PG: KNICKS Maul The Grizzly Bears!!!

[NoDopeOnSundays]

They do play at a crazy pace but they turn the ball over a lot and Ja Morant had no interest shooting the ball from range which played right into our hands.

Our 3 pt defense is still our Achilles heal. DEN and LAL are two of the lowest volume 3 pt shooting teams which is typically why we matchup well.

It's the teams that really like to spread us out that we struggle with and play at a crazy pace...because then rotations get sloppy and we get tired.

But we are playing 9 guys in the 1st qtr now...so that is a big improvement from Thibs which will help us later in games and in the future. That is all we were asking to open up the rotation a bit and it seems to have paid off.

all that spead out and sloppy rotation nonsense will be put to bed with the addition of Mitch. Things also tighten up come playoff time not all loosey goose.

Mitch isn't going to help much with teams like BOS or Indy...Precious is a better matchup to go smaller with.

I still don't know if they end up trading Mitch. Precious is playing really well right now and we really could use another bigger wing. Don't really think Shamet at his size is going to cut it vs teams with size.

I think he could help against the Pacers if he's healthy, I think matching up with teams to play their style isn't the move. The Wolves had so much success last year because they were big, stayed big and pounded you for trying that small stuff against them. Against them you put Mitch on Siakam, and KAT on Turner, then on the other end they're at a size disadvantage on the glass.


I don't think they trade him, probably do it in the summer if anything. We only have 9 days till the deadline and he hasn't even started running at full speed yet, the guy is immovable without us having to give up picks. I still don't know why they didn't make a move for Richards.

[KnixinSix]

Just like deeming the team a 1st round exit or 2nd round exit a week ago, it’s the same extreme as saying after last night they can win the chip. As amazing as the knicks have played the last two games just like when they were struggling a week ago, it’s unfair to judge any team based on how they are playing in December or January. The basketball season is a marathon not a sprint, as I’ve said from the get go, be healthy, playing your best ball in april/may. You can’t judge each individual win or loss in the regular season to determine what may or may not happen come playoff time

I have maintained this team is championship caliber with the 3 biggest things standing in the way being:

1. Thibs over taxing the starters
2. Not having the elite rim protecting 5
3. And related to #2, Not defending the 3 ball well enough due to too much over protecting the paint.

Right now #1 looks to be something Thibs is starting to (FINALLY) address. Will he revert back? Hopefully not but a very positive sign last few games.

The 2nd point has been mitigated a bit bc Achiuwa took a while to acclimate after his early injury kept him out until a month or so ago. It takes about a month or so to get in rythym and he looks to be just about all the way back. No doubt that an elite 5 rim protector though getting 20-25 minutes a game wouldn't also help even more too.

#3 is still a bit up and down but with fresher legs the team seems to have better energy and faster reaction to guard the 3 for sure.

This teams record last 36 games is better than almost the entire NBA.

Thunder 29-7
Cavs 27-9
Knicks 26-10
Celtics 24-12

It’s funny juxtaposition to read how bad and dumb Thibs is when we’ve had .720 winning percentage on 59 win pace that would give us the 3rd best record in the league over that stretch with mostly an 8 man rotations over the last 36 games.

Saying Thibs is outright dumb or bad is absolutely not fair. I liken him to Tom Coughlin. Coughlin got his teams always prepared and playing hard. Very good Xs and Os mostly. But Tom used to call injuries cancers and expected guys to ignore them. He had other domineering personailty quirks. The team was good but they became great and won 2 Super Bowls when he changed his stripes and loosened up on some of his blind old school mentalities.

https://youtu.be/8guX2A0LASI?si=Mcs1S8i_NrvmeROl

[MrDollarBills]

I bet some here are more happy that JB and KAT didn't play the in the 4th quarter than the actual win.

I'm confused. Why can't someone be happy for both???

I was quite happy last night

[MrDollarBills]

all that spead out and sloppy rotation nonsense will be put to bed with the addition of Mitch. Things also tighten up come playoff time not all loosey goose.

Mitch isn't going to help much with teams like BOS or Indy...Precious is a better matchup to go smaller with.

I still don't know if they end up trading Mitch. Precious is playing really well right now and we really could use another bigger wing. Don't really think Shamet at his size is going to cut it vs teams with size.

I think he could help against the Pacers if he's healthy, I think matching up with teams to play their style isn't the move. The Wolves had so much success last year because they were big, stayed big and pounded you for trying that small stuff against them. Against them you put Mitch on Siakam, and KAT on Turner, then on the other end they're at a size disadvantage on the glass.


I don't think they trade him, probably do it in the summer if anything. We only have 9 days till the deadline and he hasn't even started running at full speed yet, the guy is immovable without us having to give up picks. I still don't know why they didn't make a move for Richards.

I doubt he gets traded. Hopefully he can be ready by March. Add another wing and this roster is set for the championship push

[mpharris36]

Mitch isn't going to help much with teams like BOS or Indy...Precious is a better matchup to go smaller with.

I still don't know if they end up trading Mitch. Precious is playing really well right now and we really could use another bigger wing. Don't really think Shamet at his size is going to cut it vs teams with size.

I think he could help against the Pacers if he's healthy, I think matching up with teams to play their style isn't the move. The Wolves had so much success last year because they were big, stayed big and pounded you for trying that small stuff against them. Against them you put Mitch on Siakam, and KAT on Turner, then on the other end they're at a size disadvantage on the glass.


I don't think they trade him, probably do it in the summer if anything. We only have 9 days till the deadline and he hasn't even started running at full speed yet, the guy is immovable without us having to give up picks. I still don't know why they didn't make a move for Richards.

I doubt he gets traded. Hopefully he can be ready by March. Add another wing and this roster is set for the championship push

I just don't know how we expect to add another wing...with what outgoing salary?

[Clyde_Style]

Great performance all around by everyone…team win!

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?s=61

Even Ben knows Kolek is the truth

3 assists in 4 minutes is nuts!

Kid is pure hoops logic to the core

[Clyde_Style]

all that spead out and sloppy rotation nonsense will be put to bed with the addition of Mitch. Things also tighten up come playoff time not all loosey goose.

Mitch isn't going to help much with teams like BOS or Indy...Precious is a better matchup to go smaller with.

I still don't know if they end up trading Mitch. Precious is playing really well right now and we really could use another bigger wing. Don't really think Shamet at his size is going to cut it vs teams with size.

I think he could help against the Pacers if he's healthy, I think matching up with teams to play their style isn't the move. The Wolves had so much success last year because they were big, stayed big and pounded you for trying that small stuff against them. Against them you put Mitch on Siakam, and KAT on Turner, then on the other end they're at a size disadvantage on the glass.


I don't think they trade him, probably do it in the summer if anything. We only have 9 days till the deadline and he hasn't even started running at full speed yet, the guy is immovable without us having to give up picks. I still don't know why they didn't make a move for Richards.

Mitch’s value if we face the Cavs would matter too

[The KnicksFix]

Mitch isn't going to help much with teams like BOS or Indy...Precious is a better matchup to go smaller with.

I still don't know if they end up trading Mitch. Precious is playing really well right now and we really could use another bigger wing. Don't really think Shamet at his size is going to cut it vs teams with size.

I think he could help against the Pacers if he's healthy, I think matching up with teams to play their style isn't the move. The Wolves had so much success last year because they were big, stayed big and pounded you for trying that small stuff against them. Against them you put Mitch on Siakam, and KAT on Turner, then on the other end they're at a size disadvantage on the glass.


I don't think they trade him, probably do it in the summer if anything. We only have 9 days till the deadline and he hasn't even started running at full speed yet, the guy is immovable without us having to give up picks. I still don't know why they didn't make a move for Richards.

Mitch’s value if we face the Cavs would matter too

Realistically, its end of January and he’s not sprinting, foot surgery last May, and he’s not ready, will this guy play for us before the season is up?

[KnixinSix]

I think he could help against the Pacers if he's healthy, I think matching up with teams to play their style isn't the move. The Wolves had so much success last year because they were big, stayed big and pounded you for trying that small stuff against them. Against them you put Mitch on Siakam, and KAT on Turner, then on the other end they're at a size disadvantage on the glass.


I don't think they trade him, probably do it in the summer if anything. We only have 9 days till the deadline and he hasn't even started running at full speed yet, the guy is immovable without us having to give up picks. I still don't know why they didn't make a move for Richards.

I doubt he gets traded. Hopefully he can be ready by March. Add another wing and this roster is set for the championship push

I just don't know how we expect to add another wing...with what outgoing salary?

I dont think we have enough ammo to add a major type player (nor do we need to) but a role player who would complement the teams biggest needs is certainly possible.

I would think Kolek has most definitely raised the eyebrows of numerous evaluators from other teams.

McBride is on a fantastic contract for the next 2 and a half years. (I do not prefer to trade him though bc I prefer to hold on to his defense)

Mitch serves as a good salary filler or more if a team thinks he comes back from injury.

Achiuwa has value.

Our 2030 1st round pick is supposedly well thought of as it will be outside our main core's contract windows. We have a couple other 1sts as well.

We have a bunch of 2nd rounders.

I am not saying trade all those things but some combination is most definitely good enough to get a decent player in return.

[Guano]

Ban meLo

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[LFGK]

They do play at a crazy pace but they turn the ball over a lot and Ja Morant had no interest shooting the ball from range which played right into our hands.

Our 3 pt defense is still our Achilles heal. DEN and LAL are two of the lowest volume 3 pt shooting teams which is typically why we matchup well.

It's the teams that really like to spread us out that we struggle with and play at a crazy pace...because then rotations get sloppy and we get tired.

But we are playing 9 guys in the 1st qtr now...so that is a big improvement from Thibs which will help us later in games and in the future. That is all we were asking to open up the rotation a bit and it seems to have paid off.

all that spead out and sloppy rotation nonsense will be put to bed with the addition of Mitch. Things also tighten up come playoff time not all loosey goose.

Mitch isn't going to help much with teams like BOS or Indy...Precious is a better matchup to go smaller with.

I still don't know if they end up trading Mitch. Precious is playing really well right now and we really could use another bigger wing. Don't really think Shamet at his size is going to cut it vs teams with size.

Mitch forsure helps against Indi even against Boston, he would be matched up with KP and if OG/Bridges stay home on their guys knicks will be fine. Lets see in a few days how they matchup w the celtics.

[sol537]

Last few games we've been playing like the championship NYK teams of old 69/71... team defense, unselfish offense, fun winning basketball... Hoping we can keep this up because this was/is the vision.

I'm not trading Precious. I'm extending him on a reasonable deal now (or as soon as we can) and then I'm extending Mikal this off-season. I'll bring Mitch along slowly through March and I'll replace Matt Ryan with TJ Warren as extra bench insurance. I don't expect Warren/Shamet to play too much in the playoffs but they are break in case of emergency type energy guys. Good to have if you're trying to make a deep playoff run.

[mpharris36]

all that spead out and sloppy rotation nonsense will be put to bed with the addition of Mitch. Things also tighten up come playoff time not all loosey goose.

Mitch isn't going to help much with teams like BOS or Indy...Precious is a better matchup to go smaller with.

I still don't know if they end up trading Mitch. Precious is playing really well right now and we really could use another bigger wing. Don't really think Shamet at his size is going to cut it vs teams with size.

Mitch forsure helps against Indi even against Boston, he would be matched up with KP and if OG/Bridges stay home on their guys knicks will be fine. Lets see in a few days how they matchup w the celtics.

]

Mitch has never matched up well against KP because he doesn't want to come out and guard the 3.

Mitch is a very good rim protector and helps protect the paint. But even in the past with Mitch we get lit up by floor spacing 5's with him out there.

[sol537]

Mitch isn't going to help much with teams like BOS or Indy...Precious is a better matchup to go smaller with.

I still don't know if they end up trading Mitch. Precious is playing really well right now and we really could use another bigger wing. Don't really think Shamet at his size is going to cut it vs teams with size.

Mitch forsure helps against Indi even against Boston, he would be matched up with KP and if OG/Bridges stay home on their guys knicks will be fine. Lets see in a few days how they matchup w the celtics.

]

Mitch has never matched up well against KP because he doesn't want to come out and guard the 3.

Mitch is a very good rim protector and helps protect the paint. But even in the past with Mitch we get lit up by floor spacing 5's with him out there.

Mitch against teams like the Cavs and OKC and Houston is very good to have... Mitch against teams like Boston or Indiana (ie 5 out type teams) might not be as good. That's where Precious comes into the picture. Championship teams have answers for all types of opponents.

[MrDollarBills]

I think he could help against the Pacers if he's healthy, I think matching up with teams to play their style isn't the move. The Wolves had so much success last year because they were big, stayed big and pounded you for trying that small stuff against them. Against them you put Mitch on Siakam, and KAT on Turner, then on the other end they're at a size disadvantage on the glass.


I don't think they trade him, probably do it in the summer if anything. We only have 9 days till the deadline and he hasn't even started running at full speed yet, the guy is immovable without us having to give up picks. I still don't know why they didn't make a move for Richards.

I doubt he gets traded. Hopefully he can be ready by March. Add another wing and this roster is set for the championship push

I just don't know how we expect to add another wing...with what outgoing salary?

Isn't TJ Warren eligible to be called up? I saw his name floated the other day

[8516knicks]

1/29 DEN
2/1 LAL
2/3 HOU
2/4@TOR
2/8 BOS
2/11 @IND
2/12 ATL

That's the run up to the ASB. ALL playoff/play-in teams except TOR. B2Bs. Huge test. I want to continue streaking!!!

got Houston/Boston/Indi circled, Houston because everyone has this team as some world beater(like Memphis) and we want payback earlier in the season. Boston because well Boston and Indiana for payback earlier in the season. This will be a good test leading up to the ASB 5-1 4-2 is not out of the question

Yeah DEN and LAL don't play at a crazy pace so we match up pretty well vs them.

HOUS/BOS/IND will be really interesting matchups because of the pace they play at. ATL even on a b2b will be interesting too.

Should be a real good test to gauge where this team is at once we hit the all star break.

i'm getting an admittedly crazy feeling the KNICKs are heading for a June playoff finals series with OKC.

[ctorres]

this would be one hell of a swerve

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[MrDollarBills]

I doubt he gets traded. Hopefully he can be ready by March. Add another wing and this roster is set for the championship push

I just don't know how we expect to add another wing...with what outgoing salary?

I dont think we have enough ammo to add a major type player (nor do we need to) but a role player who would complement the teams biggest needs is certainly possible.

I would think Kolek has most definitely raised the eyebrows of numerous evaluators from other teams.

McBride is on a fantastic contract for the next 2 and a half years. (I do not prefer to trade him though bc I prefer to hold on to his defense)

Mitch serves as a good salary filler or more if a team thinks he comes back from injury.

Achiuwa has value.

Our 2030 1st round pick is supposedly well thought of as it will be outside our main core's contract windows. We have a couple other 1sts as well.

We have a bunch of 2nd rounders.

I am not saying trade all those things but some combination is most definitely good enough to get a decent player in return.

That 2030 pick should not be touched.

I don't think anyone big trade needs to happen. Also, buyout season is coming. Surely we can sign a vet minimum?

[mpharris36]

Mitch forsure helps against Indi even against Boston, he would be matched up with KP and if OG/Bridges stay home on their guys knicks will be fine. Lets see in a few days how they matchup w the celtics.

]

Mitch has never matched up well against KP because he doesn't want to come out and guard the 3.

Mitch is a very good rim protector and helps protect the paint. But even in the past with Mitch we get lit up by floor spacing 5's with him out there.

Mitch against teams like the Cavs and OKC and Houston is very good to have... Mitch against teams like Boston or Indiana (ie 5 out type teams) might not be as good. That's where Precious comes into the picture. Championship teams have answers for all types of opponents.

Mitch is valuable, when healthy...no one is denying that.

I guess the question is can the Knicks rely on his health or is better to break his contract up into 1 or 2 more useful pieces. For example a Boucher and maybe another wing type.

Again just spit balling...not saying anything for certain.

[KnixinSix]

I just don't know how we expect to add another wing...with what outgoing salary?

I dont think we have enough ammo to add a major type player (nor do we need to) but a role player who would complement the teams biggest needs is certainly possible.

I would think Kolek has most definitely raised the eyebrows of numerous evaluators from other teams.

McBride is on a fantastic contract for the next 2 and a half years. (I do not prefer to trade him though bc I prefer to hold on to his defense)

Mitch serves as a good salary filler or more if a team thinks he comes back from injury.

Achiuwa has value.

Our 2030 1st round pick is supposedly well thought of as it will be outside our main core's contract windows. We have a couple other 1sts as well.

We have a bunch of 2nd rounders.

I am not saying trade all those things but some combination is most definitely good enough to get a decent player in return.

That 2030 pick should not be touched.

I don't think anyone big trade needs to happen. Also, buyout season is coming. Surely we can sign a vet minimum?

Would Kessler be worth that pick as a potential ideal fit in a Thibodeau defense? I think so....