The addition of Jalen Brunson could make playing time scarce for Miles McBride but he’s trying to remain confident, Zach Braziler of the New York Post writes. The 2021 second-round pick played in 40 games last season and projects as the Knicks’ third-string point guard behind Brunson and Derrick Rose. “Doing whatever I can to be on the floor [is my mindset],” he said. “If that means making shots, bringing the ball up, finding the open man, playing defense, I’m doing anything I can to be on the floor.”
We have more from the Atlantic Division:
- Julius Randle showed his leadership by inviting young players Jericho Sims and Feron Hunt to summer weight and cardio sessions in Dallas, Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News notes. “It was cool. He wanted me to come down, so I said, ‘Hey, he’s a big-time player, why not get close to him, build that relationship,’” Sims said. Randle is trying to improve an image that was tarnished during a disappointing season for him and the Knicks. He’s at the beginning of a four-year extension.
- Brad Stevens is happy with his current status as the Celtics’ top executive but he’s not ruling out coaching again someday, as he told Steve Bulpett of Heavy.com. “I’ve enjoyed both roles I’ve been in. I love the people I’ve worked with in both roles, and my family loves it, so, yeah, we’re really happy,” he said. “I’m not going to try to predict the future. I have no idea. No idea. I don’t know if I’d ever coach again. We’ll see.”
- Toughness, durability and 3-point shooting are among the attributes that P.J. Tucker brings to the Sixers. Kyle Neubeck of PhillyVoice.com breaks down all the aspects of Tucker’s game and the intangibles he adds to the table as the veteran forward transitions from one Eastern Conference contender to another.
I really think Randle can still be a very important player for the Knicks and an absolute must have target for Brunson to work with. He does need to work his game more inside out imo. He’s not a pure 3pt shooter but if he can get back to being 50% or better from within 12 and then pick his shots from the 3 when wide open then he can be an allstar caliber guy. But in a bad year, even if as a volume shooter, 20/10/5 is valuable to a young PG.
Perhaps having a real PG will help Randle out. Randle played way too much hero ball and would frequently dribble it for far too long before jacking up a long two-pointer. Maybe some of that ball-handling pressure will be off with Brunson handling it.
@rct
I agree. Take the burden of having to create off of Randle’s shoulders.
It will definitely help. But the spacing is going to be pretty bad. It will never happen, but I’d bring one of him or RJ off the bench, appearances be damned.
@Shea
If Randle has someone distributing the ball then it should free him up to play 10ft in. Post ups and short jump shots. Brunson above the 3 stripe and RJ on the wing. Why would that hinder the spacing?
Yeah I made that point a while back. We just have to wait about 20-24 games and see how they mesh.
Him trying to restore his image and take on a leadership role is very encouraging. Sounds like he didn’t go home and pout and ask out. Sounds like he’s doubling down on being a Knick, working hard and trying to get back to winning next year. Have to love hearing that if you’re a Knicks fan
Sixers have improved, but so have a few other teams in the East. We will see if they take the next step next year
Is a PJ really anything more than a marginal improvement over a healthy Danny Green? Green would have some higher scoring nights that won’t come from PJ. PJ does offer some more flexibility with the lineup tho. Melton is essentially replacing what we thought we had in Shake but he’s been a negative player since Dec.
So I’d agree improved but it’s not by much. I hope they can move Thybulle, Korkmaz, and Shake for something useful.
Have you seen PJ play in the playoffs the last couple of years? The stats don’t tell even half the story with his game. He’s a great perimeter defender. He can also guard down low. Gets clutch rebounds. Always hustles. Total leader on the floor defensively. Can switch, go high or low. Plus he can hit the 3 ball on the other end. Any team trying to win a title can use a guy exactly like PJ Tucker
“The 2021 second-round pick played in 40 games last season and projects as the Knicks’ third-string point guard behind Brunson and Derrick Rose.”
What about IQ? Or is he being classified as an SG or something?
The downside of Brunson’s signing is it thins out PG minutes for IQ and McBride. Different skill sets, but both are Thibs’ guys and great fits for our system. I hope they can carve out roles.
IQ is hurt more than McBride, because he was on track to be the starting PG if we didn’t sign Brunson.
Rose was on track to be the starting PG, most likely. Although with Rose’s injury history, IQ would probably have started a lot of games.
Moot now, but No. Rose was never going to be the starter going into the year. It’s not a role he wants or one where he can consistently handle the minutes. IQ’s mission to operate more as true PG has been ongoing with highs and lows for 2 years, but he finished last year on (very) high note. That, and what Thibs and his teammates think of him, had him firmly penciled in as the starter. When he and McBride played together last year, IQ played as the primary PG.
The more I’ve seen their young guards, the more I believe in my opinion that they should have given those guys a chance, and used their resources at other positions, instead of what they ultimately did…
Randle, Quickley, Mitch, Fournier ….. plus picks can all be moved. There has to be at least one trade coming. Please be Randle ..