Training Camp
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Training Camp Photo Gallery]
Newly hired head coach Larry Brown used the first part of the training camp to see all the players' qualities, to be able to make a fair depth chart. He is known for not playing rookies too much and New York has a couple so it will be interesting to see how it turns out. "All the younger guys worked really hard this week, just like the rest of the team, but there clearly was a difference between them and the vets. David Lee showed great rebounding though, I think we got a good steal with him", Larry Brown said.
Then the second part of the week, he went to work by learning the Knicks some much needed defense. Especially team defense was pretty important, as last year's Knicks weren't really known for their strong defensive play. "The players I have right now are almost all known for their offensive talents, we have a lot of scoring options. But, cliché as it is, defense wins games. They picked it up pretty quick, but there still is a lot of work to do. It's just not possible to learn somebody how to lock down opponents in 1 week", Coach Brown told the reporters.
Initially, it was hard to discover any kind of order as far as who will be starting and who won't. Brown made equally-skilled teams, so that the scrimmages would be competitive, but not blowouts. After the final day of camp, Brown helped out all the curious reporters as he described his depth chart, at least how it will be at the start of the season.
- Code: Select all
C - Curry James Frye
PF - Taylor Rose Lee
SF - Richardson Ariza Lee
SG - Crawford Richardson Hardaway
PG - Marbury Hardaway Robinson
Injured list: Houston, Barnes, Butler
When asked about why their draft picks where so low in the projected depth chart, Brown replied: "I knew that question was going to come, as I am often described as some sort of anti-rookie guy. That is not true at all, the young guys on this team are working very hard and will get their share of playing time. But I still give the proven vets the nod over the newer guys."
On the young players on his team:
"I really like Trevor Ariza. He shares the ball, work hard on defense and now that he is developing a jumpshot, he is growing into a really force more and more. Frye and Lee are both pretty similar players, even though they play different positions. What I meant was, you can get a score inside from both, are excellent rebounders and they'll work hard on defense."
On Eddy Curry:
"It's very rare to find a player with such length and body mass these days. He's a very talented young man and I think I can teach him helpful things and turn him into a real NBA center."
On Allan Houston:
"To be honest, I didn't really count on Houston to play this season (or next). He was truly an all-star before the injuries, but I think he's pretty much done. It can always still happen though, look at Grant [Hill], but judging from the doctors advises, I think it's not looking very good."
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Next update will have results of the Knicks' first three regular season games, opponents are Detroit, Golden State and Minnesota.
Hope it will become great!
He definitely needs a Grant Hill-esque comeback.
