Timofey Mozgov is Ready
by raed247 on Jan 26, 2011 12:24 AM EST
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Pringles, to the dismay of all New York Knicks fans, has gone with a smaller lineup since around November of 2010. His experimenting has brought success (the 8 game win streak) and has also come with no success (the recent 6 game lose streak). Based on the current standings, we are pretty much a lock for the playoffs, but if we want to go deep into the playoffs, D'Antoni has to stop experimenting.
Jump with me as I tell you why Timofey Mozgov is ready to take the starting center role (again) and why Pringles should open a spot in his rotation for our resident Russian ( and I don't mean Prokhorov).
In a league like the NBA, fans cannot predict when their favorite teams will win or lose a game, but we know and coaches know how to increase their chances at getting a win. Right now, us fans know this Knicks team deeply needs a starting center in order to increase our chances of getting a win.
You may be pointing to our 8 game win streak and saying that we don't need a starting center, we have Amare or we have Turiaf or we are going to get Melo so we don't need a true center.
Amare can only do so much at the center position, even with the 9 consecutive 30 point games he had at center, he is a natural scorer and shows his true offensive prowess at the 4.
Turiaf plays center for us. I know and you know that he is not a starting center. He is an amazing center off the bench and the energy he brings off the bench is what this Knicks team needs as well. Starting him at the 5 would mean we lose that energy we need when Stat and Felton try to rest.
Melo will not solve the problems this team has. He maybe the savior we need in crunch time but trading for him would only increase our offensive power (regardless of his defensive skills). We are already #1 in the league in points scored per game but need I remind you we are 23rd in points allowed.
What's that? You need some statistical evidence of why we need a true/starting center? Well, how about this:
- We may be the #1 shot blocking team in the league, but we are ranked low in rebounds
- Look at the recent 6 game losing streak and lets start with the Utah Jazz: Knicks were outrebounded 36 to 26(!!!!!)
- Kings: 60 to 49
- Suns: 48 (Suns aren't that great at rebounding either) to 38
- Rockets: 48 to 45 (only one we caught up to but as you may have noticed the Rockets are without a center too)
- Spurs: 50 to 44
- Thunder: 57 to 40
- In total, the Knicks were outrebounded 299 to 242
- We hang in there in rebounds because of players like Landry <3 , but we need a center to clean the glass or get us those second chance points, meaning more offensive rebounds
So, I rambled off a bit but back to the main point: Mozgov is ready to play the starting center role. You may remember in the beginning of the season, Pringles made the unexpected decision to put two rookies, Fields and Mozgov, in their respective starting roles. We found our glue guy in Landry but Mozgov, unfortunately, did not play as well as we hoped. He seemed out of place on the court and did seem to stay on pace with the team. He looked lost, but for a good reason. Our Mozzie was just not ready to play with new rules (he played with FIBA rules before, thus accounting for all those fouls) and he wasn't ready for the pace of an NBA game or D'Antoni's system for the matter. Thus, he was pushed to the back of the bench along with Randolph and Rautins.
More than anything, this probably hurt his confidence and his work ethics. But after watching recent practice highlights or watching him go one on one, Mozgov proved me wrong. I saw that Mozgov is a much better player since playing as a starter so long ago. He seems like the player we all saw in the FIBA World Championships: athletic and a good role player. But here is where my criticism of Mike D'Antoni comes. I love the fact that he does experiment and does give players a chance (points to Billy Walker) but he has got to be more supportive of bigger lineups that involve Mozgov. He knows our problem is defense but he continues to persist that smaller lineups will do the trick. It may work against bottom-feeder teams but not against elite teams like the Celtics or the Magic (notice how my hatred of the Heat did not even garner them a nod).
But fear not my friends, Mozgov will get his burn in due time. Mozzie knows it, we know it, and D'Antoni knows he needs to put him out there. Losing hard fought battles will not cut it this far into the season. Sure we may not be championships contenders this season, but can we at least act like it? Our good friend Donnie Walsh has tried to achieve this ever since his return. If you noticed, Pringles went with a smaller lineup when Walsh had surgery. Coincidence, I think not. As Alan Hahn recently pointed out, Donnie's return has made D'Antoni put Turiaf as the starting center more often. I presume Walsh has been pushing D'Antoni to use the three bigs he signed in the offseason, much to the dismay of Mike.
I don't know what is going on in D'Antoni's mind sometimes during a game, but we know he is a proven man. He took Phoenix to the playoffs and they somewhat succeeded there. There is a method to his madness, but sometimes it is irritating to know that he can solve the team's problems by opening one rotation spot but does not do so.
I highly doubt you got this far into my ramblings, but we need a center, urgently. Its almost the beginning of February and its time for D'Antoni to start thinking of the playoffs (withstanding our current win/loss standings). Put Mozgov in because he has learned the system and is ready more than ever. This dude is a hard worker (just read his blog, he is incredibly insightful and a pretty nice guy) and deserves to get a chance. If nothing else, make him the backup center to Turiaf.
Raed247
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here's the thing about centers
usually they can’t shoot! as we know, that’s the cardinal sin of d’antoni-ball. so even if mozzy cracks the rotation, he won’t get much time since he’s not much of a shooter.
ideally, we find a 4/5 that beasts on the boards and shoots threes effectively. these guys are few and far between, the only one that i can really come up with is kevin love. but we need someone in that mold to fix the rebounding/interior D problem without breaking the offense.
by latrell chokewell on Jan 26, 2011 12:35 AM EST reply actions
Actually
Mozgov can shoot a little. What he hasn’t shown the ability to do is rebound. Yes, we need better rebounding up front, but unless I’m mistaken, Mozgov isn’t really much of a big help there. What I think he can do is be much more of an offensive presence than Turiaf is. I think Mozgov can be a threat to score that can take advantage of teams concentrating on Amar’e.
i dunno, i don't think "shoot a little" is really what d'antoni is looking for
i think mozzy can hit from the free throw line extended, but pringles really needs guys behind the arc so that he can isolate amare in the middle.
(but i do agree that we should at least be skeptical of mozzy’s rebounding, although i would imagine that he’s going to improve)
by latrell chokewell on Jan 26, 2011 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
I dont think
there are going to be many Centers out there that are going to sit behind the arc and draw out defenders.
"they try to do what he do, and been where he's been, but they get folded in two.....he's the dude"
I agree and believe he could be the center we just need and we wouldn’t need to pay someone else to play for us. I believe it could work and we could still play MDA style ball but give Moz some pt even if it’s only for 15 minutes. He wouldn’t even have to start every game but it wouldn’t hurt to have him and use him. He was signed for a reason and I am sure he can develop and learn. I though AR could be that guy when we got him in the trade but has been disappointing. I hope Moz can work out for us and get some minutes. This offense doesn’t always hurt because we don’t have great players. We only have one superstar and that’s not enough. In order to win offensively and for MDA style to succeed, a team needs Melo, Stat and many more consistent scorers.
During our recent losing skin, many of those games could have been won if we had won the rebounding battle. It is a crime for the Wizards to get so many more rebounds than us. That Thunder game could have easily been won if he had just grabbed a couple of those boards defensively. The offense doesn’t click every game so sometimes one has to win differently. Even if we go on another winning streak, it will wear our players out cost us other games. I love highs coring, run and gun but it don’t always work unless we have a bunch of scoring machines who can do it even when playing elite teams and great defensive teams. Honestly, I don’t think our offense is all that great because we haven’t been able to dominate, beat or even score much against the elites or better defending teams.
Melo is a must and I have no doubt about it but we also need boards and Moz could be the guy. It wouldn’t hurt to use more than 8 player rotations and I would also like the current players be more aggressive on the glass and learn how to snatch down boards. Gallo, Chandler etc.
Too bad he can't stay on the court
He has 7 PF/36min
He may improve the team, but how long can he actually stay on the court?
pretty sure that's why he hasn't been playing any minutes
and they’re working with him. His previous experience most likely is irrelevant.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
Well if you figure one every 6.1666 minutes
and he starts fouling at the third minute that averages out to 33 minutes a game. I would settle for that.
The Landryman Can
The links show you bupkis
The video give me the following info:
The practice looked like they were going 3/4 speed
Gallo must like Moz personally, at least enough to spend time with him on that tame drill
Moz still holds the ball too low when going at the rim
Mozgov is not hurt
On that basis the case of raed247 vs D’Antoni gets tossed for lack of evidence.
As they say, conjecture ain’t gonna get it done
I've never had a problem with drugs. I've had problems with the police.
Keith Richards
http://www.nba.com/knicks/video/2010/12/21/nykpracthigh122110mov-1501083/index.html
Landry Fields for ROY
I like the spirit of this post
And I agree with the overall idea that Moz is going to get some game action soon… but I was disargree with some of your assumptions…
More than anything, this probably hurt his [Moz] confidence and his work ethics.
Moz has had nothing but great things to say about his time so far on the Knicks. He has talked about all the work that he has been putting in, and all the attention the coaches have given him. He seems like a solid person, and no dummy. I think what happened in the first couple weeks, is that Moz was able to see the pace of the NBA, and get an idea of what he needs to do. By starting him off the bat, Mike D showed confidence IN Moz. There is no evidence whatsoever from anywhere that his confidence and work ethics were hurt.
I love the fact that he does experiment and does give players a chance (points to Billy Walker) but he has got to be more supportive of bigger lineups that involve Mozgov. He knows our problem is defense but he continues to persist that smaller lineups will do the trick.
Mike D is not as reactionary as most Knick fans. It seems he down for the long term. I mean, he started the season with Moz in the lineup. He played Shaq in Phx. He has his style of play. You dont hire a West Coast Offense coach in the NFL, and load up the team with runners (I think… not a huge football fan). He has shown he will play big guys when they fit with what he needs. He needs a big man that can move around the court, run alot, pass well, and hit a jump shot. Moz has the talent to do that, which is why everyone was so excited after training camp. He needs work… but he has been getting it. I dont understand this rush of having to play him right away! Why cant we do something right for a change and let players develop?
Losing battles but winning the war will not cut it this far into the season. Sure we may not be championships contenders this season, but can we at least act like it?
Um… What??? Winning the war will not cut it? I always thought winning the war was the point? no? We are NOT champion contenders this season. We cant just act like it, cause we dont have the talent to do it. We can play smart, develop the players we have. Let them work though their troubles (see DWTDD) and when ready help contribute to the team. Last year Toney barley played and everyone was all up in arms saying “Why wont stupid _’Antoni play Toney?!?!?!? He is SOOOO much better then DOODOOHAN!!!!” Well, maybe because Mike D felt that Toney could do better for himself by learning the system and watching Duhon run the pick and roll with Lee so he can start to play by the end of the season, and then have a major roll in this season. Its a process. Moz has been working hard to learn SSOL and learn American Ball. There is TONS of time left for him to start to get into it.
There is a method to his madness, but sometimes it is irritating to know that he can solve the team’s problems by opening one rotation spot but does not do so.
Its that easy? The only problem so far has been Moz not playing? We would have won all those games by putting him out there? IDK… seems like that is a major hypothetical not supported by any facts that conveniently helps your crit of the coach.
Put Mozgov in because he has learned the system and is ready more than ever.
I agree to play him when he is ready. But I also think that the coach should be the one to make that decision and dont get why fans think they know any better…
I think it was Bobby V who said: "You are never as good as you are when you are at your best, and you are not as bad as when you are at your worst."
OMG I forgot to rewrite the winning the war thing
I meant to say “Losing hard fought battles will not cut it this far into the season”…I will edit that right now
We need to rush Mozzie in because its time to start thinking about the future and the future is the playoffs. Going gaga over the fact that we are going to the playoffs is over with, its time to go gaga over the fact that we may face Chicago in the 1st round and actually win a series against them. Mozzie has been learning the system for the past few months and he can probably play better here than some center we trade for.
And I am not saying that I know better than D’Antoni, I am merely pointing out that Mozgov is more than ready to play right now, which some people on P&T don’t believe so.
But thanks for your opinion (and proofreading). Much appreciated!
Landry Fields for ROY
Everyone knows
that players don’t get better from practice alone. Its not rocket surgery, we need guys who can rebound and Moz and AR seem to fit the description. Once we started losing games at home to bottom feeders it felt like what more can we lose by getting these guys minutes.
Players do get better from practice alone
Just because YOU don’t see it doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen
"I feel like this: You can't hate me." -Toney Douglas
by The Rooster on Jan 27, 2011 2:20 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
rocket surgery
That sounds pretty daym hard to me.
"they try to do what he do, and been where he's been, but they get folded in two.....he's the dude"
do you have to be a doctor for that?
"Madison Square Garden is the ultimate basketball stage. That's where I belong. That's where I live. That's the home of the New York Knicks." - Amar'e Stoudemire
by Chris Child's Fist on Jan 27, 2011 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
im thinking a mad scientist.
"they try to do what he do, and been where he's been, but they get folded in two.....he's the dude"
You dont think
A mildly upset scientist could get it done?
The Triple Felt Goose movement shall live as long as I am around.
by JerzeeBalla on Jan 30, 2011 12:18 PM EST up reply actions
Shawne Williams would've never done what he's doing if he didn't impress in practice
I dunno how anyone can doubt he didn’t get better by way of practice.
I’d say everyone knows that practice makes players get better, but obviously that isn’t the case.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
Are we seriously
saying that players don’t need both practice and game time experience, or are we saying that we aren’t getting killed on the boards and need SOMEBODY to rebound or box out. All I am saying is if were losing lets get these guys some minutes. If we don’t find an answer, we could be in for a long second half of the season.
You're not a die hard fan if very now and then your team doesn't try to kill you
We're seriously saying that guys can get worse by playing in games if they aren't ready yet.
Moz ain’t ready to do what we need him to do.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
What if we need him to start a fight?
I mean, if we are gonna rekindle this Knicks/Heat rivalry let’s not shortchange it!
"Madison Square Garden is the ultimate basketball stage. That's where I belong. That's where I live. That's the home of the New York Knicks." - Amar'e Stoudemire
by Chris Child's Fist on Jan 27, 2011 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
Aww cmon
5-8 min wont hurt him, he was already raped by Blake Griffin (not bad defense though)
You're not a die hard fan if very now and then your team doesn't try to kill you
The point is those 5-8 min DID hurt him.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
by Rorschach44 on Jan 27, 2011 12:02 PM EST up reply actions
you are wishing for something that aint gonna happen
Cause Mike D disagrees with you.
He has stated that he doesnt like to throw guys out there for 5-8 min. He feels that it disrupts the flow of the game, and the guys that are out there for such a short amount of time dont are not able to get it going. They try to win the game in 5 min, which hurts. If they miss 2 shots, they feel they HAVE to make the next 4 or they are sunk. Its just a situation that doesnt really help anyone other then to say “Moz played 5 min yesterday and made a nice pass.” The coach knows he can pass or not.
Mike D has shown repeatedly that when guys show they are ready they will play. Let the team develop at the coaches pace. We are not in a rush.
I think it was Bobby V who said: "You are never as good as you are when you are at your best, and you are not as bad as when you are at your worst."
Coach Pringles " what do you think coach, maybe he can play well this game"
The next time " ok coach, what about THIS time?"
The next time " look coach, i know it didn’t work the last few times. And his confidence is shrinking faster than my dick in ice water, but we got to throw him garbage mins when he’s not ready, so he can get better. It works like that right?"
Naaah my friend.. we cant keep purging for the “throw mozzie in there idea”. Id rather do it like MDA is doing it, and grooming Mozgov through practice after practice. I know it seems like a long time, but in the NBS teams DONT practice as much as us fans think they do. They travel a lot, have 1 day rest in between games, and also have back to backs. The only time they practice hard is when they have a decent layoff.
So yea, let Mozgov improve his game over time through practice, so when he does get his time in the game. Hes willing and ready to succeed.
Like Clyde says “confidence is the main component of your game”
"they try to do what he do, and been where he's been, but they get folded in two.....he's the dude"
NBS? = NBA**
"they try to do what he do, and been where he's been, but they get folded in two.....he's the dude"
Wait... you put your dick in ice water??
I get it if you are stirring an annoying guest’s drink, but still…
"Madison Square Garden is the ultimate basketball stage. That's where I belong. That's where I live. That's the home of the New York Knicks." - Amar'e Stoudemire
by Chris Child's Fist on Jan 27, 2011 2:08 PM EST up reply actions
The clips aint show much, but shorty in the background has some handles. LOL
Anyhow I hope Mozzy has worked hard enough in practice that Pringles finally gives him another chance. Got Mad Love for Bully & Extra E but I feel some of their minutes should be going to Mozzy to at least continue his development and to also get him more accustomed to the NBA.
IMO he deserves more minutes if anything to help his confidence and to get the stink off of him from the B.Griffin facial. That is all people remember Dude for. LMAO
It's Hell Up In The MDA DogHouse!!! Free Mozzy, Free AR!!
I feel like Mozgov wants to revenge that dunk more than anything lol
Landry Fields for ROY
by raed247 on Jan 26, 2011 2:34 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I don't care if it is
Mozzy. A trade for one. Or we get one from the draft…WE NEED A CENTER!!!!!
"Moving Forward."
joey dorsey!
i know i know i know… but i gotta say it. call the big a 4 or 5… it doesn’t matter. a guy like everyone is saying whose sole purpose to is run, bang, rebound and intimidate. we have enough offense… the guy’s just gotta fill his role with INTENSITY! for 15 or so minutes. let him foul if he needs to, just keep the intensity up when he’s on the floor and it’ll rub off on the others. NO MORE GIVING UP 20 OFFENSIVE REBOUNDS!
by bucketsncents on Jan 26, 2011 7:41 PM EST up reply actions
Where is Dorsey?
Toronto? D-league? Guy grabs rebounds like crazy (I like that) but seems to get cut from every team he’s on.
hungry dawgs need apply...
brandon bass, dujuan blair, reggie evans… undersized and famished for boards, charges and puttin’ guys on their asses.
who else fits this mold?
by bucketsncents on Jan 27, 2011 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
This is what I think.
That if Melo REALY wants to play for the KNICKS & he wants to WIN with US, then play out this year & sign with us this summer. If we get Melo or not we will still NEED a center. Then Amere can play his PF position where he should be. If we get a FA center this summer, then he could start. If he is a rook, then he comes of the bench. Ronny will start. He is our man. He brings the heart. We NEED a biggen that can run, rebound & defend. If he could average 10 points a game that would be a huge plus. With Melo as an ADDITION to this team there is no telling how far we can go. Our bench would be strong. Gallo & Chandler coming off the bench. Donnie has to find a way to keep Chandler. If that was to happen, we would be speaking of him for the sixth man award. When there is an injury & there will be one or two every year, then we would have players to replace the fallen player. Notice I said PLAYERS & not “somebody.” If we don’t get Melo at all, there are other FA that Donnie will find to make us stronger. Plus there is the draft. Can Donnie find another gem there. He found Fields in the second round last year.
"Moving Forward."
I bring up good points, sure
but would you please not bombard every Fan Post with this same comment? We’ll see it, believe me.
"Madison Square Garden is the ultimate basketball stage. That's where I belong. That's where I live. That's the home of the New York Knicks." - Amar'e Stoudemire
by Chris Child's Fist on Jan 26, 2011 3:45 PM EST up reply actions
will earl bring back what he did for a few games or so in a meaningless stretch to end the season?
based from what happened in phoenix which is almost exactly the same system… nope
Victory goes to the courageous!!
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