(Big C) Over the last couple of weeks we have devoted a lot of time to the new players on the Knicks team. We can’t overlook that the excitement for the upcoming season includes the anticipation of the two returning players, Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari. Both players will be key pieces in the starting lineup to help take the load off new members Raymond Felton and Amar’e Stoudemire.

Last year we saw both players contribute to the Knicks with their ability to score and deliver on the defensive end of the court. Last season you would have been hard pressed to find a press conference with Mike D’Antoni not mentioning Danilo Gallinari or Wilson Chandler. So now in the off-season we have heard good things about Danilo Gallinari as well as Wilson Chandler.

Wilson Chandler has not missed a beat. When the Knicks season was over he was working on getting his strength back to game level after his season ending injury. During Chandler’s summer league interview he looked bigger than ever. And according to people that saw Chandler in Vegas he looked built like a tank.

Besides hitting the weight room to get stronger, Wilson Chandler has been working on his handle and his jumpshot. I have always felt that his midrange shot was on point, it’s just his handle that needed work. It is good to know Wilson Chandler has been putting the time in to work on his handle.

Last season Wilson Chandler made it impossible for defenders to guard him, despite not having a left hand dribble. He would use his crossover to drive right or his handle to switch to his stop and pop jumpshot. Besides his midrange jumpshot his postup game is very solid.

Chandler is a player that knows how to gain position and go right into his move without getting called for a violation. In the post he can either go left or right or use his fadeway shot. Now that we know he has gained some extra muscle it will be a hard cover for anyone guarding him in the post. Especially with him standing at 6’8 playing shooting guard.

With regard to Danilo Gallinari, it was mentioned on Knicks Night Live that Gallo has been working out with Kobe Bryant’s trainer in Italy. If that’s not a positive sign I don’t know what is. Danilo Gallinari finished last season as one of the best deep shooters in the game. He also proved that he is not scared to go up against the best competition in the league. Besides his shooting, last season we got a glimpse of his postup game.

Gallinari has to improve his ability to drive more and his midrange shot also needs work. If he can get strong and work on catching and shooting off the pick with the short jump then we will see Danilo Gallinari get to the line. Like Chandler, I think Danilo Gallinari needs to sharpen up his handle. He needs to just do two or three dribbles and go straight to the hole.

Both players need to elevate their games. Chandler has to expand his long range shot. While Danilo Gallinari has to increase his mid-range game. What I like about both players is they make a good combination at the 2 and 3 spots. Danilo Gallinari causes problems for defenders at 6’10 and Chandler at 6’8 is headache for shooting guards.

On offense Danilo Gallinari can play the shooting guard while Wilson Chandler plays the 3 position. What I see for next season are teams having to make adjustments to match up with Chandler and Danilo rather than the Knicks struggling to matchup with opposing teams.

For the last few years Felton has played in Larry Brown’s controlled system. In Larry Brown’s system the players have to run down the shot clock which is not always a good option for a point guard with Raymond Felton’s skills. On the Knicks Felton will be in a better situation.

On the Knicks he has the green light to run the offense and a coach that will give him the flexibility to make decisions on his own. With the Knicks he will be in a system where his talent can be used to its maximum ability. Currently Felton has one of the best handles and first steps in the game.

He also has the ability to switch up speeds when he is in the halfcourt set or pushing the ball. With D’Antoni coaching there will times when Felton has a mismatch that he will be allowed to score on his man. Mike D’Antoni’s pick and roll and run and gun system is tailor made for Felton. This season Raymond Felton will be the key player that will be helpful to coach D’Antoni, Amar’e Stoudemire, and the development of Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari and second year guard Toney Douglas.

Here is what Felton brings to table that Knicks have been missing.

Mike D’Antoni

For Mike D’Antoni he is looking for a player that has a voice in the huddle, on the court, and in the locker room. Felton fits that bill. On the Bobcats Raymond Felton was their vocal leader. He knew how to talk to his teammates to get his point across. No matter how upset he got with his teammates he never called them out. With so much division in the past, Felton has the right personality to help the Knicks stay together as a unit.

Not only that, but Mike D’Antoni is finally getting the point guard he needs to run on the break. Many times for the last two seasons we have seen Chris Duhon slow up the pace of the game when Mike D’Antoni was waving for Duhon to push the ball. With Felton, there will be no need to force him to run because he is master of execution on the open court.

Danilo and Chandler

With Danilo and Chandler both returning and looking to elevate their games they could not ask for a better point guard to lead them. Wilson Chandler will now have a point should remember that many of Gerald Wallace dunks were passes from Raymond Felton. On the open court I expect Raymond Felton and Chandler to control the open court like Felton and Wallace did. Chandler’s athleticism will really pay off this year.

Danilo Gallinari will also benefit from Felton because he will have a point guard that will actually look to pass him the ball when he is open or setup in the post area. This will be big for Gallo because now he knows if he cuts to the hole Felton will find him. If not Felton is a master at eye and hand communication to get player where they need to be if they are in the wrong position.

Amar’e Stodemire

He may not have Steve Nash, but then again Stoudemire may not need him. Amar’e Stoudemire’s number #1 play to score is the pick and roll. This just happens to be Raymond Felton’s specialty. So not only will we see this benefit Amar’e this year but he can possibly pick up where he left off last season with Nash. Besides the pick and roll game Felton is gifted at getting to the hole to setup this teammates. This would allow for countless no look passes, bounce passes, or easy oops. You can bet if Amar’e’s man leaves Amar’e, Felton will find him all day. If Felton can hook up Okafor in the past, imagine what he could do with Amar’e Stoudemire who is a beast around the rim.

Toney Douglas

Raymond Felton can be a mentor for the Knicks point guard Toney Douglas. Felton’s and Toney’s games are very similar. They both like to play the passing lanes and drive to the hole. Toney Douglas’ main weakness is setting up the pick and roll. This is an area that Ramon Felton can help Douglas learn and how to apply it correctly.

These are Ramon Felton’s characteristics and strengths. At the end of the day, Raymond Felton will be more than just the Knicks point guard this season. He might be the glue or like I like call him, “the Reason” the Knicks make it to the playoffs.

(Big C) Everything is looking good for the upcoming season with the Knicks. If they don’t make it to the playoffs they will come very close. One upgrade I feel that could make a difference against opposing teams is the starting backcourt. The fact that Knicks signed Raymond Felton and showed Chris Duhon the back door should give Knicks fans one major reason to smile.

Besides Raymond Felton in the backcourt you have 6’8 Wilson Chandler who has bulked up and has been working on his handle to play the shooting guard position. Off the bench will be Toney Douglas and Bill Walker if Kelenna Azubuike is not ready to go on opening night.


Backcourt Starters

Raymond Felton

Raymond Felton may not be a top five point guard in the league however, my man gets it done with the pick and roll. If you thought Chris Duhon knew how to run an offense wait until you see the fine talent of Raymond Felton. Felton is a point guard that knows how to switch up speeds in the up tempo game.

Mike D’Antoni wants runners and Felton loves to run and setup teammates on the break. We did not get a chance to see Felton reach his full potential on the Bobcats because Larry Brown likes to run down the shot clock for last few possessions. With Brown you have a more controlled offense. Mike D’Antoni is quite the opposite. Mike D’Antoni wants his point guards to make decisions on their own with an offense that is more flexible. Like I said before, off the dribble there are not too many guards that can contain Felton’s quick first step. Either he uses his dribbling to drive or to pull up for his stop-and-pop game.

What I expect to see from him is a lot of hustle plays and easy fastbreak points. Felton is one of the fastest guards in league. The Knicks have been missing leadership at the point guard position and that is what Raymond Felton can bring to the table. This season we are going to see the Raymond Felton that was a champion at North Carolina.

cFelton is a player that get’s to the lane with ease. With the Knicks being stacked with players that can score and create for themselves you can expect many alley oops, knife passes between defenders, and many opportunities for Felton to score one-on-one.

On defense he is a point guard that will pressure the opposing team's point guard. He also knows how to get around picks. Which is unlike point guards the Knciks have had in the past.

Wilson Chandler

Despite popular belief, Chandler at the shooting guard spot is a good fit for Mike D’Antoni's system. Mike D’Antoni is not a coach that worries about traditional positions. He just wants talent on the court that can get up and down the court. With Wilson being a tough player to guard at 6’8 this will be a huge problem for opposing guards.

The fact that Chandler can postup in the low box will cause headaches for opponents. His post game will also cause defenders to get in foul trouble. His mid-range is solid. Whether Wilson is fading away, going baseline, or faking going to his right to pull up for the jumpshot Wilson is a problem for most teams.

Now that we have guys that can set picks like Amar’e and Turiaf, expect Wilson to come off more screens for his shot. Another positive with Chandler starting at the shooting guard position is, he is also able to pull down big rebounds. Last season Wilson Chandler, at the shooting guard position, was able to shoot 47% will scoring 15 points a game. On most nights teams were not able to stop him. And if he had an off night he still made it up on the defensive end of the court.

On defense, Wilson will make it tough for opposing shooting guards to score because he is quick on his feet and he has long arms. Trying to post up the 6'8, upgraded and stronger Wilson is going to be a battle for any opposing shooting guards.


Overall, I expect the back court to really bring it this year. The combination of Felton and Chandler will be one of the toughest back courts to guard in an uptempo, fast break game. Chandler is already on of the best finishers on the break and Felton is good at setting up his teammates on the break. On defense they are going to control the passing lanes as well as keep defenders honest because both are good moving without the ball to get the easy plays.

Can’t wait until the season.

(Big C ) So, who is Ronny Turiaf? He's the passionate, hustle man, Mr. “I can do it all” Ronny Turiaf. Now that he's a Knick I want to know more so I set out on a mission to get more. This week I ended up landing a great interview with Ronny Turiaf and learned many interesting facts about his life and his view of the game.

To share my experience with you, here's my interview with Mr Ronny Turiaf:

Big C: Growing up in France, how did you get introduced to the game of basketball?

Turiaf: I got introduced to basketball by the older guys in my projects when Michael Jordan was playing in the Finals vs the Utah Jazz. They used to invite us "the young fellas" to watch the games. It was somewhat of a reunion for my friends. My second introduction to basketball was when my dad drove me to a basketball game when I barely knew how to play basketball. The rest is history.

Big C: At what age did you start playing basketball? When you think of your early experiences with basketball, did you ever imagine you would make it to the NBA?

Turiaf: I was 14 when I first started playing basketball. I never fathomed that I would one day play in the NBA. I always thought I would play professionally in Europe.

Big C: As a child who was your favorite player?

Turiaf: Tim Duncan

Big C: Describe your experience coming to the U.S for the first time and playing for Gonzaga University?

Turiaf: That was close to the best time of my life. I made great friends, we are a family. The Assistant Coach Tommy Lloyd is like a second dad to me.

Big C: In college you were a big time scorer and of rebounder, how does it feel to be one of the best players to come out of Gonzaga?

Turiaf: I feel a tremendous amount of pride for being considered one of the Gonzaga greats. Anytime you are mentioned next to John Stockton or Frank Burgess it is special.

Big C: On draft night you got drafted 37th. Did you ever feel you would not be drafted?

Turiaf: No I didn't.

Being in the NBA

Big C: How did it feel when you finally got drafted to the Lakers?

Turiaf: It felt great! I knew about this possibility around the 19th pick. Great franchise and great history. I was thrilled to be a part of it.

Big C: In college you were a big time scorer, yet in the NBA you are known for playing hard nose defense. Is there reason you focused more on playing defense rather than scoring?

Turiaf: I do as I'm told. If you want to succeed in this business you have to adapt to any situation thrown at you. I feel like I've done that so far. Trust me, I know how to put the ball in the basket.

Big C: Describe Phil Jackson as a coach?

Turiaf: He is a zen master. I will be forever thankful to Coach Jackson for giving me a chance to succeed in this league and for the support he gave me throughout the toughest time of my life.

Big C: How did if feel leaving the Lakers and going to the Warriors?

Turiaf: It was a business decision for both sides. Situations happen and you have to make the best of it.

Big C: Describe your relationship with Donnie Nelson.

Turiaf: I'm very happy to have experienced playing for Coach Nelson. He put the ball in my hands to create stuff for others. It was fun.

Big C: What can you say about the Stephen Curry?

Turiaf: Greatness in the making. Watch out for my "Rook" (He hasn't played 82 games yet). He has everything it takes to be one of the greatest. He has the "IT" factor.

Big C: What are you going to miss the most about playing on the Warriors and life in California?

Turiaf: My house, my habits, the weather, the fans (they were great to me), and most of all being able to go watch my little sister's high school and AAU games.

The Knicks

Big C: How did you feel when you found out you were being traded to the Knicks?

Turiaf: It felt great becoming a part of this storied franchise that has been waiting for success.

Big C: In the past the Knicks have had big men that were known for their defense like Charles Oakley, Larry Johnson, and Patrick Ewing. What kind of defensive intensity do you plan to bring to the Knicks?

Turiaf: I guess you will have to tell me.

Big C: How do you feel playing next to Amar’e Stoudemire?

Turiaf: I feel great about it. I can alleviate him from having to play the big guys and big bodies. I feel like we can be very complimentary to each other and can't wait to go to battle with him.

Big C: What can you tell about the other Knicks players that were part of the trade to the Knicks Anthony Randolph and Azubike?

Turiaf: You will be surprised on what they can bring to the table. Expect greatness out of them.

Big C: What should Knicks fans expect from you this season?

Turiaf: Success, excitement and hard work.

Your Game

Big C: You are a player that plays with a lot of energy. Where do you get that energy from?

Turiaf: I don't know how to answer that question. I guess it must be the Caribbean way in me.

Big C: Who was the toughest opponent you had to play against?

Turiaf: Dwight Howard, Yao Ming, the BIG SHAQ DIESEL, Pau Gasol.....

Big C: Is it true that you only can play 15-20 minutes?

Turiaf: No, this statement is not true.

Big C: You are known to be a good locker room guy and a guy that gets the players pumped up, do you plan on bring the same intensity to New York?

Turiaf: I plan on bringing myself to New York. I only know one thing, I play hard, have fun and enjoy myself.

Off the Court

Big C: Now that we have talked a lot about basketball let’s talk about your life off the court. What types of music do you listen to? Who are you currently into? Who is your favorite artist?

Turiaf: Reggae music all day, everyday. Right now I’m bumping Guerilla Warfare by Capleton. Lieutenant and Celcius artists from Martinique and French rappers La Fouine and Booba... y'all dont know nothing about that...

Big C: Favorite movie?

Turiaf: Malcom X. I had a chance to go to dinner with Spike Lee and tell him how much I enjoyed this movie and how it marked my family.

Big C: Are you into video games? If so, what game(s) do you play?

Turiaf: Call of Duty. My two friends bdiddy and RCS are my sidekicks on there...Gotta love online video games.

Big C: Did you really invite Knicks fans to eat with you for lunch on twitter? What’s your favorite food?

Turiaf: Yes I did invite them to lunch unfortunately no one responded to me so i ate lunch by myself. It's all good. One Twitter fan told me New York Knicks fans are on their hustle during the day. I guess I'll try dinner next time. Hahahahaha.

My favorite food is Mexican, oh yeah...but chicken, rice and cheese with asparagus and cashews is my favorite dish.

Big C: And finally, one word that best describes you?

Turiaf: Passionate

I would like to thank Ronny Turiaf for taking the time out on his busy schedule to sit down for an interview with From the Baseline.com. We look forward to Turiaf bringing his energy and leadership to the Knicks.

-Big C

Not, only did the Knicks have players who were not passionate about defense but they also had players that did not have the strength, speed, or even commitment to get it done on the defensive end. 

Not only did the Knicks have a reputation of not playing defense for the last 8 years, but Coach Mike D’Antoni also has a stigma about not being concerned about defense. Fortunately the newest additions to the Knicks roster may be changing things around. Coaches always say, “Give me the defensive players and you will see a defensive team.”

Block Shots

When I first heard about the players that Donnie Walsh was bringing to the Knicks  the first thing that crossed my mind, besides the talent level, is the shot blocking. You can expect a lot of block parties around MSG next season, and no I’m not talking about an annual summertime party in the neighborhood. Imagine if the Knicks start the season with a lineup of Felton, Chandler, Gallinari, Stoudemire, and Turiaf.   Every player outside of Felton would be able to get at least 1 block shot a night. Not to mention off the bench Randolph can block shots. 

The season before last, Ronny Turiaf averaged 2.1 blocks a game. Anthony Randolph got one block shot a game in 22 minutes. Let me point out that Randolph is a player that loves defense and has had games where he’s gotten 8 blocks in one game. Kelena Azubuke also has the ability to get one block shot.  

Even Amar’e Stoudemire, who’s been criticized by fans in the past, is an excellent shot blocker. Add the new players with the talent and energy of Danilo Gallinari and Willson Chandler and you have a serious shot blocking squad.  This will also make opponents think twice before driving to the hole.

Help Defense

In the past the Knicks help defense have been amongst the worst I have ever seen. From players not trusting their teammates to guys reserving their energy just for the offensive end of the court. I’ve seen it all.  This year with a player like Turiaf on this Knicks team you better believe that players will have each other’s back.

Having shot blockers at four positions will also cause their teammates to put more pressure on the man they are guarding and open up  the passing lanes. Players will be more inclined to take a gamble for a steal because they know, “If my man beats me, help is on the way. Besides having long arms to block shots the Knicks have big men that are quick on their feet. 

So if  players switch to pick up their teammate’s man for a double team or in the 3-2 they can make the quick recovery back to their area or man.

Steals

I expect Raymond Felton, Toney Douglas,  Wilson Chandler to take charge with getting steals. All three players are great at picking the pockets of their opponents. Whether that’s from man-to-man coverage or  in the 3-2 zone or just getting a steal from just playing the passing lane.  Now that we have shot blockers on this team you  better believe that this will leave the backcourt aggressively looking for steals.

Man-to-Man defense.

In the previous seasons the Knicks only had 3 players that were able to hold their own on the defensive end of the court. Now with the new players that know how to stay with their man and square up with their defense  the Knicks should become known not only for their offense but their defense.

When players see guys like Randolph, Turiaf, and Raymond Felton giving it their all you better believe that it is going to rub off on the rest of the team. Guys will be more assertive because they know that the other players will have their backs. The Knicks now have four players that can guard multiple positions. Those four players are Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Anthony Randolph, and Ronny Turiaf.

Overall, look for the Knicks to step up their defense in the upcoming season. Besides the players wanting to change their defensive image Mike D’Antoni also wants to change his image as a guy that does not care about defense.

(Big C) Ladies and gentlemen, Amar’e Stoudemire has arrived. A couple of days into the free agency and Amar’e is a Knick. Like it or not Amar’e is here for the max. The Knicks have not had an offensive big man force like this since Patrick Ewing. You know the Knicks were going to max out someone on that big free agent list.

I’m just glad his name is not the “Average Joe” Joe Johnson. Amare right now is one of the top players in the league. As much as we talk about players on the Knicks team that we hope will be stars, Amar’e is already a star.

For fans who feel David Lee already brings what Amar’e Stoudemire will bring to the table, try not to fool yourselves. He’s not even close. Amar’e Stoudemire has gotten doubled and triple teamed throughout his career and has abused opposing teams defense.

David Lee on the hand has yet to see a double team, better yet, a triple team. I am a huge Lee fan but he does not play with the same force as Amar’e.

Let’s just say Amar’e Stoudemire’s game is explosive on the offensive end of the court. Amar’e dominated Duncan when Duncan was on his A game. Amare is also one of the best players in the game in the half-court offense. Not to mention, when was the last time you heard a superstar say I want to come to the Knicks because I want to play with David Lee?

The major concerns I have with Amar’e are:

1. His knees
2. His eyes
3. His contract
4. His ability to play man-to-man defense.
5. His Rebounding
6. His contract is not insured

Amare Stoudemire however on the Knicks is going to be a force that opponents will not be able to contain on the offensive end of the court. You name it he can do it. He can shoot the ball at will from 10-18 ft. with ease. He can go left and right off the dribble to convert to a dunk, layup off the glass or reverse layup between defenders. His post game is decent in the high post.

However he can work more on his postup game. In the post his drop step and running hotshot, and scoop layups are solid. He also has nice spin moves like point guards to switch directions. At times that does led to turnovers when he holds the ball too long.

Last season he averaged a solid 23 points a game and 9 rebounds Even though his defense could be better, last season he got 1 steal a game and 2.6 block shots a game. He also is not scared to go up against any player in the league.

Not only will he go up against them he will put them to shame. Besides Duncan, Amar’e has abused Garnett when Garnett was at his peak. Amar’e is young so there is a great chance that he still can get better.

Zone defense

Mike D’Antoni might not be a defensive specialist be he knows how to get his team ready in the 3-2 zone. With Amar’e Stoudemire on the team the Knicks can improve the zone defense by having 3 shot blocks with Amar’e, Chandler, and Danilo Gallimari. They will also be able to get more steals because Douglas, Walker, Amar’e, and Chandler know how to pick their opponents pockets and play the passing lanes.

Help Defense

Amar’e might be challenged at guarding his man, but his help defense is decent. Here is where he normally picks up his blocked shots. If you are an opponent driving to the lane you better watch out because Amar’e is coming for the block.

Man-to-Man defense

His man-to-man defense needs serious improvement. However, he has gotten better at it. He also gets lost trying to pick up his man when teams start running.

The Pick and Roll

Amar’e Stoudemire is probably one of the best pick and roll players in the league. If he is not cutting to the hole he is faking the defender for the pick or hitting the mid-range shot. Whether he is playing with Nash or not, Amar’e will score because he can create for himself. Other good news is Toney Douglas is working on the pick and roll game this entire summer.

What I do Like

1. He can take over a game and be a go to guy that the Knicks are lacking.



2. His midrange shot is as good as any big man in the game and probably most guards.



3. He can create his own shot. This is very important for a team that lacks players that can create for themselves.



4. He can pass out of the double team with and is one of the best passing big men.



5. Amare takes high percentage shots and knows when to shoot or pass.



6. He can block shots. For years the Knicks have lack a player that can block shots. Amare can be that guy the Knicks have been looking for.



7. He knows how to be effective in the halfcourt with the post up game or running with the pick and roll.



8. He can run with the best of them on the fast break.



9. He has a good feel for the game of basketball and decision making.



10. Most importantly he already knows Coach Mike D'Antoni and how to be successful in his system.



11. The Knicks would have a chance to have a top NBA player on their team.



12. If healthy he can be one of the top scoring leaders in the league.


Overall, besides working on his health, Amar’e is going get the crowd screaming for more. He will be able to go one-on-one with Danilo, Douglas, and Walker shooting from the outside. This will allow Amar’e to create. Stoudemire is also one of the best passing big men in the league. That is good news for Wilson Chandler since he likes to cut to the hole.

We will see what Amar’e does this year. One thing is for sure; be thrilled that Joe Johnson is not getting the max. My position still remains the same. If you build through the draft properly you will not have to go after a free agent like Amar’e because you would have already drafted him.

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