Chris Duhon is a mensch.
by Seth on Mar 15, 2010 12:23 PM EDT
in News
19 comments
Hello, children. I've returned from a blackout-related (the electricity kind) absence, so things should be back to normal around here. No more posting game threads from my dad's iPhone (which is difficult, let me tell you) or begging people to write recaps via owl messenger. Meanwhile, it looks like MSG isn't replaying that mythical Knicks-Mavs game today, so as far as I'm concerned, it never happened and y'all are pulling my chain. (Commence pausing). If anybody knows of a way I can track down that game for watching purposes, let me know. For now, we've got some stuff to talk about. Let's get into it.
Alan Hahn's article from yesterday touches on Toney Douglas' successful return to the starting lineup from the perspective of the man who once held down that spot. Whether or not you like Chris Duhon as a player (and you probably don't), the man's conduct and commitment to the team even from the bench. Du hasn't really been able to execute as Knicks point man, but he's been around and knows the game, and is imparting plenty of wisdom on the Knicks' youngest guard.
"He really helps me out a lot," Douglas said. "Even when I'm on the bench with him . . . I really respect him. He was a starter here and he hasn't been playing, but he still talks to me and everybody and is in the game like he's starting still."
Douglas has an element of his game that Duhon most struggled with: scoring. But Douglas had to learn how to run an offense, how to get others involved and, most importantly in this system, how to effectively run the pick-and-roll, especially with David Lee. Against Dallas, Douglas showed he is starting to figure it out. Along with his 21 points (8-for-10 shooting), Douglas had eight assists with zero turnovers.
"Obviously, he's a natural scorer, so his mind-set is to score," Duhon said. "I want him to stay aggressive, but at the same time, David's open and I just tell him to look for him. And if he's not comfortable throwing it, don't do it. But I just let him know it's there."
Duhon's game clearly wasn't ideal for running the Knicks, but he was an expert at running the pick-and-roll, particularly with David Lee. If Douglas can strike a balance between finding his own points (which he does pretty nicely, I hear) and rewarding cutters, he is at the very least a solid backup point guard.
For the record, though, not all of Duhon's advice should be taken to heart. This should eventually be WTDD. This should never be WTDD. Sorry, Chris.
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Duhon does have the mind for the game
…I’d think that most Dukie’s do, but maybe not the feel on the court.
That DWTDD included picking Duhon’s brain..awesome.
I can only pray we found the steal of the draft.
Fuck Brandon Jennings/Lawson/ whoever. Fuck everyone who looks like em too.
We got TD, that’s our PG.
Master of the squeegee
Chris Duhon
I still think Duhon is very serviceable at the least a backup point guard and he’s still young. But the more I read about him, the more I keep envisioning him in a coaching job down the road. Say what you want about him, but, to me, Chris has been a class act throughout his short 2 years here in New York. Tony’s upside still has as yet to be tapped, I would, come hell or high water, stick with him through the last 16 games to see what he has to offer and if we need to go PG hunting in the summer. It can’t hurt us anymore and can only help us and him. I’d ride him and Bill Walker to the end of the season, and if Gallo can’t get his shot to fal, at least let him focus on trying to wreak havoc on the defensive end. Whatever happens this summer, it seems there is gonna be an odd man out in the front court starting, be it Lee, Chandler or Gallo.
duhon has my respect.
Duhon didnt seem to mess up because he didnt know what to do, but rather because he was just not able to do it. I cant hate on that. i dont want him on the court or my team…
plus the fact that he is staying positive from the bench (much like nate, who got mad love because of it) is such a stark contrast to players like steph, who when told he was just not starting a game, turned around and went home…
I agree that I can see Du as a coach down the line. But I gets some PT as a backup on a slower paced less PG reliant offense (if that exists).
in ref: to Steph...
I f you were in Steph shoes and you see that you are 10 times better than Duhon and your boss wanted you to be his back up ; I bet you , you would take the day off also .
I kinda feel sympathy for Duhon
and a little guilty for coming up woth mocking nicknames for him. He’s not a good starting PG (at least not in NY) but I couldn’t take away that he has always been a class act. I won’t doubt his NBA IQ either. Its nice to see he takes his captainship serious enough to still impart help to younger players even if its clear he will not be with this team much longer and that he will spend most of his time on the bench. Its easy to think that players are all ready to rise to the occasion (as with Duhon being elevated to a starter over Marbury). Its easy to forget that it doesn’t always work out the way it was envisioned. I wouldn’t call Duhon a failure so much as just a guy who may have been elevated a little too far. Hopefully his help with Toney Douglas goes a logn way for both of them.
"you're the Rod Thorn in my Chris Bosh side."
by Chris Child's Fist on Mar 15, 2010 3:00 PM EDT reply actions
+1
When they signed Duhon, I thought it was a good move because he seemed to be a guy that was always overshadowed by guys like Jason Williams, Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon… and you never know, a guy might shine when given PT. It didn’t really work out that way because Duhon lacks the unflappable confidence a floor leader needs. But I think he’s OK as a backup as long as you don’t have to rely on him too much. He takes care of the ball and can work the pick and roll – he just doesn’t do much that’s exceptional, and a starter really needs that.
I wonder – if Toney has success as the Knicks starting point guard, who would be a better choice to back him up – a steady, conservative type, or a wildcard like Rodriguez?
this is a really good question
i think that on a good team, you want Duhon or similar, and that on a bad team you want Rodriguez or similar.
basically, with the “wildcard” comes variance; you get the good and the bad. on a good team, the good variance doesn’t help much since the team wins anyway, but the bad (e.g. a six-turnover game) can still kill you. on a bad team, though, you need to take some chances to win games.
this is not to imply that sergio will never be a useful piece on a good team, but he needs to develop some consistency and control.
by latrell chokewell on Mar 15, 2010 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Rodriguez
Rodriguez might have a few good games sometimes , but he is much too wild and out of control.So definitely Duhon is the better back up .
don't feel sorry for duhon
he gets any white woman he wants. he’s a baller.
professionalism welcome
im not surprised if duhon is resigned here on the cheap. he knows the system and can play backup when the pressure is off. Preferably he’s like 5th string, but even at 2nd or 3rd he can contribute. at the very least, he could regail toney and sergio with tales of late friday nights at Duke with mediocre tail and club soda…and basketball IQ, of course.
eh, resign him as an assistant coach, lol
"you're the Rod Thorn in my Chris Bosh side."
by Chris Child's Fist on Mar 15, 2010 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Duhon
If I had a team I want Chris Duhon on it. He is team player that can make others better.
Duhon gives me Charley Ward flashbacks. Just less Heisman trophy.
"...also I'll brush my teeth and remember to turn off the stars at night and put the hyena out." ERNEST HEMINGWAY
Chris Duhon
it was a mistake to sign him. there were plenty of better point guards out there. Coach did not need a problem child so Duhon fit. He is without a doubt a better coach than player on the NBA level. He has had a good ride not it is time to be humble and move on to teaching the game. Sorry Duhon you are not a good NBA PG……..why these coaches don’t see that is mind boggling to me………………
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