Things I learned from Summer League Interviews

[Smitty731]

Smitty, Great post! Thanks for sharing info we would never get from the beat writers. I agree w/Baker, you could see he had basketball "smarts" even during the first 2 games where he struggled. Plumlee supposedly has a full guarantee, did they say anything about him going forward? Seems like he needs D-League seasoning & is already 24. And,lastly,did they make any comments on Randle? He seems to be someone who would be a good fit w/the second team,given his quickness & shooting ability. Thanks again for sharing this info!

No one from the Knicks is here today because they aren't playing. Well a scout or two, but they are busy most of the time.

I asked about Plumlee yesterday and they said they like the depth he can bring, but that he needs a lot of weight room work and probably some D-League experience.

That went off in to a little tangent (I think to get out of answering any more questions) about how important is to have the D-League team in Westchester.

On Randle, not much. Just that they like how hard he competes and his speed.

really plumlee seems pretty well built. It would probably be more helpful to get him in the medieval torture chamber to stretch those t-rex arms out

He does until you see him up close next to other real NBA guys. He's got a good frame though, so plenty of room to add weight.

[magnumt]

If you see them tomorrow can you ask them about vets and former Knicks like David Lee?

--Mags

[Capn'O]

Now we all got questions

I'm curious if they'd be a little more candid about how they viewed Phil's first year now that it's in the rear view mirror. The brass talked playoffs and then promptly gutted the team. How cognizant they were about the quality of the team was a topic of furious debate here.

[Smitty731]

I'll see what I can do, but a lot of the team's higher ups have pulled out already. The last day of Summer League is really more for the international coaches, scouts and GMs who are here to look at guys they want to sign. The NBA guys have already made their decisions for the most part.

[Blockwatcher]

More importantly smitty731... Were you totally freaked out when you entered our board and were bombarded by Ron Baker avi and sigs?

[KnicksFTW]

Is Rambis at the Summer League? My guess was that it was him that made the Jerian comment lol

[Johnny Hoops]

wow, really fantastic info man. much appreciated.

Curious about some things:

1. did they mention anything about Noah mentoring KP and his attitude hopefully rubbing off a little?
2. does Phil realize that he reached for Grant, or was that someone else saying that?
3. what did they like so much about Galloway? cause he tailed off pretty hard at the end last year.
4. did they say if they see Baker as a PG or SG?

again, thanks so much for posting this. awesome insights.

1. Not really anything that specific. Just in general his attitude and defense are welcome additions.

2. It wasn't from Phil on Grant.

3. They just love his attitude and how he kind of came from out of nowhere to become a rotation player.

4. Both. More PG than SG, but they think he can play off the ball because of ability to shoot.

#4 would make some sense in terms of us potentially adding Sasha.

Rose/Jennings/Baker
Lee/Holliday/Sasha

Me personally -- I expect Baker on the Knick roster and getting some time this year but I could be way off in my Baker Love-fest.
I had said I thought he would play some big PG in the NBA and was told I was a fool. Then having watched him in summer league I was thinking he didn't look good as a PG (maybe I was a fool) but maybe we will see him play both positions depending. I know one thing -- he will be one of our better defenders if he makes the squad.

[BadNewsBarnes]

4. Both. More PG than SG, but they think he can play off the ball because of ability to shoot.

Since it has been mentioned numerous times, Hornacek likes having two 1s in the back court to suit his offense. Although Baker is a 2, the Knicks gave him some reps as a 1 in the SL to see if he could handle the position. He didn't do all that bad to be honest.

[louieOrr]

See, this is what real talk , unbiased , non sensationalized reporting looks like.

Well done Good Sir! Thank You

[Smitty731]

Hey guys,

Most of the main Knicks guys were cleared out, but I had a chance to talk with a couple of people today to close out some thoughts from Summer League

I asked about Baker again:

"Love everything he did for us this week. If some Euro club doesn't give him a massive offer, we'll bring him to camp for sure."

I asked if Baker has Euro offers:

"He does, but his preference is to go to training camp and see if he can make an NBA roster."

I asked about the team jelling with at least 8 new players:

"Training camp will be huge for us. Melo, Jo and Derrick already told the guys they want them in NY by late August, to start playing together. We've got a lot of work to do, but everyone is ready to go."

I followed up on that with Melo playing in the Olympics:

"Our understanding is that his Olympic minutes will be somewhat limited. He's like Kidd or Kobe were the last time they played. The veteran voice. We're supportive, but we don't want him pushing himself too far."

My last one was following up on Porzingis and plans for the rest of the summer:

"We want him to go somewhere that he can relax, hit the weights and eat a ton. (laughter) He'll be back in NY working before we know it and we'll have to boot him from the gym. Maybe we can get Melo to take him to Rio! (laughter)"

So, nothing too big, but I wanted to close the loop from before.

Also, thank you all so much for the interest and all the kind words. I appreciate it more than you could ever know!

[Capn'O]

^Right back atcha. These insights were much appreciated. Best of luck.