GT: Knicks v Kings - Wed July 17, 3:30pm

[Juco24]

Rokas had an excellent game yesterday. He looked like a NBA player out there to me. Why isn’t anyone talking about him?

THANK YOU!! His body has transformed from when we last saw him and he reminds me so much of Dragic. I think he's ready to see quality minutes. Personally disliking the Payne signing more and more. Would love to be a fly on the wall and watch our 2 lefty young PGs go at it in practice

[robillionaire]

hes 18 bro lol


everyone hes competing against is 2-7 years older than him

You still hope to see some kind of flash of talent.

Don’t forget we drafted Ntilikina at 18 years old as well. It’s been great to see his development and Dadiet should follow the same path.

Well even with Frank right out of the gate he had physical tools and some defensive plays and instincts where you could hope other parts of his game come around with development. What’s Dadiet supposed to be good at? I could list off the things he looks bad at and it’s every aspect of basketball so it would take a while, plus his motor athleticism and physical profile don’t even look promising to me. Granted it’s only been 3 summer league games

[thebuzzardman]

Forget the offense, looked like one of the best defenders out there.

Yes. His defense was excellent. Plays with high IQ. His body looks NBA ready.

My thoughts as well. I think most are into the new guys but Rokas is closest to Thibs giving him minutes based purely on defense.
Overall he looked solid. But that should be no shock as he’s been playing professionally for years (with men.)

So, here's the thing on Rokas and Kolek, or Rokas vs Kolek.

Rokas looks like the better defender, more physical, at the very least his defense is a year ahead of Koleks.

Would Rokas be ok with coming to the Knicks for a 15 mpg backup role, where he's leaving a losing team with low playing time in Spain, but before he hits that next team in Europe? Would that be worth it to him?

Would the Knicks tell Rokas "Look, we can give you 15 mpg, you'll raise your value, your role might increase if we trade McBride, we may also be able to move you to another team in a year where you will play more" and would that work.

For Kolek, even though he's a bit older than Deuce was, would the Knicks basically G-League him for a year like they did with Deuce, and then promote him when the feel his defense evens out with Rokas, where Rokas is dealt?

Good problem to have.

Also, I think Rokas would look even better if the Knicks had even one center who could make a 10 to 12 foot jumper, since he relies on the P&R a lot. Not that him hitting the roll man isn't there, but it would maximize Rokas.

[DaGawd]

they said rokas was leaning toward returning to europe any way didn’t they

[j4remi]

The most annoying thing about these past three games is that Duane Washington gets so many minutes to force shots and kill offensive flow. Kolek and Rokas were both way more aggressive in this performance, and they were both WAY better as well as most of their teammates. Rokas has the size to be a combo guard, but we've barely seen him paired with Kolek. Wake up Daisuke!

[j4remi]

they said rokas was leaning toward returning to europe any way didn’t they

It sounds like he's close to a deal with a team over there if things don't work out here. But I think this offseason would be the best time for him to come over because he's an FA and not returning to Barcelona.

[Juco24]

Yes. His defense was excellent. Plays with high IQ. His body looks NBA ready.

My thoughts as well. I think most are into the new guys but Rokas is closest to Thibs giving him minutes based purely on defense.
Overall he looked solid. But that should be no shock as he’s been playing professionally for years (with men.)

So, here's the thing on Rokas and Kolek, or Rokas vs Kolek.

Rokas looks like the better defender, more physical, at the very least his defense is a year ahead of Koleks.

Would Rokas be ok with coming to the Knicks for a 15 mpg backup role, where he's leaving a losing team with low playing time in Spain, but before he hits that next team in Europe? Would that be worth it to him?

Would the Knicks tell Rokas "Look, we can give you 15 mpg, you'll raise your value, your role might increase if we trade McBride, we may also be able to move you to another team in a year where you will play more" and would that work.

For Kolek, even though he's a bit older than Deuce was, would the Knicks basically G-League him for a year like they did with Deuce, and then promote him when the feel his defense evens out with Rokas, where Rokas is dealt?

Good problem to have.

Also, I think Rokas would look even better if the Knicks had even one center who could make a 10 to 12 foot jumper, since he relies on the P&R a lot. Not that him hitting the roll man isn't there, but it would maximize Rokas.

Great summary Buzz, especially about the p&r - which again reminds me so much of Drags. And you're right about us not having someone who can maximize that.

It's going to be interesting and I too, give the slight edge to Rokas. Tell me again why we signed Payne?

[FrozenEnvelope]

Didn't catch the game but good to see Kolek be more aggressive offensively. He set up Huaktuah for some easy dunks. Rokas also had a nice game and should def be invited to training camp and see if he can earn a spot.

Anyone complaining about Da Diet needs to chill. He's an infant. Let's see what Thibs and this staff can coach out of him and what practicing against Hart, OG and Mikal does to him. We won't know what we have with this kid for about 2-3 years at the earliest. But he's not Frank. He has skills! You can see it with his handle, shot form and man to man defense.

Not much from my guy Skaps but I've seen enough and would invite him to training camp too.

[Kampuchea]

The success rate of hitting on picks that are “projects” is probably pretty terrible. Just draft someone that shows actual basketball skills.

Dadiet, enjoy playing back in France. Trade him for a second round pick if we can

[thebuzzardman]

My thoughts as well. I think most are into the new guys but Rokas is closest to Thibs giving him minutes based purely on defense.
Overall he looked solid. But that should be no shock as he’s been playing professionally for years (with men.)

So, here's the thing on Rokas and Kolek, or Rokas vs Kolek.

Rokas looks like the better defender, more physical, at the very least his defense is a year ahead of Koleks.

Would Rokas be ok with coming to the Knicks for a 15 mpg backup role, where he's leaving a losing team with low playing time in Spain, but before he hits that next team in Europe? Would that be worth it to him?

Would the Knicks tell Rokas "Look, we can give you 15 mpg, you'll raise your value, your role might increase if we trade McBride, we may also be able to move you to another team in a year where you will play more" and would that work.

For Kolek, even though he's a bit older than Deuce was, would the Knicks basically G-League him for a year like they did with Deuce, and then promote him when the feel his defense evens out with Rokas, where Rokas is dealt?

Good problem to have.

Also, I think Rokas would look even better if the Knicks had even one center who could make a 10 to 12 foot jumper, since he relies on the P&R a lot. Not that him hitting the roll man isn't there, but it would maximize Rokas.

Great summary Buzz, especially about the p&r - which again reminds me so much of Drags. And you're right about us not having someone who can maximize that.

It's going to be interesting and I too, give the slight edge to Rokas. Tell me again why we signed Payne?

Because the Knicks or any other team want that hedge if Rokas or Kolek struggle. Then he's Alec Burks 2nd edition. Also, possibly gives Rokas\Kolek half a season to find their way.
I'd think of Payne as Knicks wanting a proven vet as a deep playoff team, but he can also be Rivers or Burks2

[ScienceOfLosing]

Yes. His defense was excellent. Plays with high IQ. His body looks NBA ready.

My thoughts as well. I think most are into the new guys but Rokas is closest to Thibs giving him minutes based purely on defense.
Overall he looked solid. But that should be no shock as he’s been playing professionally for years (with men.)

So, here's the thing on Rokas and Kolek, or Rokas vs Kolek.

Rokas looks like the better defender, more physical, at the very least his defense is a year ahead of Koleks.

Would Rokas be ok with coming to the Knicks for a 15 mpg backup role, where he's leaving a losing team with low playing time in Spain, but before he hits that next team in Europe? Would that be worth it to him?

Would the Knicks tell Rokas "Look, we can give you 15 mpg, you'll raise your value, your role might increase if we trade McBride, we may also be able to move you to another team in a year where you will play more" and would that work.

For Kolek, even though he's a bit older than Deuce was, would the Knicks basically G-League him for a year like they did with Deuce, and then promote him when the feel his defense evens out with Rokas, where Rokas is dealt?

Good problem to have.

Also, I think Rokas would look even better if the Knicks had even one center who could make a 10 to 12 foot jumper, since he relies on the P&R a lot. Not that him hitting the roll man isn't there, but it would maximize Rokas.

Yeah, I was thinking the same, Rokas to maybe get a chance at backup minutes (Payne there if he fails.)
Kolek to the G league as his defense ain’t close.
Revisit Kolek in a year and then decide on him or Rokas.

Good point on the center (e.g. Kessler.) We would be a more dangerous team in the clutch.

[KnixinSix]

So, here's the thing on Rokas and Kolek, or Rokas vs Kolek.

Rokas looks like the better defender, more physical, at the very least his defense is a year ahead of Koleks.

Would Rokas be ok with coming to the Knicks for a 15 mpg backup role, where he's leaving a losing team with low playing time in Spain, but before he hits that next team in Europe? Would that be worth it to him?

Would the Knicks tell Rokas "Look, we can give you 15 mpg, you'll raise your value, your role might increase if we trade McBride, we may also be able to move you to another team in a year where you will play more" and would that work.

For Kolek, even though he's a bit older than Deuce was, would the Knicks basically G-League him for a year like they did with Deuce, and then promote him when the feel his defense evens out with Rokas, where Rokas is dealt?

Good problem to have.

Also, I think Rokas would look even better if the Knicks had even one center who could make a 10 to 12 foot jumper, since he relies on the P&R a lot. Not that him hitting the roll man isn't there, but it would maximize Rokas.

Great summary Buzz, especially about the p&r - which again reminds me so much of Drags. And you're right about us not having someone who can maximize that.

It's going to be interesting and I too, give the slight edge to Rokas. Tell me again why we signed Payne?

Because the Knicks or any other team want that hedge if Rokas or Kolek struggle. Then he's Alec Burks 2nd edition. Also, possibly gives Rokas\Kolek half a season to find their way.
I'd think of Payne as Knicks wanting a proven vet as a deep playoff team, but he can also be Rivers or Burks2

Exactly. This team is building tremendous depth to florish under mutliple scenarios. Injuries, rookie development curves etc.

[MrDollarBills]

Stone Kold Kolek

[KnixinSix]

My thoughts as well. I think most are into the new guys but Rokas is closest to Thibs giving him minutes based purely on defense.
Overall he looked solid. But that should be no shock as he’s been playing professionally for years (with men.)

So, here's the thing on Rokas and Kolek, or Rokas vs Kolek.

Rokas looks like the better defender, more physical, at the very least his defense is a year ahead of Koleks.

Would Rokas be ok with coming to the Knicks for a 15 mpg backup role, where he's leaving a losing team with low playing time in Spain, but before he hits that next team in Europe? Would that be worth it to him?

Would the Knicks tell Rokas "Look, we can give you 15 mpg, you'll raise your value, your role might increase if we trade McBride, we may also be able to move you to another team in a year where you will play more" and would that work.

For Kolek, even though he's a bit older than Deuce was, would the Knicks basically G-League him for a year like they did with Deuce, and then promote him when the feel his defense evens out with Rokas, where Rokas is dealt?

Good problem to have.

Also, I think Rokas would look even better if the Knicks had even one center who could make a 10 to 12 foot jumper, since he relies on the P&R a lot. Not that him hitting the roll man isn't there, but it would maximize Rokas.

Yeah, I was thinking the same, Rokas to maybe get a chance at backup minutes (Payne there if he fails.)
Kolek to the G league as his defense ain’t close.
Revisit Kolek in a year and then decide on him or Rokas.

Good point on the center (e.g. Kessler.) We would be a more dangerous team in the clutch.

With Brunson and in a Thibs system you are going to want your backup to do 3 main things : ball handle and bring up the ball, set up the offense and defend at a fairly high level or better.

Which guy is that more of now? Rokas or Kolek? Kolek has very high upside as a passer no doubt. But if Rokas can bring the ball up and defend better (at least right now in his development curve) than he may be the more ideal choice for the time being to backup Brunson.

[MrDollarBills]

Rokas showed some hesi action today. He seems able to get off his shot. He seems pretty strong too. From the limited clips it looks like he was working to stay in front of his man. And the pickpocket steals are nice because they show he's tuned in and court aware.

Dude is f'n physically solid bro. I was actually surprised tbh

I'm Team Kolek but most likely he will sit and learn this year. Joku on the other hand might be a good depth piece.

Is there any way that the team can bring him over???

[KnixinSix]

Stone Kold Kolek

Kolek was also a -14. Worst plus minus yesterday

[louisorr]

The Ty that Binds with another Kolek Moment

[sol537]

Rokas showed some hesi action today. He seems able to get off his shot. He seems pretty strong too. From the limited clips it looks like he was working to stay in front of his man. And the pickpocket steals are nice because they show he's tuned in and court aware.

Dude is f'n physically solid bro. I was actually surprised tbh

I'm Team Kolek but most likely he will sit and learn this year. Joku on the other hand might be a good depth piece.

Is there any way that the team can bring him over???

Yes, the team can bring him over if they want. The last two roster spots can go to Precious and Rokas. Rokas can get work in the g-league and then maybe some spot minutes here or there if we trade Deuce at some point and anyone of the core is out for any number of games. Rokas seems to be more of a 2-guard with playmaking skills... kind of like McBride except with different specialties and more size.

[cgmw]

Loving the state of the franchise when the absolutely 100% necessary internet beef is now between Team Kolek and Team Roku.

[GettinitDone]

Read on Twitter

Skapintsev looks like iHart... he can get some offensive rebounds, he can pass some too, and he is learning to make better hustle plays, although his rim protection isn't nearly as good as iHart's yet... but he can definitely shoot (better than iHart), and if he can get this floaters consistently !! I think he'll get a spot esp with Huk looking like a bum

Rokas looked good in this game, but I think Kolek imo is the better NBA style, Thibs style of a player

Skapintsev is 26 years old. He doesn't have much time left to join the Association...I'll say this, he's taken a step up from his play last year in G-League, but that will have to be translated to NBA level...

Who cares bro iHart was 26 when he joined us, at the time he only got 2 offers from Knicks and Clips in that offseason, no other teams wanted him, he might as well have been in SL too... but iHart developed from a role player noone wanted into a $30M player he is today... I think Thibs' system has a way of developing role players on a fast track when they buy in 100%. Skapman has a really good chance.