It's been like 3 games for Delon. Im not sure that gets him to a rotation spot, but he has certainly made the most of his opportunity. What he clearly offers us is a disruptive defender who at least has confidence on the offensive end. At the moment his shot is falling, but he shot an awful % with the Bucks. I think we can finally conclude that this was a useful trade for Sims, especially given the presence of Hukporti.
What I think we will see with Delon is coming in for the final defensive possesion of a quarter or as an offense/defense sub at the end of a game because of what he offers on that side of the ball. Could he displace Cam? That's an interesting question, but Cam has been one of our better reserves all year and his ability to put up some points in bunches has helped us on more than a few occasions. Cam gives a lot of effort defensively despite being size limited, so I don't see him as a negative there, but perhaps Delon's plus defense if paired with enough offense is a better fit for Thibs?
VDesai wrote:I think about half of Precious' misses were a full 3 feet short of the basket. It was an elite level of awful that he brought last night.
It was uncharacteristically bad. I wonder if something was up with him? Physically? Mentally? Drugs? I dunno. I haven't seen him play than bad before.
Cannot complain about these wins even though it's against the lesser teams. We were without our 2 All-Stars and handled business!
OG is at another level right now! The drives into the paint finishing after contact, the dunks, the shooting and one on one moves are All-Star level without a doubt! And of course the world class defense! Almost felt sorry for Grimes LOL. Poor guys couldn't even get a clean shot off!
We are in a different conversation against Cleveland and Boston if Shamet can hit shots like he has the last few games. He's been great! He's one guy on the team who lets it fly with no hesitation. And of course we are a different team with Mitch on defense. Great to see him look healthy and play well on his birthday! Even hit all of his FT's! Some forget how huge Mitch was when we won playoff series against Cleveland and even last year against Philly.
Bridges had a rough shooting game but it happens. Precious was awful! Had trouble even catching the ball. Wright and Kolek were both solid and did their jobs. Kudos to them and big kudos to Thibs for pushing the right buttons. Thibs now tied with Pat the Rat for most wins in Knicks history!
Tonight will be tough but it's not a real indicator of where we are imo. I do hope that if KAT is not 100% he shouldn't play. No need to chase these wins. We are pretty set at 3. Plus even if we find a way to win tonight in Cleveland, does it really mean anything? I don't think it does.
I was sad to see Grimes again yesterday. I feel that was a lost potential with that kid here. Something got in his head and lost confidence. We gave him away for a couple of months rental that became a throw-in on the Mikal trade. Pity we couldn't have him blossom here. I'll admit, I do get more attached to our draft picks. After years of shitty draft picks: Knox and Frank being the most recent, and finally making good picks in IQ, Deuce, Mitch, and Grimes, its hard to let them go and flourish elsewhere. (I know I didn't mention Barrett, who I think was a push).
And I'll say it: I'm DAMN GLAD we didn't take 50 cents on the dollar for Mitch while he was injured like all the talking heads and most of y'all were throwing around trade scenarios for months. That kid is establishing our defensive identity, big time. OG was not enough. Kid has a definite and unique roll on this team, a seven footer that can block a shot and make hell for offensive opponents in the paint. I hope we extend him. Go Mitch!
NYKBocker wrote:DLeethal wrote:I hope Wright is full time backup for playoffs. Much steadier than Payne and allows our wings to flourish with his unselfish play. Also, the defense can be really good with him + Mitch + our wings.
His defense is really good. However, he doesnt really set anyone up. Kinda like Charlie Ward lite
That's a good way to put it, a bigger better defending Charlie Ward.
VDesai wrote:I think about half of Precious' misses were a full 3 feet short of the basket. It was an elite level of awful that he brought last night.
I knew someone would find Precious elite at some point.
DLeethal wrote:I hope Wright is full time backup for playoffs. Much steadier than Payne and allows our wings to flourish with his unselfish play. Also, the defense can be really good with him + Mitch + our wings.
Totally agree. He brings defense.
Not for nothing, but this is probably the version of Shamet the Knicks had seen in training camp and preseason.
He still may be inconsistent with the shot but the effort seems to always be steady. And he tries defensively, out of position guarding big wings but he has been solid IMHO.
It is not possible to win in the NBA carrying that much salary with so little production out of one player.
76ers are now mired in mediocrity until that PG Contract is off the books.
That PG contract is such a heist I could see some protections for that kind of thing being added when new collective bargaining agreement is negotiated in 4 years. This and the bad behavior with some players refusing to play unless they are traded will force a reckoning. That is a dangerous game that may eventually lead to non-guaranteed contracts which is what owners ultimately want and players dread.
OG is a bad man, and now with a protected, low dribble
