Knicks Notes: Irving, Hardaway, Lee, Kanter

“Close to home” was the explanation Kyrie Irving gave to reporters Tuesday about including the Knicks on his list of possible destinations, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post. However, the Celtics’ new point guard was careful not to say much more as the media congregated around his locker.

“It’s pretty easy man. They were on my list for a reason, I think you guys know that,” Irving explained. “Close to home, that’s about it. I’m not going to go into detail about all that extra stuff because I know where this is going to lead. … Cameras all here, I know exactly where this is going to go.”

New York was among four preferred cities that Irving gave to Cavaliers management when he requested a trade this summer. The Knicks reportedly offered Carmelo Anthony and a collection of draft picks to Cleveland, but never came close to a deal. “Playing with a guy like that would make the game a lot easier,’’ Kristaps Porzingis said. “That’s dreaming how it would be. He’s not here with us. He’s in Boston. That type of player would bring a lot to this team.’’

There’s more out of New York this morning:

• The Knicks are still waiting for Tim Hardaway Jr. to display some of the promise that led them to give him a four-year, $71MM contract, Berman writes in a separate piece. Hardaway continues to struggle with his shot, going 2-of-11 in the loss to the Celtics to bring his shooting percentage for the season to .243.
• Courtney Lee suggests a lack of focus is contributing to the team’s winless start, Ian Begley posts on ESPN Now. He says some of his teammates need to “pay more attention in practice” and are messing up plays during games. “If we miss shots, we miss shots,” Lee said. “That’s part of the game. But not being in the right position takes away a shot for your teammates. We got to learn the plays.” Coach Jeff Hornacek believes the problem is a result of a shorter preaseason, tweets Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News.
• The only encouraging sign Tuesday night was the play of center Enes Kanter, who posted 16 points and 19 rebounds. Kanter has played so well since being acquired in the Carmelo Anthony trade that Willy Hernangomez has been pushed out of the rotation, writes Fred Kerber of The New York Post.