david fizdale

New York Knicks: RJ Barrett is the real deal and he’s showing us why

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New York Knicks, RJ Barrett

Rookie players in the NBA rarely get off to productive starts without any minor speedbumps. Typically, those hurdles are at the expense of their physical makeup and if their bodies are ready to compete against grown men. For players like New York Knicks 3rd overall pick RJ Barrett, that’s a challenge he will inevitably face, similar to Kevin Knox.

Having a physical disadvantage shouldn’t deter aggressiveness or confidence, and those are two things Barrett doesn’t lack. He has taken the reigns at times and attacked the rim with force, proving he’s not afraid to be the player he was in college, averaging 22.6 points per game.

Barrett has slowly developed into himself this preseason, finishing 9-for-12 with 19 points against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night. He also managed three assists to help move the ball around the floor and show the “point guard” mentality that he has.

The Duke product was extremely efficient with his passing in college, which needs to be a focal point of his game moving forward. Having the ability to contribute to his teammates and not be selfish is essential in the NBA, and he’s already starting the on the right foot.

What makes the New York Knicks rookie so appealing?

His overall health and work ethic are the most attractive parts of RJ Barrett right now. He handled 36 minutes against the Hawks with ease, proving that he can remain active and not pick up minor injuries by being reckless with the ball. He’s a smart player that understands the nature of the game, and he’s quickly learning how to take high-percentage shots and having caution with the ball in his hands.

Barrett knows why the Knicks drafted him — to bully his way into the paint and make contact.

“I feel like the knicks drafted me because they knew what I could do,” the third overall pick said. “That’s my game. I could do that at any level. I’m going to continue to do that.”

Head coach David Fizdale has been delighted with how his rookie looks so far in the preseason. The maturity and development he’s shown in such a short amount of time are exciting.

“I said it, man, he doesn’t look like a rookie,” coach David Fizdale said. “He’s a tough kid. He really knows how to play and he’s fearless.“

If you’re a Knicks fan, you should be looking forward to the future, because this kid has all of the tools in his tool-box.

New York Knicks: Is David Fizdale on the hot seat after preseason performance?

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New York Knicks, David Fizdale

After yet another loss this preseason to the against a Zion Williamson-less New Orleans Pelicans team, the New York Knicks could be headed towards a tough decision. It’s hard to imagine that head coach David Fizdale is on the hot seat after preseason losses, but considering the way his team played last year, it’s justifiable to ponder the idea.

Reports of Knicks player being frustrated with their amount of playing time has bubbled to the surface, as per the NY Post. Fizdale has attempted to mix and mash his starting lineup to include veterans and youth players, but it seemingly hasn’t worked out to his advantage so far.

It’s fair to consider the fact that’s it’s still preseason, and this period is used to experiment with different combinations of players and test scenarios to see who rises to the occasion and who falters. I can’t imagine Fizdale is on the hot seat after just four preseason contests, as that would be ludicrous.

When Fizdale was asked about a potential rift, he stated:

“These guys all seem to have the right agenda.”

However, it’s challenging to think the head coach is sitting comfortably atop his mountain. The Knicks are expected to compete this season after splashing a boatload of cash to bring in quality veteran players. If he cannot help them to 30 wins this season, the campaign will be a disappointing one. The Knicks aren’t heading into the upcoming season with hopes of the 1st overall pick or super-star veteran free agent signing; optimism is losing its boil.

The New York Knicks need to understand their reality:

The fact that both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving signed with the Brooklyn Nets attests to the lack of appeal the Knicks currently have and the added direction of the front office. Their mentality, motivation, and agenda need to change. They believe Fizdale can give the team a different imagine — a player welcoming one, which doesn’t seem to be developing considering his lack of ability to bring in any big-name players.

Adding up all these factors and it’s fair to consider that Fizdale might be fighting for his job in the coming months.

New York Knicks: Coach Fizdale Desires High Internal Player Competition

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New York Knicks, David Fizdale

It is no secret that New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale wants his players competing extremely hard while he harps on defense. Effort, production, and IQ on the defensive end will earn any player minutes on the current Knick roster.

High internal player development amidst tough depth chart competition is the kind of culture Scott Perry believes in. Iron sharpening iron is the vision for the young players on the current Knicks roster and David Fizdale isn’t handing out anything.

The New York Knicks are currently 1-1 during preseason with the very young three-point shooting oriented Atlanta Hawks next on the schedule. Improved perimeter defense on the three-ball will be key for the Knicks especially against Trae Young, Kevin Huerter, and Atlanta. Knicks must continue improving together. Improvement will happen with game experience alongside each other, practice, and film studies on both sides of the ball.

Implementing nine new players is no easy task for a coaching staff. Patience will be key this season and Knick fans will need to dig deep for even more patience.

RJ Barrett is definitely a bright spot on the roster. The rookie has a fiery competitive streak which could eventually rub off on his teammates. The Knicks need to have a tough and resilient identity in order to survive this season and make progress towards the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

The point guard competition for the Knicks will be on full display against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, October 16th. Dennis Smith Jr and Frank Ntilikina will get a rare chance to possibly share the court together because they’re now both healthy.

New York Knicks: Will the offense run through RJ Barrett or Julius Randle?

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New York Knicks, RJ Barrett

The New York Knicks have an interesting decision to make ahead of the 2019-20 regular season — do they want to run their offense through rookie RJ Barrett or veteran Julius Randle?

Realistically, Randle being the focal point, makes the most sense considering his proven success in the past. Averaging 21.4 points per game last season playing second fiddle behind Anthony Davis, despite seeing a massive uptick in production after he was traded, proves he can be the ‘guy’ for the Knicks.

However, Barrett was an extremely efficient scorer in college, averaging 22.6 points per game, but those totals will take time to translate over the NBA. He has seen his fair share of struggles lately, especially when it comes to scoring against bigger, more physical opponents.

The preseason has given him a glimpse at what lies ahead, and the regular-season intensity is far more stressing. Head coach David Fizdale might see the offense as a cohesive unit that isn’t “run through a player” but rather a collective effort. Every player serves a different purpose and, therefore, can contribute towards the success of the team and increasing their scoring efficiency.

How will the New York Knicks utilize RJ Barrett?

Fizdale has already begun to experiment with Barrett in different positions, despite his first being at forward. Averaging 4.3 assists per game in 2018, Barrett can move the ball effectively around the floor and act as a de-facto point guard. The Knicks aren’t going to trade for a new player at the position, but RJ can fill that role if need be.

“I’ve thrown him at that position a couple times already. He played some of that in college,” coach David Fizdale said. “I think it adds another layer to how dynamic he can be.”

I believe that Barrett will develop into a multi-position player (utility option), who has a primary spot but can move around if need be. His size and height give him the flexibility to move around the floor. Creativity seems to be a priority for Fizdale, who is looking to have fun with a roster built through youth and numerous veteran free agents.

 

New York Knicks preparing to inject offensive spark into team

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New York Knicks, Dennis Smith Jr.

The New York Knicks can finally begin the point guard position battle with youth player Dennis Smith Jr. returning to the lineup. The former Dallas Maverick suffered a lower back strain which kept him out of the first two preseason games for the Knicks, but he was a full participant during Sunday’s practice and will feature in his first game on Wednesday night against the Hawks at Madison Square Garden.

“He’s doing what he left off doing, which is really competing defensively, pushing the pace, attacking, organizing us,” coach David Fizdale said. “He had a really good practice.”

Head coach David Fizdale is hoping that Smith can add a spark to an offense that scored 99 points in a loss to the Washington Wizards last Friday.

Smith’s athleticism and work ethic to improve his jumpshot this off-season should increase the efficiency of the unit and help the offense put more points on the board. Fizdale has all of the confidence in the third-year guard’s first full season with the Knicks.

“Everything I asked him to be better at, I felt like he was showing signs of being better at,” Fizdale said of Smith’s training camp. “Whether it was his conditioning, his shooting or getting us organized and making plays for other people. Hopefully we can keep that going and pick up where he left off.”

He will compete against veteran Elfrid Payton and Frank Ntilikina this off-season for the starting point guard job. Payton has been featuring as the starter in the absence of Smith, but he hasn’t produced much with his opportunity.

Peyton scored just five points over two games and didn’t leave a significant mark on either. Fizdale likes his work rate and defensive abilities, but scoring is not his strong suit.

The New York Knicks need to help Dennis Smith Jr. help himself:

Smith has been working tirelessly on his efficiency from the field and making the most out of his athleticism will be the priority for the 2019-20 season. If Dennis can reach his potential, the Knicks will be set at the point guard position and will lean on Smith to contribute in a big way moving forward.

One aspect of Smith that has increased during his time with New York is his assist rate. He averaged 5.4 assists per game over 21 contest last season after being traded to the Knicks — the highest in his career. Spreading the ball around and being efficient on the floor needs to be a focus for the point guard. Assists have always been a struggle for him and that is half the battle at his position.

 

 

New York Knicks: Dennis Smith Jr. is still front runner for starting point guard spot

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New York Knicks, Dennis Smith Jr.

Despite rumors and reports that the New York Knicks are considering moving veteran free-agent point guard Elfrid Payton to the top of the list at the position, youth option Dennis Smith Jr. still leads the pack for the starting role.

Smith has been dealing with a lower back injury that forced him to miss the first preseason game against the Washington wizards.

While Payton started the game, his performance wasn’t anything to write home about. He finished with five points, five assists, two rebounds, and two steals. His veteran presence was welcomed on the floor, but Smith has more potential, and sticking with him is the right move if the Knicks wish to develop his skillset and stick with him for the foreseeable future.

However, head coach David Fizdale was impressed with Payton’s performance against Washington.

“He set the tone for the game on the ball and with his pace. He got a lot of people involved, kept us organized,” he said. “Steady and tough.”

There is little doubt that Smith would have been the starting option if he was available to play. The Knicks only have three preseason games left before the regular season begins, so the young point guard must return soon and begin to build chemistry with his new teammates. Over two seasons with the Dallas Mavericks and Knicks in 2018, Dennis has averaged 14.5 points, five assists, 1.1 steals, and 6.1 rebounds per game.

The New York Knicks need to keep helping Dennis Ssmith Jr. grow:

The third-year player still has a lot of room to grow, and his jump shot should be the priority going into the 2019-20 season. He worked all off-season with Coach Keith smart to improve his shooting mechanics and elevate his scoring production/efficiency.

He must show improvement in his third year as Payton will be waiting in the wings to try and steal the starting job away from him. Coach Fizdale made it apparent that no player will be given plane minutes aside from RJ Barrett, and Smith will have to fight for his spot on the team just like everybody else.

New York Knicks fans, pay no attention to Kevin Durant

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New York Knicks

As we all know, NBA fans and players love to take shots at the New York Knicks.  Kevin Durant took some of his own at the Knicks the past couple days.

Durant basically said that the Knicks aren’t cool and having young players isn’t either.  Some will argue that the Brooklyn Nets weren’t cool until he, Durant and Kyrie Irving, signed there.  Before that, some thought the Nets weren’t cool.  And it was seen from their attendance.

Are they cool now?  Possibly.  They Nets were cool when the first moved from New Jersey to Brooklyn because it was something new.

However, just when people think that Durant could be taking a step forward, in maturity, he takes two steps back.  He is trying to stir up some noise with Knicks fans and bring back the rivalry.  In a way, it’s good for the city.

One of the Knicks leaders, Julius Randle, had a low-key clap-back to the “Knicks aren’t cool” comment.  Randle said, “I feel cool wearing the (blue & orange) everyday.”  That was just the right comment to make back towards Durant’s comments.  Nothing over the top or anything like that.  Simple and to the point, it’s means more in our opinion.

Durant should not be trying to stir things up yet.  He is recovering from his Achilles injury and will not play this season.  That injury is not easy to come back from.  Kobe Bryant and Dominic Wilkins were able to because they were a different breed.  Durant is also a different breed, but with a different body type.  He’s taller which makes it harder for tall people to recover easier.  Wait until you get back on the court Kevin.

Knicks fans shouldn’t looking into Durant’s comments.  He’s immature and looking to get under the skin of Knicks fans because he didn’t sign with them.

Knicks fans know what they have in their team.  There’s a good combination of youth and gritty veterans with chips on their shoulders.  If anything, this Knicks team will be ready to defend the New York when it’s time to play the Nets, with or without Durant.  Marcus Morris made it very clear, the Knicks aren’t “taking no sh*t” this season.

Barrett Shines, Morris ejected; New York Knicks first preseason game

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The New York Knicks opened the preseason in Washington last night.  The Knicks were without their, possible, starting point guard Dennis Smith Jr., who is resting his strained back.

The injury to Smith Jr. is nothing serious, just precautionary measures.  This opens up time for Frank Ntilikina and Elfrid Payton to showcase their skills and heat up the battle for point guard minutes.

The Knicks, led by RJ Barrett and Marcus Morris with 17 points each, defeated the Wizards 104-99.

However, Morris was ejected for swinging his elbows then hitting Justin Anderson on the head with the basketball.  In his post-game interview, Morris said, “We not taking no sh*t.”  Morris’ actions were uncalled for, but the fact that the Knicks have an enforcer is nice, in a way.  It’s the New York Knicks turn to fight back.

Barrett was a bright spot throughout the entire game for the Knicks.  He was shut down Bradley Beal in the first half, but struggled offensively.  The second half was when Barrett settled in.   His teammates kept feeding him the ball, as Barrett had the hot hand in the second half.  He was aggressive and knocking down shots.  Barrett was 6-13 from the field, 46%.

The Knicks leader, Julius Randle had a strong Knicks debut.  Randle looked strong and quick when taking the ball down-low.  At times, he got a little too fancy with the passes, but was able to make provide solid assists to his teammates.

Mitchell Robinson was every where in the first half.  Blocking shots, rebounding, stretching the floor and dunking.  He also did a fine job at not fouling as much.  Of course, he had some dumb cheap fouls in the second half, but nothing crazy.

Frank Ntilikina played very well, despite a not so good stat line.  The main thing was Ntilikina was aggressive and not afraid to drive and take his shot.  This version is Ntilikina is a lot better than last season, coming off that high of performing well for France in the FIBA World Cup.  If he can perfect, the mid-range jumper, it can be deadly.

Taj Gibson provided good veteran leadership on the floor and was able to find his stroke from beyond the arc. Wayne Ellington is sharp-shooter with great form and a great addition to the Knicks.

Despite the score, the Knicks were up by double-digits pretty much the whole game.  The bench provided a good spark to the team and is very deep.

Overall, this Knicks team is very enjoyable and a team the New York could fall in love with.  Yes, it was one preseason game, but this team is different.  A lot of talent on the roster to make some noise in the East if they play to their potential.  There’s a good mix of young, veteran presence and it could work.  The future seems to be bright.

New York Knicks: RJ Barrett can start if defense improves

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New York Knicks, RJ Barrett

The New York Knicks shooting guard position is still up for grabs.  The Knicks do not have a player that is not guaranteed that spot yet.  But, RJ Barrett is working to be that guy as long as his defense improves.

Barrett has been working extremely hard on defense to prove he is capable of starting.  He told New York Post’s Marc Berman, “Really right now I’m working my tail off on the defensive end.”  He continued, “I’m just trying to get better there.  Coach always wants a defensive guy on the court, you know?”

Fizdale appears to want a more defensive minded team as compared to last year’s.  The defense last season was their Achilles heal and non-existent, for the most part.  The players that the Knicks added in free agency show that they are trying to improve the defensive approach.

Barrett was not the greatest defender in college and his NBA pre-draft scouting report mentioned that.  But, Barrett is more mature for his age.  He said on Knicks Media day that he wants coach to be tough on him.  Not many rookies openly have that mindset.  That is why he’ll grow and succeed in the NBA.

The Knicks do need a shooting guard that can score while also having the defensive qualities to shut down the opponents top scorers.  If Barrett can show that provide value on both ends of the floor, more so defensively and on a consistent basis, then he could be the starting two guard when the season tip offs.

It won’t come easy considering the shooting guard and small forward position will be tweaked a lot throughout the year.  Unless, Barrett can prove to Fizdale that he deserves that spot in his rookie campaign.  That will show great promise for the Knicks moving forward.

New York Knicks: Coach Fizdale Is Focusing on Defensive Identity During Training Camp.

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New York Knicks, David Fizdale

New York Knicks training camp is here and Fizdale has his troops picking up people 94-feet defensively. Every point guard and shooting guard better be in top physical condition because Fizdale is preaching defense like Pat Riley during the 90’s Knicks era.

Fizdale’s favorite quote “Keep What You Kill” is in full effect during camp. No handouts are expected, however, Knicks coaching staff been focusing on real defensive identity. So far, it looks like the Knicks have bought in. One player who bought into the defensive and toughness identity is Marcus Morris. Fizdale wants to know his players are willing to scrap defensively. Bobby Portis is definitely a high motor player who’s willing to get dirty for a win. Julius Randle’s improvement shows he’s ready to become one of the leaders for this Knicks team. Morris, Portis, and Randle are the main identity changers for the New York Knicks.

Knicks first-round selection RJ Barrett stated that the full-court defensive scheme is nothing new to him. Barrett claimed the defensive scheme reminded him of Duke and Coach Mike Krzyzewski. Coach K always encouraged high-pressure defense in order to force turnovers. RJ Barrett is working his tail off defensively because he understands that smart and aggressive defense will help the team and keep himself in the game.

One player who definitely won’t mind picking up his opponents 94-feet is Knick combo guard Frank Ntilikina. His natural length and wingspan can cause opposing ball handlers chaos. Kemba Walker was a victim of Ntilikina’s defensive wrath during FIBA.

Overall, Fizdale will be maximizing the depth of the roster by pressuring opponents defensively. Tough defense and a fast pace offense would be nearly impossible with a team that doesn’t possess deep roster depth.