Thanks JM, always appreciate your thoughts! I have a radically un-radical hypothesis -- and your answer, I suspect, will resemble your response to those who point out that RJ is coping with offseason trade talk.
As players, play-by-play folk, and writers never tire of pointing out, basketball is deeply dependent on energy and momentum -- who has it and who doesn't -- something this year's Knicks struggle with. And it's not just effort, it's some ineffable quality of energy. Last year, especially relative to the year before, was miserable in that regard. Randle was -- and continues to be -- the main culprit on the floor, directly enabled by Thibs (who is of course just a golem breathed into existence by Rose and co).
Over the years RJ has watched as Randle slowly and painfully grew out of his patented dribble-spin into a double-team; or launched early-in-the-clock 3s against teams without rim protection; or played matador D; or jogged the ball up (or jogged behind his cover...or with his head down after a f*@kup); and all of the other energy- and fun-sapping habits we're all accustomed to.
I can only imagine it's as demoralizing to play with, night in and night out, year in and year out, as it is to watch as a fan. RJ has only played with Randle. His entire pro career. He has never seen accountability. He's never been with a leader who leads by playing hard all the time, not taking plays off and throwing his hands up. And now RJ is effectively throwing his hands up, bowing his head, taking plays off. He sees a ceiling on a team with Randle wearing the same color jersey -- and it's sort of brushing against his head.
Julius Randle actually seems like a lovely guy. He seems like an especially sweet man, to be honest. But he also seems like he has some demons, and they seem like demons he hasn't taken so much as a step toward facing quite yet. Moving on from Randle (yes, and Thibs... and hopefully Rose and Dolan, but let's stay on planet Earth) isn't just a helpful move to improve the team's chances, it may actually be an existential issue with respect to RJ -- to say nothing of Obi, IQ, and the rest.
I should note that while I'm not a hater, I'm no RJ stan. I think he tops out as 3rd best player on a contender, but I like him. Problem is, his best qualities -- the grit, heart, toughness, will -- are the very qualities that you put in jeopardy by playing him with someone like Randle.
Anyway, thanks for all you do. I know how much work this is. It sure ain't about the money.
Thanks so much for the kind words Charles, and for contributing this really well thought-out comment. It's why I take the time to write these letters because I know it elicits real thought. Anyway, re: RJ, you're onto a really good point with Randle, and file it as reason 4527 why I would like him to be traded. The one thing I'll say is that this isn't just bad habits we're talking about (although that's part of it); it's the very real lack of skill displayed in certain areas (shooting and finishing, to be specific). The lack of passing and defensive malaise, maybe that stuff is more attributable to the issue you raise, but who can know for sure. Either way, I hope RJ can figure it out, and do so here. I like him, I just want him to figure out what player he can be to best help his team win games.
Thanks as always! You know, being a Knick fan don't come easy.
But, each great Knick play, [a crucial block, a thunderous dunk, a felonious steal, a game winner trey] lives on in our memories. Moments of joy. Some teams raise banners, others amazing seasons, we have precious moments. Frustrating, yes. Treasured, always.
Give Grimes the ball!
Set Sims free!!
I would hate to see RJ figure it all out and finally be the nice player he can be in Toronto or Miami. But, he might take the skills of a Spoelstra or Nurse for him to get over himself. He is still young, notwithstanding his MSG tenure [Fizdale's time should not even count] and extension contract. He is still developing. Being who you can be is the struggle of a lifetime. I hope he can get over himself and figure out how to be his best self in NYC.
Gracias. It is a joy to contemplate sports in a world with much sorrow. I remind myself: Even a Knick fan should be thankful. Enjoy your families.
I hope so too. Last night was certainly a good sign. And thank you for that last part...it's a reminder we all need. The world stinks sometimes. Sports is fun, even when it's not.
Jon, me replying to you is therapy for me, thanks for listening! I love your points and the way you write. Because of the mess that is Randle and RJ, I have decided not to watch the start of games to save me from the frustration. This has become the definition of insanity, doing the same thing and hoping for different results. There is no doubt that the best decision for this team is to cut back on both Randle's and RJ's minutes, and almost eliminate the time they are on the floor together. Thibs hoping they will work it out is difficult to watch and is maybe grounds for firing him. Even if they begin to figure it out together, we know the ceiling on that mess. I will add that Obi is a fresh and fun alternative, but his play has issues, in particular his defensive rebounding, but I think we can see he is working on it. And quickly has his limitations, in particular creating an advantage off the dribble. I wonder what it would like like to live into Brunson as our initiator when he is on the floor. The others play off him until they prove they can do more and earn the initiator role. Thanks again Jon!!!
Least I can do! I agree the starts of these games are maddening, partially because of the offensive process and partially because of them (Randle mostly) easing themselves into playing hard defense. Don't think Thibs goes anywhere anytime soon, especially with them at or around .500. Thanks for the comment!
When watching IQ, he always dribbles, probing and then comes to a dead stop at the elbow or middle of paint. Looks around, gets stuck, either floats or kicks back out. WHY? Keep the dribble alive, has he not noticed his propensity to do this same basketball behavior, I know he’s watching film. Bball 101, keep your dribble alive. Not happy w him, he should rescind his shooter title as well. At least he plays D and rebounds- but even that is blown out of proportion (athletic article). He’s not really effecting the bottom line with his rebounding and it’s not like some Westbrookian positive leading to an insane amount of extra points and improved break efficiency.
Some really good points here. I think NYK fans get more excited about Obi simply in contrast to Julius. If we remove the Julius comp and assess Obi's completeness as a player, he's interesting but it's not like we're holding back the next Jordan. Obi's a nice, fun player who we'd all love to see more but that change alone does not a championship bring.
I want to pull back for a moment and look at the larger picture of whats happened over the past few months. You've written about this, but the negative mental effect on a player who knows that he was 99% traded, is very real. Sure, it might motivate some to prove their FO wrong, but it also works the opposite way: why would a player feel motivated to give 100% for a team that agreed to trade him, and most likely will seek to do so again in the future given their star-driven aspirations and plans. RJ is many things, but he's not a fool. He knows its a business, but he also probably knows that he is the teams most valuable player asset for a star-trade, and will be right back on the table within the next year, regardless of how he plays now (largely b/c of the 2+ years of good evidence that hes a good NBA player with potential). I'm not trying to justify why hes playing the way he is, but it certainly isn't the best playing environment when you know all of these things. Couple this with the fact that every few weeks, new reports leak from the Mitchell to the Knicks trade saga, further reminding everyone about it. Just last week, Mitchell gave an interview with The Athletic, and said that he had heard the deal with for RJ and "hella picks". He didn't say Obi, IQ, Grimes, Cam or Fournier, he said just RJ. And you know that RJ heard that, since everyone across the league probably heard it. To me, it just seems like salt keeps getting poured into a deep wound, a wound that looks like it may be having an effect on RJ and his play.
I have been a fan of RJ over the last couple seasons and had reasonably high expectations for him, which were largely justified b/c of the last 2 years. As you wrote, I have confidence that he will turn it around eventually, and I'm hoping its sooner rather than later.
I agree 100% it has had a negative effect. But to suggest as much implies strongly that he does not have the mental toughness to deal with what almost happened. Is that fair? Maybe not. But it does seem to be the reality.
It's always hard to get into the mental toughness conversation since it's a very touchy subject, and rightfully so. I have faith in RJ and even though the lows are so low and painful, I think he will right himself eventually, because he's been in the spotlight his entire career and dealt with it relatively successfully.
Good call out by Jonas here but agree that the great players have to be able to tune that out as a part of their mental makeup. RJ is always just going to be a solid if not great #2. Sad to say he will never be a superstar....and that's fine as long as the FO/fans recognize this and plan accordingly (I suspect they have). The interesting element Macri opened up is if/when RJ will realize that and if that if that self realization makes him a better or worse player.
No where near a #2... Ceiling is a 3...more than enough evidence. If RJ was drafted and played for any other team, no one would even care about him- maybe this would have tempered expectations as well.
The pick also matters here. Had, say, the Hornets devoted the 7th pick in him in a draft with the top talent of the last 2 years (which is about where RJ would have gone in each draft, I suspect), I bet his runway would have been much shorter.
I'm an RJ fan also and am on record with Jonathan this summer saying I would not include RJ in deal for Mitchell. That being said I'm a tougher grader than you. Whatever RJ knows or believes about Knicks intentions regarding trading him should not carry into game once ref throws up the ball. And bottom line Knicks still handed him $120m. That should alleviate many worries in one's life. It's time for RJ to live up to his side of the contract on the court
No I agree with that, I was just putting it out there that part of this can probably be attributed to the actions of and mismanagement from the FO. But as you said its put up or shut up time. RJ has always been touted as a player with a strong mentality made for the NYC spotlight, and for the most part, that has seemed to be true. But right now it most likely isn't, which is an additional issue.
So is Brunson like WTF did I get myself involved in here ?
Personnel wise - Someone wanted Cam out of town, now they can’t seem to live without him. Grimes, who wasn’t ready to play more then a handful of minutes all of a sudden leads the team yesterday. Sims is looking like a great pick and rotation player - things that could have been figured out had he played more last year, then they wouldn’t have had to re-sign or sign Mitch and Hart.
Lastly, as the team you most hear as a Randle landing spot, the Suns, he quite possibly played like shit on purpose to give them a first hand look at what they could be considering getting themselves involved in. Opinion, not a question. 😀
I saw him on the bench last night and was thinking he must be thinking exactly that. Then again, they've almost certainly assured him the roster is going to look very different sooner rather than later.
No way Brunson didn't know what he was getting into. When he lays his head down at night in a pillow filled with Benjamins, I suspect it's a bit easier.
We're doing everything earlier this season...which is nice. It usually takes a bit longer for me to look myself in the mirror and say "you live in LA where there are two pro basketball teams, why are you devoting so much mental energy to this NYK team? You don't have to be tortured like this. You are choosing this torture." You nailed it on that merry-go-round of energy displayed. What NYK team are we going to see tonight. Said this before, but a lot of this steams from not having a vet leader to challenge the effort level. Thibs can only do so much. The days of Kurt Thomas and Sheed holding people accountable made for a magical one year shift in who the Knicks are. Maybe Brunson can be that guy...maybe it's too early, but damn...hope he's planning his in-your-face moment with Ju.
And I blame Randle for that, because the team takes its cues from the leader, and he runs so hot and cold (mostly cold, even when he's hot from the field like last night)
BALLLLL DONT LIE & neither does the body language police. Ship Randal, Fournier, Rose, Mitch outta here. Rose is a saint, but the other guys can kick rocks and leave town. I hate this front office ethos, just sign mediocre players, keep trying to stay middling and hope we get a star...tortuous. It’s akin to an unhealthy dating strategy- I keep dating (building team) and not succeeding with said prospective partners (b/c of flawed strategy/view in partnership). Front office needs to address strategy all around the board, fringes, margins, and point blank problems (Randal). Build the right way and change ethos, or this team will never find love (successes).
Nice one Macri! RJ did this last year and came on strong, but you can't look at his skills and say he's destined for all-star teams. It would be hard to be on our bench and watch him just chucking bricks game after game. Like, I bet Feron Hunt is like...(under his breath) 'I could do a lot better than that,' and I bet some of the other Knicks are like (under their breath) 'Feron could do better than that.' They should sit RJ for a few games. Give him a rest.
Is it just me or does Hartenstein look terrible out there? So much for the value of having a “stretch five.” The guy might as well be my height (5’11”) for all the rim protection he gives you.
When he’s on the floor, it almost becomes comical watching them defensively. The team collectively can’t or won’t guard on the perimeter and when anybody drives to the basket it’s like watching a layup line. Are him and Randle the worst 4-5 defensive combination in the league? There’s probably worse but it can’t be by too much.
RJ looks just SOOOooo bad you gotta wonder about the commitment. It's the inconsistency, followed by the bravado. I can't imagine what it will take to get this guy right.
Well said but depressing. I always felt like the best comp for RJ was/is Wiggins. Can you compare RJ with Minny Wiggins. RJ needs the right system and spacing. Brunson and Randle do him no favors. The question is, is he talented enough to justify building a team around him? On the defensive side, his awful offense is bleeding into his defense. Additionally can someone compare thibs defensive scheme to other coaches? Does thibs demand more? I was intrigued by how much better randle looked when the team played switch D. My theory is thibs defense is a harder scheme necessitating communication and high IQ from all 5 guys. A difficult feat which results in making certain players look worse than they really are.
RJ is NOWHERE CLOSE to justify being a top 3 guy on a contending team with these numbers. The hope at this point, for me, is that he gets to No. 3 status.
Also: " thibs defense is a harder scheme necessitating communication and high IQ from all 5 guys. A difficult feat which results in making certain players look worse than they really are."
This is 100% true. You need to be smart and try hard. Julius is/does neither. And yet, he was more than passable at this exact defense in 20/21. IDK.
Yes! Thanks I remember reading that. Amazing piece. He has to be moved to the bench. Earn his minutes with great defense first. His value is shot at this point. At best he is a neutral asset.
I just HAD to comment today Mac... that's TOTALLY unfair to say the team didn't play well (not exactly how you put it) under Deuce, bc... they're is no under Deuce... he doesn't run the team at all, bc he's stuck in the corners for the most part: and WHEN he is allowed to bring the ball up court, [H]Immanuel quickly comes and demands the ball, as soon as Deuce comes over mid court. Deuce is NEVER in the game by himself as the lone PG, (its with Archie or [H]Immanuel)... Totally unfair, inho Bruh...
On a lighter note... the Rodman, "Julia" and the worm reference had me spitting up my tea 🤣🤣🤣
Unk! Totally fair, although the next initiation move I see Deuce pull off at the NBA level will be the first. Don't think he can get into the paint consistently enough to run even a backup offense right now, but would love to be proven wrong.
I guarantee he will when he gets a coach who has a real offense to nitiate and actually puts Deuce in a the pg. You don't average 10 Assists (nobody give me "is the G league BS; isn't it also a professional league? Didn't know it'd be so easy getting assists playing with "scrubs" ...lol ) not being an initiator.... getting into the paint isn't the only way to initiate an offense, either. He CLEARLY isn't given the same latitude as say an [H]Imm is... Berman and his slick self even got Deuce to to admit this last year https://youtu.be/rk8YejOg61M .. Thibs should be glad in not Deuce's Pops, bc he would be in Bensonhurst hog-tied in the back of a black van, with no windows, yelling, "LET'S GOOOOOOO!" (what 3 years, and our first fight? 🤣🤣🤣💪🏽🥰)
Yessssssir, I liked his aggressiveness both ways last night.... confidence looks to be on the uptick as well; now to get the shot falling the way I know it can and we're on the way.... great win last night by team jekyll and hyde!
Thanks JM, always appreciate your thoughts! I have a radically un-radical hypothesis -- and your answer, I suspect, will resemble your response to those who point out that RJ is coping with offseason trade talk.
As players, play-by-play folk, and writers never tire of pointing out, basketball is deeply dependent on energy and momentum -- who has it and who doesn't -- something this year's Knicks struggle with. And it's not just effort, it's some ineffable quality of energy. Last year, especially relative to the year before, was miserable in that regard. Randle was -- and continues to be -- the main culprit on the floor, directly enabled by Thibs (who is of course just a golem breathed into existence by Rose and co).
Over the years RJ has watched as Randle slowly and painfully grew out of his patented dribble-spin into a double-team; or launched early-in-the-clock 3s against teams without rim protection; or played matador D; or jogged the ball up (or jogged behind his cover...or with his head down after a f*@kup); and all of the other energy- and fun-sapping habits we're all accustomed to.
I can only imagine it's as demoralizing to play with, night in and night out, year in and year out, as it is to watch as a fan. RJ has only played with Randle. His entire pro career. He has never seen accountability. He's never been with a leader who leads by playing hard all the time, not taking plays off and throwing his hands up. And now RJ is effectively throwing his hands up, bowing his head, taking plays off. He sees a ceiling on a team with Randle wearing the same color jersey -- and it's sort of brushing against his head.
Julius Randle actually seems like a lovely guy. He seems like an especially sweet man, to be honest. But he also seems like he has some demons, and they seem like demons he hasn't taken so much as a step toward facing quite yet. Moving on from Randle (yes, and Thibs... and hopefully Rose and Dolan, but let's stay on planet Earth) isn't just a helpful move to improve the team's chances, it may actually be an existential issue with respect to RJ -- to say nothing of Obi, IQ, and the rest.
I should note that while I'm not a hater, I'm no RJ stan. I think he tops out as 3rd best player on a contender, but I like him. Problem is, his best qualities -- the grit, heart, toughness, will -- are the very qualities that you put in jeopardy by playing him with someone like Randle.
Anyway, thanks for all you do. I know how much work this is. It sure ain't about the money.
Thanks so much for the kind words Charles, and for contributing this really well thought-out comment. It's why I take the time to write these letters because I know it elicits real thought. Anyway, re: RJ, you're onto a really good point with Randle, and file it as reason 4527 why I would like him to be traded. The one thing I'll say is that this isn't just bad habits we're talking about (although that's part of it); it's the very real lack of skill displayed in certain areas (shooting and finishing, to be specific). The lack of passing and defensive malaise, maybe that stuff is more attributable to the issue you raise, but who can know for sure. Either way, I hope RJ can figure it out, and do so here. I like him, I just want him to figure out what player he can be to best help his team win games.
Thanks as always! You know, being a Knick fan don't come easy.
But, each great Knick play, [a crucial block, a thunderous dunk, a felonious steal, a game winner trey] lives on in our memories. Moments of joy. Some teams raise banners, others amazing seasons, we have precious moments. Frustrating, yes. Treasured, always.
Give Grimes the ball!
Set Sims free!!
I would hate to see RJ figure it all out and finally be the nice player he can be in Toronto or Miami. But, he might take the skills of a Spoelstra or Nurse for him to get over himself. He is still young, notwithstanding his MSG tenure [Fizdale's time should not even count] and extension contract. He is still developing. Being who you can be is the struggle of a lifetime. I hope he can get over himself and figure out how to be his best self in NYC.
Gracias. It is a joy to contemplate sports in a world with much sorrow. I remind myself: Even a Knick fan should be thankful. Enjoy your families.
I hope so too. Last night was certainly a good sign. And thank you for that last part...it's a reminder we all need. The world stinks sometimes. Sports is fun, even when it's not.
Jon, me replying to you is therapy for me, thanks for listening! I love your points and the way you write. Because of the mess that is Randle and RJ, I have decided not to watch the start of games to save me from the frustration. This has become the definition of insanity, doing the same thing and hoping for different results. There is no doubt that the best decision for this team is to cut back on both Randle's and RJ's minutes, and almost eliminate the time they are on the floor together. Thibs hoping they will work it out is difficult to watch and is maybe grounds for firing him. Even if they begin to figure it out together, we know the ceiling on that mess. I will add that Obi is a fresh and fun alternative, but his play has issues, in particular his defensive rebounding, but I think we can see he is working on it. And quickly has his limitations, in particular creating an advantage off the dribble. I wonder what it would like like to live into Brunson as our initiator when he is on the floor. The others play off him until they prove they can do more and earn the initiator role. Thanks again Jon!!!
Least I can do! I agree the starts of these games are maddening, partially because of the offensive process and partially because of them (Randle mostly) easing themselves into playing hard defense. Don't think Thibs goes anywhere anytime soon, especially with them at or around .500. Thanks for the comment!
When watching IQ, he always dribbles, probing and then comes to a dead stop at the elbow or middle of paint. Looks around, gets stuck, either floats or kicks back out. WHY? Keep the dribble alive, has he not noticed his propensity to do this same basketball behavior, I know he’s watching film. Bball 101, keep your dribble alive. Not happy w him, he should rescind his shooter title as well. At least he plays D and rebounds- but even that is blown out of proportion (athletic article). He’s not really effecting the bottom line with his rebounding and it’s not like some Westbrookian positive leading to an insane amount of extra points and improved break efficiency.
Some really good points here. I think NYK fans get more excited about Obi simply in contrast to Julius. If we remove the Julius comp and assess Obi's completeness as a player, he's interesting but it's not like we're holding back the next Jordan. Obi's a nice, fun player who we'd all love to see more but that change alone does not a championship bring.
I want to pull back for a moment and look at the larger picture of whats happened over the past few months. You've written about this, but the negative mental effect on a player who knows that he was 99% traded, is very real. Sure, it might motivate some to prove their FO wrong, but it also works the opposite way: why would a player feel motivated to give 100% for a team that agreed to trade him, and most likely will seek to do so again in the future given their star-driven aspirations and plans. RJ is many things, but he's not a fool. He knows its a business, but he also probably knows that he is the teams most valuable player asset for a star-trade, and will be right back on the table within the next year, regardless of how he plays now (largely b/c of the 2+ years of good evidence that hes a good NBA player with potential). I'm not trying to justify why hes playing the way he is, but it certainly isn't the best playing environment when you know all of these things. Couple this with the fact that every few weeks, new reports leak from the Mitchell to the Knicks trade saga, further reminding everyone about it. Just last week, Mitchell gave an interview with The Athletic, and said that he had heard the deal with for RJ and "hella picks". He didn't say Obi, IQ, Grimes, Cam or Fournier, he said just RJ. And you know that RJ heard that, since everyone across the league probably heard it. To me, it just seems like salt keeps getting poured into a deep wound, a wound that looks like it may be having an effect on RJ and his play.
I have been a fan of RJ over the last couple seasons and had reasonably high expectations for him, which were largely justified b/c of the last 2 years. As you wrote, I have confidence that he will turn it around eventually, and I'm hoping its sooner rather than later.
I agree 100% it has had a negative effect. But to suggest as much implies strongly that he does not have the mental toughness to deal with what almost happened. Is that fair? Maybe not. But it does seem to be the reality.
It's always hard to get into the mental toughness conversation since it's a very touchy subject, and rightfully so. I have faith in RJ and even though the lows are so low and painful, I think he will right himself eventually, because he's been in the spotlight his entire career and dealt with it relatively successfully.
Good call out by Jonas here but agree that the great players have to be able to tune that out as a part of their mental makeup. RJ is always just going to be a solid if not great #2. Sad to say he will never be a superstar....and that's fine as long as the FO/fans recognize this and plan accordingly (I suspect they have). The interesting element Macri opened up is if/when RJ will realize that and if that if that self realization makes him a better or worse player.
No where near a #2... Ceiling is a 3...more than enough evidence. If RJ was drafted and played for any other team, no one would even care about him- maybe this would have tempered expectations as well.
The pick also matters here. Had, say, the Hornets devoted the 7th pick in him in a draft with the top talent of the last 2 years (which is about where RJ would have gone in each draft, I suspect), I bet his runway would have been much shorter.
I'm an RJ fan also and am on record with Jonathan this summer saying I would not include RJ in deal for Mitchell. That being said I'm a tougher grader than you. Whatever RJ knows or believes about Knicks intentions regarding trading him should not carry into game once ref throws up the ball. And bottom line Knicks still handed him $120m. That should alleviate many worries in one's life. It's time for RJ to live up to his side of the contract on the court
No I agree with that, I was just putting it out there that part of this can probably be attributed to the actions of and mismanagement from the FO. But as you said its put up or shut up time. RJ has always been touted as a player with a strong mentality made for the NYC spotlight, and for the most part, that has seemed to be true. But right now it most likely isn't, which is an additional issue.
So is Brunson like WTF did I get myself involved in here ?
Personnel wise - Someone wanted Cam out of town, now they can’t seem to live without him. Grimes, who wasn’t ready to play more then a handful of minutes all of a sudden leads the team yesterday. Sims is looking like a great pick and rotation player - things that could have been figured out had he played more last year, then they wouldn’t have had to re-sign or sign Mitch and Hart.
Lastly, as the team you most hear as a Randle landing spot, the Suns, he quite possibly played like shit on purpose to give them a first hand look at what they could be considering getting themselves involved in. Opinion, not a question. 😀
I saw him on the bench last night and was thinking he must be thinking exactly that. Then again, they've almost certainly assured him the roster is going to look very different sooner rather than later.
Also, not crazy on that theory AT ALL
No way Brunson didn't know what he was getting into. When he lays his head down at night in a pillow filled with Benjamins, I suspect it's a bit easier.
Indeed, with consistent time, it will! Enjoy your day Bruh💪🏽
We're doing everything earlier this season...which is nice. It usually takes a bit longer for me to look myself in the mirror and say "you live in LA where there are two pro basketball teams, why are you devoting so much mental energy to this NYK team? You don't have to be tortured like this. You are choosing this torture." You nailed it on that merry-go-round of energy displayed. What NYK team are we going to see tonight. Said this before, but a lot of this steams from not having a vet leader to challenge the effort level. Thibs can only do so much. The days of Kurt Thomas and Sheed holding people accountable made for a magical one year shift in who the Knicks are. Maybe Brunson can be that guy...maybe it's too early, but damn...hope he's planning his in-your-face moment with Ju.
And I blame Randle for that, because the team takes its cues from the leader, and he runs so hot and cold (mostly cold, even when he's hot from the field like last night)
BALLLLL DONT LIE & neither does the body language police. Ship Randal, Fournier, Rose, Mitch outta here. Rose is a saint, but the other guys can kick rocks and leave town. I hate this front office ethos, just sign mediocre players, keep trying to stay middling and hope we get a star...tortuous. It’s akin to an unhealthy dating strategy- I keep dating (building team) and not succeeding with said prospective partners (b/c of flawed strategy/view in partnership). Front office needs to address strategy all around the board, fringes, margins, and point blank problems (Randal). Build the right way and change ethos, or this team will never find love (successes).
Nice one Macri! RJ did this last year and came on strong, but you can't look at his skills and say he's destined for all-star teams. It would be hard to be on our bench and watch him just chucking bricks game after game. Like, I bet Feron Hunt is like...(under his breath) 'I could do a lot better than that,' and I bet some of the other Knicks are like (under their breath) 'Feron could do better than that.' They should sit RJ for a few games. Give him a rest.
And you know what? Feron ain't wrong.
Is it just me or does Hartenstein look terrible out there? So much for the value of having a “stretch five.” The guy might as well be my height (5’11”) for all the rim protection he gives you.
When he’s on the floor, it almost becomes comical watching them defensively. The team collectively can’t or won’t guard on the perimeter and when anybody drives to the basket it’s like watching a layup line. Are him and Randle the worst 4-5 defensive combination in the league? There’s probably worse but it can’t be by too much.
His issues have been exacerbated for sure. He's not a starter and that's getting exposed.
The guy never puts his arms up! They’re always at his side?
RJ looks just SOOOooo bad you gotta wonder about the commitment. It's the inconsistency, followed by the bravado. I can't imagine what it will take to get this guy right.
He'll be gone before next season. Bet on it.
With this front office? I might take that bet. lol
Bold.
You think they will dump Barrett ?
in the summer, yeah
Well said but depressing. I always felt like the best comp for RJ was/is Wiggins. Can you compare RJ with Minny Wiggins. RJ needs the right system and spacing. Brunson and Randle do him no favors. The question is, is he talented enough to justify building a team around him? On the defensive side, his awful offense is bleeding into his defense. Additionally can someone compare thibs defensive scheme to other coaches? Does thibs demand more? I was intrigued by how much better randle looked when the team played switch D. My theory is thibs defense is a harder scheme necessitating communication and high IQ from all 5 guys. A difficult feat which results in making certain players look worse than they really are.
I don't have to because Benjy already did the definitive comp piece: https://www.thestrick.land/strick/could-andrew-wiggins-offer-the-blueprint-for-rj-barretts-rookie-extension
RJ is NOWHERE CLOSE to justify being a top 3 guy on a contending team with these numbers. The hope at this point, for me, is that he gets to No. 3 status.
Also: " thibs defense is a harder scheme necessitating communication and high IQ from all 5 guys. A difficult feat which results in making certain players look worse than they really are."
This is 100% true. You need to be smart and try hard. Julius is/does neither. And yet, he was more than passable at this exact defense in 20/21. IDK.
Yes! Thanks I remember reading that. Amazing piece. He has to be moved to the bench. Earn his minutes with great defense first. His value is shot at this point. At best he is a neutral asset.
I just HAD to comment today Mac... that's TOTALLY unfair to say the team didn't play well (not exactly how you put it) under Deuce, bc... they're is no under Deuce... he doesn't run the team at all, bc he's stuck in the corners for the most part: and WHEN he is allowed to bring the ball up court, [H]Immanuel quickly comes and demands the ball, as soon as Deuce comes over mid court. Deuce is NEVER in the game by himself as the lone PG, (its with Archie or [H]Immanuel)... Totally unfair, inho Bruh...
On a lighter note... the Rodman, "Julia" and the worm reference had me spitting up my tea 🤣🤣🤣
Unk! Totally fair, although the next initiation move I see Deuce pull off at the NBA level will be the first. Don't think he can get into the paint consistently enough to run even a backup offense right now, but would love to be proven wrong.
And glad you enjoyed the Rodman thing :)
I guarantee he will when he gets a coach who has a real offense to nitiate and actually puts Deuce in a the pg. You don't average 10 Assists (nobody give me "is the G league BS; isn't it also a professional league? Didn't know it'd be so easy getting assists playing with "scrubs" ...lol ) not being an initiator.... getting into the paint isn't the only way to initiate an offense, either. He CLEARLY isn't given the same latitude as say an [H]Imm is... Berman and his slick self even got Deuce to to admit this last year https://youtu.be/rk8YejOg61M .. Thibs should be glad in not Deuce's Pops, bc he would be in Bensonhurst hog-tied in the back of a black van, with no windows, yelling, "LET'S GOOOOOOO!" (what 3 years, and our first fight? 🤣🤣🤣💪🏽🥰)
Maybe we'll find out what he can do! Feels like he'll stay in the rotation for as long as Rose is out
Yessssssir, I liked his aggressiveness both ways last night.... confidence looks to be on the uptick as well; now to get the shot falling the way I know it can and we're on the way.... great win last night by team jekyll and hyde!
Gotta get the shot to start falling!