Two preseason games have both resulted in two commanding wins for the New York Knicks. And in both games it’s been the Knick defense and athleticism that have led the team to victory, which is probably more shocking then them being 2-0. Fans knew the Knicks were going to be fun to watch and that there would be a lot more dunks and transition baskets, but never did anyone think that Jamal Crawford and Trevor Ariza would bring shutdown defense to the team as well.
Sure Crawford has scored 44 points in two games, but in the process he’s been blocking shots and covering his man as if his life depended on it. Coming to New York everyone knew Crawford was going to score and his shot selection would be mediocre at best, but no one could have predicted the type of defense he has played or the unselfishness he has displayed. Granted, we are only talking about two meaningless preseason games in which everyone’s job is to just go out there and have fun, but still it’s good to see someone giving his all and trying to win these contests.
What’s equally surprising is the play of Ariza, which has been much more than above-the-rim theatrics and running the floor. He’s proven to be arguably the best perimeter defender on the team, and has managed to make enough of an impression on Lenny Wilkens that he’s going to get into the rotation.
In June as the 43rd pick people had him being an early training camp cut with expectations of making the roster on the injured list as the best case scenario for him. Instead, he’s gone out and proven not only does he belong on the active roster but also that he deserves actual playing time. Looking to be one of the steals in this year’s draft, Ariza’s proven he belongs with facets of his game nobody thought he had. His knack for rebounding has been a pleasant surprise, especially since it’s rebounds that are going to ignite the fast break.
He’s also attacked the basket despite the size of anyone in the paint waiting for him, and he’s managed to catch the eye and respect of his teammates in the process.
So all and all, not bad Isiah (as if we should have doubted you in the first place). Most people would have thought shelling out a $56 million deal to an unproven kid was ludicrous, along with drafting a nineteen year old who you never even worked out or interviewed. But hey, in this day and age it doesn’t matter who teams take because things just have a way of working out.
Crawford has shown he could be the first player in the Thomas regime to truly deserve a mega contract (unlike the countless underachievers Layden gave big bucks to) and Ariza is just the kind of player this team needs as it makes the transition from a half-court offense to a running team.
