Featured
Lil’ Knicks: What’s Happening in Westchester
We temporarily shift our focus to the Dub Knicks, analyzing the players, game philosophies, and potential impact on the future of the organization
Last night, the Westchester Knicks fell to the Grand Rapids Drive 108–96 in a game which featured plenty of jump shots and turnovers. Familiar Knicks faces Maurice Ndour and Marshall Plumlee each scored in double digits, with Plumlee logging a double-double (11 points, 11 rebounds).
I was hoping to get the opportunity to watch Chasson Randle play, but unfortunately I was a game too late (23 points, 10 assists).
It was interesting to see the juxtaposition of the New York Knicks team philosophies versus the Dub Knicks team philosophies. There were aspects of the game that mirrored what the real Knicks do and some parts that were markedly different. It seems like Coach Mike Miller has been given freedom with regards to how he wants to run his offensive and defensive plays, but it was clear that there was influence from the higher-ups in instructing Westchester how they want their players to be coached.
Here are a few observations I made from last nights contest:
The perimeter defense and closeouts were atrocious
All throughout the season, we’ve seen the big boy Knicks consistently get torched by opposing guards and casually put a hand up when closing out on jump shooters. Apparently, this seems to be an issue that has permeated through the organization because I saw little resistance last night on perimeter defense from the Dub Knicks. Grand Rapids hit 11 three-pointers and had plenty of more wide open looks that could have easily gone in.
Clearly a philosophy/culture change is needed for the organization as a whole. Whether that be a coach/front office guy who drills defense into the players heads and holds everyone accountable, or a strong defensive veteran presence who leads by example, the Knicks need someone to bring toughness and grit back. Prioritizing defense will also help out the young guys in Westchester, preparing them better for a jump to the next level.
No Triangle!
Going into the game last night I was curious to see if the Dub Knicks were going to run, or attempt to run the Triangle Offense. Was Phil Jackson’s influence going to affect Westchester? On this evening, at least, it didn’t.
The only semblance of the Triangle I noticed was the utilization of the pick-and-roll. Other than that they weren’t running anything that would indicate they were incorporating the Triangle. A lot of Westchester’s offense was penetration and dishing the ball out to shooters like Doron Lamb.
Like most other Knicks fans, I am not a fan of this offensive scheme. I only believe it works if you have a premiere, superstar shooting guard on your roster like MJ or Kobe. I think the fact that Phil Jackson continues to push it on the team is foolish and shows how much his ego gets in the way of winning basketball games.
Travis Trice can ball
In a losing effort, the former Spartan standout poured in 30 points on 11-of-19 from the field and dished out six assists as well.
Trice plays the game with great composure and with heart. (credit Tom Izzo) He is also a good shooter and someone who isn’t afraid to attack the paint.
Coming out of Michigan State, Trice wasn’t on many teams draft radars due to his lack of size and physicality. He ended up being undrafted and found his way to the D-League.
At 24, I believe Trice has the potential to one day get minutes on the NBA level, a similar role to someone like Ron Baker. Obviously his small stature limits him in many ways and doesn’t bode well for him against bigger guards, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s on an NBA roster at some point next year.
Where’s the mid-range game?
Last night the Dub Knicks put up 76 shots overall and I’d say about three of them were mid-range jumpers. It was unusual to see a team pass up so many short jumpers and instead choose to drive or dish it out for a three. I don’t believe this has much to do with the offensive schemes they were running, as it does with guys just not feeling comfortable with taking those shots. Such a difference from watching the NBA, in which hitting mid-range shots is so critical and such a significant part of the game.
Overall, I liked what I saw talent wise from Westchester. Even though most guys won’t make it to the NBA, there are some players down there who could make an impact going forward, but not anything significant I believe.
How the Knicks do in the draft is much more indicative of their future progression than the in-house talent. Once the Knicks get back on their feet and establish an identity as a team (hopefully soon), you will see the players they bring in through the D-League reflect that same playing style and identity. Maybe then we will see the Dub Knicks become more of a hub for Knicks talent.
— Nick Scolaro, site writer
Follow The Knicks Wall on Facebook and Twitter, and listen to the TKW Podcast on SoundCloud!
