LJ4ptplay
Starter
Center of attention for Knicks
By MARC BERMAN
Last Updated: 2:23 PM, October 1, 2010
Posted: 2:58 AM, October 1, 2010
MILAN, Italy -- How do you say "center controversy" in Italian?
As Knicks training camp traveled here yesterday, the biggest unknown is who will inherit the starting center job.
With Eddy Curry out of the picture, Ronny Turiaf not excelling, and impressive Russian rookie Timofey Mozgov still so inexperienced, Mike D'Antoni is giving more consideration to starting 6-foot-11 forward Anthony Randolph in the pivot. Randolph saw time with the first team during a light practice at Armani Jeans Milano's training facility.
Training camp opened last week with Turiaf playing with the first team, but he has no presence on offense. In the original alignment, Randolph was not in the starting lineup of Turiaf, Amar'e Stoudemire, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler and Raymond Felton. D'Antoni won't reveal his starting lineup for Sunday's exhibition against Milan.
The only way to fit Randolph into the starting lineup is at center. Mozgov has been a poised presence during camp, but the Knicks might keep him out of foul trouble by bringing him off the bench.
Randolph also is being used to front the Knicks' fullcourt press that will be used more this season.
"We're trying to find out where best to use him," D'Antoni said.
Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/center_of_attention_cDFInhXSq2dMlmwXWvVobK#ixzz118rN8ltj
Apparently it is becoming clear that Turiaf is best suited to come off the bench. I have been suggesting Randolph start at C since we got him.
Although, with the way Mozgov has impressed lately, maybe the Moz will start. Randolph, though, is supremely talented compared to Mozgov. But the Moz is a beast. Maybe we'll see Randolph start at C this Sunday. And maybe Moz during another preseason game. Now is a good time to experiment with it.
Anywho, it certainly is nice to have so many options. Particularly ones that are so athletic, defensive minded and play above the rim.
Tough call. Thoughts?