Knicks & Nets Season Previews
Just a few notes to add to Brad's extremely sympathetic take on nepotism and point guards with weak handles. (Actually, "nepotism" is unfair because Dan Grunfeld got so few touches that I could have sworn the other guys were freezing him out.) The IZOD Center wasn't sold out but the crowd must have been good because we broke the noise meter on the JumboTron at least three times. (Random capitalization: savvy marketing move or utterly pointless?) I hate thunder sticks at all times but are they really necessary during the preseason? Ok, enough complaining and on to the teams.
New York Knicks
Wilson Chandler looked solid for the Knicks which should make New York happy but should also make them cringe a little knowing Isiah wouldn't given him the light of day even in a throw-away season. If Marbury remains semi-sane, it's going to get awkward in the backcourt because he's clearly better than Chris Duhon and might still be the best most talented guy on the team. Eddy Curry has also fallen from unquestioned starter to reserve and it remains to be seen if he can survive the East Coast version of Seven Seconds or Less. Chandler, Marbury, Nate Robinson and Curry all have a chance to break into the starting lineup and that can't be good for chemistry. Who is their leader? Jamal Crawford hasn't been on a team that's been even near .500 and Quentin Richardson isn't going to improve dramatically. This team is a mess. I wouldn't blame D'Antoni if he benched anyone that so much as looked at him wrong, prayed for a high lottery pick, and considered the entire season a practice run for next season's SSOL assault on the Eastern Conference.
New Jersey Nets
I apologize for any time I've ever compared Brooke Lopez to Jason Collins because Lopez actually has offensive skills. Bobby Simmons also looked in former 6th Man of the Year form and Chris Douglas-Roberts looks like an overachieving second round pick. Over at ESPN, only Jon Barry of their panel of experts has them making the playoffs (no one else placed them higher higher than 13th) but I give the Nets at least a good shot. Devin Harris, Vince Carter and Bobby Simmons are a solid 1-2-3 and Najera/Lopez/Yi could work out in the front court people. Throw in Stromile Swift, Josh Boone and Sean Williams and at least you know they have depth, if not quality, in the front court. If Yi and Lopez blossom and Vince doesn't renege on his promise to be patient with the rebuilding process then this team could sneak into the playoffs.
Crossover of the Day - Daryll Hill of St. Johns drops someone and then hands out the sweet assist
New York Knicks
Wilson Chandler looked solid for the Knicks which should make New York happy but should also make them cringe a little knowing Isiah wouldn't given him the light of day even in a throw-away season. If Marbury remains semi-sane, it's going to get awkward in the backcourt because he's clearly better than Chris Duhon and might still be the best most talented guy on the team. Eddy Curry has also fallen from unquestioned starter to reserve and it remains to be seen if he can survive the East Coast version of Seven Seconds or Less. Chandler, Marbury, Nate Robinson and Curry all have a chance to break into the starting lineup and that can't be good for chemistry. Who is their leader? Jamal Crawford hasn't been on a team that's been even near .500 and Quentin Richardson isn't going to improve dramatically. This team is a mess. I wouldn't blame D'Antoni if he benched anyone that so much as looked at him wrong, prayed for a high lottery pick, and considered the entire season a practice run for next season's SSOL assault on the Eastern Conference.
New Jersey Nets
I apologize for any time I've ever compared Brooke Lopez to Jason Collins because Lopez actually has offensive skills. Bobby Simmons also looked in former 6th Man of the Year form and Chris Douglas-Roberts looks like an overachieving second round pick. Over at ESPN, only Jon Barry of their panel of experts has them making the playoffs (no one else placed them higher higher than 13th) but I give the Nets at least a good shot. Devin Harris, Vince Carter and Bobby Simmons are a solid 1-2-3 and Najera/Lopez/Yi could work out in the front court people. Throw in Stromile Swift, Josh Boone and Sean Williams and at least you know they have depth, if not quality, in the front court. If Yi and Lopez blossom and Vince doesn't renege on his promise to be patient with the rebuilding process then this team could sneak into the playoffs.
Crossover of the Day - Daryll Hill of St. Johns drops someone and then hands out the sweet assist
posted by Gen at
6:28 PM
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