Notes and quotes from Knicks Media Day

Hi! I wasn't credentialed for Media Day this year, but a lot of other people were, and here's what they heard:

- From Marc Berman: Andrea Bargnani is healthy if not quite in game shape, and J.R. Smith claims he held off on knee surgery because he wanted to get paid first, which is his prerogative, and would have saved he and the Knicks some flak if someone had just made that clear in the first place.

- The Knicks are still shooting to have J.R. ready as soon as his suspension is up:

Woody says #Knicks goal is to have J.R. Smith healthy enough to play in the opener. Hasn't had any setbacks. Will have to sit 5 games.

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 30, 2013

- Other guys who were nursing injuries over the summer are now fine:

Tyson Chandler: "Feeling good. Ended season banged up but spent summer getting my health right." #NYK

— Tony Williams (@TBone8) September 30, 2013

Tim Hardaway Jr. says he is not limited by the wrist injury he suffered in summer camp. #Knicks

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 30, 2013

Carmelo Anthony says he has no issue with his shoulder or knee. "I'm ready to go. No injuries at all." #Knicks

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 30, 2013

Melo looks considerably slimmer. Said he "feels great ... Shoulder, knees. I'm ready to rock." #NYK

— Tony Williams (@TBone8) September 30, 2013

- Joe already covered Amar'e Stoudemire's limited training camp activity, and Ian Begley hears Kenyon Martin may get similar treatment, though the reasoning isn't clear. Could just be precaution:

Hearing: Kenyon Martin, like Amar'e, hadn't participated in recent scrimmages w/teammates. May b due to nagging injury or just precautionary

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 29, 2013

- It looks more and more like Amar'e's serious about this headband thing.

- Tyson Chandler claims his game has evolved a bit and Carmelo Anthony says his hasn't:

Tyson Chandler said he's worked on his mid-range jumper & jump hook extensively this summer. "I definitely want to get involved," he said.

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 30, 2013

Melo: "I'm in my, what, 11th season? My game is not gonna change very much. It's [pretty much] set in stone."

— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) September 30, 2013

I would not be surprised if they both prove themselves wrong.

- From Ian Begley, Melo didn't want to talk about next year's free agency. Steve Mills had the following to say:

Mills on Melo: "He's one of the superstar players. I've made it clear we have every intention to make Carmelo a Knick for a long time.''

— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) September 30, 2013

- And Woody still won't give any clues about potential lineups:

Mike Woodson says he'll use training camp to experiment with lineups. Won't commit to going with a small or big lineup today. #Knicks

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 30, 2013

- Metta World Peace stole Charlie's banana:

After sitting at my desk, @MettaWorldPeace stole my banana. #NYKMediaDay pic.twitter.com/OEL4ClcRLM

— charlie widdoes (@charliewiddoes) September 30, 2013

- And my favorite note of the day:

Jeremy Tyler (injured) just rode into #Knicks media day on a scooter. Seriously. Can he use that during games?

— Keith Schlosser (@KnicksJournal) September 30, 2013

For real.

- Some more good photos: Metta World Peace crackin' Raymond Felton up til his head falls off, this little couplet, and MetaBeno!

That's pretty much all I've got. I'll post a bit more in the morning, and I encourage you to share any other bits and pieces you saw yourself. Tomorrow: BASKETBALL.

In the meantime: I'm doing a Spreecast with Anthony Donahue tonight! 9 PM!