Roger Mason

[Luv those Knicks]

It's cool to read up on the guy, and mods, feel free to delete the other mason thread, I didn't see this one. (my bad)


Not that you guys care about the Knicks much, but SG a bit of an opening for us this year. We're pretty well stocked in other positions, but while Mason may not be much, he might fit our team perfectly.


C: (and who knows who starts), but Turiaf / Russian big Mozgov / Jerome Jordan (unless he gets cut) / Eddy Curry who may not play, and Amare will probably play some center even if Dantoni's telling everyone he's our PF and Antony Randolph could slide up in here some too.


PF: Amare / Antony Randolph and Gallinari played as much PF as SF last year.

SF: Gallinari / Chandler


PG: Felton / Tony Douglas


SG: This is where it gets interesting.

Many Knickfans have Chandler as our starting SG and he's played SG before, even though he's kinda big and not nearly enough of a shooter. I think, Chandler will come off the bench and Chandler, because of his contract status and NYK's desire to retain room for a max deal next year, is a guy we'll probably trade.

Azubuike could be our starting SG, but his recovery from surgury and what he has left is a question. He could play some SF too.

Bill Walker played really well last year for us, but that may have been a fluke. He had a weak summer league and he has a bad knee. He lost 25 lbs over the off-season to try to put less pressure on his knee and how that affects his game isn't certain, but if summer league is any determination, he's going to take a step or two backwards this year.

Draft Pick Fields - this guy impressed in the summer league and he could be a sleeper, but he's still a rookie.

Draft pick Rautins - a 3 pt specialist who needs to develop other aspects of his game. If we go by his summer league performance - he hasn't made any progress yet. It's not even clear at this point if he makes the team. I Love his shot, but he's not ready for the big show.


and that leaves Roger Mason who could win the job simply because nobody else gets it done. Dantoni likes to plant a spot up shooter behind the 3 pt line and he did it last year, at times, with Gallo, who's really better working around the ball than he his sitting behind the 3 pt line, and he even did it with Chandler, who shot 27% from 3 last year and who's too good in the post and too bad a shot to just sit behind the 3 pt line.

Mason could actually end up starting for us. Whether he keeps the job or whether Azubuike takes it from him, or 2nd round pick fields or last year's surprise Bill Walker take it - time will tell. But Mason has an opportunity here. It'll be interesting to see what he does with it.


anyway - sorry for the knick post on the spurs board, even if it's Roger Mason related.

[Donald Kaufman]

Felton? As in Raymond Felton, former Bobcat? When did this happen?

Anyway, I think Mason could do very well in NY. He requested a trade before the deadline but nothing happened (obviously). He could start, definitely. Like I said above, I think he's better than what he showed us last season. Some guys just don't fit the system. I remember when we signed him after a stint as a Wizard, Arenas was pissed.

[co_laper]

You didn't know the Knicks signed Felton? I'm so disappointed in you...

Well, I will agree that Mason might have his career year with the Knicks and that the things that I listed (Shot selection, playing backup PG, clutch, and character) aren't things that should be a problem with NY.

I mean, if there's an offense where Mason can just launch 3 pointers no matter the situation, it's in D'Antoni's system. I don't think he'll be counted on playing backup PG much unless there's an injury. Character, even if he sulks, he's only on a one year contract and can be released. Plus, it's quite common to have a Knick asking for trade and such. Big deal in SA, but not in NY. Clutch shooting, hell, I doubt he'll have a buzzer beater this year with NY.

The biggest thing he got going for him is that he'll be able to play free offensively in NY and that his shooting is needed.

BTW, the difference with Mason and Finley is this, Finley is able to play that Reggie Miller type offense thing. I have no idea what it's called in basketball plays. Basically you get screens from your bigs to set yourself free for an open midrange jumper. Peja and Reggie used to do that alot. Finley got that alot and that's kinda what I think James Anderson will get this year. Mason can't do that. Mason can shoot, but he's not exactly a midrange jumpshooter. He's more of a 3 point shooter. He's more like a Brent Barry, without the ballhandling and passing skills. Plus, Finley was old and slow, but he was taller and stronger. That allows him to play SF or guard SFs. Mason can't guard SGs, definitely not PGs, and absolutely incapable of guarding SFs.