5 games in: Biggest early surprises with KAT and Bridges so far

[KnixinSix]

Not necessarily what we expected like KAT being really good from 3 or Bridges playing strong D per se but what you didn’t expect to see but has opened your eyes a bit in KATs and Bridges potential in our system.....

Here's mine:

1.KATs passing. Had no idea it was this good and I think Thibs is designing a system to fully take advantage of it (as we saw last night). We thought we were going to miss IHarts passing from a big, well KAT is even better.

2.KATs tougness offensively.Drives to the hoop vs good defenders, and especially his tough rebounding in traffic and strong putbacks in traffic. He hasnt backed down in this regard and looks anything but soft (at least offensively).

3.Bridges ultra efficient mid range game. I am blown away by how money his turnaround game is. Both the fadeaway jumper and the turnaround jump shots. He is so sudden with those moves and with his long arms and high point release it almost never gets blocked and he is very accurate with that shot. This is a dynamic that will be a huge addition to this offense.

4. BONUS: The elite ball movement with our starters . Looks so so good thus far. I expected it to improve but not quite this much. I loved Randle but sorry that would simply not be the case if Randle was still here pounding the ball into the court for 9 seconds every other possession. That slows everyone down and gets them out of rythym. Ball is like not sticking AT ALL. Sure a few ISOs here and there but not with ball stagnation and ball stopping for more than a few seconds occasionally.

[Wildcat]

52/38/57 (ew, but it'll get better) @ 17 PPG is crazy efficient. It kind of what was expecting from Bridges even before the KAT trade. He's benefitting a lot from being the 3rd option. Defense too hyper focused on KAT and JB that makes me feel like Bridges can score whenever he wants. Loving his cutting, too. Actually, loving the entire team's cutting. I was begging for more of that last year after the Randle injury because scoring just got harder and harder. Easy buckets going to lead to healthier players.

[Context]

Not necessarily what we expected like KAT being really good from 3 or Bridges playing strong D per se but what you didn’t expect to see but has opened your eyes a bit in KATs and Bridges potential in our system.....

Here's mine:

1.KATs passing. Had no idea it was this good and I think Thibs is designing a system to fully take advantage of it (as we saw last night). We thought we were going to miss IHarts passing from a big, well KAT is even better.

2.KATs tougness offensively.Drives to the hoop vs good defenders, and especially his tough rebounding in traffic and strong putbacks in traffic. He hasnt backed down in this regard and looks anything but soft (at least offensively).

3.Bridges ultra efficient mid range game. I am blown away by how money his turnaround game is. Both the fadeaway jumper and the turnaround jump shots. He is so sudden with those moves and with his long arms and high point release it almost never gets blocked and he is very accurate with that shot. This is a dynamic that will be a huge addition to this offense.

4. BONUS: The elite ball movement with our starters . Looks so so good thus far. I expected it to improve but not quite this much. I loved Randle but sorry that would simply not be the case if Randle was still here pounding the ball into the court for 9 seconds every other possession. That slows everyone down and gets them out of rythym. Ball is like not sticking AT ALL. Sure a few ISOs here and there but not with ball stagnation and ball stopping for more than a few seconds occasionally.

I would say nothing outside of Bridges Mid range...When I was scouting and following Cam Thomas- when it came to Bridges I saw a different player. Now, I didnt expect Bridges to be terrible but I didnt expect him to fit at this level- a level that feels perfect!
Nothing else surprises me to be honest...I watched Kat beast for the most part in the play-offs...

[KnixinSix]

Great stuff Wildcat and Context.

More from Thibs.....

“When we work together,” Tom Thibodeau said, “our offense is going to be really good.”

“KAT and his skill set, you have to be up on him,” Thibodeau said. “And then what it does is it opens up the cutting, and the harder we cut, the more we’re going to get easy buckets, we’re going to get open 3s. “And then his willingness to share the ball and make plays for his teammates. And with Jalen, they’re developing really good chemistry off it.”

I wasn't a Randle hater, but he usually wasn't a quick passer. Sometimes, he seemed like a reluctant passer. He'd often pass out of desperation, after he was doubled and had no shot.

I really like how KAT moves the ball.

Karl-Anthony Towns joins Patrick Ewing as the only Knicks to record 100+ PTS & 50+ REB in their first five games with the franchise."


"Most PTS in first five games as a Knick:

130 — Carmelo Anthony
111 — Karl-Anthony Towns"


Towns is now averaging 22.2 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists per contest while shooting 54.9% from the field and 64.7% from the three-point range in five games with the Knicks.

[Context]

Great stuff Wildcat and Context.

More from Thibs.....

“When we work together,” Tom Thibodeau said, “our offense is going to be really good.”

“KAT and his skill set, you have to be up on him,” Thibodeau said. “And then what it does is it opens up the cutting, and the harder we cut, the more we’re going to get easy buckets, we’re going to get open 3s. “And then his willingness to share the ball and make plays for his teammates. And with Jalen, they’re developing really good chemistry off it.”

I wasn't a Randle hater, but he usually wasn't a quick passer. Sometimes, he seemed like a reluctant passer. He'd often pass out of desperation, after he was doubled and had no shot.

I really like how KAT moves the ball.

Karl-Anthony Towns joins Patrick Ewing as the only Knicks to record 100+ PTS & 50+ REB in their first five games with the franchise."


"Most PTS in first five games as a Knick:

130 — Carmelo Anthony
111 — Karl-Anthony Towns"


Towns is now averaging 22.2 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists per contest while shooting 54.9% from the field and 64.7% from the three-point range in five games with the Knicks.

Thanks bro...appreciate the great stuff from you!
I heard Thibs say that yesterday and seeing you post it brings these thoughts to mind...
Every single starter has a history of big shots- big moments. None of these players have a "Big" ego either. Yes Brunson and Kat
can be ball dominant but it's not to the point where they wont share the ball. I just think they have the potential to be the BEST
TEAM because of their unique balance of so many skills and tangibles. I can't wait for game 10 and game 20...Thats when you will see my Knick Bravado rise

[KnixinSix]

Great stuff Wildcat and Context.

More from Thibs.....

“When we work together,” Tom Thibodeau said, “our offense is going to be really good.”

“KAT and his skill set, you have to be up on him,” Thibodeau said. “And then what it does is it opens up the cutting, and the harder we cut, the more we’re going to get easy buckets, we’re going to get open 3s. “And then his willingness to share the ball and make plays for his teammates. And with Jalen, they’re developing really good chemistry off it.”

I wasn't a Randle hater, but he usually wasn't a quick passer. Sometimes, he seemed like a reluctant passer. He'd often pass out of desperation, after he was doubled and had no shot.

I really like how KAT moves the ball.

Karl-Anthony Towns joins Patrick Ewing as the only Knicks to record 100+ PTS & 50+ REB in their first five games with the franchise."


"Most PTS in first five games as a Knick:

130 — Carmelo Anthony
111 — Karl-Anthony Towns"


Towns is now averaging 22.2 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists per contest while shooting 54.9% from the field and 64.7% from the three-point range in five games with the Knicks.

Thanks bro...appreciate the great stuff from you!
I heard Thibs say that yesterday and seeing you post it brings these thoughts to mind...
Every single starter has a history of big shots- big moments. None of these players have a "Big" ego either. Yes Brunson and Kat
can be ball dominant but it's not to the point where they wont share the ball. I just think they have the potential to be the BEST
TEAM because of their unique balance of so many skills and tangibles. I can't wait for game 10 and game 20...Thats when you will see my Knick Bravado rise

That is really it right here. There is really nothing this team is missing except for the times a matchup will call for elite rim protection more often. However even that should be mitigated by the return of Mitch Rob and Precious (or a trade).

I am not being a homer when I say this but I do believe this team NOW has the talent (and eventual team chemistry) to be the best team in the NBA and yes better than the Celtics.

[Context]

Great stuff Wildcat and Context.

More from Thibs.....

“When we work together,” Tom Thibodeau said, “our offense is going to be really good.”

“KAT and his skill set, you have to be up on him,” Thibodeau said. “And then what it does is it opens up the cutting, and the harder we cut, the more we’re going to get easy buckets, we’re going to get open 3s. “And then his willingness to share the ball and make plays for his teammates. And with Jalen, they’re developing really good chemistry off it.”

I wasn't a Randle hater, but he usually wasn't a quick passer. Sometimes, he seemed like a reluctant passer. He'd often pass out of desperation, after he was doubled and had no shot.

I really like how KAT moves the ball.

Karl-Anthony Towns joins Patrick Ewing as the only Knicks to record 100+ PTS & 50+ REB in their first five games with the franchise."


"Most PTS in first five games as a Knick:

130 — Carmelo Anthony
111 — Karl-Anthony Towns"


Towns is now averaging 22.2 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists per contest while shooting 54.9% from the field and 64.7% from the three-point range in five games with the Knicks.

Thanks bro...appreciate the great stuff from you!
I heard Thibs say that yesterday and seeing you post it brings these thoughts to mind...
Every single starter has a history of big shots- big moments. None of these players have a "Big" ego either. Yes Brunson and Kat
can be ball dominant but it's not to the point where they wont share the ball. I just think they have the potential to be the BEST
TEAM because of their unique balance of so many skills and tangibles. I can't wait for game 10 and game 20...Thats when you will see my Knick Bravado rise

That is really it right here. There is really nothing this team is missing except for the times a matchup will call for elite rim protection more often. However even that should be mitigated by the return of Mitch Rob and Precious (or a trade).

I am not being a homer when I say this but I do believe this team NOW has the talent (and eventual team chemistry) to be the best team in the NBA and yes better than the Celtics.

2000%
I think Mitch is watching the games -watching Kat and thinking -I cant wait to get back and do my part. For some reason my
desire to trade Mitch has left me.

[KnixinSix]

Thanks bro...appreciate the great stuff from you!
I heard Thibs say that yesterday and seeing you post it brings these thoughts to mind...
Every single starter has a history of big shots- big moments. None of these players have a "Big" ego either. Yes Brunson and Kat
can be ball dominant but it's not to the point where they wont share the ball. I just think they have the potential to be the BEST
TEAM because of their unique balance of so many skills and tangibles. I can't wait for game 10 and game 20...Thats when you will see my Knick Bravado rise

That is really it right here. There is really nothing this team is missing except for the times a matchup will call for elite rim protection more often. However even that should be mitigated by the return of Mitch Rob and Precious (or a trade).

I am not being a homer when I say this but I do believe this team NOW has the talent (and eventual team chemistry) to be the best team in the NBA and yes better than the Celtics.

2000%
I think Mitch is watching the games -watching Kat and thinking -I cant wait to get back and do my part. For some reason my
desire to trade Mitch has left me.

I love Mitch as a fit for the remaining thing we may need but dang....he just so injury prone. Like Kessler, Richards or Poetl give us more stability from a health standpoint.

Poetl supposedly is available and we have some interesting pieces to give them if they want to go into rebuld mode.

Poetl is 19.5M over next 2 years

Mitchell Robinson(14.3)+ Dadiet (1.8)+ Sims (2.1)+ Payne or Kolek (2.1 or 3M)+ possible draft picks (if it is Payne vs Kolek) for Poetl

-OR-

Mitchell Robinson(14.3)+Precious(6M)+ Dadiet (1.8) and a 1st rd Pick for Poetl (19.5)+ C/PF Bruno Fernando (2.4M)

We have to give more salary than we take back but stay within 10%. Toronto is below 1st apron so they can take up more salary.

Ainge supposedly REALLY likes Dadiet too. We give him something like Dadiet plus some other stuff, that might work.

[spree2kawhi]

Not necessarily what we expected like KAT being really good from 3 or Bridges playing strong D per se but what you didn’t expect to see but has opened your eyes a bit in KATs and Bridges potential in our system.....

Here's mine:

1.KATs passing. Had no idea it was this good and I think Thibs is designing a system to fully take advantage of it (as we saw last night). We thought we were going to miss IHarts passing from a big, well KAT is even better.

2.KATs tougness offensively.Drives to the hoop vs good defenders, and especially his tough rebounding in traffic and strong putbacks in traffic. He hasnt backed down in this regard and looks anything but soft (at least offensively).

3.Bridges ultra efficient mid range game. I am blown away by how money his turnaround game is. Both the fadeaway jumper and the turnaround jump shots. He is so sudden with those moves and with his long arms and high point release it almost never gets blocked and he is very accurate with that shot. This is a dynamic that will be a huge addition to this offense.

4. BONUS: The elite ball movement with our starters . Looks so so good thus far. I expected it to improve but not quite this much. I loved Randle but sorry that would simply not be the case if Randle was still here pounding the ball into the court for 9 seconds every other possession. That slows everyone down and gets them out of rythym. Ball is like not sticking AT ALL. Sure a few ISOs here and there but not with ball stagnation and ball stopping for more than a few seconds occasionally.

But he is soft and Randle averages more assists…

I’ve said it months in advance: he is the more willing and more intelligent passer. The ball doesn’t stick. Plus, he’s a big, big body.

[KnixinSix]

Not necessarily what we expected like KAT being really good from 3 or Bridges playing strong D per se but what you didn’t expect to see but has opened your eyes a bit in KATs and Bridges potential in our system.....

Here's mine:

1.KATs passing. Had no idea it was this good and I think Thibs is designing a system to fully take advantage of it (as we saw last night). We thought we were going to miss IHarts passing from a big, well KAT is even better.

2.KATs tougness offensively.Drives to the hoop vs good defenders, and especially his tough rebounding in traffic and strong putbacks in traffic. He hasnt backed down in this regard and looks anything but soft (at least offensively).

3.Bridges ultra efficient mid range game. I am blown away by how money his turnaround game is. Both the fadeaway jumper and the turnaround jump shots. He is so sudden with those moves and with his long arms and high point release it almost never gets blocked and he is very accurate with that shot. This is a dynamic that will be a huge addition to this offense.

4. BONUS: The elite ball movement with our starters . Looks so so good thus far. I expected it to improve but not quite this much. I loved Randle but sorry that would simply not be the case if Randle was still here pounding the ball into the court for 9 seconds every other possession. That slows everyone down and gets them out of rythym. Ball is like not sticking AT ALL. Sure a few ISOs here and there but not with ball stagnation and ball stopping for more than a few seconds occasionally.

But he is soft and Randle averages more assists…

I’ve said it months in advance: he is the more willing and more intelligent passer. The ball doesn’t stick. Plus, he’s a big, big body.

You and I have been big on the KAT train for awhile now.

[spree2kawhi]

Not necessarily what we expected like KAT being really good from 3 or Bridges playing strong D per se but what you didn’t expect to see but has opened your eyes a bit in KATs and Bridges potential in our system.....

Here's mine:

1.KATs passing. Had no idea it was this good and I think Thibs is designing a system to fully take advantage of it (as we saw last night). We thought we were going to miss IHarts passing from a big, well KAT is even better.

2.KATs tougness offensively.Drives to the hoop vs good defenders, and especially his tough rebounding in traffic and strong putbacks in traffic. He hasnt backed down in this regard and looks anything but soft (at least offensively).

3.Bridges ultra efficient mid range game. I am blown away by how money his turnaround game is. Both the fadeaway jumper and the turnaround jump shots. He is so sudden with those moves and with his long arms and high point release it almost never gets blocked and he is very accurate with that shot. This is a dynamic that will be a huge addition to this offense.

4. BONUS: The elite ball movement with our starters . Looks so so good thus far. I expected it to improve but not quite this much. I loved Randle but sorry that would simply not be the case if Randle was still here pounding the ball into the court for 9 seconds every other possession. That slows everyone down and gets them out of rythym. Ball is like not sticking AT ALL. Sure a few ISOs here and there but not with ball stagnation and ball stopping for more than a few seconds occasionally.

But he is soft and Randle averages more assists…

I’ve said it months in advance: he is the more willing and more intelligent passer. The ball doesn’t stick. Plus, he’s a big, big body.

You and I have been big on the KAT train for awhile now.

Yeah I’m not the least bit surprised. Everybody who wants or wanted to sell Randle as the tougher player is a clown.

This is the team I wanted. It may sound exaggerated, but it is true: I wanted RJ for OG (or Siakam)because of RJ‘s Canadian roots. Then Bridges because of the Villanova connection and the fit with OG was a no-brainer. I remember posting that it was now time to get Bridges literally the night before it went down. I’ve been saying that Minnesota might have to entertain the idea of Randle for KAT for what I believe is more than a year now. They are all perfect fits. The fact that they really followed through on the same thoughts I had from the outside looking in is just unbelievable though and makes this season the most entertaining… possibly ever.

[Context]

That is really it right here. There is really nothing this team is missing except for the times a matchup will call for elite rim protection more often. However even that should be mitigated by the return of Mitch Rob and Precious (or a trade).

I am not being a homer when I say this but I do believe this team NOW has the talent (and eventual team chemistry) to be the best team in the NBA and yes better than the Celtics.

2000%
I think Mitch is watching the games -watching Kat and thinking -I cant wait to get back and do my part. For some reason my
desire to trade Mitch has left me.

I love Mitch as a fit for the remaining thing we may need but dang....he just so injury prone. Like Kessler, Richards or Poetl give us more stability from a health standpoint.

Poetl supposedly is available and we have some interesting pieces to give them if they want to go into rebuld mode.

Poetl is 19.5M over next 2 years

Mitchell Robinson(14.3)+ Dadiet (1.8)+ Sims (2.1)+ Payne or Kolek (2.1 or 3M)+ possible draft picks (if it is Payne vs Kolek) for Poetl

-OR-

Mitchell Robinson(14.3)+Precious(6M)+ Dadiet (1.8) and a 1st rd Pick for Poetl (19.5)+ C/PF Bruno Fernando (2.4M)

We have to give more salary than we take back but stay within 10%. Toronto is below 1st apron so they can take up more salary.

Ainge supposedly REALLY likes Dadiet too. We give him something like Dadiet plus some other stuff, that might work.

What has always had my attention with Mitch was his maturity and it doesnt seem like he's grown...I dont think any of the centers
you mentioned we can get. Now - I didnt think we could get MIkal(even with the package we got him for) so I wont doubt the Don...
My point is... I think Mitch is here to stay -especially this season. I think if Mitch CAN STAY HEALTHY he can help us win a chip this year. We know thats a big IF but I dont think he can be part of a trade that will net us the center we need to win a chip this year...

As far as Payne in a deal- I dont think you can find a PG vet like him thats available...His role may seem minor to some but for our
situation- he's invaluable IMO...

[Context]

But he is soft and Randle averages more assists…

I’ve said it months in advance: he is the more willing and more intelligent passer. The ball doesn’t stick. Plus, he’s a big, big body.

You and I have been big on the KAT train for awhile now.

Yeah I’m not the least bit surprised. Everybody who wants or wanted to sell Randle as the tougher player is a clown.

This is the team I wanted. It may sound exaggerated, but it is true: I wanted RJ for OG (or Siakam)because of RJ‘s Canadian roots. Then Bridges because of the Villanova connection and the fit with OG was a no-brainer. I remember posting that it was now time to get Bridges literally the night before it went down. I’ve been saying that Minnesota might have to entertain the idea of Randle for KAT for what I believe is more than a year now. They are all perfect fits. The fact that they really followed through on the same thoughts I had from the outside looking in is just unbelievable though and makes this season the most entertaining… possibly ever.

I cant speak on Randle I didnt see him enough...
As far as fit...this might be the best fit Knick team I've seen...the 20th game cant come soon enough...

[sol537]

I’m still worried about OKC and Boston. Both teams have stellar defense that will slow us but then both teams have tons of offensive weapons like us. I’m curious to see how our games against both teams go once we have our footing. I’m not worried about any other team all that much.

[KnixinSix]

But he is soft and Randle averages more assists…

I’ve said it months in advance: he is the more willing and more intelligent passer. The ball doesn’t stick. Plus, he’s a big, big body.

You and I have been big on the KAT train for awhile now.

Yeah I’m not the least bit surprised. Everybody who wants or wanted to sell Randle as the tougher player is a clown.

This is the team I wanted. It may sound exaggerated, but it is true: I wanted RJ for OG (or Siakam)because of RJ‘s Canadian roots. Then Bridges because of the Villanova connection and the fit with OG was a no-brainer. I remember posting that it was now time to get Bridges literally the night before it went down. I’ve been saying that Minnesota might have to entertain the idea of Randle for KAT for what I believe is more than a year now. They are all perfect fits. The fact that they really followed through on the same thoughts I had from the outside looking in is just unbelievable though and makes this season the most entertaining… possibly ever.

Yea I hear you . We both have been touting a bunch of similar things for a while despite some thinking it would never happen.

There were basically 5 main guys over last few years that I believed the Knicks had decent to high level interest (and that I thought we might be able to get)

Those 5 were:

KAT
Mitchell
OG
Bridges
And Murray

With Murray and Mitchell it was more a guy to play off Brunson and take pressure off him constantly being beat up taking the ball up court and allowing him to play off ball a little more. The interest was clear for those 2 but agreement on cost for trade never materialized.

Well we ended up with the other 3!

Amazing.

KAT will potentially be phenomenal for us and his floor should still be a better fitting piece overall than the defensively deficient and playoff bumbling Randle.

And I don't hate Randle either I just think KAT is a much better fit next to Brunson. It will also allow Brunson to play more off ball and get less beat up like we saw last night.

[Context]

I’m still worried about OKC and Boston. Both teams have stellar defense that will slow us but then both teams have tons of offensive weapons like us. I’m curious to see how our games against both teams go once we have our footing. I’m not worried about any other team all that much.

I want to see the Knicks vs Boston after the Knicks cement their chemistry...
As far as the OKC...there are a lot of teams in the west they have to beat so no point in worrying or thinking about a specific team in the west...

[KnixinSix]

I’m still worried about OKC and Boston. Both teams have stellar defense that will slow us but then both teams have tons of offensive weapons like us. I’m curious to see how our games against both teams go once we have our footing. I’m not worried about any other team all that much.

Yes I agree both those teams are potential powerhouses too. But I like our mix of guys who are squarely in the beginning of their prime (5+ years of NBA development) and also have playoff experience vs the younger and less playoff tested Thunder squad.

Vs Celts , I like that we have 3-4 elite defenders that can play Tatum and Brown. And playoff Brunson might be the best player on either squad.

[KnixinSix]

2000%
I think Mitch is watching the games -watching Kat and thinking -I cant wait to get back and do my part. For some reason my
desire to trade Mitch has left me.

I love Mitch as a fit for the remaining thing we may need but dang....he just so injury prone. Like Kessler, Richards or Poetl give us more stability from a health standpoint.

Poetl supposedly is available and we have some interesting pieces to give them if they want to go into rebuld mode.

Poetl is 19.5M over next 2 years

Mitchell Robinson(14.3)+ Dadiet (1.8)+ Sims (2.1)+ Payne or Kolek (2.1 or 3M)+ possible draft picks (if it is Payne vs Kolek) for Poetl

-OR-

Mitchell Robinson(14.3)+Precious(6M)+ Dadiet (1.8) and a 1st rd Pick for Poetl (19.5)+ C/PF Bruno Fernando (2.4M)

We have to give more salary than we take back but stay within 10%. Toronto is below 1st apron so they can take up more salary.

Ainge supposedly REALLY likes Dadiet too. We give him something like Dadiet plus some other stuff, that might work.

What has always had my attention with Mitch was his maturity and it doesnt seem like he's grown...I dont think any of the centers
you mentioned we can get. Now - I didnt think we could get MIkal(even with the package we got him for) so I wont doubt the Don...
My point is... I think Mitch is here to stay -especially this season. I think if Mitch CAN STAY HEALTHY he can help us win a chip this year. We know thats a big IF but I dont think he can be part of a trade that will net us the center we need to win a chip this year...

As far as Payne in a deal- I dont think you can find a PG vet like him thats available...His role may seem minor to some but for our
situation- he's invaluable IMO...

I really , really like the 2nd option Poetl trade above. A championship team usually wants to rely on as little unbattle tested rookie contributors as possible. Too much nuance in the game until you get at least 4 years in unless you are an absolute stud like LeBron or MJ. Which is why I don't mind giving up Dadiet or Kolek if it means getting a guy like Poetl which gives us a 29 year old veteran who is not too injury prone and plays a very solid Center (with more offense and passing and less injury prone than Robinson)

[K_ick_God]

Mikal a smart and patient player. Karl just better and more well rounded.

[Besart19]

Mikal a smart and patient player. Karl just better and more well rounded.

Hart - Rodman
Towns - Kukoc
Anunoby - Pippen
Bridges - Jordan
Brunson - Harper

On the defensive end… on offense Brunson is our Jordan and Hart/Bridges our Pippen… plus Towns is more talented that all champs Bulls bigs combined