1)

On Monday, I saw a lot more than I am used to. I was at the pregame warmups and wanted to share my observations. Also, I have some insights from right after the game.

I saw four players give an honest pregame warmup. Frank, Emannuel, Mitch, and Kanter. Trier put in a little, but those were the guys that put legitimate work in. I was surprised to not see Courtney Lee, for example. I was surprised to not see guys like Lance Thomas setting an example. THJ? No Kanter wants out - he is the veteran leader that Fizdale has muzzled and neutered.

On the other side of the court, the Thunder had what felt like a full practice. A light practice, but a full practice. Every player you would expect to have warmed up on that team warmed up from Westbrook to Adams and more. I was paying attention to the Knicks but I mean I couldn't see all the players because there were a ton of assistants out there too. Similarly, especially at the beginning of the game, Russ is barking instructions on "communication." That was his primary focus. He was on the bench and engaged and riding guys for not talking enough.

In the other thread, I mentioned how I was screaming "LET'S GO FRANK" and how people knew it was me. Before everyone in the family knew where the courtside seats were exactly, they heard me and found me 10 sections away (are you surprised, I'm sure I come across as loud here). I am not saying that Frank owed me a thank you or conversation but after the game, he wouldn't even look within 90 degrees of me. That struck me, because my four-year-old nephew is better at eye contact. It wasn't just me though, anytime anybody yelled for him he'd turn his head. That was quite unimpressive.

Also, the Knicks got their ass kicked. While all the players are lying and saying good game, Fizdale put his tail between his legs and hustled off the court. It was the most effort any Knick gave all game. He looked like a substitute teacher who just his ass kicked by a room full of kids. It was pathetic. We made eye contact, and maintained it, but he didn't want to hear or see anything. So, combine that with the fact this 'brilliant basketball mind' or whatever starts the game by putting fucking THJ on PG-13. Are you kidding me? The game was lost before it started because of that. That's the reason it was 20-10 after like 45 seconds. His players don't win, they don't practice, and he looked completely overmatched. I saw nothing inspiring about his gameplan, about his players enthusiasm, or just himself and his personality. He is supposed to be Mr. Personality, right? Well, his personality is broken right now.

The thing that gave me the most hope was KP. I chatted with him briefly after the game. I told him that we were all excited for his return and that we needed him. He took it all in stride and said he knew and thanked me. Do you think he wanted to waste his time on me after watching his team get its ass kicked? He was probably fantasizing about going anywhere other than the Knicks... that fear aside, KP looked like a leader. He wanted to connect with the fans and potentially deal with a little abuse. Hopefully he can turn the rest of the team and honestly I got the vibe that he does want to stick around

The other thing I noticed was how much bigger, longer, more solid and athletic the Thunder are than the Knicks. What's funny is that everyone said that wouldn't be the case for them anymore after trading away everyone for PG13 and Melo. Well, our guys were noticeably less impressive looking when you just looked at them standing next to eachother. It actually kinda altered my stance on Mudiay, for example. He's got similar measurements to Russ but I mean there's a huge chasm between the athleticism of the two. We might have made an attempt to get longer and more athletic but damnit we are well short of where it needs to be.

Good take. I saw the team a few weeks ago and was struck how skinny and slight our yoots are in person.
Adams is a beast of a human. Russ is elite even in a league that consists of the planets top 1%.
I'd have to say Frank was correct to tune you and everyone out. While you were encouraging him there are moments im sure not so kind.
Mr 11 rings Phil was a smirking pompous looking ass on the bench yet he is the all time leader in chips.
Read his books and its telling that he does very little in game coaching. The players knew their roles and he was there to lead them but not scream and yell. In some timeouts he'd let the players sort it out. They owned it.
My point is not to defend Fiz but I would not judge his job based on his in game performance.
I did not watch that game. He did look animated last night against the Rockets.
I yell at frank on TV. Kid does so many good things but he has to hit shots. I Plead for his career to hit shots!!!
Upclose he looks like a kid. Not Knox too! Mitch looks boney!!!
KP is there every day and knows whats up. He will decide he is either part of the cure or will be an asset to be traded. Glad he took time to talk.
He appear to be filling out some?
I posted some of franks highlights and most of them were with KP. There was chemistry there. Pick and rolls with some sweet oops!! Makes me think Frank will be ok if they run things that way.
But he has to hit some shots!!!!!

This team is a mess. I understand why we extrapolate the present to the future. Im fighting it and remain hopeful.
I mean it has to get better based on the decision fundamentals? Play youth, Draft upside potential? KP comes back and some cap space?

SupremeCommander wrote:On Monday, I saw a lot more than I am used to. I was at the pregame warmups and wanted to share my observations. Also, I have some insights from right after the game.

I saw four players give an honest pregame warmup. Frank, Emannuel, Mitch, and Kanter. Trier put in a little, but those were the guys that put legitimate work in. I was surprised to not see Courtney Lee, for example. I was surprised to not see guys like Lance Thomas setting an example. THJ? No Kanter wants out - he is the veteran leader that Fizdale has muzzled and neutered.

On the other side of the court, the Thunder had what felt like a full practice. A light practice, but a full practice. Every player you would expect to have warmed up on that team warmed up from Westbrook to Adams and more. I was paying attention to the Knicks but I mean I couldn't see all the players because there were a ton of assistants out there too. Similarly, especially at the beginning of the game, Russ is barking instructions on "communication." That was his primary focus. He was on the bench and engaged and riding guys for not talking enough.

In the other thread, I mentioned how I was screaming "LET'S GO FRANK" and how people knew it was me. Before everyone in the family knew where the courtside seats were exactly, they heard me and found me 10 sections away (are you surprised, I'm sure I come across as loud here). I am not saying that Frank owed me a thank you or conversation but after the game, he wouldn't even look within 90 degrees of me. That struck me, because my four-year-old nephew is better at eye contact. It wasn't just me though, anytime anybody yelled for him he'd turn his head. That was quite unimpressive.

Also, the Knicks got their ass kicked. While all the players are lying and saying good game, Fizdale put his tail between his legs and hustled off the court. It was the most effort any Knick gave all game. He looked like a substitute teacher who just his ass kicked by a room full of kids. It was pathetic. We made eye contact, and maintained it, but he didn't want to hear or see anything. So, combine that with the fact this 'brilliant basketball mind' or whatever starts the game by putting fucking THJ on PG-13. Are you kidding me? The game was lost before it started because of that. That's the reason it was 20-10 after like 45 seconds. His players don't win, they don't practice, and he looked completely overmatched. I saw nothing inspiring about his gameplan, about his players enthusiasm, or just himself and his personality. He is supposed to be Mr. Personality, right? Well, his personality is broken right now.

The thing that gave me the most hope was KP. I chatted with him briefly after the game. I told him that we were all excited for his return and that we needed him. He took it all in stride and said he knew and thanked me. Do you think he wanted to waste his time on me after watching his team get its ass kicked? He was probably fantasizing about going anywhere other than the Knicks... that fear aside, KP looked like a leader. He wanted to connect with the fans and potentially deal with a little abuse. Hopefully he can turn the rest of the team and honestly I got the vibe that he does want to stick around

The other thing I noticed was how much bigger, longer, more solid and athletic the Thunder are than the Knicks. What's funny is that everyone said that wouldn't be the case for them anymore after trading away everyone for PG13 and Melo. Well, our guys were noticeably less impressive looking when you just looked at them standing next to eachother. It actually kinda altered my stance on Mudiay, for example. He's got similar measurements to Russ but I mean there's a huge chasm between the athleticism of the two. We might have made an attempt to get longer and more athletic but damnit we are well short of where it needs to be.

Thanks for taking the time to share that! Very interesting and much appreciated!

No problem smackeddog... I feel blessed and just want to share insight I think you all would find interesting

There was one other thing I forgot to mention. I asked everyone I could about the team and their thoughts on the players... There only person I heard anything negative about was Mario and I was behind the scenes... Mario sounds like a fucking cancerous dick. In the press it just seems like he beats himself and is too hard on himself. No. He's a prick. Honestly, he offers nothing. My dad and I were talking about how he is probably out of the league next year and The end if the OKC bench heard and shook their heads agreeing. I understand he's got a wet shot but based on what I heard it would be addition by substraction. He's not doing anything if note, doesn't figure in long term - so Perry please cut your pet asshole and give a kid with something to prove his spot.

SupremeCommander wrote:No problem smackeddog... I feel blessed and just want to share insight I think you all would find interesting

There was one other thing I forgot to mention. I asked everyone I could about the team and their thoughts on the players... There only person I heard anything negative about was Mario and I was behind the scenes... Mario sounds like a fucking cancerous dick. In the press it just seems like he beats himself and is too hard on himself. No. He's a prick. Honestly, he offers nothing. My dad and I were talking about how he is probably out of the league next year and The end if the OKC bench heard and shook their heads agreeing. I understand he's got a wet shot but based on what I heard it would be addition by substraction. He's not doing anything if note, doesn't figure in long term - so Perry please cut your pet asshole and give a kid with something to prove his spot.

Maybe he went to the Darko school of charm?
BTW, just noticed your signature! LOL

Great write up. I am really disappointed by the impression you got from Fiz and the players/staff approach to the pregame preparation. It sounds very different from the Thunder. When I read you write up it reminded me of Thomas ‘Hollywood’ Henderson’s description of how professional the Cowboys were in all aspects of their approach versus the team that he was eventually traded to. Hopefully some of the issues were related to exhaustion from the London trip. I don’t want to think that the Knicks blew it again with their coaching hire.

CrushAlot wrote:Great write up. I am really disappointed by the impression you got from Fiz and the players/staff approach to the pregame preparation. It sounds very different from the Thunder. When I read you write up it reminded me of Thomas ‘Hollywood’ Henderson’s description of how professional the Cowboys were in all aspects of their approach versus the team that he was eventually traded to. Hopefully some of the issues were related to exhaustion from the London trip. I don’t want to think that the Knicks blew it again with their coaching hire.

Interesting observations about the team and the coaches. Hope the FO didn't settle for another smooth talker then taking Budenholzer when he was available. When he had the foresight to send Timmy to the G League to work on his overall game, he showed that he had the cajones to do what was necessary to get the best out of his players, as opposed to Fiz who keeps these guys around but on the bench. They're getting development, but are they improving?

Great write up SupremeCommander. It's refreshing to hear first hand take not cluttered with the usual media stereotypes and blind worship for Fiz. I was initially happy with the hiring. But it didn't take long to realize he didn't have a system and doesn't coach structured basketball. How our FO keeps hitting home runs on coaching hires is hard to fathom.

Sangfroid wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:Great write up. I am really disappointed by the impression you got from Fiz and the players/staff approach to the pregame preparation. It sounds very different from the Thunder. When I read you write up it reminded me of Thomas ‘Hollywood’ Henderson’s description of how professional the Cowboys were in all aspects of their approach versus the team that he was eventually traded to. Hopefully some of the issues were related to exhaustion from the London trip. I don’t want to think that the Knicks blew it again with their coaching hire.

Interesting observations about the team and the coaches. Hope the FO didn't settle for another smooth talker then taking Budenholzer when he was available. When he had the foresight to send Timmy to the G League to work on his overall game, he showed that he had the cajones to do what was necessary to get the best out of his players, as opposed to Fiz who keeps these guys around but on the bench. They're getting development, but are they improving?

Knicks would only be an option for Budenholzer if Miluakee didn't want him for whatever reason. But there is no way that he was choosing NY with KP out for the year over Freak and the ready made Bucks

meloshouldgo wrote:Great write up SupremeCommander. It's refreshing to hear first hand take not cluttered with the usual media stereotypes and blind worship for Fiz. I was initially happy with the hiring. But it didn't take long to realize he didn't have a system and doesn't coach structured basketball. How our FO keeps hitting home runs on coaching hires is hard to fathom.

The lack of system and structure has been alarming since the beginning of the season. But we forget that he did well and overachieved with the Grizzlies his first yr as coach. They were way .ore organized than what he has shown with the Knicks this year.

To me it's obvious he was told to tank this year. He has probably put way more focus on looking to develop individual skills this season than looking to develop team play ensuring the tank but I'm proving some craft.

newyorknewyork wrote:

meloshouldgo wrote:Great write up SupremeCommander. It's refreshing to hear first hand take not cluttered with the usual media stereotypes and blind worship for Fiz. I was initially happy with the hiring. But it didn't take long to realize he didn't have a system and doesn't coach structured basketball. How our FO keeps hitting home runs on coaching hires is hard to fathom.

The lack of system and structure has been alarming since the beginning of the season. But we forget that he did well and overachieved with the Grizzlies his first yr as coach. They were way .ore organized than what he has shown with the Knicks this year.

To me it's obvious he was told to tank this year. He has probably put way more focus on looking to develop individual skills this season than looking to develop team play ensuring the tank but I'm proving some craft.

Great points.

meloshouldgo wrote:Great write up SupremeCommander. It's refreshing to hear first hand take not cluttered with the usual media stereotypes and blind worship for Fiz. I was initially happy with the hiring. But it didn't take long to realize he didn't have a system and doesn't coach structured basketball. How our FO keeps hitting home runs on coaching hires is hard to fathom.

Look who is in charge, we have Clueless Steve Mills running the organzation. I want to believe we will eventually turn the corner but Im not just not sure anymore. Look at the Nets. They have had less assets than us and somehow have developed a more talented team. Sean Marks is a much better GM than Perry. Our coach is awful, many of you have been snowballed by his words by look at the results. No game plan, no preperation, he is all talk and im tired of it already. God I would take Atkinson over him in a second. We are doomed. Watch this summer when we give Mudiay 4 years and 60 million when we strike out in FA.

Jmpasq wrote:

meloshouldgo wrote:Great write up SupremeCommander. It's refreshing to hear first hand take not cluttered with the usual media stereotypes and blind worship for Fiz. I was initially happy with the hiring. But it didn't take long to realize he didn't have a system and doesn't coach structured basketball. How our FO keeps hitting home runs on coaching hires is hard to fathom.

Look who is in charge, we have Clueless Steve Mills running the organzation. I want to believe we will eventually turn the corner but Im not just not sure anymore. Look at the Nets. They have had less assets than us and somehow have developed a more talented team. Sean Marks is a much better GM than Perry. Our coach is awful, many of you have been snowballed by his words by look at the results. No game plan, no preperation, he is all talk and im tired of it already. God I would take Atkinson over him in a second. We are doomed. Watch this summer when we give Mudiay 4 years and 60 million when we strike out in FA.

How do you come to the conclusion that Marks is better at his job than Perry?!? Perry has been on the job for about 8 months. Is that enough time for you to make that assumption? Are you also going to ignore the fact that Perry was apart of the Pistons front office that won a 'chip?

As far as Atkinson is concerned, he was 20 & 62 in his first season! Would you be singing the same tune if this was 2016-2017?! Atkinson was 28 & 54 in year 2. How promising was Atkinson after year 2? He is turning it around in year 3 but Fiz only gets 3 months for you to determine that he sucks?!

Wonder what Atkinsons record without Russell would be...the 2nd pick in a draft where KP was selected 4th. KP is sitting next to Fiz while Russell is performing each night for Atkinson....in year 3 of Atkinsons coaching career btw. Atkinson, I'm sure made many head scratching decisions in year 1 of his coaching career that had some questioning him too...but not sure how many people were running a fine-tooth comb over every single move he made in his 1st year when they were no where near the NBA radar...I'm pretty sure Atkinson is a much better coach today than he was in year 1.

newyorknewyork wrote:

meloshouldgo wrote:Great write up SupremeCommander. It's refreshing to hear first hand take not cluttered with the usual media stereotypes and blind worship for Fiz. I was initially happy with the hiring. But it didn't take long to realize he didn't have a system and doesn't coach structured basketball. How our FO keeps hitting home runs on coaching hires is hard to fathom.

The lack of system and structure has been alarming since the beginning of the season. But we forget that he did well and overachieved with the Grizzlies his first yr as coach. They were way .ore organized than what he has shown with the Knicks this year.

To me it's obvious he was told to tank this year. He has probably put way more focus on looking to develop individual skills this season than looking to develop team play ensuring the tank but I'm proving some craft.

Good post, but I disagree.
Yes he did well with the Grizz, don't know that he overachieved. His inability to continue that success into the next season clearly brings into question how much did he really contribute the first season?

Individual skills need to be developed in the context of the system he proposes to play. Everybody running heads down to the hoop and taking bad shots isn't developing any skill worth keeping around. I don't mind the losing but I do mind complete lack of accountability for not playing defense after all that "talk" about creating a defensive identity.

Jmpasq wrote:

meloshouldgo wrote:Great write up SupremeCommander. It's refreshing to hear first hand take not cluttered with the usual media stereotypes and blind worship for Fiz. I was initially happy with the hiring. But it didn't take long to realize he didn't have a system and doesn't coach structured basketball. How our FO keeps hitting home runs on coaching hires is hard to fathom.

Look who is in charge, we have Clueless Steve Mills running the organzation. I want to believe we will eventually turn the corner but Im not just not sure anymore. Look at the Nets. They have had less assets than us and somehow have developed a more talented team. Sean Marks is a much better GM than Perry. Our coach is awful, many of you have been snowballed by his words by look at the results. No game plan, no preperation, he is all talk and im tired of it already. God I would take Atkinson over him in a second. We are doomed. Watch this summer when we give Mudiay 4 years and 60 million when we strike out in FA.

Yeah, you and me both - can't stand people that just run their mouth and can't do jack
Mills/Perry - Tactic was to load up on lottery busts from the scrapheap of the NBA - the team is showing the expected results. Out of Mudiay, Burke, Hezonjah, Vonleh - only Vonleh has shown to be a two way basketball player with actual value. Our team identity is a bunch of low IQ rental busts, projecting 25% success. You reap what you sow.
If they bring Mudiay back on a multi-year deal (I am afraid they will) - I'll be done with watching the Knicks till both Mills and Perry are history.

Expectation for me was not all the scrap heap Lotto Fiz kids would make good. I think Mudiay in HALF the season has really shown a lot. Not enough to say enough to make a decision about his future. Mario has not shown anything and Burke is mixed. vonleah has exceeded. Knox rookie inconsistency is about right. Frank is seems to digress offensively the worse the team is.
Basically with KP out Knicks have not been a terrible disappointment because I did not expect much.