My Notes From Vegas Ball Game 1 Knicks vs. Cavs
-Mardy Collins started out as SG but to be honest he didn’t look like a very good basketball player. He lost about 15 pounds this off-season. The announcers kept saying Mardy was the PG but Roberson was the one bringing the ball up.
Marc Berman of the NY Post disagrees with me though. He described Collins play saying he “looked sweet on the court, pushing the pace, showing the speed and athleticism completely missing from his game last year.” I agree Collins lacked all those things last season but I didn’t think he looked nearly as good as Berman did. He did push the ball but so did anyone who brought the ball up. Chandler, Gallinari, Roberson, Balkman, whoever found the ball in their hand pushed. Maybe I’m being hard on Collins but I wasn’t impressed.
-Holland, who I’m hoping will step up and make the roster, was looking to pass too much which is actually a good thing to complain about. He isn’t showing enough to make the squad with performances like that but it’s early.
-The Knicks need to learn to box out.
-This competition is a joke for Chandler. He’s going to have a great season. I can honestly say I’m very confidant in our 1 through 3 with Duhon, Crawford and Chandler.
-Roberson started at PG and showed a good handle and range on his jumper. He played a few games with the Golden State Warriors but mostly in Israel & Turkey last season. He’s 6-2, 190.
-I can honestly say, with a straight face, that I don’t think it will take long to turn the team around with D’Antoni’s system and young players like Duhon, Crawford, Chandler, Gallinari, Lee, Balkman, etc. I think we’ll be much improved this season from last and will only improve so 2 years is not an unrealistic plan.
-The Knicks played some sets where Gallinari and Balkman were the 4 &5; pick and choose which was which.
-Nate Robinson was at an Alonzo Mourning fundraiser in Orlando so he’ll show up later in the week. Some say he may choose not to play after missing the time.
-Balkman looked kind of goofy to me. I’m a fan of his but he just seemed off to me.
-Robert “Tractor” Traylor hasn’t looked as good as he did today since I saw him at the NIT in MG back in his Michigan days. On a side not, I met him after that NIT championship and he’s one of the biggest men I’ve ever met. I’ve met bigger men before who, on paper ma, make Traylor seem small but that man is huge! He is wide and tall and was a pretty nice guy if anyone is interested. He still look very fat though and just because he can beef his way through the summer league doesn’t mean he’ll work against the real NBA players.
-Q Rich is thin! He’s back down to his Phoenix weight, which should help his back and knees. He’s shaved his head and facial hair only leaving a pinstripe mustache. He said he’s been working out with Curry in Chicago. Hopefully Curry’s lost some weight as well. Then again, maybe lost weight because Curry ate both of their meals.
-Song-Tao looked athletic but 6-10 is too small for a center. He’d have to play forward in the NBA. He ran flat-footed and seemed lost in the offense. His legs seemed short from his knees down. Maybe that isn’t true but that’s how it looked to me. He got rejected with a little over 2 minutes left in the 3rd quarter but hustled to get the rebound and made a nice pass to clear the ball our of traffic and set up the offense. He might be able to play but he’ll need lots of development. But again, even though he’d only be a bench player I’d rather have him over Jones off the bench.
-Danilo had a MONSTER dunk with about 50 seconds left in the 3rd quarter. After that he showed a lot more confidence and started showing off offensively.
-Marbury showed up and said he’d be playing next year if it’s in NY or elsewhere so he’s not worried. He said he’d like to end his career in NY but if he doesn’t he said there will be not hard feelings. Walt Frazier reported Steph saw some time at SG in practice. I still think they’re going to buy him out but Steph could be a monster SG off the bench if they so choose. The Knicks can save an estimated $11-13 million by buying him out though so that’s the way I expect them to go with him.
Steph was sporting his new sneaker logo tattooed on his left temple. Listen, I like tattoos and it’s an okay symbol but Bam Bam Bigelo was the only guy I’ve seen with a skull tattoo that I didn’t think was stupid. And God rest his soul, Bam Bam would have looked dumb had he grown old.
-Von Wafer looked bad which should make KNICKS (our reader) happy.
-Roberson was very impressive both with his PG handling skills and his shooting ability. I don’t want to jump to conclusions but the Knicks might have found something there. Roberson clearly outplayed Mardy Collins in my opinion. He is suppose to be a horrible defender so maybe the truth will come out but he might be able to be a backup.
-Overall there was some good and some bad but its nice to get a win for the first game of the D’Antoni/Walsh era, even if it’s a summer game in Vegas. Chandler looks way to good to be playing there. I almost hope they reduce his time to get a look at other players. I noticed Gallinari started playing better once Chandler was out because D-Lo got to touch the ball more and gin confidence and play in rhythm. The Knicks look good running but they need to keep in that mentality. They have a tendency to start playing one-on-one and they will have to stop doing that for this system to work.
-Gallinari looked good and the thought that he’s at the level he is at just 19 makes me happy for the future. He definitely needs to improve on his physicality, defense and rebounding but he’s definitely going to turn some heads with his offense this year.
-Bottom line, it was a good day for the Knicks organization.
-On a side note, the Cavs had a young big man playing named Hickson. He as all over the place and it looks like the Cavs found a new big man. A guy like that would be valuable in the D’Antoni system.
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Rotoworld reports:
Marcus Camby has been traded to the Clippers for a conditional second round draft pick.
The Nuggets shipped him off for the right to switch second-round picks in 2010, or to put it simply: “nothing.” Camby’s contract expires at the same time as Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas, giving the Clippers a ton of cap space during the “Summer of Lebron.” Nene Hilario and Kenyon Martin figure to benefit most from the increased playing time in Denver, while it will be interesting to see how Camby and Chris Kaman co-exist. This also means that a Josh Smith deal is off the table for the Clippers. Jul. 15 - 9:39 pm ET
Source: Rocky Mountain News
This could impact the Knicks because it’s basically the same deal they offered for Randolph and getting rid of his contract would have helped the Knicks a lot. Walsh might have just messed up. Would the Clippers still want Randolph? Would the Knicks do the deal if it meant taking Camby back? What do we do with Randolph if they don’t want him?
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, July 16th, 2008 at 1:55 pm and is filed under Renaldo Balkman, Madison Square Garden, Chris Duhon, Knicks, MSG, Knicks Transactions, Knicks Trades, Knicks Signings, Marcus Camby, Mike D'Antoni, acquisition, Danilo “D-Lo” Gallinari, sign-and-trade, Danilo Gallinari, Q Richardson, Zach Randolph, Wilson Chandler, Donnie Walsh, Knicks Coaches, Knicks Management, Knicks Players, Stephon Marbury, Jamal Crawford, Knicks News, NBA, Knicks game Reviews, Trade Rumors, Knicks Sites, Nate Robinson, Mardy Collins, New York Knicks, Knicks Blogs, Knicks Message Boards/Forums, Knicks Game Previews, Eddy Curry, Quentin Richardson, Jerome James, New York Knickerbockers.
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33 Responses to “My Notes From Vegas Ball Game 1 Knicks vs. Cavs”
July 16th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Camby for Randolph!!!! Walsh make it happen!!!
July 16th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
[…] post by Matt Agne This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 16th, 2008 at 11:55 am and is filed under Knicks Sites, […]
July 16th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Imagine a lineup of:
PG-Duhon
SG-Crawford
SF-Chandler
PF-Gallinari
C-Camby
They may not be very good, but they would be extremely fast, athletic and exciting to watch…Camby is exactly what they Knicks need and rebounder, shoot blocker that can run the floor and doesn’t need to be a ball hog to make things happen
July 16th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
I doubt the clips will send us camby for zach. Y would they do that? Campy is the defensive player of the year!!!!!?!?!?!?
July 17th, 2008 at 2:40 am
Money Mike-I really doubt that it would happen but it wouldn’t be the weirdest thing to happen because Camby was a popular Knick, not with Dolan but with the fans and he’d fit D’Antoni’s system perfectly. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Clips wont want Zach’s salary now and thats too bad because that would have helped us a lot. But I suppose we can all hope Walsh can pull off a monster trade where we do get Camby and get rid of Randolph by giving them a few other players. Ah, to dream…
July 17th, 2008 at 2:42 am
jay to the son- I ask you, Y would Denver trade the defensive player of the year!!!!!?!?!?!?
July 17th, 2008 at 2:56 am
Clippers may have gotten Camby for nothing
It’s the biggest rebound of the year for the Los Angeles Clippers. And, arguably, the most dramatic in their tortured history. One week after the heart and soul of their team, their most skilled, most respected and most beloved player, Elton Brand, walked out on them, along with Corey Maggette, their leading scorer, the Clippers obtained an imposing substitute in 6-foot-11, 235-pound Marcus Camby.
Camby, the NBA defensive player of the year in 2006-07, was obtained from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for a conditional second-round draft pick in 2010.
Conditional because it gives the Nuggets the right to exchange picks with the Clippers in that second round. If, however, the Clippers have the lower pick and Denver chooses to pass on the opportunity, there would be no further compensation. In other words, the Clippers may have gotten Camby for nothing. And the Lakers thought they got a steal in obtaining Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies last season.
Source: Los Angeles Times
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I suppose the Clippers could look at this as an opportunity to get another draft pick and a player for nothing by flipping Camby to the Knicks for say Zach and a 2nd round pick. I think getting Camby will take them out of the Zach sweepstakes and I can only hope Walsh has a fall back plan because Zach cost way too much and doesn’t fit our system at all. They might have screwed us good with that trade.
July 17th, 2008 at 3:09 am
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080716/SPORTS04/807160411/1062/SPORTS04
The Knicks have been rumored to be the team who would pick Jamaal Tinsley up if he was released. The Pacers like the Knicks now have 16 players so they are looking to trade Tinsley and Bird thinks they will. They are looking for a forward to replace the loss of O’Neil. Can Walsh work with his old team and Bird to swap Randolph and Tinsley in a package deal?
July 17th, 2008 at 3:23 am
The Jazz are giving former Clippers pick Yaroslav Korolev a look. He’d be a great guy for the Knicks to keep an eye on because when he got drafted two years ago he was highly touted and kind of got lost in the LA shuffle. He’s a point forward like Gallinari and should be more ready for the NBA at 21 than he was at 19. Hopefully this is not the way Gallinari’s career will go, but I dont think it will. Anyway, Korolev could be a solid bench player for us if the Jazz dont decide to lock him up. That is of course, if Korolev looks good. He could look lost in which case we obviously wouldn’t bother with him.
July 17th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080717/SPORTS0102/807170382/1004/SPORTS
I wonder in Detroit would take Zach?
July 17th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Gianthinker- NUggets trade camby becuase they needed cap space. The clips dont need cap space and from the sound of things they are enticed about Camby Kaman pairing. I would love to get Camby for zach but it wont happen lets not get our hopes up. Either way a recently traded player cant be traded until 30 days after so i dont see it happening
July 18th, 2008 at 12:34 am
jay to the son-That is true, its not likely, but its not out of the question. Walsh could easily find himself still stuck with that contract in a month and revisit the idea and make it happen. He has players like Lee and Balkman he could always use to sweeten the deal to get Camby. Probably not but it could happen. Walsh was trying to get Camby from Denver himself so he is interested.
July 18th, 2008 at 12:42 am
From what I gather the Clippers are in need of a SF so maybe something like Randolph and Balkman for Camby would work.
July 18th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Camby & Mobley for Randolph, Robinson & Balkman
July 18th, 2008 at 10:01 am
why dont we go after samual dalebert try a trade like:
eddy,nate,balk ok straight up zach for him
July 18th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Dalembert is pretty untouchable, there are not many centers his age that can do what he does, there is no way he is available for anything the knicks have. 76ers have a very solid team right now, they are done making any big moves, randolph is useless to them, they just got brand who is a billion times better than randolph.
July 18th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Money Mike-I’d do that deal in a second! (Camby & Mobley for Randolph, Robinson & Balkman) The only thing is D’Antoni loves Robinson but sine we’d get Mobley in return I wouldn’t even think about it and I’d get it done right away.
July 19th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
The Knicks have had 4 games now and are 2-2. Where is the update?
July 20th, 2008 at 10:21 am
i found out from NEwsday there was more to the trade….The Clippers wanted the knicks to send Randolph, 3 million dollars and a 1st round pick for the 2nd rounder and brevin knight
July 21st, 2008 at 12:49 pm
KNICKS,
While it is fun to see basketball played by professionals in the summer bottom line is nobody cares about the summer league.
July 21st, 2008 at 10:28 pm
This site blows. gianthinker, Money Mike, Jay to the Son, Alex, and the rest of you don’t know what you are talking about.
July 21st, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Ok Sprewell you must be a genius….you would not happen to be Jim Dolan incognito? ha
July 22nd, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Sprewell- oh nice contibution! in any case, what are you making ur assumption from? its easy to just say some one doesnt know what he or she is talking about, but its harder to say y! Im open to hear y u think we dont know what we are talking about.
PS I guess we all cant have your wisdom
July 22nd, 2008 at 3:06 pm
I heard rumors that the nets might be shopping Sean and Marcus Williams, mr walsh said he would like to add a shot blocker hmmm what do u guys think? BTW would u guys like J Smith in a sign and trade? Im just thinking out loud i havent heard any rumblings about it.
July 22nd, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Who the hell would the Knicks give up for Josh Smith????? That would not happen. The Nets won’t give up their young players to a team in their division unless it makes them better and who could we give them?
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:57 pm
zach value will be higher during the season.. besides in the past few years knicks problems ocurred mainly because everybody wanted to take shots..
so randolph will have plenty of shots, everybody will.. there’s enought to go around..
this system will work it the Knicks..
and take it from an european, Gallinari is just tired, he played the entire season, then he flew to the states, had pratice workouts and got drafted..
the kid hasn’t had any vacations, he just needs to rest.. hope he skips the italian national team.. the kid is good u’ll see.
take care.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Okafor does not want to sign an extension with the Bobcats…he would be a FA after this year, idk maybe there is some way the knicks could send the Bobcats Randolph or something Okafor would at least give them a shot blocker would is athletic and can rebound and I believe has a decent baby jumper
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:25 pm
who would the hawks want for J smith? I dont know i wasnt saying we can i was just asking if he would fit, but if things get bad between the hawks and Smith can expiring contracts work in a sign and trade?
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:48 pm
This site is slowly declining………….. you better step your game up (I’m talking to you Alex and Matt).
I never really commented before but I still read the comments and there used to be good discussion around here. Now, it is basically just arguing and crazy ideas.
July 24th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Knicks,
Stop with the critisizing man who are you? Cut us a break it is the dead of the summer and Matt and I don’t get paid for this. Not to mention my computer is as slow as Juicin Giambi running the bases. I would love to write everyday but my computer is just that slow that i don’t have the patience or the time to sit here and do something in 3 hours taht should have taken me 30 mins tops. Once I get a new computer which is hopefully by this season I will post non stop.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Yeah, what teh hell. Start posting more. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much is going on right now. D’ Antoni just applied “just for men” on his mustache that clyde gave him. Curry just ate 4 bacon egg and cheese sandwiches for breakfast. Marby doubled up his xanax dosage. Crawford is carefully polishing his look as a starving mal nourished third country boy. Everyone knows how much is going on right now, JULY MADNESS!!!!!!!
July 25th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
hahahahah danny my point exactly
July 28th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
if you want some news you can read a newspaper…but i read the Knicks are close to a deal Sending Balkman to the Nuggets for Taureen Green and Bobby Jones..
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