First-round pick Kevin Knox put on a show for Knicks fans at today’s scrimmage, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post. Knox has gotten past the tentativeness he had when camp opened, with Berman estimating he hit seven of 14 shots this afternoon and went three for six from 3-point range.
Coach David Fizdale has emphasized to Knox that he needs to be aggressive on offense.
“He did exactly what I want,’’ Fizdale said. “He’s a natural scorer. He’s unselfish to a fault at times, but today was indication what I’ve been prodding him to do every day. That ball hits your hands, you’re live.’’
The day wasn’t as promising for center Mitchell Robinson, a second-round pick whom the Knicks are hoping can provide bench help in the middle. Robinson looked overmatched against Enes Kanter, and Berman suggested he might start the season in the G League to get used to the pro game.
There’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- Joakim Noah remains on the Knicks‘ roster as he continues to negotiate a buyout, Berman adds in the same story. Fizdale wouldn’t comment on the proceedings, but the amount of money Noah is willing to give back remains an issue. Berman adds that Noah expressed his frustration today when he posted, then quickly deleted, an Instagram message that read, “Let me go!!! What r u waiting for!!!! U don’t want me there so let me go!!!”
- Kyrie Irving made headlines this week with comments indicating that he plans to stay in Boston beyond this season, but they were nothing new to Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge, relays Steve Bulpett of The Boston Herald. Irving, who is expected to opt out of his current deal next summer, has expressed similar sentiments to his boss before. “I’ve talked to Kyrie a lot,” Ainge said. “Maybe he’s changed his tune with you [media], but he has been very positive from the day he got here. I talk to Kyrie all the time, his representation. I think Kyrie is very happy here in Boston, always has been. That will hopefully make this a place he wants to stay much longer once the season ends.”
- Danny Green may be an overlooked part of the Kawhi Leonard trade, but he brings valuable championship experience to a Raptors team that needs it, writes Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca. Green, who won a title with the Spurs in 2014, has played in more than 100 playoff games and has shot better than 41% on 3-pointers in the postseason.
Can’t trust Kyrie, no one knows what’s going on in that head of his.
Kyrie wants to stay in Boston, reporters want to believe he’s in collusion with Jimmy butler to play for a dumpster fire Knicks team. It’s over blown, just like George to LA, Westbrook leaving okc before his super max, and imo, kawhi anywhere. Kawhi is gonna stay in TO.
Kawhi will be a Clipper unless Masaj brings in someone else before the end of the season. Why would he play with that roster? I don’t see anyone there that convinces Kawhi to stay.
So a 2nd round pick looked overmatched against a seasoned vet. Shocking.
Knicks have obviously been too soft with Noah, that he would feel like sending such an Instagram message is going to pressure them to release him without appropriate buyout. They should message him back that he can terminate the contract any time he wants.