avatar

Players will Play Tonight- My Rotation

by Tommy Dee on February 20th, 2010 at 9:53 am

Via Hahn’s Tweet-

“…The #Knicks‘ trades from Thursday have been officially completed (all physicals went thru). McGrady et al will dress tonight vs OKC…”

With that being said, here’s what I’d like to see.

PG- Rodriguez (Evaluate him from the get go, in the starting role)
SG- McGrady
SF/PF- Chandler
SF/PF- Gallinari
C- Lee

Rotation- Harrington, House (fills Nate’s role on the 2nd unit), Bender, Douglas…

Now I know that Duhon will play, but it they want to run all game, then they have to go with the combination of Douglas/Rodriquez…both have the ability to be really effective in the open floor. And with Douglas, you can play him off the ball with McGrady at the 1.

They can go really long with McGrady/Chandler/Bender/Gallo/Lee but I’m not sure that will be a combination.

The coach will begin his search for combinations tonight, and you have to wonder if he stretches the rotation.

I’d give Bill Walker a look too.

There’s a lot of guards, and they have at least one open roster spot. I think they’ll add some sort of depth up front. Who that is, at this point, is anyone’s guess.
  • BluEandOrange

    Tommy, that is my dream starting lineup, but you know that D’Antoni is starting Duhon tonight.

    Rodriguez just got here and you know how D’Antoni “loves his vets.”

    Spanish Chocolate at the 1, Chandler at the 2 because McGrady cannot guard the 2, T-Mac at the 3, Gallinari at the 4 FINALLY (we know Gallinari will develop in a PF eventually because he lack of speed will not allow him to guard 3s in the future) and sadly Lee at the 4.

    Since Lee has no value whatsoever anymore – the Knicks will be renouncing his rights after the season and therefore will lose his Bird Rights andthe ability to sign-and-trade him to a team that will be or is over the cap when they acquire Lee – I say bench Lee.

    Start Serg at the 1, Douglas at the 2, T-Mac at the 3, Chandler as the 4, and Gallinari as the 5.

    Douglas is a defensive demon and I would like for his guarding prowess to be on the court as much as possible.

    Douglas and Sergio would be one fast backcourt. And I have no problem with Douglas guarding taller SGs because his defensive is outstanding.

    Sergio Rodriguez is 23 with great ball handling ability, speed, and passing acuteness. How long has it been since the Knicks had a young PG with that potential? It makes me giddy.

  • DVJ

    I think I’m getting excited.

  • BluEandOrange

    And btw, if I do go to the Garden tonight, I hope to see as much bandwagoners as possible. I usually hate them, and still do, but seeing them in MSG will mean that the Knicks are “getting there.”

  • BluEandOrange

    Stay Patient My Friend

  • italian stallion

    Tommy,

    IMO that will be the best Knicks starting line up we have floored in a long time.

    They will probably give up 110 points per night, but they will score 115 once in awhile. lol

  • gilbertosilva

    I’m not expecting too much from them tonight. I could see the lack of practise for the new boys leading to a disjointed performance, especially if we up the pace.

    I reckon D’Antoni will start with his usual suspects – Duhon, Chandler, Gallo, Lee – with TMac at the 3. House, SRod, Doug will all get time, and I’m intrigued to see what Bill Walker has, if anything at all.

    Hope the players are ready to RUN, cos that’s the way we’re going for the rest of the season!!! Should be entertaining, hopefully for the right reasons….

  • HaS

    _’antoni is too stubborn to bench Lee. _avi_ could walk over to the bench and get a sip of gatorade when his team is on defense and he still wouldn’t bench him.

  • HaS

    LOL

  • Knicks4life

    Realistically I don’t know how many mintues McGrady is going to be able to play right away. He hasn’t played meaningful minutes in an NBA game in what, a year and a half. I think we should measure expectations for what he can give us. I’m not even so sure he should start (although we need him to).

    Sergio must start and must play at least 30minutes if for no other reason than to keep Duhon on the bench.

    I would measure expectations for tonight. I’m going to watch and hope they win off of adrenaline but they haven’t gotten to really practice together or figure out there defensive rotations yet and they are playing a very good and cohesive team that didn’t make any moves. As Knick fans we tend to be unrealistic. I say give this team 3 games, and give TMac at least 6 games to play at a high level.

  • Knicks4life

    +1. See below.

  • DVJ

    A lot of good players will be on the market next year and Eddy Curry’s contract will look really nice to a lot of teams.

    Anybody want to bet Donnie gets our 2012 pick back when he trades Curry?

    The plan is still in motion.

    Stay Patient My Friends.

  • Magik_Trick

    So….whose our backup center?

  • knicks613

    kinda funny to hear fans. bench lee and such. not that he’s the answer, but who’s gonna guard bogut, perkins, gasol, garnett, etc? any info on what happened with al for tyrus thomas? was charlotte’s offer better? even for the next 29 games, we need some athletic defensive presence. we just picked up FIVE guards.

  • Hydr0

    I’m not a big fan of Lee either, but benching Lee to play Toney Douglasat shoting guard and Gallo at center would be asinine.

  • gilbertosilva

    I’ve been wondering about that too. Full game on the cards for Lee tonight….

  • scarfacebaj19

    I would go with a starting rotation of Douglas, Tmac, Chandler, Gallo, and Lee. I would have douglas and Tmac share PG/SG role on offense- douglas has a nice 3pt shot and plays defense, something I dont think Sergio is known for- cant shoot form the outside is his reputation- is why i would have T.D. start over rodriques. The problem is our defense is going to stink. Can only think of one lineup where our defense will be good, but that is speculation too. Douglas and Chandler are the only guys on the team that can play defense. Gallo and Tmac w/ bum knee dont have the quickness, explosiveness, or strength to guard opposing 2, 3, or 4′s. Lee as we know is undersized at center and gets killed by any center that has a somewhat decent post game. I really dont see Gallo or Tmac being very effective on running in the fastbreak. But Douglas, Chandler, and Lee should do well.

    I really think this team needs one of the former Celtic’s SG to step up and play in the starting lineup- Giddens or Walker. Both around 6’5″- 6’6″- prime candidates for SG. Which ever one is better – more athletic, can defend should be playing, and soon start. I really think with Gallo’s poor play recently, he shouldnt be in the starting lineup- shooting #’s are down from 3 pt line, no defense, and not athletic enough to run well on the fast break. But D’antoni loves him- he is the future, so he will be there.

    I would like to see our lineup in a few games be Douglas, Giddens or Walker, Tmac, Chandler, Lee- think this will be our best offensive and defensive unit if Giddens or Walker are competent! No matter what, Lee will always be undersized and have a disadvantage on defense, Tmac will defend the weaker player of opposing teams SF/PF and Chandler will defend the better player of those two position. The Guard positions should be good with Douglas defending PG, and Giddens or Walker defending the SG. So now instead of having 3 players who cant defend, we should have only 2, and only one should hurt us most nights- that being the Center that Lee is defending. On Fastbreaks- only limited possibly by Tmac due to injury, rather than Tmac and Gallo. If Tmac is running the PG position than Douglas is our main 3pt shooter and vice versa if T.D. is running the PG on that play.

  • Knicks4life

    Gallo would have no discs left in his back if he was forced to play the 5.

  • Dave the Rave

    “Lee has no value whatsoever” and the team’s best scorer and rebounder and high energy guy and only all-star should be benched and they will renounce his rights? Am I still asleep and having a nightmare?

    This blog is crazy…..crazy, man, crazy.

    The new roster and energy should be exhilarating tonight. But watch them start off with a 14 point first quarter and drive us crazy ; )

  • HaS

    Who’s our starting center?

  • DVJ

    Our starting center is the same person that started for us at center before the trade deadline.

  • Dave the Rave

    Bender is 7-foot but D’A is too stoopid to play him at center. I don’t buy the excuse that he’s a wing man. If D’A can play no-D Lee at center he can use Bender as the back-up center and station him down low. D’A has centeraphobia, as if they only clog the middle and make things bad.

  • HaS

    1 offensive rebound a game and “energy” at one end of the floor with no hustle for loose balls or boxing out plus 0 defense is a little more than no value, but it’s not a value at 10-12mil, if he signs for more than 7-8mil I’ll be disgusted and it will prove that Donnie is going to overpay for marginal players if 6.5 for Duhon didn’t already prove that.

  • HaS

    In other words we still don’t have a starting center.

  • HaS

    Starting _avi_ at center is equally as asinine.

  • harris

    Based on some of the videos posted on this site, Knick fans should insist that the former pride of Kansas State gets major minutes. The comic relief he provides should in itself be worth the price of tickets. His commentary about the “best players” in the league are absolutely priceless.

  • gilbertosilva

    That’s the only real option, unless the unthinkable happens and hungry Eddy suits up tonight!!!!

    And another thing, who’s guarding KD tonight, now the only player we had that played semi- acceptable D is out the door? Potential Durant to have a monster game is very, very high.

  • DwaneT

    I have no expectations for tonight. It’s just gonna be a glorified pick-up game for the Knicks. D’Antoni has a general idea of what the new players can do, but no idea what they will do together. There are no floor generals among the old players to teach them on the run, other than Duhon who knows the system but can’t play it, and and Lee who, if they’re running the system, should not be in position to be floor general. I’ve always liked McGrady’s game, and I want to see what he has left. I’m also curious to see who tries to fit in and who tries to stand out. I most want to see the look on McGrady’s face the first time he passes to Buckets, and Al goes one on three rather than pass it back. I want to see effort, attitude and an attempt to become a team. A win would be cool too, but it’s just a pick-up game.

  • gilbertosilva

    Is Giddens not injured? Either way, I agree with your call about the D. Now JJ has gone, who’s stepping up? No obvious candidates, I’m afraid.

    Not that I’m bemoaning the trade – JJ had to go – but at this rate, we’re going to have to score A LOT, as we’re gonna give up 100+ on a regular basis. The rest of this season is an experiment!!!

  • Knicks4life

    BTW isn’t Eddie Curry out with a knee injury or something. Didn’t he have to have another surgery? I don’t think he is an option for tonight.

  • Hydr0

    starting gallo at center would be worse and you want to bench lee to start douglas? Sounds like you guys want to tank the rest of the season to get a higher 2nd round pick.

  • Magik_Trick

    True.

    The Knicks have ZERO centers on the entire roster…

    and the only 7-footer we have, thinks hes a wingman

  • Jack D

    at least t-mac can defend. JJ was actually a bad man to man defender. He was only good at help D.

  • Jack D

    any chance nate signs back with us for cheap in the summer?

  • scarfacebaj19

    Giddens- Top Recruit- recrutied by Roy WIlliams of Kansas Jayhawks- but before he got there, Williams decided to leave. Giddens still went their, did well but then got into some Fight – got suspended, went to New Mexico for fresh start. Last year was his rookie year, but too much talent ahead of him to get a shot to play regularly in Boston- 30th pick overall last year. Tried to post some links from Youtube, but they havent been posted yet. Do a search on Youtube and take a look at his senior highlights- the kid can play!

  • BluEandOrange

    First, Lee will not be resigned IF THE GOAL IS TO SIGN 2 MAX CONTRACTS. I thought this was obvious to everyone, I guess not.

    Second, when will you guys get it through your head that this is not about THIS SEASON. Its about NEXT SEASON. The Knicks are already out of the playoffs. The team will have to go 22-7 just to reach .500. To believe they could achieve such a feat would take miracle.

    Dave The Rave, you need to be more realistic.

    And 2, Lee is not the best player on the team. Best offensive player, yes. But not the best overall player. That would be Wilson Chandler.

    And you must be asleep having a crazy dream because this team is not a playoff contender, even though I pray to God they prove me wrong.

  • BluEandOrange

    Lee doesn’t guard anyone at all. Remember? He doesn’t even play defense.

    You make me laugh. smh

  • HaS

    I didn’t say anything about Douglas. I’m saying no one could do worse than _avi_ at center. Period.

  • HaS

    “and the only 7-footer we have, _’antoni thinks hes a wingman”

    fixed.

  • scarfacebaj19

    You Were Right! A couple of weeks ago- injured his Meniscus in his knee!

    The Boston Celtics announced today that guard J.R. Giddens underwent successful left knee arthroscopic surgery today at the New England Baptist Hospital. The surgery was performed by team physician, Dr. Brian McKeon and assisted by John Rand, PAC. No timetable has been set for his return.

    Giddens, a 6’5” guard, has appeared in 21 games for the Celtics this season and registered season-highs of six points and seven rebounds against New Jersey on January 13. In four games on assignment for the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Development League this season he averaged 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steal in 31.8 minutes per game. During those four games the former New Mexico Lobo shot 64.4% from the field and 60.0% from three-point distance.

    Giddens averaged 1.0 points and 0.9 rebounds in 3.9 minutes per game for the Celtics over the last two seasons. He recently got his first NBA career start in place of an injured Paul Pierce.

    Giddens, who turned 25 last week, has been in Boston rehabbing his left knee (meniscus surgery) and predicts he could play in the next three-to-four weeks, depending on the Knicks’ assessment. He expects to leave for New York on Friday morning, and shared his thoughts on his past and present teams:

    Why do you think you will be a good fit for Mike D’Antoni’s system?

    As a ballplayer, I’ve got to think that I’m a good fit in any system. I’ve had three different college coaches. Then me being athletic in this system because he likes to run-and-gun and get up and down, I’m athletic and I’m best in transition. I could really use my athleticism to help them.

  • joetheknick

    I kike your proposed lineup but doubt that MD will go with it. I expect to see regular lineup with McGrady or House sliding in the SG position and Chandler moving over to PF. MD is not into punishing Duhon or Lee by benching them. It is obvious to me that some of the fans with anger issues have not got much coaching experience.

  • LBJ2010

    “Anybody want to bet Donnie gets our 2012 pick back when he trades Curry?”

    I do. Lots and lots of money.

  • LBJ2010

    “any info on what happened with al for tyrus thomas? was charlotte’s offer better? ”

    Yes. They gave up a first rounder.

  • LBJ2010

    I think around New Year’s it came out that he was expected to miss 6 weeks, which is right about now. However, I agree – don’t see how he’s an option. This is still E-City we’re talking about.

  • Hydr0

    I was using the douglas example from the first post. But I’m curious. Who is in your starting 5 and rotation players without Lee in there? You need to pick at least another 2-3 bench players. I know you prefer a 9-10 man rotation, but I’ll give you a break and let you go with one of D’antoni’s 7 man rotations for this excercise ;)

    Sorry, but I don’t think you can bench Lee and put a better team out there. This may just say something about what we have right now, but Lee is still our best player atm

  • Hydr0

    OK, so even if Chandler is the best player on the team and Lee is the 2nd best player. You’re an advocate of benching our 2nd best player for the rest of the season?

  • HaS

    The could have put Brian Cardinal at center for all I cared. Anyone but Lee. As despicable as _avi_ is on defense he shouldn’t get more than 20 mins a game, maybe he’d play harder in that scenario.

  • Hydr0

    brian cardinal? sry, but I think your hatred has clouded your judgement

  • Hydr0

    can i get in on that action?

  • rocky

    really like to see them get Eddie Curry up and chugging.
    he’s a semi-legit big, and kind of unstoppable on the offensive
    end so why not give him some PT and showcase him for a trade
    or (you never know?)

  • rocky

    “any chance nate signs back with us for cheap in the summer?”

    It’s more than a rumor,
    DAntoni wanted Nate gone a year ago

  • ds2488

    Im pumped for tonight it should be fun. that rotation would be awesome and an instant improvement, No Suckhon is much much better than any Suckhon. But we all know that no matter what happens, Suckhon will still get 30+ minutes a game, even if it means benching Douglas. I like the rotation, plus people forget about the instant improvement we will see without Jeffries there. Damn, would that be paradise or what. No Suckhon and no Jeffries, now just add Chucketts and were one of the best teams in the league lol.

  • BluEandOrange

    Actually not really Hydro0.

    David Lee has become a 20-10 guy. But his rebounds are due to the fact that he is playing the center position and therefore will get his fair share of rebounds. He is there in the paint bodying (notice I how I didn’t say defending) the opposition’s center and therefore he is in the best position to get rebounds since he is close to the rim.

    Yay! Lets give Lee credit for getting the easy rebounds.

    Lee doesn’t even box out. If he did, he would average even more rebounds.

    If you benched Lee and started Chandler at the 5, I bet you Chandler would average just as many if not more rebounds than Lee.

    Lee doesn’t play defense and that cancels out his offensive production.

    No offensive player who does not play a lick of defense is worth starting.

  • BluEandOrange

    Yes because he has no future value left to this team. Hydro its as if I am repeating myself.

  • Dave the Rave

    LOL! I never since last summer said this is a playoff team. I said all along this team is awful. I don’t want to see them in the playoffs this year. It’d be a joke. This year is about roster moves, I agree. Next year is about playoffs.