NBA Rumors: Knicks To Target Defense In First Round; Throw Out The Triangle?
NBA Rumors: The New York Knicks will reportedly target defense in the first round and free agency, while throwing out its Triangle offense
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Perhaps the Triangle offense in New York, as implemented by Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher, was all a ruse.
Turns out, Jackson — and the Knicks — could be throwing out the Triangle offense after the failure that has been their 14-61 this season. Or maybe that’s just what they want you to believe.
Stay with me…
It’s feasible that the Knicks decided to implement the Triangle offense last season in order to tank this season, because they knew they didn’t have the soldiers to run it. It’s a wild theory, but it’s a great way to explain this season for New York, which was their worst in franchise history.
Or maybe the Knicks are just really, really bad. Either way, right?
"[via New York Daily News]Phil now says “Forget about the triangle.” Well, you brought it up Ad nauseam when u were hired & Jim Dolan had Spike make a movie about it.So the spin of last season “triangle or bust” is wisely being thrown away. A 14-61 record will do that.Last year, they sold us on the system. Now, they’re selling us that it’s about the players. Duh. This is actually a sign of progress."
On the NBA draft front, where the New York Knicks continue down the road to the No. 1 overall pick, it appears that Jackson and the Knicks will target defense first, with offense as a bonus.
Which is rather interesting since we’re currently having the whole Karl-Anthony Towns vs Jahlil Okafor debate. If the Knicks landed the first overall pick, think it would be Towns.
"[via ESPN]“Gotta have a defender,” Jackson said. “… That’s a good starting point — a guy like Tyson Chandler (whom the Knicks traded over the summer) is the defensive backup that we have to have. In this day and age in our game, there are so many screen and rolls, so many 3-point shooters, so many things that a player of size has to (do). Not only cover the paint and protect the basket but he has to be able to step out defensively and play a guard. And do some defensive work on the extreme part of the floor so it’s very important that that player have defensive capabilities.”…"
On free agency:
"“It’s a different approach than in the past — we won’t go after the biggest name out there, we’ll go after players who fit in system and style,” Mills said. “It may in fact be a big-name player but it’s going to be who fits system-wise.”"
The Knicks not targeting the biggest name in free agency? Wow. That’s like a free agency tradition; it’s certainly going to be missed.
However, for New York fans, this has to be music to their ears. This is probably the best news they’ve heard all season long. After a 14-win season, the little victories will mean that much more.
And, for the Knicks, that’s exactly what this is. A little victory that their franchise is now appearing to think in a competent manner.
All I can think when I hear this is George Constanza from Seinfeld’s “The Opposite” episode. The Knicks are going to do the exact opposite of what they normally do this offseason.