Immanuel Quickley has quickly emerged as a bright spot for the streaky Knicks, becoming a high-scoring option off the bench in his rookie campaign. He added to his impressive start with a 25-point performance against the Cavaliers on Friday, helping New York end a three-game losing streak.
After a recent 31-point showing in a loss to the Trail Blazers, Quickley was connected with Portland’s perennial MVP candidate Damian Lillard. As Zach Braziller of the New York Post writes, Lillard provided some advice and insight to Quickley in the midst of his standout introduction to the NBA.
“I took everything away, honestly, from the type of person he is first of all, the type of player he is, [the] competitor [he is],” Quickley said. “Then really just giving me advice on obviously the point guard position, but what it takes to win in this league, what it takes to help your team win, how to bounce back from good games, bad games, staying even-keeled throughout the whole season.
“It was good to just have someone like to be able to go to, someone that’s been through a lot, Western Conference finals, the MVP [race], things like that.”
Check out more news and notes from the Atlantic division:
- After his impressive start to the 2020/21 season, Tobias Harris is earning himself serious All-Star consideration, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes. Of note, the Sixers forward has shown defensive improvements while averaging 20.1 PPG with career bests in field-goal percentage (52.5%) and three-point shooting (46.2%).
- Given Julius Randle‘s monstrous performance to begin this season, it’s time to stop viewing the forward as an athletic underachiever and more as an All-Star keeping a streaky team within playoff contention, Marc Berman of the New York Post writes. Randle showed up in great shape and has since been the Knicks‘ key to the offense, as an improved scorer, passer and defender.
- The Nets will have to fill one of their two open roster spots by Sunday and it’s likely the team looks outside the organization to fill it, Brian Lewis of the New York Post writes. “I guess it’s possible to sign one of our two-way guys,” Brooklyn head coach Steve Nash said. “But I think we’re probably looking to sign somebody on a free-agent deal here.”
Randle & Harris battling it out for an All-Star nod. Too bad fans that are into media more than basketball make the decisions…
RHJ, who else?
Probably just RHJ. Norvel Pelle was already signed. The Nets can keep the last one open for buyouts close to the trading deadline. Earlier in the week, the buzz was about using a future 2nd rounder to acquire Javale McGee from the Cavs and to utilize the DPE from Dinwiddie on his contract. Now it looks like they may wait on the Cavs to buy out Drummond.
If they don’t agree to sign anyone from outside the team, I could see them upgrading Reggie Perry to a standard contract, but he’d be better served getting experience in the G-League.
Quickley is looking good. Hope the Knicks stay on the path via the draft and not make any bad signings. They’ve got a host of picks this year, which should be a strong draft class, and again in 2023.
His in-the-lane floater is an excellent shot. Creates a little room while driving and flips it in. Fun to watch.
He does, and draws quite a few fouls as well. And while his jump shot looks a little AAU, it’s effective. His assist totals would be up as well if some of the guys would hit those shots. Kid could be the answer to PG, or at least the first guy off the bench, ala Lou Williams, who he reminds me of a bit.
Berman is they guy who shot down Randle the most. Hilarious lols. Harris and Randle are having solid yrs. Harris had his best yrs under Doc in LA. Quickly was a great pick, so low. Most impressed with his D. Thibs must be getting thru to him. Needs to be more a passer and run offense. Set up other guys. It’s coming with time. He’s not scared of talent. Got real game, competes. We need to play Nttilikina n Smith so we can move them. I’ve read Frank is still wearing a knee brace in practice. I know Thibs doesn’t want to bring them back too soon. With Quickly here we have to get value for both of them. IMO both could reach their potential in another city (at least rotation player). We can’t just give them away.