My One on One Interview with Donnie Walsh
Just finished rapping with Donnie Walsh after his pregame set with the media.
After telling reporters that Gallinari does not need surgery, rest is required, Mr. Walsh kindly gave me 10 minutes about a few topics.
I asked him about the game in San Antonio and my post about how the Knicks are ahead of the curve, because there aren’t that many players like Duncan who can slow the pace down.
“You have to be able to do both in this league,” Walsh said, referring to getting out in transition and controlling the half court as I knowingly agreed. “But the game, whether it be now or the future, you have to rebound, play defense and make shots in more ways than the other team.”
I mentioned Mayo, whom he loves, and he was very clear in the fact that the Knicks weren’t close in making a deal to jump into the top four – so you can get over your Mayo crushes, we didn’t have a chance to get him.
He likened Mayo to Lebron James from a readiness and comfort level, and that he’s the exception to the AAU game, which doesn’t always prepare players to be professional.
“Mayo’s professionalism is something I haven’t seen in a young player since Lebron,” Walsh said.
He was very clear that he still would have brought Duhon in even had they found a way to bring in OJ, as Walsh considers Mayo a hybrid guard not a PG.
And when I asked him if he’s still very comfortable with Gallinari he replied, “We all want to see the kid, and it’s frustrating but there’s plenty of time.”
