So impressed with Kim English in this interview:
http://www.msg.com/videos/kim-english-pre-draft-workout-621.html
- Compares himself, rather he respectfully says he "patterns his game" after Ray Allen/Rip/Korver offensively and Shumpert/Sefalosha defensively, making sure to praise Allen as a first ballot hall of famer and Shump for being a bigger & better athlete than he is. This is why I love this guy -- he's right on the money explaining who he is. I've been saying it for months, he does resemble Ray Allen a lot out there and it's true, he really is a pesky defender. Sounds like he's ready to make his mark on both ends of the court. Not just talking outta the side of his mouth either -- believe me, he's capable.. He'd be such a good fit here. Like a glove.
- Loved how he said that he would work out for anybody -- the Hawks in the 1st round, the Knicks at 48, San Antonio at 59 -- doesn't matter. No ego, no big head. Said whoever drafts him is "gonna get a good SG for the next 12 years." So impressive to hear that not only does he plan on making it, but that he plans on sticking around for awhile. You just don't generally hear kids talk like this. A lot of kids say similar things but it's in the way English presents it all with such conviction that makes you a believer..
- When a reporter tried to get him to say where he though he'd get drafted, all he said was that he and his agent "have a range" and that's it. Didn't bite and start talking about how high he expects to go, etc..Said he's no a premadonna...We've seen it before -- prospects hurt themselves talking like that all the time (look at Scotty Hopson coming out of Tenn. last yr -- that poor kid got crucified for saying he thought he'd go high---I still think Hopson's a good, talented player that can play in the NBA btw)...Perfect answer by English here. Every answer he gave in this interview was perfect as a matter of fact. Maturity & high character are things these teams look for in a player and this dude definitely looks to have both in spades.
- LOVED how he said "I'm 23 and a college graduate" after the reporter called him "a nice kid." You can tell he may have taken that as condescending a little bit, yet took in stride..Again, perfect answer. PERFECT.
I'm still drooling over Orlando Johnson but English is still very high on my list for the Knicks:
1. Orlando Johnson (I can't believe we never worked this kid out -- they're nuts. Unless he already got a promise much higher and refused a Knick workout invitation).
2. Kim English
3. Kevin Murphy
4. Hollis Thompson
5. Darius Johnson-Odom
6. Scott Machado
7. Mitchell Watt
8. Mike Scott
I want a 2G upgrade in the worst way--would love any of the top 5, probably in that order. I like Machado as a PG late in this draft though I feel w can go find a good one elsewhere on the cheap (Ben Hansbrough, Curtis Jerrells) and these are the 2 PFs I like late. Watt reminds me of Josh McRoberts a lot, a guy I've always liked (higher ceiling than McRoberts possibly), and Scott would be a nice backup 4 behind Amar'e that can come in and contribute right away. My buddy has been talking up big Yancy Gates recently and I told him I thought Scott's the better player. Just too many question marks with Gates (size/conditioning issues, maturity issues, underachiever so far, does he want it bad enough?, etc).