Crazy⑧s
Evacuee
Is D'Antoni really stepping out of his strict regime of running players ragged?
(Knicks coach Mike) D?Antoni said though his two rookies ? center Josh Harrellson and first-rounder combo guard, Iman Shumpert ? had poor shooting nights, they will be in the opening-day rotation. The two youngsters combined to shoot just 4 of 22, but they have added defensive grit to go along with Chandler?s defensive demeanor.
?It?s going to be a pretty long rotation all year,? D?Antoni said. ?It should be at least 10, 11 guys, maybe even 12. I think the two rookies, they are going to be a part of everything and have earned some time.??
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Well, well! Looks as if the HC is changing his (overplayed) tune. He's never been afraid to throw rookies in the mix, clearly, but this is a whole new sway for a D'antoni ball club. Last season's obvious wear and tear on STAT was probably the catalyst.
I like the idea - adding cohesion to 2, or more, units.
Presumably, he'll be keeping a star on the floor, as he did against NJ with Melo, and will no doubt rely on his second unit - which may or may not be under the tutelage of Mike Brown - for defensive purposes.
Something along the lines of:
Bibby, Shump, Balkman (?), Jefferies and Jorts as the second.
And tonight's starting 5 remaining as the go to at tip off.
● Davis and Iman, IMO, will be the question marks here; how their play alongside our Big 3 pans out determines the role of Fields and Douglas, who, and this a matter of personal opinion, would be better in backup roles, leaving a 2nd unit along the lines of:
Douglas, Landry, Balkman (?), Jeffries, Jorts and perhaps Novak, in collusion with Melo as our best offensive player. As far as I see it, that is still a decent 5 to have on, and I'm happy to see that Mike is not stuck in his mode.
Have at it, gentlemen!
http://www.hoopsworld.com/dantoni-two-rookies-will-be-in-rotation