Category Archives: 2009 Summer League
Through two games of the preseason, Ramon Sessions isn’t exactly lighting it up in Minnesota.
Through 40 minutes, Sessions has racked up 6 assists and 7 turnovers and has taken just 9 field goal attempts in two games. Does it appear, at least on the surface, that Sessions’ NBA experience hasn’t allowed for a promotion but yet another situation where he has to split time? He would have been a 20-25 minute-per-game player here too and would have held the distinction of being the first, post-2010 contract of the Walsh Era.
So Sessions defenders can insert the excuses below.
In his last game against the Bulls, Brandon Jennings managed 3-12 from the field and 6 points in 25 minutes. Yes, I am aware that Jennings had an “impressive” showing against the Pistons where he had 18 points, 6 assists and 6 steals, but he also, had 5 turnovers. Again, if you wish Jennings were here feel free to explain his struggles below.
I wonder what the reaction would be from fans had either player posted those numbers while wearing a Knicks uniform, or would the reaction be “at least Walsh made the right move.”
To me, Toney Douglas, on both sides of the ball can be a tremendously successful player in this league. How good is anyone’s guess, so honestly having seen all three players I’m not afraid to say I’d take Douglas because he’ s a real bitch on defense and once his offense catches up you’re talking a pretty complete point guard. I’d like to think he’d have more than 6 assists in his first two games, but i’ll take the rebounds and steals as very good signs.
Certainly you have to be concerned about the timetable surrounding Danilo Gallinari in terms of when his legs will fully strengthen. It’s an issue because it’s hurting his ability to make shots. Let’s hope that he doesn’t lose confidence, and my gut-feeling is that you have as much chance seeing Eddy Curry play at 250 than seeing Gallo struggle with confidence. But, yes, the team could have Eric Gordon or Brook Lopez.
Sure there are other questions and concerns, but I still maintain that this group will be much better, they just haven’t clicked in yet. In Boston, their shooting reminded you of the first game of a 40-and-over league, but you had to at least be a little impressed with their defense. They do have 8 block shots in two games to go along with 20 steals and while those inflated numbers are sure to go down, it’s nice to see that they are paying attention and trying to take possessions away from the other team.
And while everyone is so quick to whine and cry about Jordan Hill, the player they took instead of a slew of players including Jennings, he did show that he could handle the Celts reserves in his 12 minutes of action. In fairness, I was very impressed with Stephen Curry last night against the Suns, but wasn’t at all interested in giving up Wilson Chandler in order to move up to get him.
The bottom line is, as a fan, you can certainly gawk at your neighbor’s grass. That’s your right. But all I ask is that you be fair about it.See both sides of the story. Nothing Jennings has done has led me to believe that drafting Jennings and, say, Dejuan Blair or Dante Cunningham was a better alternative than Hill and TD. Yes, Blair has been impressive for the Spurs, but they are the freekin’ Spurs. I understand the idea that the 8th pick should be a decent impact player, and I’d like to think that Hill will make his mark as the season goes along.
But if fans want to throw in the towel after two preseason games, there’s obviously nothing wrong with that.
As long as you’re fair about it.
Game Time: 4:00
What to watch for:
- Toney Douglas and Jordan Hill as they look to provide Knick fans a look to the future.
- Morris Almond’s quest for rotation minutes. I’d bring him aboard, but only if he’s going to play.
- How will Hill’s body, admittedly out of shape, rebound on back to back games?
Leave comments below…
Just setting this post up for in-game chatter. Enjoy the game. Remember, it is just a summer league game….
… who am I kidding, I have to remember that myself.
Enjoy.
Hahn is live tweeting from Vegas...he’s saying that Curry doesn’t look too thin, but his knee seems to be in decent shape.
By the way, enjoying the LJ 4-point play game on MSG Vault as we speak…wait for it!
The Van Gundy Diet Coke, big players making big pays…Gosh I need some playoff hoops.
Tom Hammond sounds as if he’s losing his mind.
Assist king or not, to this day I still don’t know how Reggie doesn’t get the last shot…what was Mark Jackson doing?
Speaking of Jackson, Chris Childs was a really solid player. Although they were different players, I’d take Childs over Nate. If no other upgrades are coming, I think that Toney Douglas could be in that Childs mold and as you know I think Duhon is a Ward-type.
Obviously, towards the end it went sour, but Childs was a playoff WARRIOR.
Recognize.
As we told you last night, the Knicks were on the verge of signing Jordan Hill, which they did today. Also, to catch live updates since your boy is heading into wedding week, check our boy Alan Hahn’s tweets.
But make no mistake, even though the wedding bells will be on Friday I’ll be handling game coverage all week…
That’s how I roll.
As we all know, the draft is a crapshoot. Just ask Morris Almond.
Almond, the silky smooth jump shooter was Conference USA Player of the Year and was named AP All-America Honorable Mention in his senior year at Rice dropping nearly 27 a game. Almond was snagged by the Jazz with the 25th pick in 2007, a choice that many, including me, thought was a steal.
But Almond couldn’t stick and now finds himself on a serious summer league squad. I don’t know about you guys, but I can’t wait to see this group.
“…The Knicks have yet to finalize the roster for the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, but one name that we did hear to be among the players expected to be there is Patrick Ewing, Jr.
The 6-6 forward was the final cut by the Knicks at the end of training camp and spent the season with Reno of the D-League. He injured his knee in March and did not finish the season. The hope is he will be ready to play in time for the first game, which is July 14 against Hasheem Thabeet and the Grizzlies…”
I’ve heard there is still some concern about the knee and let’s face it, Ewing’s athleticism is a huge part of his game. I was, and still am, a huge proponent of bringing in Ewing because it’s a great PR move and because the guy is a solid defender with offensive upside. But, should he prove healthy, play great over the summer and make the team, then where are the minutes?
