With Jamal Crawford, Quentin Richardson, Donnie Walsh, Mike D’Antoni, and even Stephon Marbury in attendance, the Knicks debuted their new up-tempo offense in Las Vegas, and edged out a 97-94 victory over the Cavs in their first summer-league game.
Wilson Chandler looked like the player who flourished at the end of last season, and was consistently New York’s best player on the floor. He showcased every facet of his game, finishing with 26 points, eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
Incumbent Mardy Collins had a nice game, scoring 17, with six rebounds and five assists. Former Gator and current NBA journeyman Anthony Roberson had 22 points off 19 shots. Roberson was signed to a deal shortly after the game.
But the Knicks fans and the front office were at the game to see one player and one player only—Danilo Gallinari
Gallinari got off to a bad start. Within the first three minutes, he had two fouls and two turnovers. He finished the half with no points, three fouls, and three turnovers.
He looked like a scrub who had no business on an NBA team. He seemed overpowered by the bottom of the NBA, and the likes of Robert “Tractor” Traylor were bouncing him around.
The next quarter started with a great block for Danilo—followed by more problems. With three minutes left in the quarter, he had four fouls, four turnovers, and no points. He looked like a train wreck.
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Then suddenly—and finally—the potential shined
First, he helped recover a broken play and hit a nice jumper at the end of the shot clock on the wing. Then, after a missed three-pointer, he came back and had a nice follow-up dunk.
That got him going. Shortly thereafter, Danilo posted up and made a nice up-and-under move to get to the line, where he calmly knocked down two free throws. Gallinari finished the quarter with a sideline jumper just inside the three-point line with three seconds left.
Suddenly he had eight points and five rebounds. Not bad.
Gallinari then continued his hot streak at the start of the fourth. He knocked down a jumper on the Knicks' first possession of the quarter. Later on, he swished another.
Then, with just over five minutes left, Danilo showed his versatility. He took the ball up the court like a guard, pulled off an impressively deceptive dribble-drive move to the rack, and drew the foul.
The move was the only play of the game that drew “ahs” from the crowd—and Gallinari sank both free throws.
He finished with 14 points on five of 11 shooting, despite missing his first five shots. He also grabbed six boards
Overall, Gallinari's performance in the latter part of the game certainly had some indications of a great player. He has some good instincts, his jumper is silky smooth, and his makes don’t touch the rim.
He showed the range and ball-handling skills that could give opposing teams fits once the Knicks get the right players for D’Antoni’s system. He looks better than former top pick and fellow countryman Andrea Bargnani.
But he still has plenty of room for improvement. His defense wasn’t good and he needs to toughen up.
Gallinari and Chandler meshed well together, and are clearly the future of the Knicks frontcourt. Danilo showed flashes of brilliance in the second half after looking like the bust of the year in the first.
It should also be noted that it really seemed like Jamal Crawford and Quentin Richardson were genuinely pulling for him. Both of them were guest announcers at different points during the telecast and were clearly cheering him on.
That enthusiasm was something the Knicks were visibly lacking as a team last year.
Immediate success for this team is a definite reach. But as of now, the Knicks are undefeated in the post-Isiah era.
The important thing now is improvement—especially for the rookie. Which Gallinari will show up against San Antonio—the good, the bad, or the ugly? We’ll see on Wednesday
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about 1 month ago
A final resting place for Zach Randolph.
I'm not saying the Knicks should panic and dump Z-bo. Walsh was right in not doing what Denver did when they dumped Marcus Camby. The Knicks will have to move Randolph and, I believe Curry too, so that they can keep Lee and Robinson, and still have cap space in the summer of 2010.
First, Randolph:
1. Would the Clippers now offer Camby to the Knicks for Randolph. No need for salaries to match, and Camby has shown that he fits well in a high scoring offense. He only has 2 years left on his contract, so he is cap friendly.
2. Ben Gordon signed and traded to Knicks for Z-bo. Problem is Ben likely wouldn't be happy with a 2 year deal like Duhon was, but maybe they offer him a player option for that year, or the Knicks make a team option, or they structure the deal so his 2010 salary is the lowest of all the years(like Wash did with Arenas.) Z-bo solves the post game problems the Bulls have had, and fits in next to lengthy defensive types like Noah and Thomas
3. Z-bo for Larry hughes (I don't think Chicago would help the Knicks shead salary without it being a killer pro- chicago deal.. so maybe I should stop suggesting it.)
4. Ben Wallace for Z-bo. Why would cleaveland help the Knicks.. well, they still have to convince LBJ to stay right? Minimal upside for Knicks.
5. to Detroit for Rasheed?? Would Joe D try to lift Z-bo up to a new level? Maybe.. For Knicks.. Would be interesting.
6. Houston: Jamal and Z-bo for T-Mac? Pretty crazy, but it works. Maybe throw a 2011 #1 pic?
7. Memphis: For antoine Walker and Hakim Warrick. I'd like to see Warrik get a shot with the Knicks, and AW has 1 year left before a team option.
8. Suns: Shaq for Z-bo and Jefferies. (Need Jefferies to make it work.. probably Malik Rose though. For Knicks.. sallary dump only, and you get shaq in the house for his last 2 years. For Phoenixe, not likely, but they may only have 2 more years of Nash at his best, and Z-bo would fit well with amare at Center.
9. Orlando for Battie, Cook, Redick, and maybe a pic. Orlando needs a 4!
Pickings seem slim now, but will look better at the trade deadline, or next summer.
Trading Curry won't be as hard b/c he makes less, and someone will be willing to take a 2 year chance on him going into next season.
That Clippers Camby pic up just took up a great option.. Maybe Camby gets hurt in training camp and the Knicks capitalize on it!!!
from about 1 month ago
IMO the Knicks should've traded Randolph for essentially a 2nd round pick, the right to keep David Lee, and a $48 million refund. They probably won't get a better deal long-term. In just about any other deal now the Knicks will have to include Lee.
1. Don't know why the Clippers would go through all that trouble to then trade the better player for Randolph, but they still have a scoring void. They can't play Kaman and Camby together because Camby would have to play the 4 for defensive reasons and it would create all kinds of problems. I would love Camby to return home though. Interesting.
2. Won't happen. Bulls think Noah has attitude problems. They can't handle Z-Bo.
3. No reason for the Knicks to take the deal.
4. See 3.
5. D'Antoni can't handle Sheed. I love him to death but that's the facts.
6. Bad deal for NY. Based on history T-Mac would be the next McDyess and be hurt all the time.
7. Warrick isn't worth the trouble. We have Chandler and Gallinari already. Walker can't run.
8. Why would Shaq sign on? Why would Kerr trade him after getting rid of the system that was a problem for him?
9. Hedo Turkoglu.
Curry is actually the harder asset to trade. Not nearly as many teams he fits in with and he does have the heart condition and appears out of shape. Randolph is someone the Knicks should move but its possible Walsh will keep him around and hope to build his value during the year.
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