Nick Nurse expects the Raptors‘ new buyout addition, center Khem Birch, to join the club tonight against the Knicks, tweets Josh Lewenberg of The Athletic.
“I think he’s a guy that could become a quality backup big man in this league,” the Raptors’ head coach said. “He’s got some length, athleticism, shot blocking and rebounding. I’m excited to have him and hope we can help him develop.”
Birch joins the Raptors after having cleared waivers following his buyout from the Magic, where he was a solid contributor.
There’s more out of the Atlantic Division:
- Standout second-year Knicks forward RJ Barrett has greatly improved his shooting stroke, thanks in large part to the efforts of skills trainer Drew Hanlen, as Michael Grange of Sportsnet details. “Not pointing fingers, but there was a level of frustration that he played with because he felt like he had made the shot change that he needed to make during the pre-draft and after putting three months of hard work to lock in those mechanics, they instantly go tweaked and changed to a place where he felt really uncomfortable and he lacked the confidence and consistency he needed,” Hanlen said of Barrett’s rookie Knicks season.
- Many Raptors players are more concerned about their future contracts than helping contribute to a potential team tank during a strange season for Toronto-by-way-of-Tampa, writes Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports.
- Sixers All-Star center Joel Embiid is learning to adjust to playing with a left knee brace, according to Rich Hoffman of The Athletic. “It just feels like every shot that I take, I just have a hitch. Like it’s not a full motion,” Embiid said. In the same piece, head coach Doc Rivers noted that new addition Anthony Tolliver could help the club, though he may not receive much playing time. “He’s a veteran, can shoot the ball, been around the block, which I think this team needs,” Rivers said. “So I think he can help.”
RJ has arrived. He’s a big wing, is more consistent now. Just keep working on your shot. Has a chance to be a top 2way player in this league. Knicks next moves have to be a shooter scorer (2, or 3). And a traditional PG running team. Both will help RJ s development. And get this team to next level. We are still playing for playoffs. Still a lot more to do this yr. Stay the course. Let’s do this.
Yeah, Thibs has brought some respect and consistency back to NY. You guys play with an edge and hard nosed D. I don’t see you guys winning the first round, but I also think the Knicks play tough enough to win a game or 2 and make sure the team they play know they were in a fight. It will be interesting to see what the off-season brings for you guys…but you guys are one of the more fun teams to watch this year.
If we had Robinson. We could of at least made it interesting. As of now we will have to fight for that 8th seed. Thibs has changed the culture here. And Randle has become an all star. All about the rebuild now. We got one more great draft left.
RJ is making the strides you want to see out of a 20 yo second yr player
His clutch play has been impressive. If he can get his 3% above 40 and improve his finishing, with his length he could be a great player
We could of used that traditional PG to close out gm tonight. Got lucky and held on. Randle was the force at end. Definitely have taken on Thibs personality. We miss Mitch but Noel had a good gm. It’s been awhile since the future has looked so optimistic for Knicks. Thank the basketball gods for Thibs.