NBA Summer League: Knicks

The Knicks Summer League came to a close yesterday with the Knicks going undefeated at 5-0. Now, I know that the Summer League is just that, Summer League. However, the Knicks looked really good. At least, the young Knicks: Nate Robinson, Renaldo Balkman, Randolph Morris, Demetris Nichols and Wilson Chandler.

Nate decided to play this Summer despite entering his third year in the league and he looked like he's finally starting to get the whole passing the ball concept. He looked like he was playing under control better and setting up his team mates was more than just an idea. Encouraging to say the least since that his been his greatest knock his first two years in the league. It appears that not only Knick fans noticed Nate's development as a PG and player: He was named Summer League MVP today. While there were players who averaged more points and rebounds, he averaged 18.8 points to go with 7 plus assists per game, the way he ran the team and stopped taking bad shots during games apparently turned some heads. If he keeps this up, he won't be chained to the bench anymore due to his out of control play.

You could tell while watching "Taz" that he has worked on his game this past off season. While the results on his jumper were less than enthusiastic, his form looked better. I think this will be the first step for him to improve his greatest weakness. In addition to his improved shooting form, he has improved his ball handling. Along with these improvements, he still brought his usual fervor for defense and rebounding and knack for blocking shots. It's going to be difficult to keep him off the floor this upcoming season. I thought I'd add one of Balkman's more exciting plays from last season below.



One of Isiah's more creative pickups last season, Randolph Morris, is showing that he belongs in the NBA. While he lacks the explosiveness that teams look for when drafting elite PF or Center prospects, he does does show a willingness to bang in the paint, set screens and a pretty decent post game to along with a jumper from 12 feet in. While there will probably be a lot of nights that he doesn't get to see action, it has more to do with the players ahead of him on the roster and not his individual talents because at the end of the day, he's not taking away time from Curry, Randolph, Lee or Jeffries.

Demetris Nichols is looking like one of the steals of the draft after his performance this summer. The Knicks acquired Nichols in a draft day deal with Portland. The Knicks traded next years 2nd round pick for Nichols after being picked 53rd overall. He has great range on his jumper and very nice form and follow through on his jumper. In addition, as opposed to most great shooters, he drives the ball to the basket using his jumper to set up his pump fake and effective drives to the basket. He also displays his athleticism in the transition game and on defense.

Finally, there is Wilson Chandler, the Knicks first round draft pick and 23rd player selected overall. I never got the chance to see him play in college so I didn't know what to expect. He is a very fluid athlete that always seems to play under control. He reminds me a little bit of Trevor Ariza with a jump shot and a better handle. He, along with Balkman, frequently started fastbreaks after they snared the rebound and brought he ball up quickly and went to the middle of the floor immediately displaying good court instincts. I saw what the announcers were saying during the draft when they stated that Chandler's game is suited to the Pro's. He uses his body 6'8", 230 lbs.) well to shield defenders and gets good elevation his shot be it in the post or on the perimeter. In addition to his offensive game, he displayed the ability to play defense with and rebound using his long wing span and definitely looks like he will be the starter at SF one day. Knick veterans are on notice: this kid will be pushing for playing time at the 3.

Overall, it increasingly looks like Isiah's eye for talent cannot be questioned. I hate to harp on this, but, if you look at the roster that Isiah inherited along with the salary cap restrictions he started out with, the amount of talent and youth that he has acquired during his tenure as president of the Knicks is remarkable.

With the talent that Isiah has acquired, practices will be spirited and guys will be competing for playing time which is always a good thing. In addition to that, most of the team came to Vegas to start practicing early and learning the new sets that they'll be running next season with the acquisition of Zach Randolph. If I had to put a number on the amount of wins that they will end up with at the end of the season, I would put it at 47 wins with the caveat that they will become a team that noone will want to play during the post season.