COLOR CHIP HAPPY
Mitch Noel [Sims]
Randle Obi Taj [Simms]
Fournier Burks Knox
RJ Grimes Quickley
Rose Vildoza McBride [Jokubaitis]
I tell you what.
Rose, WWW, Aller, Perry, Perrin
Thibs, Bryant, Payne
For the first time in my adult life, I have genuine confidence in the Knicks management and coaching
Are we a championship contender?
NO.
But we are a a competitive team a playoff aspirations and a maturing culture, and as the Hawks proved, once you get into the final scrum, anything is possible.
Hey, the East is TOUGH and just got
tougher.
BoD's critique of Fournier is not unfair.
But there's the thing.
As per the money he is getting?
It was enough to get the Celtics to fold up shop. Timmy Hardaway money [and on Timmy's third contract, I believe he has earned it, as he kept growing].
Fournier will be 29 by opening day.
He has prototypical size and length as a 6'7" NBA wing, Knox is 6'7". Burks and RJ are 6'6"
Bullock is a better man on man lock up defender for sure, and statistically, a better 3 point and FT shooter.
But Bullock's strength as a three point shooter, is as a catch and shoot. How many two pointers do you recall him making last season? And he does not get to the FT line very often. On Dallas, spotting up with Timmy waiting for a squirt from Docic's tit, he ought to be in hog heaven.
Fournier is far superior as an all around scorer. Unlike Bullock, he can create his own shot, off the dribble, the penetration, in the mid and long range game. Fournier and Burks and RJ all have shown a gift for getting to the rack, getting and converting more free throws, which is very much a Derrick Rose/THIBS modus operandi.
Fournier converts like 80% of his FTs, has shown himself capable of knocking down 17-20 points a night. He is also good for 3 boards and 3 assists and 1 steal a night.
AGAIN, Fournier, Burks, Rose all can create their own offense. Bullock is most effective as a spot up shooter.
You better believe that THIBS was pulling for FOURNIER, and he fucking loved Reggie Bullock.
The addition of Fournier, the re-upping of Rose, Noel, Burks and Gibson, the subtraction of Payton and Ntilikina, the drafting of Grimes, Jokubaitis and McBride, the signing of Vildoza, and the reach our to Sims & Simms, bespeaks THIBS' interest in shooting, bigger wings who can create their own offense, PGs who can shoot and run the pick and roll, and get to the rack and finish and convert from the charity stripe.
Sims & Simms look like Westchester 2-way contracts, good for 50 games with the big boys. Jericho looks to have enough upside to justify cutting loose Pelle. Epic Hops, defensive presence and a handsome academic soul to boot. Jokubaitis is a PLAYA, and I really look forward to seeing him in summer league. He has opt out provisions, and even after a year or two of seasoning on Euroleague powerhouse Barcelona he will still only be 22.
Grimes and McBride are DAWGS. Great three point shooters and fierce defenders. Vildoza has been up and down in the Olympics, but also defends, is adept at penetrating and the pick and roll, a wily passer, and when not pressing, a good three point shooter. Some aspects of his game remind me of Rose, others of Quickley.
Having Noel and Sims [and Taj AND Obi] to push Mitchell can only give us more quality depth, defense and fouls to give. No reason Obi cannot evolve as a hybird PF-C like kindly Uncle Taj.
Was watching a replay of our first win of the season when we put whooping on the Bucks [who later in the season, when more in sync, fucking nuked us], and it was a revelation how well Mitchell played, was able to intermittently frustrate Giannis, and what a great opening run Burks was on before hurting his ankle. Also, great games from the dearly departed and eternally inconsistent, Elfrid and Frank.
I'm rambling.
But I am so happy we retained Noel, Burks and Taj. Nerlens and Alecs got well deserved raises, and clearly bought in to being part of this culture, even though they might've gotten more money elsewhere.
We were generous with Rose, but he EARNED IT, and also, based on Bird rights and God only knows what else, all of his salary, as per Grand Wizir Aller, will not count against the cap.
Steve Popper: Hearing that the Derrick Rose deal may not hamstring the Knicks the way it’s been talked about – think he’s fitting into an early bird slot, so Knicks could have at least $9 million – which could escalate easily to $12 millionI'm still rambling.
We brought back most of the key players who helped THIBS change the team and defensive culture, who made us a playoff team, and who as a result, WANTED TO BE BACK, WANTED TO BE KNICKS.
I am THRILLED that we did not go all in for the fucking SHINY OBJECTS, be they Colin Sexton, Kelly Oubre, Dennis Schroeder, Spencer Dimwiddie, all talented players, but all of who severely over estimate their net worth.
I am THRILLED that the trade your entire fucking team for a SHINY OBJECT circle jerk has mercifully ended. I am happy for Bradley Beal and how the Wiz have upgraded the team around him, ditto the Bulls and Zack Lavine [Lonzo Ball a perfect addition and running buddy]. I have ZERO expectation that Kawhi is leaving the Clippers. And while Dame remains a persistent wet dream in the hearts and mind of half the league, and eternal dipshit Stephen A., I suspect that if the Blazers re=up Powell and trade O-C for the Raptors Sakim, that would be a serious upgrade worthy of Lillard.
Elsewhere, Carmelo and Malik Monk and Dwight Howard heading to the Lakers. Cool.
DeMar DeRozan heading being courted by the Bulls and the Clippers? Clips seem the better match.
Patty Mills is a Nyet. FUCK ME.
Andre Drummond to the Sixers.
McDermott to the Spurs. Someone remind me why we traded him for Emmanuel Mudiay and gave him all of Frank's minutes?
Heat pulled their qualifying offer to Kendrick Nunn.
Robin Lopez to the Magic. Nice rebuild in progress.
Poll
