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The Knicks are getting back together after the All-Star break and coach Kurt Rambis, along with some of your favorite Knicks, had some quotes worth noting after their practice session today.
Just to clear the air right off the bat:
Melo: If you didn’t hear nothing as of now, I doubt that we’re probably even doing something – but you never know.
— Laura Albanese (@AlbaneseLaura) February 17, 2016
Yep that should fill you with a resolute and absolute clarity. If you didn't hear it: you'll never know if there is or isn't something to probably even say you know about. You know? The Knicks have very little to offer (as far as trades go) unless they decide to completely change course on this season. They seem intent on following an upward trajectory.
"We have no other goal than making the playoffs," Rambis said.
— Scott Cacciola (@ScottCacciola) February 17, 2016
So there's that. If you're wondering how they'll reach that stated goal without an influx of talent, perhaps you should think on these two items.
Rambis said the Knicks added a handful of offensive concepts; some actions that he hopes he'll be able to call from the sidelines.
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) February 17, 2016
Rambis, on whether KP deserves more touches in late-game scenarios: Says NY has 3 players -- Afflalo, Melo & KP -- who deserve late-gm looks
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) February 17, 2016
While I disagree that Arron Afflalo needs late game looks, he should be getting the ball in certain stretches to help patch together an Anthony and/or Porzingis dry spell. He can get buckets on the low block against most opponents. For some reason I'd rather give it to Robin Lopez than Afflalo in a late game situation, but I'm not their coach. Also, for what it's worth, I don't fully trust Afflalo's perimeter touch. So I guess i get it.
Rambis said added stuff to offense, including an easier way of getting set so he can call plays.
— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) February 17, 2016
This makes sense. If, of course, you want your coach to tell the players what to do all the time. I gotta see this in action, but simplifying the action for Rambis doesn't make me feel great about the future though. So, let's just talk about the future, shall we?
Kristaps Porzingis was honored that Phil Jackson called him untouchable in trade talks. Says he hopes to be a Knick for his whole career.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 17, 2016
Excellent! We want you here too, young Flamingo! We'll feed you all the shrimp in the whole world. Pinken you up. I hope the fans, media, hangers-on and passersby aren't too much to deal with.
Kristaps Porzingis says fans were constantly asking him for photos during vacation. It was his 1st time experiencing that kind of attention.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 17, 2016
"It's probably going to be like this for the rest of my life," he said. Said he can't disguise himself bc of his height.
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) February 17, 2016
Uh oh. That sounds inundating and claustrophobic. I'm sorry you're dealing with that, big fella. I just hope you have some sort of Flamingo sanctuary you can fly away to when you get a chance.
KP said after the time off that he was ready to go back to "church." Essentially said the court is his sanctuary from day to day.
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) February 17, 2016
Oh good! Well, you're always welcome to crash at my place too. I'm sure you can kneel down to fit through the doorway. On second thought, you should probably stay with your family. Mine might not be equipped to take you in.
Porzingis said he's already noticing things on film (in watching w/ his brother) that he sees he can improve upon during the summer.
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) February 17, 2016
Ah, the future. She is a bright one.