Briefing: March 25
Knicks lose 60th game, KP never planned to play, Dolan in the locker room, and more
Good Morning,
After taking some time to focus on my family, it’s time to get Knicks Film School back in session. I appreciate all of the hard work my team did to keep the site running, especially my partner-in-crime, Jonathan Macri, who will be contributing to the newsletter in the future.
I appreciate your patience while I was away.
Your Knicks Briefing is back!
The Knicks lost their 60th game on Sunday, marking only the second time in franchise history they have lost at least 60 games in a season. They need to finish the season 3-5 to avoid setting a new low as the worst season in franchise history (2014-15), although Knicks fans are far from worried about that with their eyes set on the lottery.
Latest Podcast: Jonathan Macri is joined by Zach DiLuzio for a recap of the Knicks matinee loss to the Clippers. They attempt yet again to digest the maddening season we've seen from Emmanuel Mudiay, discuss the Frank Ntilikina injury, and give some props to Kevin Knox's recent bounce back stretch. [SoundCloud / iTunes]
Injuries…Injuries…Injuries
Kevin Knox landed awkwardly on Patrick Beverly’s foot following a 3-point attempt on Sunday; he left the game in the third quarter. X-rays were negative and the Knicks have him listed as day-to-day.
Frank Ntilikina seemed to re-aggrevate his groin injury in the first half on Sunday, forcing him to sit out the remainder of the game. There is no timetable for his return.
Noah Vonleh missed his fifth consecutive game (ankle), Allonzo Trier missed his third straight game (groin), and Dennis Smith Jr remains out for the second straight week due to a back injury.
Doc Rivers was asked about the Clippers free agency pitch this summer, "I’m not going to give you my spiel man, man," Rivers joked to reporters. "Come on. Other than the weather, we’re going to stop there."
Lottery watch…
Porzingis never planned on playing
Kristaps Porzingis has fully recovered from his ACL injury, but he will not suit up this season, something he always planned, as reported by Tim MacMahon:
Porzingis will not play until next season, following the plan he agreed to over a year ago in consultation with his most trusted advisors -- including his older brother and agent, Janis Porzingis, and physical therapist, Manolo Valdivieso.
The thought process is for Porzingis, 23, an All-Star last season, to spend a full year focusing on working on his body and biomechanics to maximize his potential to have a long, healthy career.
What this means: Some have wondered if KP’s timetable for returning to the Knicks lineup was a factor in the friction that ultimately led to his departure. If there was a question about him playing or not, we at least know that it was the Unicorn’s camp who made the decision that he wouldn’t play, before the season even started.
KP’s personal trainer
The Mavs have added KP’s physical therapist, Manolo Valdivieso, to their staff to work in consultation with head athletic trainer Casey Smith and director of athletic performance Jeremy Holsopple, according to Tim MacMahon.
Inner circle: Valdivieso is a key part of KP’s team, along with his brother (and agent) Janis Porzingis. Valdivieso has lived with KP in New York for the past two seasons.
Controversy: After skipping his exit interview with Phil Jackson, Kristaps Porzingis spent the summer bulking up with controversial trainer Dr. Carlon Colker, who was tied to an ephedra scandal in 2003.
KP’s insistence to train in isolation, separate from the Knicks, was a point of contention between the star player and organization during his time in New York. It’s no coincidence that the Mavs quickly hired KP’s physical therapist.
Dolan in the locker room
James Dolan has been making an extra effort to ingratiate himself with the players in the locker room this season, according to Marc Berman:
Two hours before the tipoff of Sunday’s noon matinee, a 124-113 loss to the Clippers, James Dolan entered a near-empty Knicks locker room with one of his young sons. The boy immediately spotted last Sunday’s LeBron James slayer, Mario Hezonja.
“The Croatian sensation,” the youngster shouted. Dolan and his son chatted up Hezonja for a few minutes before working their way to Damyean Dotson’s stall.
What this means: It’s not uncommon for owners to make their presence known in locker rooms. Of course, with James Dolan, the rules are different. As Knicks fans wore t-shirts that read “Sell the Team” on Sunday, any hint that the owner is “meddling” or trying to take an active role into team affairs beyond signing paychecks will leave fans feeling uneasy.
DeAndre Jordan’s FT routine
DeAndre Jordan is shooting 76.4% from the line since joining the Knicks, an incredible improvement on his career 46.5% mark.
Stefan Bondy notes part of the reason for that success could be a new routine that Jordan has been using before he shoots:
DeAndre Jordan steps to the line and asks a teammate, ‘Who you got?’ or ‘Who you guarding?’ After that first free throw, he asks a different teammate on the other side the same question. Then he shoots. And he does it again the next time he’s fouled. Over and over. It’s the rare ritual that requires group participation.
Hezonja on the routine: “I just point to whoever is next to me. I have no idea what the hell he’s doing and I don’t give a damn what he’s doing, I just want him to make the free throw.”
Remember when…
March 25, 2017: The NBA announces Joakim Noah is suspended 20 games for testing positive for a testosterone booster. Since Noah missed the rest of the season due to a knee injury, he ended up serving his suspension during the beginning of the 2017-18 season.
March 25, 1994: Knicks win their 12th straight game, the second longest winning streak in team history, with a 85-82 win in Indiana. Patrick Ewing led the way with 25 points and 15 rebounds. The streak would stretch to 15 before ending in Miami on April 5 (100-86 loss).
Around the NBA
Jason Kidd is considered a serious candidate for the Lakers head coaching job if Luke Walton is dismissed. (Read more)
Jeremy Lamb banked home a half-court 3-pointer at the buzzer to beat the Raptors. It was the second-longest game-winning buzzer-beater in the past 20 seasons, according to ESPN. (Read more)
Brad Stevens admits there is frustration in the Celtics locker room after loss to Spurs. LaMarcus Aldridge put up 48 points for San Antonio. (Read more)
Thanks for reading, talk to you tomorrow!