6'9"...that's David Lee's excuse for not challenging guys on the court.
What was his excuse when the Knicks had super size with Channing Frye, Curry, and Jared getting playing time??? Lee has always been guilty of the "jazz hands" defense...a tactic thats performed when an opponent flys to the rim and you lean back with both hands in the air. Lee's defense performances is more suited for a Broadway musical.
Charles Oakley was 6'9" and couldn't jump to save his life. Oakley hardly ever blocked a shot, yet he often guarded bigger and more skilled players every night. Yeah he had Patrick Ewing lurking, but Oakley was never one to totally dog a defensive assignment. Nobody went by Oakley untouched. When was the last time David Lee drew a charge? David has got to stop the ball...he seems content with letting guys sail through. His excuse is he will pick up quick fouls...so it's about padding stats at the expense of defense? His decision is predetermined. He'd rather let an easy basket score then get into foul trouble. That's not me speculating...that's basically what David Lee said after tonight's game against Toronto. (Hahn's Newsday blog has quotes: http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/the-knicks-fix-1.812055/lee-goes-on-the-defensive-1.1795922 )
To be fair...David Lee needs help inside. Every single player has to take responsibility. When dealing with the public, employers train you to respond accordingly when something looks to be out of the ordinary. It could be a fire, crime, or otherwise unsafe condition. Proper action must take place at the moment rather than brush it along for someone else to handle...the situation could become worse if someone doesn't react in a timely manner. This is where the Knicks as a team have been the last 10 years. Guys get beat off the dribble...the big men complain about the guards defense. The guards get beat? They complain about the help. That's a recipe for losing basketball...Clyde Frazier brought it up in the game against the Piston's. Guys are not helping because nobody is helping them. It's a little deeper than that unfortunately because the guys themselves don't even know how or when to commit to helping on defense.
It's popular to blame the coach, but lets be real. Herb, Don Chaney, Lenny Wilkins, Larry Brown, Isiah...Now D'antoni...haven't they all said the same thing about this group maybe once or twice??? Correct me if I'm wrong. The Knicks haven't brought in enough smart, responsible, accountable...flat out ball players in quite some time. Guys that live this game and take things very seriously. Knicks are filled with a bunch of losers and stat padders.
I know for a fact players read just about everything put out there. They are clicking #knicks on twitter and reading fan reaction. They are reading the message boards. They are reading the reporters articles and blogs. They know what people say. One of these days they are gonna have to look in the mirror and say enough is enough. Pride has to settle in. You can't go out there and not try simply because you feel you are not in your "natural position" and some teammates aren't holding their assignments down...This is a pro's game...not a country club league. The Knicks need to fall back as individuals and find that hunger...that nasty...that dog. What did they do when they got on the street ball courts and guys were going all out trying to stay on the court? Did they forget the essence of basketball??? Who cares about size and a "shot blocker"??? There comes a time when size effects the game when guys get position on offense. Its a whole different thing when everyone is just running a layup line on you...60 plus points in the paint??? Mostly by perimeter guys???
"Something, something....something something just ain't riiiight" - Keith Sweat
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