If the Knicks do indeed keep the pick and don't opt for the best available point guard, here is the guy you can expect to get the jersey on draft night.
(The video is a bit grainy and distorted...but if you look close you can get an idea of what this kid is all about).
We have a story about Danilo in Tuesday's editions of Newsday, which include quotes from his father, Vittorio, who emailed me over the weekend from his home in northern Italy. Neither one of us fluently speak the other's language, so we agreed to email and translate electronically.
By now you know the story -- Mike D'Antoni has history with Danilo's dad, Vittorio. The two were longtime teammates on a very successful Olimpia Milano team in the 1980s. Vittorio said he mostly wants to see his son achieve his dream of playing in the NBA, but to have him play in New York and for D'Antoni would obviously be an added bonus.
"I think that Danilo can fit very well in Mike's system because he has enough skill to be ready for that," Vittorio Gallinari said. "For sure he need to get confidence with a new life and NBA system, but I believe that he can do it . . . And if it's New York it's more exiting because he can play with one of my teammates and in the big city with a great Italian community."
Vittorio was known more as a defensive player and admits his son has surpassed his own abilities.
"I was a completely different player from Danilo; I was a defensive player with poor talent," he said. "[Danilo] is a very talented player and he can defend too. He takes my toughness and intensity and like me he is always under control."
The positives about Danilo Gallinari is his size (6-9) and high basketball IQ, along with the European trademark of being fundamentally sound (kid shoots 85 percent from the stripe). The questions start with athleticism: can he explode to the basket at the NBA level and, more importantly, is he quick enough to defend at this level? He is a good shooter, but not great from long range, which is also somewhat of a concern.
I've heard comparisons that range from Detlef Schrempf (from NBADraft.net) to Toni Kukoc (from a European media friend) to Hedo Turkoglu (from a scout).
Most people believe the connection between D'Antoni and Gallinari is too strong to ignore (though both admit they have mainly stayed in touch over the years via mutual friends), not to mention how well most feel Danilo would fit in the D'Antoni system. But you can't overlook that the Knicks already have Wilson Chandler, who also plays the three-spot and showed a lot of athleticism, strength and a decent shooting touch when he started to get regular minutes late in the season.
Stay tuned....
Comments (51)
I think the fact that Wilson Chandler showed some potential late in the season puts a question mark on the wisdom of drafting Danilo unless the Knicks are very confident he's the best talent available at that point in the draft.
One thing worthy of mention is that Chandler was originally a PF. He has been attempting to convert to SF. Size wise, he looks more like a SF, but in a D'Antoni system it might be possible to play Chandler at PF from time to time.
Question for Fixers who watch more college hoops than I do. Is Lopez really head and shoulders above all the other centers in the draft? What’s the consensus on DeAndre Jordan? If we assume Rose and Beasley and Mayo and Lopez and Balyess will be gone in the top 5, who is the best talent left? Who should be on our short-list? Gordon? Gallinari? Love? Randolph? Is Jordan on that list?
itz a waste drafting a euro player nowadays.especially a lottery pick.
if the knicks plannin to waste there pick by picking some scrub might as well trade the darn pick..
u know what why don't we give fredric weis another chance draft him he should be well seasoned now.lmaoooo..
stay tuned for more KnowLedge
Alan wrote: "The questions start with athleticism: can he explode to the basket at the NBA level"... I am not sure what video you were watching Alan, but I saw some pretty good dunks in that video you set up for us....Defense is always going to be a question mark for anybody coming into the league...but with D'antoni's run and system...will it matter?
Anthony Randolph is incredible. He will be a star for sure. He is a phenomenon at 6'11" moves like a small forward. He can block shot, shoot the jay, create is own shot. He would be perfect for D'Antoni's system. He will be available at the sixth spot. We don't need another small forward, we already have 5 of them.
Remember that D'Antoni is not adverse to playing with a small lineup. Shawn Marion played PF for him at 6'7.
The Knicks have to draft the player they believe is the best talent. Can't draft for a position of need.
Good call, Jon. When you average 28 wins a year for four years, you're not drafting for position; it's time to start over.
Keep your fingers crossed, Fixers: Mayo and Curry to Miami for Beasley and Mark Blount.
Then, drive a Brinks truck full of cash into Jose Calderon's driveway on July 1st and get a sign-and-trade done for Crawford and David Lee.
The guy above me is smoking the good stuff and the under dude who calls himself KnowLedge lacks it.
I'm not making decisions on Galinari based on a Youtube video. Hell, Jerome James has a highlight video on there. But Galinari is touted as a good player. Would I risk it? If Mayo falls and is there for us to grab, no. If not, then yes. If the Knicks feel nobody else is better, I'd think about trading down a few slots and selecting him and getting another pick as well to draft a point guard.
Who cares about Wilson Chandler? Knicks fans always overrate their young players(Lee, Nate, Balkman for example). Wilson should be traded if we can rid of a high salary.
I would definitely trade Lee this offseason. According to the NY Daily News, D'Antoni didn't want Lee in the first round back in 2005 (when he was available for Phoenix).
The problem with Lee is some team is going to come along and extend an offer sheet. It's almost certainly going to be more than he's worth, so what would the Knicks do ? Match and you have another bad contract (when you're trying to get under the cap for 2010), or let him go and receive nothing in return.
So while his value is decent (though not what it was last year), why not trade him for a guy who fits D'Antoni's style better ? How about something like this:
Knicks get: 8th pick in 2008 draft
Charlie Villanueva
Bobby Simmons
Charlie Bell
Bucks get: 6th pick in 2008 draft
Zach Randolph
David Lee
Not sure if it works cap-wise. (Simmons' deal is one year less than Randolph's.) Milwaukee moves into position to draft Eric Gordon and receives an asset in Lee they can use in a package to trade Michael Redd. Knicks get Villanueva for their frontcourt and are still in position to draft one of Gallinari, Anthony Randolph, Joe Alexander, and Kevin Love.
Then the Knicks should look to deal Crawford for T.J. Ford (both have 3 years left on their contracts).
I really dont want a european guy on the team... How often do these guys bust??? Very
Ah Galinari.
O.J. Mayo should not be available at 6. All of the GMs and President's drafting before Walsh and the "Experts" will not let the 4th to 5th best player in the draft drop that far.
YouTube has a wide variety of clips on Galinari. Not all of them are mixtapes of the "buy me" variety. Galinari has game and potential. However, that does not mean that he is right for the Knicks at this time. If the Knicks plan to be any good this season they better get a real point guard to preceed Nate. (Has anyone seen Mardy run in the open court? Can he?).
Lee is an asset in many ways on and off the court. I can't imagine him being traded for Villanueva. Walsh likes Lee. Isiah likes Lee. Nash likes Lee. Lee is trying to establuish a short range jumper. More significantly, Lee is passes wonderfully up-court after getting the rebound - very Jabberesque. Lee has faults (like getting blocked in the paint constantly), but they are diminished when a team shoots earlier in the clock. Plus Lee has been around a few years and is part of a good core -- although most refuse or are incapable of seeing that. Mark my word, that as soon as D'Antoni has some combination of Robinson, Crawford, Wilson, Balkman (maybe) and Lee running the floor all of a sudden, Isiah will be a lousy coach but a decent GM.
Ah Galinari. A great pick for the Knicks future at 8-14 though. I would prefer catching up with him in three years at 22, but what the heck.
Galinari would be a great pick for the Knicks at six, as he seems to be smart, a great passer, a tough competitor and a winner. The ideal draft would be trade Lee (love his game, but you have to give to get) and get an additional pick high enough to draft Augustine. Pair the two together and you have an emerging core.
For those in love with Chandler, remember that history shows guys who "shine" long after the season is over don't always return with any glory. Remember Lavor Postel, and more recently, Mardy Collins. Ronaldo Balkman is another guy who looked like a steal as a rookie and really regressed.
And for those who say that drafting a European player is a mistake, that's an old view of the world. There are a long list of quality European players now in the NBA starting with Tony Parker and Dirk, but also including Pietras, and Hedu.
Passing ability, BB IQ, and some semblance of team defense are essential ingredients for championship basketball. Just look at the four remaining teams.
Of course, that one superstar is also needed, but that's what 2010 is all about. Let's work on the complimentary pieces till then.
Lives – the problems is, there’s apparently one key player who can’t be included in the Lee Fan Club. And that’s D’Antoni. As I hear it, he’s enormously underwhelmed by Lee. (And I can only pray Isiah’s opinion is irrelevant.) So it will be interesting to see how Walsh and his new coach (and new GM???) collaborate in a situation like that. I like Lee. But I respectfully disagree with your assessment of Isiah’s tenure as GM. I believe, in retrospect, it will turn out to have been among the worst in league history. And while I think Lee can contribute to a team trying to build from virtually nothing, the fact that some GMs like his game may doom him to be being part of a bigger trade one day. It’s too bad, but I don’t see him on the team in 2 years. But so much depends on other moves, it’s probably folly to even speculate. But my hunch is he’ll have to be included in a move to either cart away some of Isiah’s garbage contracts, or attempt to bring a legit A-level player to the Knicks for the first time in years and years.
Galinari can run and score and he is not up to NBA play yet -- they don't need him. Knix should trade their pick in some kind of package to get a pt guard or young power forward who can play defense and rebound.
DTR
George is right about judging from a highlight video. One thing I did like from it though was that Gallinari looks like he likes going to the basket rather than being strictly perimeter. He looks like he has a decent handle and a good burst, but the question is if he can do it against NBA guys? If he can, a steady scorer at the 3 would be nice. But with so many holes, the Knicks aren't drafting for need - only take him if you're sold he's the best player available.
Lee would thrive in D'Antoni's system - he runs the floor well, pounds the boards passes the ball well. His defense is adequate and if he adds a jumper, he could play a lot at the 5 in an uptempo offense. I'd trade him, but only in a deal that is too good to pass on.
Wes - Randolph is an interesting suggestion. I hadn't thought about him. If he worked out, he could be a huge piece.
Trane - I only saw Lopez on t.v. a couple of times. He put up numbers, and moved o.k. but he had a sort of mechanical quality. He is not fluid. He scored off post moves but against much smaller guys, and seemed to have to put out a huge effort to do so. Smaller guys can get him off balance - I question his strength. I've read comparisons to Kaman - don't be fooled. Kamen has an excellent post game, is ambidextrous and kills guys in single coverage. He is also a horse on the glass. Lopez doesn't have half the post game and doesn't look like anything special as a rebounder. Actually his brother Robin is better on the glass and in the two games I saw, looks more athletic. This is harsh, but I see him as a capable journeyman in the NBA at best (a smoother Dan Gadzuric??), and I pity the GM who blows a high lotto pick on him.
Knicks and international players have not historically worked out. Ok. Boston won the world series and Karma can break. The Knicks need to just build a solid defensive front court. Less Lazy Eddie or The Zach Hole can't be our solution. We need defensive minded players who make smart decisions and are calm under pressure to know how to win games. There is no magic formula and its not going to be an over night transition from worst to first. Gallinari looks good. But is he the savior that this franchise needs? The lottery is just like the NY State Lottery - "hey you never know". And we never knew with international players...
It will be very interesting to see how some of the players respond to the new system and hopefully some coaching. Of course, that is if their still around. The only player that I'm hoping isn't around is Zach. His salary is the killer for future cap flexibility. Lee, Crawford, Robinson, Chandler. I'm not against keeping these guys another year and let Dantoni and Walsh sort them out over the year. It's not like we're going to kill their trade value. No place to go but up after last year. And if we don't do well this year, well, there's another high pick to help us down the road.
john k, Lives in NJ - I agree that there may be surprises with current roster when the players are exposed to an actual coach and a professional environment.
Fair enough. We don’t know what good coaching will reveal. Indeed, we almost have to assume that we’ll see improvement when you consider how terrible the coaching was. I still don’t think it will salvage isiah’s rep as a GM. But Lives is right – the current roster has to look better under a decent coach than it did last year.
@ john k, Pete & Trane -
A lot of NBA players would love to run more, it may be interesting to see who flourishes & who is hurt by this coach/system.
Was Portland more of a running team when they had Zach, or did he slow them down w/ the blackhole post-ups? I've never seen a lot of West coast games...until the playoffs role around.
Unless Zach and Curry get on some kind of workout regime this summer, they may end up next to Cheeseburger James on the bench.
I could see Balkman benefitting for D'Antonio-style as he can rebound and run the break (kinda like Marion).
Galanari looks like Glen Rice with a better with a jump shot. He looks like he wants to play shooting guard instead of forward. Which I can't argue if he is a better shooter than Jamal Crawford and he is 6'11 I can't see many people defending on the perimeter and contesting his shots.
Pete - I got killed in another forum for suggesting the same thing about Lopez. I'm with you brother.
I could care less about Isiah's legacy. I'm just glad he is gone.
It seems to me that traditional positions don't mean a thing in a D'Antoni system. He uses the best players he has and creates a system suited to their skills.
Draft the best player available. Period.
My list: Mayo, Westbrook, Gallinari, in that order.
And, when did Gallinari go from 6'9" to 6'11"? Did he have a growth spurt this summer?
Sorry, but I'm not impressed! Anthony Randolph seems like a better fit.
gallinari is austin croshere at best which = no thanks for a #6 pick !!! Wes i am also jumping on the anthony randolph hype... that kid is a future STUD !! alan you need to put up the youtube video of him in ur next edition. trust me alot of fixers will become believers. he might be tha one we need !!! we don't have ANYONE in that 6'11" range who can match up w/ the PF's in the east (jermaine, bosh, rasheed, dwight)
One thing to keep in mind as the camps start and the draft process goes into full swing. We do not have a GM, really. We have Grunwald, but he is a Zeke guy, and Walsh has not gotten around to making his hires for the scouting side of the GM function. We will not be represented at camps by a "Walsh" guy per se, as all the scouts are Zeke's. This will have implications as Walsh must sift through who's accounts/scouting he trusts - and this could lead to greater weight afforded D'Antoni's opinions. This adds to the chances of a Gallinari draft at 6. I'm not scared of Gallinari; he is not a "prospect" foreign player as all the busts seem to be - guys drafted for their size (like Weiss) or other combine metrics by GM's that don't know the foreign leagues. He is the go to guy on a good team in a good league, not a 17 year old on the CSKA youth squad that dunked on a bunch of kids in a summer league. If we are destined to lose Lee, I'd like Love, god save us from guys who say "I'm just a guard, but I can play some point". If Gallinari has the talent, he may be the pick.
The problem is that this could be a good year to pick up extra picks - Seattle has too many, Portland has too many, other teams could look to move. Nobody is blown away by this class, so there could be chances to get value. When rebuilding, getting more picks is always a good idea. The problem is, Walsh doesn't have HIS eyes watching the camps, he has Zekes's eyes in the form of his scouts. Now if you feel that was the only thing Zeke did well, and I'll begrudge him that, than maybe its ok - Discuss. But what does Walsh think? Is this part of Zekes "reassignment?" What if Walsh plays it close to the vest here because he doesn't have his scouting in place for later 1st round and 2nd round picks? No Maxiell or Powe or Millsap's coming to us - guys who all made their draft stock rise at the camps. He doesn't trust his scouts enough to trade a chip like Rose for a pick and we don't get a second pick for a guy like Dorsey? That's my worry now.
That's why I've been saying, the GM hire is the important one. If we can't get out of the Eastern Conference three years from now after a 58 win season due to lack of Defense, I'll fire D'Antoni. We don't get to anything close to that without the players, and we may be missing an opportunity this draft class
i like fact that that Galanari plays with fire and was a huge factor in the euro league.
this guy is feisty...remember when ginobli came into the nba they said could he guard?
was he athletic enough to compete?
well i think he answered that question.
the knicks need more multi dimensional players.
Galanari fits the bill to me.
high BB IQ,can shoot and pass.
the guys isiah has drafted or signed are one dimentional players.
D.Lee-great rebounder,can't shoot,bad defensively
balkmen-good defender,can't shoot
jeffereys-a waste
I THINK WE SHOULD TRADE DOWN AND GET MULTIPLE PICKS.
How feasible is it to trade down for another pick? It seems like this draft is well-stocked at the B+ level, just not a lot of A to A+ players. Could the Knicks, for example use the #6 pick and a maybe a player to get two picks between 10 - 15? Is that unrealistic? From reading the mock drafts, it would appear there will be a lot of talent we could use who will be available after the first 10 are selected. And that would give us two slots at rookie salaries.
I would be in favor of trading down if we had a shot at two players with the potential to become, at least, solid members of a starting unit.
Why would it make sense to draft a SF if the plan is to lure Lebron in 2010 and the past two drafts and free agent signings have focused on that same position (Chandler, Balkman, Jeffries). I know Isiah isn't running things anymore but tell me how it makes sense to supposedly draft a building block (Gallarani) and then sign a free agent who plays the exact same position.
For everyone suggesting we trade up, what exactly do we have to move up with no 2nd round pick and a lottery protected pick next year and unprotected in 2010 already traded away. We have to trade down and pick up a PG and Dorsey (which I advoacted for months ago and would be perfect running in NY like he did at Memphis). Getting rid of Curry and/or Zach to a team starving for post scoring (see Seattle, Miami, Memphis, Phili, Denver, and maybe even Toronto) would be a drastic step forward. I still advocate trading for Carmello, whose contract is up in the same year as Lebron's, and would be a piece Lebron would be unable to look past. Unlike Gallarani, he is a proven player who can play PF in D'Antoni's system. And stop saying he is not a winner. He practically carried Syracuse to National Championship, and is an underrated defender stuck on a team that plays no D.
Trade for Carmello and then resign him and Lebron in the same summer. Having Augustine, Dorsey, and a defensive minded SG and backup center is a winning ticket for 2010. Lee, Nate, balkman and chandler off the bench to fill out the 9 man rotaton.
once again if the knicks plannin to draft some euro might as well retire the franchise
them euro players bust more than pornstars
draft the best player available.
once again manu isn't from euro
parker is ight
sign gerald green an develop him..
the knicks should draft reggie williams u never know/he led the ncaa in scoring good rebounder for his size.
yup i lack KnowLedge
but i know this yall aint smoking yall on X or shooting it in the veins
i have made more better points than any1 altogether since posting here
go check the resume
stay tuned for more KnowLedge
haha...my man knowledge cracks me up everytime i read one of his joints...i'd stay away from gerald greene tho. he can't shoot a lick..plus wilson is here 2 stay.
i don't mind trading down - if we can get a darrell arthur then later on a mario chalmers or ty lawson. i know we have nate but good to give tha young cats a yr of experience for when steff departs next year & we all know mardy won't be here for long under the new d'antoni regime. another frank williams...gone before u knew it.
too bad my man jarvis vanardo didn't declare . i'm still pissed at that :(
anthony randolph in - zach randolph & willie randolph out !!
Draft Bayless at 6.
Trade Randolph & Balkman to NJ for Carter & 2nd Rd pick
Draft PF/C in 2nd
Buyout Marbury & Q-Rich
Sign Diop & Speedy Claxton
Bayless
Crawford
Carter
Lee
Curry
===========
Chandler
Nate
Diop
Jeffries
PF/C
Claxton
MRose
Trane, I am not sure who your sources are regarding D’Antoni’s opinion of Lee, but you definitely have information I have not seen. I have read that D’Antoni was not impressed with Lee as a college kid coming into the NBA, but a lot has changed since then. If you heard that he does not favor Lee’s game from other than our local media gents, you are certainly more knowledgeable than me. (I’m a little suspicious of our local guys, some of whom have a tendency to fabricate stories – present company not referenced here).
Of course, I understand the angst and trepidation regarding Isiah’s role and influence, but frankly all I have heard from D’Antoni is that he is deferring to the team already in place, Walsh + Dolan-Mills-Thomas team. He constantly refers to the “experts” and the “democratic” nature of the Knicks team. Can there be a democracy if Walsh is the only one making decisions? Where is that GM you guys keep talking about? Most trades occur right before the draft and trading stops for a period in July. What GM is going to bring a team in in 30 days and make the decisions for next season? Aren’t those calls to other GMs being made now? Aren't the plans for free agent signings being determined now? Do you really believe Walsh will have the final say? And who will Dolan depend on? If you hired someone tomorrow, he would have an incredible amount of catch-up to do. No one, even Alan, has said that Walsh “IS” conducting a search. If he hasn’t started, he better get on it.
But you better believe that business is happening now. Strategies are being developed now. Trades are being discussed and developed now? And the team that was there before Walsh, that has more knowledge than Walsh who was almost retired in Indiana, is controlling the info flo. They're the one's doing the research according to everyone.
You might also want to do a little research on D’Antoni(o). You might find that he sees himself as a coach and not an exec. He was not a management exec in Denver or Phoenix. What has he said that makes you think that has changed,
All that to say, D’Antoni might not like Lee, but that needs to be judged in the context of all the teams assets and liabilities. His number one problem is getting a point and getting rid of another. We all expect Steph to have a good year, but that does not mean his teammates will have a good year with him.
Trane, on Isiah’s tenure as GM, there is no way that he will be judged as the worst GM in Knicks' history. D’Antoni’s coaching (and the players response to him) will salvage and reverse that legacy although those who begrudge Isiah any success will be reluctant to admit it. Not my problem. History will make that determination and deliver those proofs, not me. (Note: I would easily agree with you if you could honestly say that players like Marbury and Curry played up to their potential – the same potential most of you raved about when they were acquired).
And Gents, I think we can all agree that there is no way that D’Antoni can do a worse coaching job than Zeke did this past season; nor will he coach his team down like Larry-do-right. We may not win a Championship for another six to ten years, but we will not be as bad as last year.
I always hear about Lee's short range jumper - I thought he was supposed to develop it before last season ?
It's foolish for the Knicks to expect Lee to become something he's not - a good offensive player. D'Antoni does not normally utilize limited offensive players in his rotation. Lee is a player you don't have to guard when he's outside the paint - that's not a D'Antoni player.
I understand Lee is a fan-favorite, but Knick fans overrate him considerably.
Vince Carter ? The Nets front office would throw a party if they could find some team to take him off of their hands. I'm tired of the Knicks being that franchise which saves all these other teams from their poor contracts.
Schrempf, Kukoc and Turkoglu? Are there any experts out there who could look beyond the fact that he's an international player, and perhaps compare him to someone else?
It's frustrating to constantly see these unimaginative comparisons, where a white player like Love is compared to Lambeir, and where international players are compared to other guys from overseas. Makes me think that these "experts" really don't know what to think.
And the thought that we shouldn't draft him because we were unlucky with weis is foolish. I think the knicks were hampered in the past by their stubborness in not looking overseas. There's going to be busts just like with everyone else (i.e. Darko). But there are also gems that teams like San Antonio and Pheonix were so good at uncovering.
Lives – for the most part we don’t disagree. Why do you think I put three question marks after the suggestion a GM might be involved? Because A) I have no idea whether that’s happening and B) I agree with everything you say about that process needing to be under way right now. Any new GM would have a tough time being ready for the draft. Moreover, who hires a coach BEFORE a GM? And if we’ve gotten Walsh because of his great experience and his great relationships throughout the league . . . why do we even need a GM?
I’m not sure what you mean when you reference D’Antoni’s management experience. I only made the point that I would hope a coach would be involved as management plots out trade/draft decisions. I don’t think a coach has to be a GM-in-training to at least weigh in on those kinds of decisions. I would expect that’s pretty common practice.
Honestly, I have no firm – or reliable –evidence about D’Antoni and Lee. But it’s a rumor I’ve now heard/read more than once or twice. And indeed, it’s consistent with empirical evidence that D’Antoni wasn’t impressed with him as a college player. Could that have changed? Sure. But I was curious why you cited Isiah - who in all likelihood isn’t even involved in those kinds of decisions any longer - but didn’t mention the new coach, who you figure would be. A coach who was known not to be thrilled with the guy. In truth, all I know is what gets kicked around on the sports pages and on ESPN. I would never claim any greater reliability than that. But then I would throw it back at you. Do you have any reason to believe he’s changed his mind? Is Lee a better player today? Yes. Is he a different player today? Not really. Just a better version, wouldn’t you say?
And as for Isiah . . . ‘nuff said. Your point is well taken that some of his biggest disasters were gambles that didn’t pay off for myriad reasons, not ALL of which were his fault. He certainly seemed to continually buy into perfect storms of disasters with players not living up to even their previously proven level of achievement, let alone Isiah’s hopes and dreams for their potential. And yet . . . you also can’t deny a pattern here. And the only common denominator here is isiah Thomas. How many players have to go in the tank before you start looking for other answers, elsewhere? And, of course, those disaster deals are only a small part of his overall mismanagement of the franchise.
I don’t begrudge him success. That’s a loaded way of suggesting I might not genuinely believe there is virtually no success to admit. We certainly disagree on where his “legacy” will be in the years to come. But if after 4+ years he’s hanging his legacy in New York on Lee and Nate and Balkman . . . three-fifth of a decent 2nd unit . . . then I rest my case . . .
Jon, good point about Vince Carter.
No one knows what Gallinari will turn out to be, that's the problem. Europeran players are such an unknown quantity, even more than American players. Andrea Bargnani went #1 in the 2006 draft but is he a #1 player? The NBA game is so tough I wouldn't trust a 19 year old foreign player considering they take some time to adapt to the toughness of the NBA. I would take him if we can get another pick but we have too much to lost with the 1st pick of the new regime I wouldn't do it.
I would try to trade up to get OJ Mayo with Minnesota's pick. The T-Wolves have to take Mayo since he's probably the most talented player there when they pick even though they have a nice young backcourt already. I say we trade picks with them for a small fee and draft Mayo.
no we should use pick 6 to draft patrick Ewing jr
According to draftexpress.com, Kevin McHale really likes Kevin Love, and might take him #3 overall. Seattle is locked into Bayless and Memphis would then take Lopez.
I have a feeling Mayo will be available for the Knicks. The question is - does D'Antoni like him ?
couldn't the knicks play wilson chandler at the two?
i saw isiah play chandler at the two last year to guard the two guard position.
This is why I love to read this blog. Everything from trading up in the draft, trading down, trading for Vince Carter, to references to Frank Williams! Great discussions. Personally, I wouldn't touch Vince with a 10 foot pole but a blog is about opinions and everyones entitled to theirs. I can't wait to see how the season plays out. At first I was reading that Dantoni is adaptable, he can change his style according to the roster. But now, all I read about is him pushing the 7 second offense. I can see Lee developing enough of a shot, combined with his rebounding and hustle, to be a player in this system. But, is he of greater value higher now, before he's due a nice paycheck, as part of a trade than he will be long term to the Knicks? I don't care about wins and losses next year, I'm looking at the 3-4 year plan. Tough decisions will have to be made, but that's the fun of the debate.
frank williams . . . anyone remember that stretch right before zeke took over, when frank williams got into the starting lineup? the knicks ran off four wins in a row by big margins against good teams, including a couple on the road. keith van horn was playing well, everything was looking up.
good times . . .
About tonight’s game. First, full disclosure: The Lakers are my “other team.” And I’ve never liked the Spurs. (I respect their proficiency and team play, but I love to watch them lose.) So I have a clear favorite in this series. Still . . . that’s not how you want to win a playoff game. What a terrible non-call. Two, in fact. Fish fouled him. Didn’t he? Does anybody disagree that that was a foul? And should have been 3 foul shots for Barry. He makes all three, the Spurs win that game. Who says the refs can't change the outcome of a game?
That said, the Lakers never should have been in that position, because the refs also blew the call on the previous play. That shot hit the rim, and the shot-clock should have been reset. So the Spurs should have been forced to foul Kobe. And send HIM to the line. He makes both of those, and the game is out of reach.
But even though I’m not a Spurs fan, I gotta say they reacted with a lot of class tonight. By not whining about the last play. I was very impressed by Barry and Popovich.
But, wow – two blown calls, on the last two plays of such an important game??? Kind’a makes you wonder what the point spread was . . . ? ? ?
Trane, I am not going to spend a lot of time arguing Isiah's legacy with you. This is certainly not the climate to engage in a studied, reasonable discussion. When the emotions die down and the emoticons loosen their muscles and truly look at the before and after of the roster, then we can talk.
Clearly we are evaluating the current D'Antoni information differently. Mitch Lawrence, a bona-fide incompetent, wrote '"Mike doesn't like guys like Lee who can't shoot," according to a D'Antonio confidant. "He saw [emphasis added] as a non-scoring power forward when he came out of Florida."" Other writers such as Howard Beck suggest the Lee will be a keeper in the D'Antoni system.
No where have I read that D'Antoni does not currently like Lee. Without such a statement, and based on my own observations of Lee and when the Knicks have been at their best (yes those times did exist) Lee has shown speed and strength. He is no longer simply a non-scoring power-forward. He can run the floor and he can score. And his "shallow water" jumper is better than it was two years ago and it will get better. That particular shot just takes lots and lots of practice.
Folks complain that D. Lee is overrated. I doubt it. There are many who believe he is not that good. He is over-analyzed. He is just a very solid role player. It is easy to over-analyze role players when your team is without a genuine multi-tooled star to build around. That leaves role players doing more than they are expected too. Most of the Lakers (like Turiaf and Farmar) would suck according to Knicks fans without Jordan. Right now they are solid NBA, about to be crowned, role players. Finally, until D'Antoni figures out the Curry conundrum, Lee is an excellent asset. Yes he is tradable, but I wouldn't do it for a draft pick and just to get rid of ZBo. There are better options.
i have to say that i do like the fact that gallinari seems to (at least in the highlight video) go both left and right. hardly any forward in the league does this. he has legit size, including a frame that can handle more muscle, and his 3 point release is very smooth.
regarding lee, i have been advocating trading him for months now. he is a good ball-player, but his upside is very limited (a poor shooter who is one injury away from being out of the league,) and his trade value is high. as someone here already pointed out, some club is going to offer him a ridiculous deal a year from now (5 yr/50mil?), which would be absurd for the knicks to match. if you can get a top 15 pick for him now, or package him with either curry or randolph (even better), then you have to do it. at pick 11 augustine may be available, at 15 lawson almost certainly will. i think starting the season with a lineup that included 2 top picks from this draft would be exciting for most knick fans (given the recent historical context).
In 29 minutes a game: 11 points & 9 boards...that's D.Lee from last year. He was also good for 3 offensive rebounds a game.
This team misses shots, the current roster misses A LOT of shots. Look who we are talking about, NYK have 5 guards that didn't shoot better than 42% and one (Q) that shot 36%.
Anyone still think we don't need those guaranteed 3 off boards a game??
And I will go back to my previous posts where I mentioned a PG & Shot blocking big would be great...but NYK will still have NO ONE who can consistently hit a jumper.
I agree with Live in NJ and Sec11 about D Lee. It's not a knock on a player to say he's a valuable role player. He's not a star. But he's not going to be worth 7 to 10 million a year to the Knicks. And some crazy team will probobly make that offer. If we can get a mid level first round and/or package him with a bad contract, we should do so now. His value is high now because he makes so little. He won't look so attractive when he gets his big pay day.
Lives - Maybe you’re right. Perhaps it’s too early to know what the final verdict on Isiah’s tenure in NY will be. I don’t happen to agree that it’s a matter of emotions. I think the facts are plain enough. Either way, as I said: ‘nuff said. We’ll see. Here, though, is one possible barometer to use to read history’s verdict. If you’re right and in retrospect he appears to have done a good job here, then I would expect him to be back in the running for – and eventually land – a job running another team. I can’t imagine that will ever happen, can you? Can you imagine any other NBA owner handing a franchise to Isiah Thomas? Anyway . . . we’ll see.
I hadn’t seen the Mitch Lawrence quote, but that isn’t even a quote about Lee, rather it’s about “guys like Lee.” But you’re right – we don’t know if D’Antoni has changed his mind about Lee since he left college. We have no specific information that he has . . . or he hasn’t. All we certain about is that he didn't like him a few years ago.
Again, I like Lee, and think he’s worth keeping around (until somebody offers him too big a contract). And yet, it’s an indication of the miserable state of the franchise when you consider that he’s one of the few even marginally valuable assets Walsh has to work with. My hunch is that, in itself, dooms him to be moved in the next year or so, irrespective of anything having to do with his skills, whether his “style” fits the new coach, etc. The very fact that other teams want Lee may force Walsh’s hand. As far as I can see, there’s nobody untouchable on this roster. There isn’t one legit starter there. Nobody builds a team around bench players. My hunch is that at some point, a deal will come along – with Lee involved – that’s too attractive for Walsh to pass up.
A lot of good discussion on this thread.
I would take Mayo in a heartbeat if he's available. Other than Rose and Beasley he probably has the highest ceiling in the draft - except maybe De Andre Jordan, but how often do physically gifted big men with with questions about their skills or attitudes really make it?
About Lee - Old School Oakley mentions his production which is key to why the stat guys love him. Lee is the type of player whose excellence is more apparent statistically than to the eye. Statistically, he is a top 40-type player in the league Lee's per 40 minute rebound rate is one of the best in the league. He also shoots a high percentage at a low usage rate, which means that he doesn't have the ball in his hands much but produces points efficiently. He is actually among the best in the league at this, which makes him extremely valuable because he can get numbers on a team where other scorers dominate the ball. He is not putting up points as the default option on a crappy team - his kind of efficiency remains effective as the team around him improves. He also has a good plus/minus - the Knicks are much better when he is on the floor (part of that is due to how terrible the other forwards are). He runs the floor well and is an improving defender. He is an unusual player which makes comparisons hard, but I could easily see his development taking him somewhere between a Kurt Rambis and Horace Grant (closer to Grant - A. C. Green?) role on a contender. I don't think he is untouchable, just the most valuable player currently on the Knicks, and one who would continue to be an asset on an improved team. The Knicks can't afford to just give him away - if he is traded, it has to be a deal that is too good to pass up.
"Posted by Pete | May 28, 2008 09:21"
HERE HERE.