The Knicks were 4-0 in the preseason, but everything didn’t go perfectly, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post. One concern is the adjustment of free agent addition Evan Fournier, who is still trying to find his shot. He connected at just 35.5% from the field during the four games and 30% from three-point range.
New York gave Fournier a four-year deal worth up to $78MM to boost the team’s outside shooting. Coach Tom Thibodeau dismissed concerns about his preseason struggles, but said he wants Fournier and new backcourt partner Kemba Walker to be more assertive with the ball.
“(Fournier’s) too good of a shooter,’’ Thibodeau said. “I thought Kemba also was almost a little too unselfish. When the ball is coming to them, I want them to be who they are. I don’t want them trying to fit in and then they get themselves out of rhythm. I know they’re unselfish players by nature. Just be aggressive. Be who you are. When you have your shots, you take them, and that’s the way I want our whole team to play.”
There’s more from New York:
- Today’s cuts mean Wayne Selden has a spot on the 15-man roster, but it might not last long, Berman tweets. Selden’s contract is non-guaranteed, and Thibodeau said the Knicks could decide to add someone who gets waived by another team (Twitter link).
- After signing and waiving veteran guard Brandon Knight today, the Knicks intend for him to join their G League affiliate in Westchester, according to Ian Begley of SNY.tv. The 29-year-old was out of the league last season after playing a combined 25 games for the Cavaliers and Pistons in 2019/20.
- The Knicks will have a different look this year, but expectations haven’t changed, per Steve Popper of Newsday. New York figures to have more firepower on offense with the new backcourt, and Julius Randle is looking forward to playing alongside two high-scoring guards. “Evan and Kemba, those are guys you really have to account for on the offensive end,” Randle said. “They can shoot, score the ball, make plays. Our biggest thing is we’ve got to continue to lock up every night, play defense. I’m excited about it. They’re obviously two experienced, veteran players who have accomplished a lot in this league and I think it will be great for us.”
Yeah ……. OK …. So what Now Geniuses !!
Payton – 24 mins, 28% 3PT, 68% FT, 10 pts
Bullock – 30 mins, 40% 3PT, 90% FT, 11 pts
—— —— for this —— ——
Kemba – 32 mins, 37% 3PT, 90% FT, 19 pts
Fournier- 30 mins, 40% 3PT, 80% FT, 20 pts
REALLY ……. and I know you don’t watch preseason. We coming for everyone.
And everyone plays D under Thibs. And we got Mitch or Noel backing them up. It’s about TEAM D not individually. Although I’m sure that will also improve. We are a deeper team. So we will still be a top D team statistically. But in game management. It’s about making stops. That you do as a team mostly. Both have been trying to fit in, it’s true. But they are here to provide offense and leadership. It’s only preseason, but the offense has been coming easier. This team is better than last yr. Deeper than last yr. “Let’s Do This”
I don’t recall anyone saying Payton & Bullock were not improved on. You’re the one who liked Bullock… oh wait that was just because you’re a homer and he was a Knick.
Better be nice, or he might mute you like he did me.
Personally I thought the Kemba addition was perfect. He’s from the city and playing for the city. He’s a pretty decent shooter and scorer and playmaker, but he’s not heavily ball dominate like many point guards and that’s perfect for Julius Randle who likes to get loads of touches and create for others too.
Then you have DRose coming off the bench.
I just really don’t like the Evan Fournier deal. 4/73M just seems to much, shooters get paid in today’s game and I understand loads of teams do it, I just don’t like it personally.
If I were the Knicks I’d trade Fouriner and Burks for Andrew Wiggins and a second round pick, once they are available to be traded.
I know I’ll get Wiggins haters but he improved as a shooter last season, he’s a better defender and he’s a better playmaker. Thibs has worked with him which could either be a good thing or a bad thing but I think teaming up with countryman RJ Barrett would be good for him.
Although Canada failed to even qualify for the Olympics Barrett and Wiggins played really well together in the qualifying games.
I think you can also risk giving up Fouriner and Burks with more depth this year with the likes of DRose, Quickly, McBride, Grimes, Knox, Toppin and Gibson.
Saying Walker is a pretty good shooter and playmaker is a stretch. His shooting percentages are below what’s expected these days and he’s only once in his career hit 6 assists per game – as a point guard. He scores based on volume of shots taken.
Personally I’m not a fan of the Fournier signing either, but moving him for a similar player with a larger, though shorter contract isn’t going to change much.
Agree on pro-Kemba, minus-Evan. I’m actually not a huge fan of either but the price is right on the former, not the latter.
The only concern I have with Walker is on the Thibs-end. Hope he doesn’t fall in love giving all the PG minutes to him and Rose, because I’d like to see Quickley’s role expand this year.
Other risk is Kemba regresses even further and Thibs, much like be did with Payton last year, just stays the course.
Idk Kemba for a career averages a shooting line of 42/36/84 and over the past 5 seasons has shot better than 36% from three.
As for his playmaking I think that’s ideal to go with Randle
You know one for one trade offs like this dont really work like that in the NBA