PG Thread: Luka Nation can't stop the tank, but Fiz a clown for caving in

[Adelheid]

The NBA should just go for a true randomization method. This method is still bad IMO. Still promotes even more tanking, dont y'all think?

[DOT]

The NBA should just go for a true randomization method. This method is still bad IMO. Still promotes even more tanking, dont y'all think?

I keep bringing it up, but the wheel method is the best way to combat tanking

How it works is, you pick in each spot in the draft once during a 30 year time frame

So the team that picks 1st this year will not have the 1st pick again until 2049

That sounds bad when you frame it that way, but you also only get the 30th pick once between now and 2049 as well, and it doesn't go up 1st this year, 2nd next year, 3rd year after, it's more like 1st, then 30th, then 11th, then 23rd, then 5th etc (I'm not sure exactly, but something like that)

Then it's balanced out mathematically so that once every decade you get a top 3 pick, once every 5 years you're in the top 6, and every 3rd year you're picking in the top 10

Prevents tanking cause you can't change your draft position, but you really have to nail your picks cause you won't get another chance at them for a long time. It's a good balance imo

[Capn'O]

The NBA should just go for a true randomization method. This method is still bad IMO. Still promotes even more tanking, dont y'all think?

Then the 13 and 14 slots become the most desirable if all spots are even. Teams will deliberately fight to miss the playoffs. The economics is driving the tanks. Cheaper labor, like every other industry. Until that changes, it will continue in some form.

[Capn'O]

KDot - yeah, the wheel is the one method I've heard other than economic ones that actually stops tanking.

[NYKAL]

I'm no coach apologist, but I will say this. This is the wrong year to be calling for a coach's head.

No one is calling for his head. They are pointing out that while lots of losses come with playing the youth (good thing), Fiz may also sort of not be that good of a coach (eventually not a good thing)

The Knicks are last in assists per game and last in true shooting percentage. They're not passing and compounding it by taking bad shots. That's a direct reflection on coaching. If they're lucky enough to get Zion you can't be running this AAU BS offense.

you have shoot first guys playing the point and to make matters worse a bunch of poor shooters who "can't" convert good passes into assists anyway. The one guy who isn't shoot 1st, can make the good pass but, doesn't really run an offense. Anyone expecting decent assist numbers might as well stick their head in the sand. They would come up with the same result. We need a point guard more than anything else.

[2010]

Spoiler:

David Fizdale put me at ease last week pointing to the future and saying that Enes Kanter didn't fit the brand of basketball that was intended for the future of the team. It was the type of flex that we hadn't seen and I figured that was that. But within a week Kanter was back out there as a bad deficit only got worse. Oh you want to hear about the game? The Knicks lost by 24 points to the Mavericks 90-114; their defense which had shown some signs of improvement was pushover status again; and the offense had positively no flow to it. If not for some solid play out of the rookies, this game would have been unwatchable. Which brings me back to Fiz...the selfishness that you recognized recently, the poor fitting pieces that you acknowledged don't fit the play style you want to play and a culture where a player can get rewarded for crying to the media and refusing to be part of the team if he can't play...it's all circling back again. Here's one thing that you don't want to be in NY, soft and that's what Fizdale looked like to me last night. Let's get to some catharsis:

Burke: Trey Burke's 16 point 3 assist performance was marred by Dennis Smith Jr's triple double and the lack of fluid offense. Burke played 32 minutes as the primary ball handler in a game where the Knicks only scored 90 points and isolation basketball dominated. The 7/14 from the field is nice, just 1 TO is good too but he had too many possessions that fell into old, bad habits of pounding the rock. He did do well to take advantage of a subpar defender for points, but the lack of creation and ball movement started at the top of the key in this one.

THJ: Tim Hardaway Jr's promising run of play hit a self-constructed brick wall in this one. Hardaway got away from everything that's been working for him in recent games in route to a line of 6 points, 3 assists and 3 rebounds on 2/11 shooting and 1/5 from three over 28 minutes. The aggressive trips to the basket were gone which meant just one FTA; impatience about getting his shots up meant shot selection was bad; and on defense we got to watch Wes Mathews knock down 5/9 three pointers while rocking a Cobra Kai headband that just made it more embarrassing. If the Knicks gave Allonzo Trier ALL of Timmy's minutes, I'd be completely fine with Fizdale's decision.

Knox: Aggressive Knox was a sight to see last night, but settling for jumpers Knox peaked out a little too often on a night that the three's refused to fall. Knox put up 17 points and 5 rebounds on 6/16 shooting from the field and 1/6 from three. So we've got a 5/10 performance inside the arc and also a team leading 5 FTA's. I like that Knox can pull it from anywhere or drive on you and I love that he salvaged his scoring by being aggressive. But for now that jumper is going to be the difference between his high quality games and the ones that just show promise.

Lance: It was a very Lance Thomas performance. What I mean by that is he played 16 minutes for just 5 points and 1 rebound but was typically only the third or fourth most frustrating player on the floor to watch.

Vonleh: So the size issue at Center pops up once in awhile for Noah Vonleh and it did in this game. Jordan had moments where he just looked to big. This may have tied in to Vonleh's low 14 minutes out there for 2 points and 5 boards on 1/3 shooting. Here's my problem with the cut into his minutes. If anyone has truly earned their playing time while sitting on an expiring contract, it's this guy. Even if you dislike his game, showcasing him a week out from the deadline just makes sense. He wasn't good in this game but he actually does deserve better as opposed to certain cry babies.

Allen: Kadeem Allen is the first PG we have that looks like he won't turn in uneven performances nightly. Part of that is just that he doesn't do too much offensively and puts in a good effort defensively, it's nothing special right now but it's refreshing to see. The newcomer posted 6 points,3 assists and 2 rebounds in 18 minutes on 1/2 shooting with 4 trips to the free throw line. Allen's defense was a sight for sore eyes spelling the starters and overall he looks like a serviceable player. Honestly when Frank is back, I'd go Frank and Allen as the PG rotation while living with the results. Allen's positive plus/minus over 18 minutes in a game the Knicks lost by 24 points isn't something to gas up but it warrants mentioning too.

Trier: Allonzo Trier made the most of his touches and had a pretty solid performance although his usual blemishes stuck around. Zo put up 11 points, 4 boards and 2 assists over 19 minutes of play while shooting 3/5 from the field and 5/5 from the free throw line. Scoring more than 2 points per shot attempt is pretty impressive; I shouted out Allen's +1 in a 24 point loss but Trier played a minute longer and put up a +5 which is kind of astounding; and while he only clocked assists we got more glimpses of the two-man game that Iso-Zo and Mitchell Robinson have developed. On the negative end, Trier's passing creativity is still fairly exclusive to Mitch without rewarding wings nearly as much and some defensive lapses are just to be expected. But this was a good performance overall.

Dotson: Damyean Dotson's offense has cooled off quite a bit lately, he's shot better than 40% just once in the past six games. Last night was another tough one going 2/7 from the field to put up 5 points and 2 rebounds in 20 minutes. Fiz gets props for the fact that in spite of shooting struggles, Dot has played 20 minutes or more consistently regardless and that comes down to his contributions as a defensive player, off ball mover and willing passer. The team tends to just move better while Dotson is out there. That said, his upside looks a lot more promising when he's in a rhythm and canning his jumpers. Some combination of bad luck, fatigue and less touches has him trying to find that rhythm and get back to peak play.

Mario: Mario Hezonja has been one of the only consistent bright spots in recent play. Mario went 4/8 to pump in 13 points, 2 rebounds, an assist and 2 steals over 32 minutes of play. The stats are fairly pedestrian but the effort is just strong. Hezonja's decision making has come miles from the beginning of the season and while he's still not a positive sum defender, the improvements on that end are also tangible. Part of this is that he had no where to go but up from his early season struggles but another part of this is just a player looking much more comfortable in the system he's a part of and the units that he's surrounded by. I think 30+ minutes is probably too much still, but I like what I'm seeing and do think he's playing himself into a more consistent role within the rotation.

Mitch: Thank you Mitchell Robinson for making these games digestable enough that I can sit down and write recaps. Mitch was 2/2 for 4 points, 7 boards and 4 blocks in 24 minutes; the most he's played since returning from injury and fourth most he's been out there all season. It seems like the Trier lob threat has finally woken everyone else up to the fact that they literally just have to throw the ball up high and toward the paint for a chance at an assist while Mitch is playing. The ball doesn't go into the air without Robinson trying to get those mitts on it. The shot blocking and mobility on display has been discussed all too much but let me go a step further and say that I see Rudy Gobert upside here. But there are flaws to mention. A lob threat isn't as big a problem if he misses his FT's and Mitch was 0/4 from the line. Robinson also fumbled some passes that allowed defenders to get to him before he could rise and finish. I also think the weight room will have a tangible effect on Robinson's ability to finish through contact and get and-ones where the free throw is a bonus. But man...If you're only watching Knicks games in chunks to maintain sanity then start when Mitch gets on the floor and stop when he leaves.

Kanter: From pouting on the sideline; to demanding a trade if he can't play; to publicly airing out Fizdale and the organization; to NYKTerryandTray tweeting from the game that Kanter SAT OUT WARM-UPs; to goading fans into chanting for him; to kissing the logo; to air balling his first shot; to the Knicks deficit only getting worse with him out there....everything about Enes Kanter is phony and self-serving. That goes right down to the way that he plays basketball every night out. He is the embodiment of fake hustle. I have nothing to say about how he played last night, get him off this roster. You opted into this for the paycheck. You show no support for your teammates if you're not getting your numbers. Don't disrespect the arena or our legends by pretending to care. Kanter's a fraud.

Fizdale: I had to use mouthwash and hand sanitizer because I said and typed Coach Fizdale last week only to watch him give in to Kanter, some beat writers and Dirk Nowitzki fans last night. If Fizdale can't keep a subpar player on an expiring contract under control, why would I trust him to keep things in order with a top five pick, KP and potentially another max FA added into the mix? I'd much rather have watched Vonleh at least play defense than Kanter lumber around and the choice to give in to a malcontent just starts looking like a microcosm of never benching players that are forcing their own offense or playing lazy defense. All of my skepticism is back and stronger than ever after a feel-good week where I finally saw our coach putting his foot down only to have Marc Gasol flashbacks.

I think Fizdale scared of another Gasol situation. He doesn't want to earn a reputation for not getting along with bigs/foreign players etc.

He from South Central LA. He def not pussy. I just think we won't see him coach for real or handle dudes the way his personality really is until he gets more separation from that Gasol situation (it's still fairly recent) and he gets a better roster earning more wins and more clout.

But if you examine his history, even LeBron and Wade said he earned their respect as veterans while he was an assistant cuz he wasn't afraid to tell them when their schit stink! He was the guy Erik Spoelstra would sic on the players or send to get on their asses.

[2010]

You guys seen Fizdale's reaction to hearing about Kanter kissing the court?

Watch on YouTube

2:30

Replying to the video and not you GEO but I really don't see anything wrong with what Fiz said or his rationale for playing Kanter. The man is keeping his word.

If anything he is keeping his word despite all the antics from Kancer, him calling him out through the media, and now kissing the logo in an effort to show him up. Where Kancer is acting selfish and unprofessional, Fiz is maintaining his professionalism and coaching him the exact same way he said he would when he communicated with him that he'd no longer be in the regular rotation.

[cuyankees]

Spoiler:

David Fizdale put me at ease last week pointing to the future and saying that Enes Kanter didn't fit the brand of basketball that was intended for the future of the team. It was the type of flex that we hadn't seen and I figured that was that. But within a week Kanter was back out there as a bad deficit only got worse. Oh you want to hear about the game? The Knicks lost by 24 points to the Mavericks 90-114; their defense which had shown some signs of improvement was pushover status again; and the offense had positively no flow to it. If not for some solid play out of the rookies, this game would have been unwatchable. Which brings me back to Fiz...the selfishness that you recognized recently, the poor fitting pieces that you acknowledged don't fit the play style you want to play and a culture where a player can get rewarded for crying to the media and refusing to be part of the team if he can't play...it's all circling back again. Here's one thing that you don't want to be in NY, soft and that's what Fizdale looked like to me last night. Let's get to some catharsis:

Burke: Trey Burke's 16 point 3 assist performance was marred by Dennis Smith Jr's triple double and the lack of fluid offense. Burke played 32 minutes as the primary ball handler in a game where the Knicks only scored 90 points and isolation basketball dominated. The 7/14 from the field is nice, just 1 TO is good too but he had too many possessions that fell into old, bad habits of pounding the rock. He did do well to take advantage of a subpar defender for points, but the lack of creation and ball movement started at the top of the key in this one.

THJ: Tim Hardaway Jr's promising run of play hit a self-constructed brick wall in this one. Hardaway got away from everything that's been working for him in recent games in route to a line of 6 points, 3 assists and 3 rebounds on 2/11 shooting and 1/5 from three over 28 minutes. The aggressive trips to the basket were gone which meant just one FTA; impatience about getting his shots up meant shot selection was bad; and on defense we got to watch Wes Mathews knock down 5/9 three pointers while rocking a Cobra Kai headband that just made it more embarrassing. If the Knicks gave Allonzo Trier ALL of Timmy's minutes, I'd be completely fine with Fizdale's decision.

Knox: Aggressive Knox was a sight to see last night, but settling for jumpers Knox peaked out a little too often on a night that the three's refused to fall. Knox put up 17 points and 5 rebounds on 6/16 shooting from the field and 1/6 from three. So we've got a 5/10 performance inside the arc and also a team leading 5 FTA's. I like that Knox can pull it from anywhere or drive on you and I love that he salvaged his scoring by being aggressive. But for now that jumper is going to be the difference between his high quality games and the ones that just show promise.

Lance: It was a very Lance Thomas performance. What I mean by that is he played 16 minutes for just 5 points and 1 rebound but was typically only the third or fourth most frustrating player on the floor to watch.

Vonleh: So the size issue at Center pops up once in awhile for Noah Vonleh and it did in this game. Jordan had moments where he just looked to big. This may have tied in to Vonleh's low 14 minutes out there for 2 points and 5 boards on 1/3 shooting. Here's my problem with the cut into his minutes. If anyone has truly earned their playing time while sitting on an expiring contract, it's this guy. Even if you dislike his game, showcasing him a week out from the deadline just makes sense. He wasn't good in this game but he actually does deserve better as opposed to certain cry babies.

Allen: Kadeem Allen is the first PG we have that looks like he won't turn in uneven performances nightly. Part of that is just that he doesn't do too much offensively and puts in a good effort defensively, it's nothing special right now but it's refreshing to see. The newcomer posted 6 points,3 assists and 2 rebounds in 18 minutes on 1/2 shooting with 4 trips to the free throw line. Allen's defense was a sight for sore eyes spelling the starters and overall he looks like a serviceable player. Honestly when Frank is back, I'd go Frank and Allen as the PG rotation while living with the results. Allen's positive plus/minus over 18 minutes in a game the Knicks lost by 24 points isn't something to gas up but it warrants mentioning too.

Trier: Allonzo Trier made the most of his touches and had a pretty solid performance although his usual blemishes stuck around. Zo put up 11 points, 4 boards and 2 assists over 19 minutes of play while shooting 3/5 from the field and 5/5 from the free throw line. Scoring more than 2 points per shot attempt is pretty impressive; I shouted out Allen's +1 in a 24 point loss but Trier played a minute longer and put up a +5 which is kind of astounding; and while he only clocked assists we got more glimpses of the two-man game that Iso-Zo and Mitchell Robinson have developed. On the negative end, Trier's passing creativity is still fairly exclusive to Mitch without rewarding wings nearly as much and some defensive lapses are just to be expected. But this was a good performance overall.

Dotson: Damyean Dotson's offense has cooled off quite a bit lately, he's shot better than 40% just once in the past six games. Last night was another tough one going 2/7 from the field to put up 5 points and 2 rebounds in 20 minutes. Fiz gets props for the fact that in spite of shooting struggles, Dot has played 20 minutes or more consistently regardless and that comes down to his contributions as a defensive player, off ball mover and willing passer. The team tends to just move better while Dotson is out there. That said, his upside looks a lot more promising when he's in a rhythm and canning his jumpers. Some combination of bad luck, fatigue and less touches has him trying to find that rhythm and get back to peak play.

Mario: Mario Hezonja has been one of the only consistent bright spots in recent play. Mario went 4/8 to pump in 13 points, 2 rebounds, an assist and 2 steals over 32 minutes of play. The stats are fairly pedestrian but the effort is just strong. Hezonja's decision making has come miles from the beginning of the season and while he's still not a positive sum defender, the improvements on that end are also tangible. Part of this is that he had no where to go but up from his early season struggles but another part of this is just a player looking much more comfortable in the system he's a part of and the units that he's surrounded by. I think 30+ minutes is probably too much still, but I like what I'm seeing and do think he's playing himself into a more consistent role within the rotation.

Mitch: Thank you Mitchell Robinson for making these games digestable enough that I can sit down and write recaps. Mitch was 2/2 for 4 points, 7 boards and 4 blocks in 24 minutes; the most he's played since returning from injury and fourth most he's been out there all season. It seems like the Trier lob threat has finally woken everyone else up to the fact that they literally just have to throw the ball up high and toward the paint for a chance at an assist while Mitch is playing. The ball doesn't go into the air without Robinson trying to get those mitts on it. The shot blocking and mobility on display has been discussed all too much but let me go a step further and say that I see Rudy Gobert upside here. But there are flaws to mention. A lob threat isn't as big a problem if he misses his FT's and Mitch was 0/4 from the line. Robinson also fumbled some passes that allowed defenders to get to him before he could rise and finish. I also think the weight room will have a tangible effect on Robinson's ability to finish through contact and get and-ones where the free throw is a bonus. But man...If you're only watching Knicks games in chunks to maintain sanity then start when Mitch gets on the floor and stop when he leaves.

Kanter: From pouting on the sideline; to demanding a trade if he can't play; to publicly airing out Fizdale and the organization; to NYKTerryandTray tweeting from the game that Kanter SAT OUT WARM-UPs; to goading fans into chanting for him; to kissing the logo; to air balling his first shot; to the Knicks deficit only getting worse with him out there....everything about Enes Kanter is phony and self-serving. That goes right down to the way that he plays basketball every night out. He is the embodiment of fake hustle. I have nothing to say about how he played last night, get him off this roster. You opted into this for the paycheck. You show no support for your teammates if you're not getting your numbers. Don't disrespect the arena or our legends by pretending to care. Kanter's a fraud.

Fizdale: I had to use mouthwash and hand sanitizer because I said and typed Coach Fizdale last week only to watch him give in to Kanter, some beat writers and Dirk Nowitzki fans last night. If Fizdale can't keep a subpar player on an expiring contract under control, why would I trust him to keep things in order with a top five pick, KP and potentially another max FA added into the mix? I'd much rather have watched Vonleh at least play defense than Kanter lumber around and the choice to give in to a malcontent just starts looking like a microcosm of never benching players that are forcing their own offense or playing lazy defense. All of my skepticism is back and stronger than ever after a feel-good week where I finally saw our coach putting his foot down only to have Marc Gasol flashbacks.

I think Fizdale scared of another Gasol situation. He doesn't want to earn a reputation for not getting along with bigs/foreign players etc.

He from South Central LA. He def not pussy. I just think we won't see him coach for real or handle dudes the way his personality really is until he gets more separation from that Gasol situation (it's still fairly recent) and he gets a better roster earning more wins and more clout.

But if you examine his history, even LeBron and Wade said he earned their respect as veterans while he was an assistant cuz he wasn't afraid to tell them when their schit stink! He was the guy Erik Spoelstra would sic on the players or send to get on their asses.

The whole Hard Knock Life narrative for Fiz kind of falls on deaf ears when you went to charter/magnet school. Kind of like the East Brooklyn kid that goes to Stuyvesant or BK Poly. Oh whoa is me...

[Jeff Van Gully]

The NBA should just go for a true randomization method. This method is still bad IMO. Still promotes even more tanking, dont y'all think?

I keep bringing it up, but the wheel method is the best way to combat tanking

How it works is, you pick in each spot in the draft once during a 30 year time frame

So the team that picks 1st this year will not have the 1st pick again until 2049

That sounds bad when you frame it that way, but you also only get the 30th pick once between now and 2049 as well, and it doesn't go up 1st this year, 2nd next year, 3rd year after, it's more like 1st, then 30th, then 11th, then 23rd, then 5th etc (I'm not sure exactly, but something like that)

Then it's balanced out mathematically so that once every decade you get a top 3 pick, once every 5 years you're in the top 6, and every 3rd year you're picking in the top 10

Prevents tanking cause you can't change your draft position, but you really have to nail your picks cause you won't get another chance at them for a long time. It's a good balance imo

that's a big, long-term commitment. i think the problem with that is the league collectively bargains every 6 years or so. hard to agree to things with such long-standing impact. but, i get it.

as for adelheid's question. i don't see how this promotes tanking more when the reward for tanking has lessened significantly. we've had a bunch of discussions about this. it's better for the more competitive teams who just miss the playoffs to know that there is an additional opportunity to move up. but it hurts the teams at the bottom who used to fight for guaranteed top 4 and significant change to not move down.

i think it deincentivizes tanking because the teams who benefit most from this change are teams who probably made earnest efforts to compete and fell short.

[NJ-NYK-17]

What did Fiz have to lose by playing Kanter? The team needed a spark, they looked dreadful. Fiz held his ground when it mattered and proved his point. Why let the situation get further out of control when the dude is gonna be out of here in a week or two anyways.

As far as being this awful - you can't win with just good talent. We have some good players, but they all need to be playing with a great player in order to reach their potential. Thank the good lord we have KP waiting in the wings. I 100% believe he will come back healthy

[Jeff Van Gully]

The whole Hard Knock Life narrative for Fiz kind of falls on deaf ears when you went to charter/magnet school. Kind of like the East Brooklyn kid that goes to Stuyvesant or BK Poly. Oh whoa is me...

Watch on YouTube

and you mean "woe is me."

[Jeff Van Gully]

What did Fiz have to lose by playing Kanter? The team needed a spark, they looked dreadful. Fiz held his ground when it mattered and proved his point. Why let the situation get further out of control when the dude is gonna be out of here in a week or two anyways.

As far as being this awful - you can't win with just good talent. We have some good players, but they all need to be playing with a great player in order to reach their potential. Thank the good lord we have KP waiting in the wings. I 100% believe he will come back healthy

counter point: as bad as the sixers were during "the process," they played with more pride and organization than this. you could at least see what they aspired to. i have no idea what the hell i am looking at right now. i have stopped even trying to analyze the basketball. i thought i saw something earlier in the season. now it looks like NBA teams playing against some guys who just met at a rec center.

[dakomish23]

Did Luka really say this?

[2010]

Spoiler:

David Fizdale put me at ease last week pointing to the future and saying that Enes Kanter didn't fit the brand of basketball that was intended for the future of the team. It was the type of flex that we hadn't seen and I figured that was that. But within a week Kanter was back out there as a bad deficit only got worse. Oh you want to hear about the game? The Knicks lost by 24 points to the Mavericks 90-114; their defense which had shown some signs of improvement was pushover status again; and the offense had positively no flow to it. If not for some solid play out of the rookies, this game would have been unwatchable. Which brings me back to Fiz...the selfishness that you recognized recently, the poor fitting pieces that you acknowledged don't fit the play style you want to play and a culture where a player can get rewarded for crying to the media and refusing to be part of the team if he can't play...it's all circling back again. Here's one thing that you don't want to be in NY, soft and that's what Fizdale looked like to me last night. Let's get to some catharsis:

Burke: Trey Burke's 16 point 3 assist performance was marred by Dennis Smith Jr's triple double and the lack of fluid offense. Burke played 32 minutes as the primary ball handler in a game where the Knicks only scored 90 points and isolation basketball dominated. The 7/14 from the field is nice, just 1 TO is good too but he had too many possessions that fell into old, bad habits of pounding the rock. He did do well to take advantage of a subpar defender for points, but the lack of creation and ball movement started at the top of the key in this one.

THJ: Tim Hardaway Jr's promising run of play hit a self-constructed brick wall in this one. Hardaway got away from everything that's been working for him in recent games in route to a line of 6 points, 3 assists and 3 rebounds on 2/11 shooting and 1/5 from three over 28 minutes. The aggressive trips to the basket were gone which meant just one FTA; impatience about getting his shots up meant shot selection was bad; and on defense we got to watch Wes Mathews knock down 5/9 three pointers while rocking a Cobra Kai headband that just made it more embarrassing. If the Knicks gave Allonzo Trier ALL of Timmy's minutes, I'd be completely fine with Fizdale's decision.

Knox: Aggressive Knox was a sight to see last night, but settling for jumpers Knox peaked out a little too often on a night that the three's refused to fall. Knox put up 17 points and 5 rebounds on 6/16 shooting from the field and 1/6 from three. So we've got a 5/10 performance inside the arc and also a team leading 5 FTA's. I like that Knox can pull it from anywhere or drive on you and I love that he salvaged his scoring by being aggressive. But for now that jumper is going to be the difference between his high quality games and the ones that just show promise.

Lance: It was a very Lance Thomas performance. What I mean by that is he played 16 minutes for just 5 points and 1 rebound but was typically only the third or fourth most frustrating player on the floor to watch.

Vonleh: So the size issue at Center pops up once in awhile for Noah Vonleh and it did in this game. Jordan had moments where he just looked to big. This may have tied in to Vonleh's low 14 minutes out there for 2 points and 5 boards on 1/3 shooting. Here's my problem with the cut into his minutes. If anyone has truly earned their playing time while sitting on an expiring contract, it's this guy. Even if you dislike his game, showcasing him a week out from the deadline just makes sense. He wasn't good in this game but he actually does deserve better as opposed to certain cry babies.

Allen: Kadeem Allen is the first PG we have that looks like he won't turn in uneven performances nightly. Part of that is just that he doesn't do too much offensively and puts in a good effort defensively, it's nothing special right now but it's refreshing to see. The newcomer posted 6 points,3 assists and 2 rebounds in 18 minutes on 1/2 shooting with 4 trips to the free throw line. Allen's defense was a sight for sore eyes spelling the starters and overall he looks like a serviceable player. Honestly when Frank is back, I'd go Frank and Allen as the PG rotation while living with the results. Allen's positive plus/minus over 18 minutes in a game the Knicks lost by 24 points isn't something to gas up but it warrants mentioning too.

Trier: Allonzo Trier made the most of his touches and had a pretty solid performance although his usual blemishes stuck around. Zo put up 11 points, 4 boards and 2 assists over 19 minutes of play while shooting 3/5 from the field and 5/5 from the free throw line. Scoring more than 2 points per shot attempt is pretty impressive; I shouted out Allen's +1 in a 24 point loss but Trier played a minute longer and put up a +5 which is kind of astounding; and while he only clocked assists we got more glimpses of the two-man game that Iso-Zo and Mitchell Robinson have developed. On the negative end, Trier's passing creativity is still fairly exclusive to Mitch without rewarding wings nearly as much and some defensive lapses are just to be expected. But this was a good performance overall.

Dotson: Damyean Dotson's offense has cooled off quite a bit lately, he's shot better than 40% just once in the past six games. Last night was another tough one going 2/7 from the field to put up 5 points and 2 rebounds in 20 minutes. Fiz gets props for the fact that in spite of shooting struggles, Dot has played 20 minutes or more consistently regardless and that comes down to his contributions as a defensive player, off ball mover and willing passer. The team tends to just move better while Dotson is out there. That said, his upside looks a lot more promising when he's in a rhythm and canning his jumpers. Some combination of bad luck, fatigue and less touches has him trying to find that rhythm and get back to peak play.

Mario: Mario Hezonja has been one of the only consistent bright spots in recent play. Mario went 4/8 to pump in 13 points, 2 rebounds, an assist and 2 steals over 32 minutes of play. The stats are fairly pedestrian but the effort is just strong. Hezonja's decision making has come miles from the beginning of the season and while he's still not a positive sum defender, the improvements on that end are also tangible. Part of this is that he had no where to go but up from his early season struggles but another part of this is just a player looking much more comfortable in the system he's a part of and the units that he's surrounded by. I think 30+ minutes is probably too much still, but I like what I'm seeing and do think he's playing himself into a more consistent role within the rotation.

Mitch: Thank you Mitchell Robinson for making these games digestable enough that I can sit down and write recaps. Mitch was 2/2 for 4 points, 7 boards and 4 blocks in 24 minutes; the most he's played since returning from injury and fourth most he's been out there all season. It seems like the Trier lob threat has finally woken everyone else up to the fact that they literally just have to throw the ball up high and toward the paint for a chance at an assist while Mitch is playing. The ball doesn't go into the air without Robinson trying to get those mitts on it. The shot blocking and mobility on display has been discussed all too much but let me go a step further and say that I see Rudy Gobert upside here. But there are flaws to mention. A lob threat isn't as big a problem if he misses his FT's and Mitch was 0/4 from the line. Robinson also fumbled some passes that allowed defenders to get to him before he could rise and finish. I also think the weight room will have a tangible effect on Robinson's ability to finish through contact and get and-ones where the free throw is a bonus. But man...If you're only watching Knicks games in chunks to maintain sanity then start when Mitch gets on the floor and stop when he leaves.

Kanter: From pouting on the sideline; to demanding a trade if he can't play; to publicly airing out Fizdale and the organization; to NYKTerryandTray tweeting from the game that Kanter SAT OUT WARM-UPs; to goading fans into chanting for him; to kissing the logo; to air balling his first shot; to the Knicks deficit only getting worse with him out there....everything about Enes Kanter is phony and self-serving. That goes right down to the way that he plays basketball every night out. He is the embodiment of fake hustle. I have nothing to say about how he played last night, get him off this roster. You opted into this for the paycheck. You show no support for your teammates if you're not getting your numbers. Don't disrespect the arena or our legends by pretending to care. Kanter's a fraud.

Fizdale: I had to use mouthwash and hand sanitizer because I said and typed Coach Fizdale last week only to watch him give in to Kanter, some beat writers and Dirk Nowitzki fans last night. If Fizdale can't keep a subpar player on an expiring contract under control, why would I trust him to keep things in order with a top five pick, KP and potentially another max FA added into the mix? I'd much rather have watched Vonleh at least play defense than Kanter lumber around and the choice to give in to a malcontent just starts looking like a microcosm of never benching players that are forcing their own offense or playing lazy defense. All of my skepticism is back and stronger than ever after a feel-good week where I finally saw our coach putting his foot down only to have Marc Gasol flashbacks.

I think Fizdale scared of another Gasol situation. He doesn't want to earn a reputation for not getting along with bigs/foreign players etc.

He from South Central LA. He def not pussy. I just think we won't see him coach for real or handle dudes the way his personality really is until he gets more separation from that Gasol situation (it's still fairly recent) and he gets a better roster earning more wins and more clout.

But if you examine his history, even LeBron and Wade said he earned their respect as veterans while he was an assistant cuz he wasn't afraid to tell them when their schit stink! He was the guy Erik Spoelstra would sic on the players or send to get on their asses.

The whole Hard Knock Life narrative for Fiz kind of falls on deaf ears when you went to charter/magnet school. Kind of like the East Brooklyn kid that goes to Stuyvesant or BK Poly. Oh whoa is me...

Very ignorant take. I'm someone from one of the hardest hoods in NYC. The wildest projects in my whole boro yet also the smallest PJ's. I ain't never been confused in these streets with soft.

Yet I was fortunate enough to attend private school and highly regarded public schools traveling over 1hr in commuting time from my neighborhood to where I received my education, amongst primarily white and asian kids who were well off.

So you telling me a person is not as hard or lacks street cred cuz their parents/guardians were smart enough to seek a better opportunity to position them for success in life? That is a garbage take if I ever read/heard one.

Fiz comes from the same exact situation I did. His schooling does not detract from his hardnosed environment or upbringing at all. You don't lose street cred for attending better schooling options. Just as you don't lose street cred for getting good grades. Stop promoting this ignorant mindset and having it radiate amongst minorities.

[cuyankees]

The whole Hard Knock Life narrative for Fiz kind of falls on deaf ears when you went to charter/magnet school. Kind of like the East Brooklyn kid that goes to Stuyvesant or BK Poly. Oh whoa is me...

Watch on YouTube

and you mean "woe is me."

My keyboard disagrees, whoa is you!

[dakomish23]

The whole Hard Knock Life narrative for Fiz kind of falls on deaf ears when you went to charter/magnet school. Kind of like the East Brooklyn kid that goes to Stuyvesant or BK Poly. Oh whoa is me...

Watch on YouTube

and you mean "woe is me."

[RHODEY]

It makes no logical sense not to want the worst record. I don't understand why people keep saying this. Worst record ensures you pick no later than 5th.

Yep...Interesting fact Popovich coached the Spurs during their tank year. an dhe turned out pretty good ... Fiz is doing a heck of a tank job, I applaud him.

Bob Hill coached the Spurs in its tank year. Pop was the GM at the time. So after Pop drafts Duncan, he then fires Hill - who, btw, did a great job as coach before Robinson went down with his injury - and made himself head coach.

Yeah, I know.

Well then Fiz is doing a great "Bob Hill" impersonation...the tank is priority # one.

[K_ick_God]

Timmy still ice cold. He should change his name to Polar Vortex.

[cuyankees]

Spoiler:

I think Fizdale scared of another Gasol situation. He doesn't want to earn a reputation for not getting along with bigs/foreign players etc.

He from South Central LA. He def not pussy. I just think we won't see him coach for real or handle dudes the way his personality really is until he gets more separation from that Gasol situation (it's still fairly recent) and he gets a better roster earning more wins and more clout.

But if you examine his history, even LeBron and Wade said he earned their respect as veterans while he was an assistant cuz he wasn't afraid to tell them when their schit stink! He was the guy Erik Spoelstra would sic on the players or send to get on their asses.

The whole Hard Knock Life narrative for Fiz kind of falls on deaf ears when you went to charter/magnet school. Kind of like the East Brooklyn kid that goes to Stuyvesant or BK Poly. Oh whoa is me...

Very ignorant take. I'm someone from one of the hardest hoods in NYC. The wildest projects in my whole boro yet also the smallest. I ain't never been confused in these streets with soft.

Yet I was fortunate enough to attend private school and highly regarded public schools traveling over 1hr in commuting time from my neighborhood to where I received my education, amongst primarily white and asian kids who were well off.

So you telling me a person is not as hard or lacks street cred cuz their parents/guardians were smart enough seek a better opportunity to position them for success in life? That is a garbage take if I ever read/heard one.

Fiz comes from the same exact situation I did. His schooling does not detract from his hardnosed environment or upbringing at all. You don't lose street cred for attending better schooling options. Just as you don't lose street cred for getting good grades. Stop promoting this ignorant mindset and having it radiate amongst minorities.

Bet you're softer relative to your project friends who went to public schools that's for sure.

And that was the pt, just bc you grew up in a tough hood doesn't mean you aren't a puss, but instead you twisted into some racial/ethnic attack that just displays your insecurity/confusion about which identity to identify w, the success story that made it out or the "thug" w the white picket fence.

[dakomish23]

That Kanter write up from Reminwas just perfect. In case anyone missed it:

Kanter: From pouting on the sideline; to demanding a trade if he can't play; to publicly airing out Fizdale and the organization; to NYKTerryandTray tweeting from the game that Kanter SAT OUT WARM-UPs; to goading fans into chanting for him; to kissing the logo; to air balling his first shot; to the Knicks deficit only getting worse with him out there....everything about Enes Kanter is phony and self-serving. That goes right down to the way that he plays basketball every night out. He is the embodiment of fake hustle. I have nothing to say about how he played last night, get him off this roster. You opted into this for the paycheck. You show no support for your teammates if you're not getting your numbers. Don't disrespect the arena or our legends by pretending to care. Kanter's a fraud.

I can't really put too much on why the logo kiss was the last straw for me but it really was.

Because it was fake and so over the top. Like he was trying to prove how much he loved the game.

He's not fooling anyone.