The Ascension of Mike Woodson
Mike Woodson has always been known as a defensive specialist but the year he spent under D'antoni has made him an all around coach on the verge of being elite. Woodson managed to extract the virtues of D'antonis offense, make it more efficient and combine it with his own defense leading to dominant play on both ends of the court. This evolution can't be overstated enough. As a result, the Knicks are off to their best start since 93.
We have a deep talented roster with a legit superstar and strong, well rounded coach. Sky's the limit boys!
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How responsible is Woodson for JR Smith's current state of mind and play?
I'd given thought to this over the first few games, as JR has made it apparent that he's taking this season seriously. On both ends of the floor he's been relentless, patient, focused (comparatively with his former loose behaviour) and shown not only control, but desire in abundance.
● I then read this, just now - Woodson speaking of JR's professionalism.
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Woodson said Smith is surging in all areas. Last spring, Woodson got on Smith about wearing his “sagging’’ jeans — a hip-hop look in which his underwear shows — to the arena. There was Smith late Tuesday night in the visiting locker room in Orlando, donning a suit, his baby daughter in his arms, showing her off to teammates.
“You see how he dresses when he comes to the games now,’’ Woodson said Wednesday. “He looks very professional. He’s in a suit. It’s beautiful to see, man. That’s not to say he doesn’t wear jeans and do some of things he was doing. That’s a start. I like everything about him. There’s something there I like. I’m going to make sure he’s successful.’’
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So, in accordance with the thread title, just how influential has Woodson been with JR, and just how successful can JR be under the tutelage and guidance of the stern but fair Mike Woodson? We've all spoken of his immense potential, but is this just a forebear of amazing things to come from this enigmatic question mark?
Woodson Runs Laps If Knicks Have Less Than 13 TOs.
How can you not love this guy?
The Knicks lead the league in fewest turnovers per game. Woodson has installed a turnover contest within the team. Any time the club commits fewer than 13, the coaches have to run laps. He did it his final two seasons with Atlanta, with assistant Jim Todd coming up with the brainstorm. The Knicks have committed less than 13 turnovers in four of the five games. The one game they didn't the total was just one over - 14.
“We ended up leading the league in not turning the ball (over) that one season (in Atlanta),’’ Woodson said. “The coaches did a lot of running.’’
Read more: Knicks coach Woodson proving Atlanta critics wrong [Only registered and activated users can see images. Click Here To Register...]
