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Mike Woodson spoke to reporters in Charlotte this morning and confirmed what reporters had heard: The Knicks won't sign anyone to fill in for Tyson Chandler. At least not yet.
Woodson, on possible roster moves: "We're gonna stay where we are [for now]."
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) November 8, 2013
Note that Jeremy Tyler's timetable for recovery from foot surgery puts him back on the court in early December, so that could be what the Knicks are waiting for.
In the meantime, there are baskets to be balled. We got some more updates on who and how Woodson intends to play henceforth, starting tonight against the Bobcats:
Mike Woodson said Amar'e may play 15 minutes tonight. He hopes to play Kenyon between 15-20. "Got to figure out how to get a win," he said.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) November 8, 2013
So yeah, there goes the Amar'e Stoudemire/Kenyon Martin Preservation Initiative . Couldn't really be sustained with the current roster.
As expected, a two-point-guard, Bargnani-at-the-five lineup will start tonight, and they'll play aggressive defense early in possessions:
Woodson says team will probably trap pick and rolls more often now w Chandler out; particularly when they come to the side of the court.
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) November 8, 2013
Woodson also acknowledges fact that Knicks will likely use more double teams defensively now without Chandler playing.
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) November 8, 2013
Good luck with that! I've seen some sound traps and doubles from the Knicks through four games-- including those involving Andrea Bargnani-- but: 1. The non-pick-and-roll doubles in particular have a tendency to arrive at inopportune moments against non-double-worthy players. 2. In either case, most Knick lineups will lack anyone capable of protecting the rim should the ball find an open man. If the Knick energy flags like it has in previous games, trapping and doubling could turn sour quickly.
That energy better not flag, though. Not after a PLAYER'S ONLY MEETING, the signature move of the faltering team:
Carmelo Anthony says he and his teammates met after the loss to Charlotte. His message to everyone: "We have to want it." #Knicks
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) November 8, 2013
Regarding the Bobcats: Al Jefferson is still out and Steve Clifford spent the night in the hospital (feel better, Coach Clifford), so Patrick Ewing may end up coaching against the Knicks tonight. That sound you hear is a dozen beat reporters popping boners all at once.
Tip-off tonight is at 7, not 7:30. Don't be late! Oh, and if you're not an MSGsman, the game's on NBA TV, so perhaps you'll be able to catch it. Game thread'll be up later. <3
What are you eating for lunch? Gimme it