When you bring an act into this town, you want to bring it heavy. Don't waste any time with cheap shucks and misdemeanors. Go straight for the jugular. Get right into felonies. - Raoul Duke
Glad to be out of that scorching wasteland of decadence. I'll miss it dearly.
Yes the Knicks' summer league team is still playing, so you wonder why am I home? Is it because Gallo is out with the sore back? Because most of the vets have gone home, too?
No. The truth is all of the writers opted to go home mid-week. Newspapers have budgets to adhere to.
Interesting reaction from Marcus Camby about his trade to the Clippers in exchange for a second-round pick. I can tell you that Donnie Walsh did have some interest in the Cambyman and inquired about his availability. But I was told the talks never really materialized into discussions about players. Obviously the Nuggets weren't looking to get anything out of trading Camby other than cap relief.
Though we discussed it here previously, it's probably not reasonable to think the Knicks could try to re-engage the Clippers in talks about Zach Randolph if they're willing to include Camby. If this scenario was possible, why wouldn't the Knicks be involved in a three-team trade all at once?
Just bloggin...
My late flight yesterday didn't allow for me to blog about Gallo and his sore back situation, but I tossed the keys to Newsday's versatile deputy sports editor Mike Rose, who jumped into Fixer Nation to give you the scoop straight from my Blackberry while on the tarmac. Now that's teamwork, baby.
Before I get to Gallo, let me update you on Renaldo Balkman. He suffered a sprained left ankle during Wednesday's game. They took X-rays which were negative for serious damage and right now he's considered questionable to play in Friday's game against the Suns.
It's not the same ankle Balkman had trouble with last year, when he missed all of the preseason with a "stress reaction" in his right ankle. He also missed four games early in the season with issues related to the ankle. These types of injuries are a result of the way he plays -- running with abandon and throwing himself into traffic -- but Balkman can't afford any setbacks with the Knicks.
His energy and athleticism are valuable assets, but Balkman might actually struggle in the D'Antoni philosophy because of one skill he hasn't yet developed: thinking the game. Renaldo is one of my favorite characters on this team -- you all know his Aw man, crazyis an all-time best quote -- but I've documented here before my concerns about his focus and mental approach to being an NBA player. Rey is a terrific athlete and clearly keeps himself in outstanding shape, which is a credit to his work ethic. But after spending the past few days watching Phil Weber install a few offensive sets that will be the foundation of what the Knicks do this season, it's quite apparent that if you can't think quickly, adjust on the fly and read what's happening on the floor, you're going to struggle here.
The arrival of Gallinari and emergence of Wilson Chandler -- what do you guys think of this knickname for him: "Chill" -- along with veterans such as Quentin Richardson and Jared Jeffries on the roster, Balkman is going to have a hard time finding minutes if he's not locked-in to what's going on offensively when he's on the floor.
Meanwhile, I know the immediate reaction to Danilo's back soreness will draw some groans from the peanut gallery. No worries, Fixers. As we said here a few days back, it's a rough schedule for some of these kids to go through the whole draft process. For Gallinari it's even more intense because his season didn't end until late May. So consider he was playing in intense playoff competition in late May, then came to the U.S. for workouts and to attend the NBA draft. The day after the Knicks selected him, Gallinari was already setting up his workout schedule with the Knicks training staff and got into a weight-lifting program.
Even at 19, the body begs for rest. After that first game on Monday, the physical demand took its toll.
"I feel tight when I get up from the bed and from a chair," Gallinari said. "The soreness radiates to the left leg. Never experienced in my life this type of soreness."
Gallinari says he hopes to play for Italy next month in an early Olympic qualifying tournament (for 2012, Italy didn't make the Beijing Games). I wouldn't be surprised if he pulled out of the tournament -- Andreas Bargnani and Marco Belinelli aren't expected to play either -- and instead focused on getting ready for training camp.
Stay tuned . . .
Comments (29)
I like the knickname "ill Will"
The Knicks SF situation is crazy. Gallo, Wilson, JJ, Q-Rich, Balkman. 5 SF's and none of them starter-worthy just yet. Pretty crazy.
And the ONLY skill Rey has yet to develop? He may need to think more, but I'd say a jump shot is clearly a skill he hass yet to develop as well.
When pain radiates from the back to a leg it could be indicative of a slipped disk. The Knicks better get Gallo checked out thoroughly before leaving for anywhere farther than Little Italy.
Balkman needs more than an ability to think quickly. He even needs more than a mid range jumper. How about at least hitting a free throw once in awhile!
Berman quoted a european scout as saying he wasnt surprised about gallo's back soreness. The kid was injured alot in italy. That doesnt sound good.
your take?
I agree on balkman, He cant even shoot freethrows. he cant really shoot at all.
My main problem with Gallo
is a 19 year old kid should not be having
back problems.
now i hear all the sports writers
giving Gallo a pass because of his schedule
and yada yada
but i repeat a 19 year old kid should not be having
back problems
it makes you question
1.his toughness
2.his physicality
3.his ability to handle the physical pounding of the nba
the kid neats some bulking up
and i still question walsh's decision to draft
yet another SF...geez we have like 5 of them now.
to me walsh has not done a good job thus far
1.he says he wants to concentrate on defense
and then gets d'antoni to coach(hardly a defensive specialist)
2.then he drafts a fragile SF from Europe(when he have 5 already)
3.and then he says he wants to get
under the cap by 2010
and then passes on a trade that would
have cleared Zach's salary from the books
doesn't that seem strange?
I tried to put in a hyperlink about the Real GM story on Camby's frustration about being traded to the Clippers for a trade of conditional 2nd round picks.
For some reason, I got the message that the post woul be held by the editor for review. Hours Later it's in the latest installment post. Hmmm?
Anywayz. I'm sure most also checked out the bit in RealGM about how the suns are looking to unload Leandro Barbosa, in order to make room on their roster for an incoming player.
I've read elsewhere that D'antoni loves Barbosa. So I wonder if this is something that Donnie Walsh might look into since some note that Walsh's recent moves were tailored to D'antoni the coach.
I also like Balkman's hustle and way too play with reckless abandon. But I understand that some here aren't happy with his inability to show that he has added more to his game. Perhaps the past years of mismanagement, and his apparently easy going nature will work against him here. I still think he should be given an opportunity to see whether he can contribute too the incoming regime but if his deficiencies outweigh his contribution to the team then it is understandable that he might have to be moved.
Just remeber that Lee and Balkman, despite what they've lacked (moreso balkman b/c Lee has worked on other aspects of his game) provide the ball hound hustle that was reminiscent of the 90 teams of yore. The incoming regime is selling 7 seconds or less (finesee) but you need ball hounds as much as you need to make team players of the perimeter shooting ball hogs. Balance is preferrable to excess on either side of the equation.
Just Bloggin (as steady use to once say)
PS
NYC2Infinity
The Emperor has no clothes!
ONCE AGAIN JOE ALEX WAS THE PICK AT 6 NOT THIS BRILLO AZZ KID
LIKE I SAID B4 THE KNICKS WAS GOING TO WASTE A PICK SO THEY SHOULD OF JUST GAVE IT AWAY.LOL
MIGHTN'T BE SUPRISE IF DANTONI QUITS..
DANTONI ISN'T WINNIN NO CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE NBA EVA.
GOOD COACH BUT NOT CHAMPIONSHIP CALIBER
ANYWAYZ THE KNICKS ARE WINNIN ANYWHERE FROM 23-35 GAMES THIS COMING SEASON
AN WHAT THE F THE KNICKS DOIN SIGNING ALL GUARDS
DAMM THE KNICKS NEED HELP..
MARDY HAS A BETTER OVERALL SKILL SET THAN ANY1 OF THE GUARDS WE HAVE OTHER THAN STAR AN CRAWFORD..
stay tuned for more KnowLedge
Knowledge
I agree on youre bit about all the excess gaurds.
Most of them are not bigger than 6'3 save for Crawford and Collins.
You need a mix of different players not just all pure shooters.
Collins, size, ability to defend bigger gaurds, and that he does rack up a fair share of assist over just chucking it up like the pocket dynamo shoot first gaurds on this team should not be disregarded. He like Balkman should be given a chance to prove their worth.
A team needs a healthy mix and balance of players.
It's interesting how many called out Zeke-Suck whatever you might call him for carelessly placing mostly or all scorers on the floor without balancing out the team with chemistry and hustle players off the bench.
But now that [ ]'antoni is in. Oh now it's ok, it's fine by everyone.
Listen I get it that he is clearly a better coach, and has some innovator in him but this team like last years team will need to keep and utilize a healthy balance of players.
But how are curry and randolph going
to play together this year?
curry is still FAT
and zach still WON'T PASS
i think walsh dropped the ball
on this zach trade.
how is zach's stock going to go up
when he can't run the court or pass
that dude has the body of a 45 year old man
i expect his stock to go down
this 08 season and thus lowering
his trade value
doe anybody feel this way?
Repost...Repost..@ Pete,
I really don't think people want Gallo to be a bust...but at the same time we can't false praise him either. If People like Bayless,
Randolph and Augustin and Green from the Cuse are being praised because of having exceptional Summer league intros..it's not wanting Gallo to bust...it's just questioning Walsh's decision
with our lowest pick in the Draft in 20+ years, and even though its summer league, you can't help but question this pick. We've waited too long for a Randolph, Augustin, Bayless, Green to have the potenial to build our own Super Star. I 'm not saying that Gallo won't be, but it's not looking too good even though it's early.
Imagine Gallo during the regular season being bumped by Curry at the Knicks buffet line as Curry knocks him down by accident reaching for the last Ham sandwich? Some will make excuses
like we all have for the last four years......that gets old quick.
I'm not sure Walsh really knows what the hell hes doing!
Yeah Zeke sucked but Walsh may be even worse!
Source: Mavs make Artest offer
According to a source close to Dallas, the Mavericks offered 14th year swingman Jerry Stackhouse and fourth-year forward Brandon Bass for Kings small forward Ron Artest.
The Kings are not expected to entertain the offer if it doesn't include Dallas small forward Josh Howard, but the inquiry certainly reveals the level of the Mavs' interest. According to the source, Howard does not appear to be available even if the Mavs are looking for a significant addition after falling to New Orleans in the first round of the postseason.
OK, The Kings are playing hard ball.....no way Dallas gives up Howard.
Offer Rose and lee for Artest and Patrick Ewing! That would make a lot of people happy. Let Gallo develop so he don't break his back...Again. In addition..it would be nice to hear Patrick Ewings name in the garden again!
Even if it is JR.
"MARDY HAS A BETTER OVERALL SKILL SET THAN ANY1 OF THE GUARDS WE HAVE OTHER THAN STAR AN CRAWFORD."
KNOWLEDGE:
You're kidding right? Mardy can't even excel let alone play well in Summer League. For someone with a couple of years pro experience, he should look like he's schooling the rooks.
Mardy should be loading up his Ipod for more quality time on the bench.
===============================================
* It's pretty obvious, the Isiah worshippers are hoping and praying that Gallo and Walsh would fail. For crying out loud, we're talking SL here. Remember how the Isiah fanatics sensationalized Balkman shutting down Durant in last year's SL? And Isiah was a genius this and that and Isiah getting Morris was highway robbery, yada-yada, .......
* Walsh already declared that there's no quick fix relative to Isiah's stench & mess. We'll struggle for a couple of years so you guys chill. It's Summer League!!!!!
* Isiah must be turning in his grave just about now.
Alan,
You stated "Meanwhile, I know the immediate reaction to Danilo's back soreness will draw some groans from the peanut gallery."
Then stated "Balkman is going to have a hard time finding minutes if he's not locked-in to what's going on offensively when he's on the floor." Was that a typo? Real Meaning= Gallo and his sore back is going to have a hard time finding minutes if he's alway knocked down on the floor?
Christ. The kid hurt his back while getting trucked by that fatty tractor traylor, and he's soft now?
Some of you need to relax.
And Balkman IS going to have a tough time finding minutes because of his limited value. He has no offensive game whatsoever.
a 19 year old kid should not be having back problems.
Actually, young guys who are growing that tall that fast do have growing pains that show up as back pain.
The Knicks simply have to slow down with Gallo. There is no need to rush his development at all. Let him bulk up and then let him mix it up.
" It's pretty obvious, the Isiah worshippers are hoping and praying that Gallo and Walsh would fail. For crying out loud, we're talking SL here. Remember how the Isiah fanatics sensationalized Balkman shutting down Durant in last year's SL? And Isiah was a genius this and that and Isiah getting Morris was highway robbery, yada-yada, .......
* Walsh already declared that there's no quick fix relative to Isiah's stench & mess. We'll struggle for a couple of years so you guys chill. It's Summer League!!!!!
* Isiah must be turning in his grave just about now.
"
That's worth repeating. Some phony azz Knicks fans are nothing but Isiah pole smokers in reality. You're either down with this team or you're an imposter. Take isiah's nutsack out of your mouth Peaceman.
Peaceman - I hate to say it, because I'm trying to be the optimist (never learn), but what you bring up is a real concern. Having said that, I really don't think Randolph, Augustin, Bayless or Green have shown anything more then positive signs - no one really shows future superstardom in summer league. If anything, I'd take Speights over any of them based on what I've seen so far. All those guys will have their limitations exposed in the regular season - some will overcome it and some won't. I'm playing wait and see at this point, until I have some real evidence.
Gallo's back is cause for worry and has to be handled carefully. Skipping 2012 qualifying would be a good idea. I hope it is a freak thing, not a sign of being injury prone.
Actually i like Gallo...
i think he needs to get stronger but he could be a
good player...the back thing is a little worrisome but
i hope it is only temporary and not lingering
but don't you think that drafting another SF
is over kill
we already had wilson chandler
just because i want the knicks to suceed does not mean
i cannot question walsh
i hated hiring isiah as the GM
and i questioned that fool all the time
i am not a blind follower
i look at what is going on
i am a realist
i am not the only one questioning walsh
brandon Tierney of espn 1050 radio
also questions the non trade of zach
to the clippers...
i want the knicks to suceed but walsh has
done some strange things
NYC 2 Infinity - The loading up on 3's thing is kind of strange, but I read somewhere that the Knick's doctors said Gallo should reach 6'11' and I think management sees him eventually (with more size, strength and age) developing into a face-up 4. I'm not sure about the likelihood of that actually happening, but I think he was a pick for the long-term.
As for the five small forwards comment someone made above - Q and Jeffries are not part of the future. Unless Balkman stumbles onto a jumper, he is looking at limited minutes at the 3. That pretty much leaves Will. If Walsh really sees something special in Gallo, and he can play some 4 down the road, the current roster situation is hardly an argument for passing on him. The concern, of course, is that Walsh whiffed on the pick.
Nothing wrong with questioning Walsh - he hasn't really done much to inspire confidence as of yet. From the non-canning of Isiah to the non-dumping of Zach, its hard to see what he is really up to.
"I know the immediate reaction to Danilo's back soreness will draw some groans..."
Another whining pansy who puts his personal interests (the Italian Olympic team) before the Knicks.
At least he hasn't told anyone to get in the truck.
Yet.
Don't forget the canolis.
@anonymous.
you are a shining example of the irrefutable logic inherent in the sciences of logic and probabilities.
if you gather enough people, at least one of them will have cancer.
in this room, you're the cancer.
crawl back under the rock you hide beneath. this world is better without you in it.
Thanks Pete for seeing my point
i want to be positive but
when walsh says one thing and then does another
it is strange
i am for patience
but a gift horse is a gift horse
the clips were willing to take on zach's entire
contract without giving us back any bad contracts
how many teams can do that?
i think that walsh's gamble is going to
backfire if zach does not get great numbers this year
and in d'antoni system i see his numbers going down
for those that disagree
explain to me how zach's numbers go up
in an uptempo system
@ NYC 2 Infinity
I'm not sure Zach does fit in D'Antoni's system....However,
one thing Zach is good at is put backs from rebounding and we should be launching shots @7 second clips...so if Zach is truly in shape and can get up the court in transition....he may work out, much more than Curry, who can't rebound.
@ Pete,
Jerryd Bayless, POR – Through 2 games, Bayless has looked every bit the part of the player that was originally considered a top-5 pick. He plays with a 2nd gear that is seen in very few players such as Chris Paul and Allen Iverson, and similarly gets to the hoop and finishes. He has also been to the free throw line a ridiculous 39 times, which accounted for 31 of his 54 total points (27 PPG).
Donte Greene, HOU – Greene turned in the best performance so far, as he dropped 40 points on the Suns. With an array of moves to the hoop, three-pointers (5/10) and free throws (11/12), he let everyone in the Thomas and Mack Center know why he felt he was ready for the League after only one inconsistent season at the Carrier Dome.
D.J. Augusitin, CHA – Augustin dazzled his way to 30 points on Weds. Everything was clicking for the Texas alum, as he finished beautifully around the rim, knocked down a couple of threes and converted on 10 of 11 free throws.
Marreese Speights, PHI – One of the draft’s biggest unknowns, Speights has been a monster all week. He attacks the rim with Amare-esque ferociousness and has been active defensively, all while even sinking a few mid-range jumpers for good measure. In my opinion, Speights has been the most impressive player all week.
Speights may be very special, but I think Bayless will be remembered as " The one who got away"
@ LGM.....you don't deserve a responds. I'll skip pass anything with LGM on it!
This is some news for anyone who thinks that the Knicks and Clippers might revisit the Zach Randolph trade.
Today I read on RealGM that the Clippers have made a qualifying offer to SG Azubike.
Of course the Warriors could match the offer. But just to fan the flames, say Mullin does a skip pass on the matching offer as a wink wink to Walsh to facilitate a separate trade between the Knicks and Warriors apart from a redux of the Knicks Clipss Z-Bo trade. Say we obtain Harrington, Camby and Azubike and turn in Z-Bo a gaurd or two and work down our glut at tht 3 in the process.
Just Blogging really!
Peaceman - Bayless has looked great in SL and he is an exceptional athlete, but I'll wait and see until the regular season. There's no way he's getting all those calls in the L. He doesn't see the floor or pass like Paul, and the next mini-2 with Iverson's impact will be the first. I see the next Jason Terry myself. Nothing against the guy - I admit I just don't want there to be one that got away. And if he plays like Paul or AI against the Celtics and the Spurs you can be the first to say I told you so.
sec11 - "in this room, you're the cancer" - normally I'd say ignore the idiot, but that was a good line.
Some thoughts I had reading your guys analysis so far. Since we're surmising on basically a few games in summer league, all's fair really, but let's consider a couple of things here.
Summer League is basically one of those AAU all star games that kids like Greene, Bayless, Augustin, have been dominating since they were in biddy league. Not only that, as guards in an all star game, they are handling the ball and able to call their own number at will. These numbers are all about access to the ball and beating up on free agents who will not play in the nba. I would be dissapointed in any of these guys if they didn't do this. Of course Bayless will dominate this type of game. He is a very skilled player with a great instrument. But he was not drafted to win free agent all star games. Gallinari hasn't played in any of these types of Me-Ball festivals in his life. In the first half, it seemed he thought he was playing a basketball game, and ended up watching Roberson shoot the ball and being out of position for an offensive board. Roberson came to shoot and get a contract - good for him - but finding the #6 pick with the assist was not part of his plan coming into the camp. I saw basketball savvy from Gallo just in that first half that outweighed Curry, Crawford, and Nate's combined. Second half he realized how the game was being played, how the refs were calling it (how much of a carry he could get away with on the crossover (tweet) how much he could move on the high screen (tweet), and decided to get a little me - time himself. I liked the skill set, the size, the smarts, the speed. He's a 3 right now, luckily he has a gorgeous stroke and range. I wouldn't question his toughness, he stuck his head in without thinking, and took hits and came back, rassled on screens with some of the bigs who were trying to punk him out a bit. No big deal. The back is a concern though, let's hope it is a result of all the work he's put in. They kill these guys in two-a-days, fixers, I mean run them into the ground.
GMs draft players for skill sets that they want to have as part of an ensemble. That's Zeke's great failure, he took chances on players that don't go together. If you listen to Larry Brown talking about Augustin, he's not talking about success in summer league, he's talking about HOW Augs is playing the game, picking up the offense, decision making, approach. He already called out the draft picks for not having the right mentality. So coaches are looking at these performances without a box score, we should too. Down the road, do you want a Gallinari or a Bayless? Do you want a 6'10" guy who thinks the game, has guard skills, and wants his team to get better and win. There will be more Bayless' coming down the line, basketball in the US is basically hardd wired to produce these types of players. I'm not saying he won't be great - I don't know him - but Zeke blessed us with 3 of his ilk already, and maybe Roberson makes 4, so I think Walsh was cognizant of that when making the pick.
I'm down with Speights, I'm down with Hickson, we need guys like that; Lee will not be enough down the road. Gallo's upside surpasses theirs though, and remember, he's been doing it since he was 16 in the Euroleague and was already the leader of his team. Remember too, they don't pander to the offensive side of the ball the way they d in the nba. You can play zone, hold and put your hands on perimeter players, slide on screens, take the ball off the rim, etc... its not easy to be the go to guy on offense over there. Gallo is not Serge Ibaka, a guy who started playing 4 years ago and grew to 6'10", he's the son of a pro and he's been blooded, so I think we have a little time here.
Walsh is holding his water. I'm antsy too, but he's got everybody on speed dial, he's respected, and right now, the knicks are not a threat, other deals can come - nobody's afraid of making the knicks a contender. For reasons known only to him and D'Antoni, he didn't take the salary dump. I see Randolph playing center, getting more shots than he could possibly want in pick and roll, offensive put backs, delayed breaks, etc... and thriving. He is our best offensive player period. D'Antoni will find a way to get the max out of him. I have to think that if D'Ant thought he couldn't work with him, he would be gone.
19 year olds can indeed have back problems regardless if they are professional athletes or not. Whoever made the point about growing pains is spot-on. Gallo will be fine. Remember, he's 19 years old. He's not the savior of the franchise.
At most, I'd expect the guy to have the type of season KG had in his first year - 10 PPG. And remember, THAT WAS KG. So if we expect anything more than some decent burn and 10 PPG, we're expecting way too much, even in this high octane offensive system.
Gallo is just a part of the rotation this year. Same with Chandler (I hope). THey are two young guns on a team being built to make a serious run in 2010-2011 and beyond. No sense expecting anything huge from these guys until they get some stability in the coaching ranks and the team gels.
Just my bloggin' .02.
Good AM Fixers!
@WIllis, right on, spot on, to the point, and your analysis was succinct and on the money...I Co-SIgn your post my Brudder!
Cause some of the crap I've read here this morning is ultra hilarious...Those who are familair with my handle know what I am about and know I'm all about the right to express your thoughts and opinions. But some of this stuff I'm reading is ludicrous.
Gallo and Chandler can & should be a dynamic Forward combo for many years if coached properly and remain injury free. Surely ZBO has his issues, but his Skill Set can work rather well in the new system. Duhon and Roberson are excellent additions because they are role players that will play their roles. Lastly, if Curry is able to return from his knee injury and get in the best shape of his career, he too could thrive in the new system, because he will be hard to double-team in a spread offense with shooters and slashers. The addition of an athletic, rugged, and defensive oriented big is all that is missing.
Lastly, Bayless, Greene, Augustine, Randolph, will spend more time collecting splinters during the regular season than a carpenter building a Log Cabin. Speights on the other has a chance to see some daylight in Philly, but they've got some decent Bigs on that team with the addition of Brand. I agree he has been quite impressive, but Maurice will be asking where's the Beef, when the real BBALLERS come out to play. That is is the one advantage Gallo has at this juncture, he has played with MEN and not BOYS and excelled...Can't say the same about these other rookies including Mr. Hanh's can't miss and the one that might have gotten away Mr. Alexander.
ONE LOVE
Keep it POPPIN!