Scout: S-Rod still Immature

by Tommy Dee on March 15th, 2010 at 3:28 pm

Tim Shea is a really strong basketball eye and mind who contributes to Berman’s blog and he had some interesting things to say about Sergio Rodriguez, who hasn’t been all too impressive since being dealt to NY from the Kings at the deadline.

“…Sergio’s a nice young man, easy going, he has good instincts and he knows how to play but he had not yet learned how to win. Sergio is and was immature.

Sergio can run. He likes transition basketball, makes the fancy play, the show-time play, but is still an inconsistent shooter and makes questionably decisions at PG. His D has gotten better but has big lapses.

Rudy Fernandez, Ricky Rubio realized they should wait and mature while Sergio went right away, too young and not ready. It’s hurt him big time. He’s a talent but at the NBA level and under the bright lights of MSG, he was not grown up enough to handle the heat…”

I like the speed Sergio plays at, but he has to do a better job of controlling the flow. He gets out of control sometimes. His shot has actually surprised me, I thought it was going to be worse but he has good form and confidence. But defensively he’s sub par, which is why Toney Douglas deserves the look.

  • young hova

    Really Rubio stayed in Europe to mature? It had nothing to do with Minnesota drafting a PG immediately after him and signing another one in the offseason?

  • joetheknick

    S-Rod could become a solid PG in time (years) I get the feeling that a lot of the fans see Chris Paul as typical rather than exceptional. It took solid NBA PG’s like Chauncey Billups, Steve Nash and Charlie Ward years to become solid NBA PG’s If S-Rod continues to work on his game, in time, he might join the ranks of the memorable NBA PG’s

  • young hova

    I’m assuming that including Ward in there was a joke right?

  • EQ1217

    Maybe joetheknick is actually Charlie Ward himself

  • BiggieSmalls

    i think with young (23ish) point guards you have to give them time and support.. you cant make rash decisions like saying they are already everything they can be..

    Ill take my chances with ball distributors like Sessions, Rubio, S Rod any day.. you may experience some growing pains but there is bigtime upside

  • SilentJay

    I’m with you on this one, Biggie. The kid likes to push up, tries to hustle on D but sometimes loses focus, and his offense is just a demonstration of his maturity, he’s out of control and often makes wild decisions. Patience and time are his best allies right now, and if he’d be willing to sign a cheap contract to stay, I think he’s a good options to come off the bench.
    In regards to the mystery of who will be our starting PG? No idea so far, but imo EC’s contract should put in use for that specific purpose.

  • Ben Dovr

    http://www.eldia.es/2007-05-22/JORNADA/jornada2.htm

    ITim Shea was asked in 2007 and the answers were these in the interview. Basically said: Sergio should not leave Spain and stay in Spain ACB league a few more years… said he was not ready. Sometimes you get it right.

  • Ben Dovr

    trust me but no.. he stayed because it was the smart move. he knows what he is doing.

  • Ben Dovr

    Tim Shea is a really strong basketball eye and mind who contributes to Berman’s blog and he had some interesting things to say about Sergio Rodriguez, who hasn’t been all too impressive since being dealt to NY from the Kings at the deadline.

    Thanks Tommy D… I resemble that.

    Tim Shea

  • joetheknick

    No joke. Charlie Ward was a hard worker and a solid contributor. Not many players in NBA are all stars.

  • x-man

    So now s-rod belongs to the group immature too!

    s-rod has ” yet learned how to win.”? That can be stated about the entire team mostly.

    Why is it that our coach gets a pass for not winning and a player such as s-rod is singled out for such?

    Is s-rod just not a D’Antoni player now too?

    S-rod doesn’t play defense? Nash NEVER did either!

    s-rod is a nice backup pt guard for us that can play 20 or so minutes a night. So is TD from what I can see so far. Neither one hasn’t proven that they can and should bve our starting pt guard to contend yet.

  • J_Starks3

    “Sergio can run. He likes transition basketball, makes the fancy play, the show-time play, but is still an inconsistent shooter and makes questionably decisions at PG. His D has gotten better but has big lapses.”

    Sounds like Jayson Williams (white chocalate).

    That is too bad because I like him a lot. His shot being inconsistent is something he can work on.

    Plus immature is such a harsh word. When I hear it I think of that kid that got drafted by NJ that was a monster shot blocker (he is no longer there).

    still not oppossed to seing Ghost Face instead of him. They both should be here next year (specially at the price) baring any trades.

    Last thought……..not fair comparing him to either rubio or fernandez imo.

  • fuhry

    Rubio stayed because with the huge buyout and his rookie salary scale, he would have had to play for nothing for 3 years and there was nothing Minnesota could do about it.

    at the end of the 2010-11 season, Rubio will have a low buyout and the ability to make money in the NBA. Smart move for his career and family.

  • SilentJay

    I think this roster will be put to the test next season if things go well during the offseason (let’s just say things go well and not talk about who gets here). How players like Will, Gallo, TD, and whoever else stays handle the pressure of fighting for the playoffs and trying to make it past one round, or whatever.
    This little core will truly be tested next season. More eyes will be on them and it’ll come down to how D’antoni handles his team on the pressure cooker and what type of team he’ll go with.

  • x-man

    Yep, I agree! However, a real GM would take a hrd look at everyone including the coaching staff to make sure accountability exosts for ALL.

    You cannot let players or coaches off the hook when much can de done to move us forward. Right now, I don’t see aNYONE stepping up, taking responsibility and providing leadership.

    Waiting around for a calvary to come isn’t leadership.

  • x-man

    Anyone want to take a bet against T-mac (if he suits up and playing) hoisting it up from the perimeter since he made a few last game? That’s where T-mac wants to be even though he’s more effective for this team taking it to the rim. That’s his MO when in the clutch, turn into cousin Vince Carter!

  • J_Starks3

    I think T-Mac is done. I have seen him on one fast break (either starting it or finishing it) during his time here.

    Thanks for the extra cash Tracy and good riddens!!!

  • Nova B

    i dont think he is done i jus think he would never b the tmac of the magic or rockets he has to go to the vets coming off the bench he jus dont have it 2 play wit the young 1s anymore

  • Nova B

    basically i dont c whats wrong wit him coming off the bench and bringing his offense 4 a weak bench being that we wont have that many decent pieces after this yr after we either sign 2 max or 1 max and 2 2nd tier guy he is a good guy coming off the bench 4 20 mins. right or wrong?

  • DVJ

    This is to all the D’Antoni haters:

    Question from Hahn’s live chat today.

    “Chubby: ]
    How real is the D’antoni factor in recruitment? is he really the players favorite? ”

    Let’s see: Kobe, Carmelo, Steve Nash, Dwyane Wade, LeBron, Joe Johnson, Shaq, Jason Kidd, Grant Hill, etc. all have publicly raved about Mike D’Antoni. They love his system. They all defend the fact that his record with the Knicks is a reflection of the weak roster, the players and the fact that the whole world knows what they’re trying to do this summer. I’ve only heard criticism from other coaches. Seriously, the talented players all have love for D’Antoni.

    I’m saying playa!!!

  • DVJ

    “Hey Alan, Do you think D’Antoni is relieved, (in a sense) that they Mr. Walsh was able to move Jefferies contract? Even at the expense of exposing the defense. ”

    I think the entire franchise was relieved. That’s a big number to clear. $6.8M of salary can get you a pretty good player, alone. Adding it to Hill makes it almost $10M. There were a lot of executives around the NBA who were amazed that Walsh was able to move that Jeffries contract for an expiring.

  • DVJ

    Wow…Hahn was on fire today.

    “People around the NBA — media, fans, some executives and owners — are quick to shoot down the New York appeal. I believe the reason for this is straight-up fear. How much outrage was there when the Lakers landed Pau Gasol for next to nothing? There is a great fear from the middle-state franchises and small markets that if the Knicks ever became a juggernaut like the Lakers, the NBA would be bookeneded between the two major markets and it would change everything. I think it would be great for the NBA because it would mean more money. Sure, the Knicks would be on national TV all the time, just like the Lakers. There would be more revenue to share.
    But it would hurt several franchises if that scenario happened. The Cavs, the Heat and the Raptors would plummet. Three teams in one Conference wiped out. That’s not good for the league, either.”

  • J_Starks3

    OMG here we go again.

    He can coach stars because he gives them freedom but the fact that he has poor substitutions, last second plays, below average communicator and in my opinion a inconsistent disciplinarian are all working against him.

    again I am one that believes that LBJ is coming which will make everything perfect but if anything else happens watch what happens to this “Offensive Genius”.

  • Ben Dovr

    Not comparing.. just saying that he should have stayed in Spain to “mature” as others in this same case have done… Rudy and Ricky. He knows how to play, he has to learn to win.. thats maturity in the NBA and in China.

  • x-man

    Well dude, Some of those players will get the opportunity to come here and play with this coach! hahahahahahaha

    Remember when Kobe stated he luved Isiah and it was rumored that he would come here?

    Don’t rate the player playa, it’s just a game!

    Remember, those players you mention stil raves about this coach everytime we play against their team. How else can they set records?

  • harris

    Grant Hill loved this coach so much that he decided to stay in Phoenix, even though the Knicks offered him more money. I guess he didn’t love “the system” that much after all.

  • x-man

    Yeah but T-Mac says he luvs playing for this coach. It sure helps his knees playing one side of the floor.

    Maybe T-Mac can be that leader on the bench we crave since that other one…….shhhhhhh…..isn’t doing a d-a-m-n- thing!

  • DVJ

    “OMG here we go again. ”

    Don’t use my name in vain….j/k

    “He can coach stars because he gives them freedom but the fact that he has poor substitutions, last second plays, below average communicator and in my opinion a inconsistent disciplinarian are all working against him”

    Working against him? As long as the stars on that list don’t think that stuff..who cares? How is it working against him? Please explain how it’s working against him. I’m not asking you to give examples of how he has poor substitutions, last second plays, below average communicator and how that will effect us when it comes to getting the stars that ALL LOVE HIM.

    “again I am one that believes that LBJ is coming which will make everything perfect”

    Somebody has seen the light….hallelujah.

    “but if anything else happens watch what happens to this “Offensive Genius”.”

    Anything like what? Do you mean if we sign, Joe Johnson and Amare..or maybe Joe Johnson and Bosh? Come on bruh..the team is terrible. No coach can get this team to win 40 games. It’s not possible.

    We will win 30 – 35 games like we did last year.

    Stay Patient

  • DVJ

    “Remember when Kobe stated he luved Isiah and it was rumored that he would come here? ”

    I remember he said he loved Isiah as a player but never as a coach.

    Got a link?

    Probably not

    Get it together baby!!

  • x-man

    DVJ says “There is a great fear from the middle-state franchises and small markets that if the Knicks ever became a juggernaut like the Lakers, the NBA would be bookeneded between the two major markets and it would change everything.”

    There’s a greater fear from many of us that with this dumb coach and poor personel decisions, we have a better chance of becoming an astronaut!

    Drool on Playa!

  • harris

    What was so amazing?-he paired the guy with a lottery pick, a future number one, and potentially a number one which could be better than what Houston would have otherwise. It very well may have been a good move by DW, but there was nothing “amazing” abou this trade-and if the Knicks ultimately don’t get a big free agent out of this, the trade will be a disaster.

  • x-man

    Yes he surely did! I’m missing a link or is that just you! lol

  • DVJ

    “Grant Hill loved this coach so much that he decided to stay in Phoenix, even though the Knicks offered him more money. I guess he didn’t love “the system” that much after all.”

    You mean the Grant Hill that’s damn near 40 and looking for a championship? Why would he come to the Knicks?

    I’m not going to tell you again harris lol.

  • DVJ

    Says who?

    You?

    C’mon Son

  • harris

    Says many Pops.

    There’s nothing “amazing” about this trade-it may be a move Walsh had to do, but he gave up potentially a lot, don’t you think?

  • SilentJay

    Totally on the same page. Players cannot -and in any other team don’t- pay for their shortcomings because of age, develkopment or lackthere of. GM’s are the one’s that make that final evaluations and make the tough decisions.
    I think Mile D’s given more room for errror since “he’s beem given a horrible team” (I don’t agree with this, you make your team the adjective it finally receives) and in all likeliness next season he’ll have 4-6 new players.

  • harris

    Hey-facts are facts DVJ. If he loved the coach so much, why not come here? Realistically, he’s not winning a championship in Phoenix anyway, And if it’s all about winning, why would LeBron and D. Wade come this summer?

  • DVJ

    Don’t get mad at me playa….

    Oh and also…I didn’t say it….Hahn said it.

  • DVJ

    “ey-facts are facts DVJ. If he loved the coach so much, why not come here? Realistically, he’s not winning a championship in Phoenix anyway, And if it’s all about winning, why would LeBron and D. Wade come this summer?”

    Do you talk to hear yourself talk?

    The PHX team is better than the NY team. Is that a fact?

    Grant Hill has a better chance at winning a Chip in PHX than he does in NY right? Is that a fact?

    We already know why Lebron would come here so I’m not going to go over that again here on the blog.

  • BiggieSmalls

    If you ghonna quopte Hahn you need to include his hedge clause..

    Works for Newsday that is owned by Cablevison that owns the Knicks..

  • BiggieSmalls

    Superstars love teh coach.. what team is all superstars besides the Olympics?

  • SilentJay

    I try to cut the cripple some slack because since this coach’s criteria is completely different to any other I’ve ever encountered. He sees fit to make T-Mac play 25-35 min in every game he’s played ever since he came, which to me seems a bit moronic given the fact of his long recovery out of a big injury, instead of taking him along slowly.
    I’ll stand firm on my ground that if Tracy can make that transition where he adjusts his game to the limits his body’s presented him, to improve his distribution skills, 3 point shot, selection of when and how to penetrate and play D, he’ll be a good piece to have (if he really meant taking the vet min). If these adjustments are not made, he won’t make my Kincks list for next season. I gotta see some before the end of the season.

  • DVJ

    “There’s nothing “amazing” about this trade-it may be a move Walsh had to do, but he gave up potentially a lot, don’t you think?”

    Again..there’s nothing amazing about the trade….TO YOU!!

    I’ll paste again what Hahn said

    “There were a lot of executives around the NBA who were amazed that Walsh was able to move that Jeffries contract for an expiring.”

    This guy actually speaks to these executives.

    It’s cool to have your own opinion but I think it was a great trade for us.

    Especially being that Houston isn’t that good and they won’t be that good next year either. They won’t make the playoffs even with Yao but again….that’s just my opinion.

  • HaS

    Wow 35 games?

    Have you seen the schedule?

    No way.

  • x-man

    lol I’m not mad at ya! My dog wrote that last post! I think he’s probably a little jealous because you’re down on all fours more than him!

  • SilentJay

    I thought it was really nice how Kidd used this coach and franchise to get his team pay him more to stay and have the season of his life in Dallas.
    Showing the love for the coach right there. Some attractive destination according to the Kidd, huh?
    Completely used us as leverage.
    Great poker player, played Donnie like a grandma.

  • harris

    Grant Hill will never win a championship this year in Phoenix. So wjat about Phoenix being better than the Knicks? He was offered more money to come here, and he would have probably played more. with the Knicks. Despite his “love for the system”, he stayed in Phoenix.

    You don’t know that LeBron is coming here-neither does anybody else. Until it happens, many of us will continue to have our doubts.

    As far as “talking to hear oneself talk”, keep on with the nonsense about the 30-35 wins. It’s certainly entertaining for everybody concerned.

  • harris

    Fair enough, but there was obviously more to it than just “Jeffries for an expiring”.

    I hope you’re right on this one.

  • http://tharealestproductionz.blogspot.com/ DaGawD_KnowLedge

    s-rod can be a solid backup mayb more if he continues to work hard an understand what it takes to win an make the rite play

  • x-man

    This coach is trying to pad as many wins as he can to keep his total win-loss from catching up with his real coaching skills.

    Before the seaosn ends, T-Mac will given a Hoveround to stay in for the enire game so the team can get closer to 30 wins as possible.

    Just like Lee, this coach is about padding his stats. he knows he’ll be forwarding his resume before long.

  • DVJ

    We will win 30 games this year.

  • http://tharealestproductionz.blogspot.com/ DaGawD_KnowLedge

    lol.
    yo X your a bully.

  • http://tharealestproductionz.blogspot.com/ DaGawD_KnowLedge

    rubio stayed cuz he doesn’t want to play in a small markey like minny
    b4 the draft he said the teams he wouldn’t play for i guess kahn didn’t do his homework.

  • BiggieSmalls

    No way we win 7 ofthe last 16
    not that itmatters

  • fredweis

    Kid has great skills, but he still needs to develop. Hardly a shock story.

  • HaS

    “Remember when Kobe stated he luved Isiah and it was rumored that he would come here?”

    This article references the article I think x-man is speaking of.

    http://articles.latimes.com/2004/jun/11/sports/sp-isiah11

    I can keep looking if you like.

  • HaS

    New York Knick President Isiah Thomas, reacting to Kobe Bryant’s telling the New York Post “I’ll be there” if Thomas invites him for a visit when the free-agency period begins in July: “Any time a player talks about your organization, that’s great….

    “New York is a special place. And it’s a place that hasn’t won in a long time. I know the challenge for me was to go to New York and try to unlock the safe and win the championship. If you can do it there, that’s better than doing it anywhere.”

    ^ Just in case you can’t access the link. 8)

  • DVJ

    Yes, please keep looking.

  • SilentJay

    So as long as we’re quoting, Hoopsworld was talking about the things the Knicks had going against them heading into the summer:

    “The Knicks MAY be able to recruit enough talent to yield a 55+ win, championship contending team going forward – the Cavs already have one place. There are a lot of question marks surrounding the Knicks future. The same can’t be said for Cleveland. And although reaping the rewards of turning around a moribund franchise like the Knicks would be amazing, that is an undeniably daunting task. The Knicks have been terrible for a full decade now and it can be very difficult to turn around the culture of a franchise overnight. Walsh and D’Antoni had hoped the Knicks would compete for a playoff berth this season, which would help get the organization going in the right direction. If anything, this season has been a step backwards2″.
    If Hahn can be used, Hoopsworld is fair game right?

  • Hustle

    Nice assist by Harrington to Douglas. Hopefully we see more of that.

    BAHAHAHAHA who am I kidding

  • Hustle

    shit wrong thread lol

  • TG

    Back to S-Rod. I think he has potential.

  • JustinCharles

    Uhh…how can you tell the difference between “padding wins” and actually trying to win as many basketball games as possible – which is the point of the season – especially when we dont have a draft pick next year?

    Why should we be resting McGrady? For a playoff run? For next year? TMac said he wanted to play all season – the Rockets didnt want him. He said he was healthy and ready all season. He didnt just magically return from injury. He said he was ready and wanted to play. You dont think that he has any say in his minutes here?

    If the guy can’t keep up, he can’t play, he’s not getting signed next year. This is his tryout. Of course we’re trying to win. If there is one thing I know about this coach, its that he wants to win. He’s not trying to pad his wins – he could go 0-164 and still coach this team in 2010 – thats what he was brought here to do.

  • DeBusscherescorner

    Sergio can’t play D? When he’s on the court don’t he not play D, sticking his hands in the passing lane. Lapses? The dude try his best to bring energy and now he’s immature? Stupid thread. Just excuses once again from DA and their “scouts”. He and Douglas show more heart than anyone on that team and now people want to complain? But then again no one complained when he played well in boston. That’s what I don’t get about the knicks. Just let the guy play behind Douglas. He showed he knows what he is doing with the ball and turnover ratio is no where near bad. Just excuses man.

  • Ben Dovr

    DeBusscherescorner: I like Sergio and I wish him the best but back in 2007 he was warned to stay in Spain and give himself time to develop and get game experience but he went to the NBA and he has mostly sat. That is my reasoning and my point of view is that he’s a good player but has not learned how to win, has not developed his PG skills… Leading, rhythm, defending penetration etc etc. and I do wish him the best of luck.

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