Before I start...I understand the kid sprained his ankle in practice the other day. I hate to kick a man when he is down but since the dude has some down time...I have to break his game down hopefully someone will link him to it. Knick or not...I want to see the kid succeed in these league they call the NBA...
I also don't want to speak about the past. It's been well documented when the trade was announced that the kid was in Don Nelson's dog house. As crazy as Don Nelson is, he may have had the right idea. The problem with the culture of the current NBA player is they think they already arrived. Truth be told they all have, but not everyone can step in and become Lebron James or Tim Duncan right off the bat. This is where Anthony Randolph is. He believes he is skilled enough to contribute, but along his journey through fantasy land, he never stopped to smell the roses. The kid simply doesn't know how to play the game of basketball. Let me explain...
Again let's not talk about the past. The dude barely played high school ball, and only had one year in college. He never won on either level. Never mind that. Like most fans of basketball, I fell in love with Anthony Randolph's highlights on youtube. He can be seen flying like a bat out of hell, blocking shots, rebounding and taking the ball full court and dunking it over 4-5 defenders. One highlight in particular that is overlooked is a one on one scrimage against Micheal Beasley(youtube Beasley Anthony Randolph and it should pop up). Beasley is not known for his work ethic but he can be seen abusing Randolph with not a single ounce of enthusiasm on his part. The body language is similiar to what we've seen this pre-season. He seems to want to coast. In my opinion, he might feel since it doesn't count he doesn't need to "go hard". The truth in the matter is you play how you practice. Practice is where you break habits and get yourself right for games. Amar'e is a prime example of supreame work ethic because he is like a run away train no matter if Shaq is down low or his mother.
I actually had the opportunity to attend the Knicks/Raptors game in Montreal. Me and my crew left at halftime because we simply had enough. The first strike was watching Randolph spectating 15 feet out with his hands at his side watching his smaller teamates fight for rebounds down low. That's his job. At 6'11" he needs to make his living attacking the painted area not lolly gagging on the perimeter. Which brings me to strike 2. Who told this kid that a step back jumper should be in his arsenal? I almost threw up on the ladies in front of me when he did that on one play. It wasn't even a hard jab. It was something that I do to my 7 year old kid when we are screwing around on the weekend. Dirk Norwitski doesn't even have a step back jumper. Who does Randolph think he is Paul Pierce? Strike 3 chimes in when he attempts layups in position near the basket. Best way I can describe it is a fade away hook shot. Charles Smith will be proud to know another player his size can not finish in traffic with authority. It's sad to see someone so big shy away from contact. The dude reminds me of Trevor Ariza, but if you are talking about your first bigman off the bench, this is definately not a complement.
Potential??? If you ask Anthony Randolph what his game is, he has a laundry list. He shouldn't be allowed to do his own laundry. You can't mix darks with your whites. I paint a perfect picture now, don't I? Let's start off with his focus. Why is he taking step back jumpers at 6'11" with his athetisism??? When he faces up, his focus needs to be attack the basket. If he has to settle for a jumper, let it be with the defense back pedaling trying not to foul. He's too busy doing the opposite, which is stepping back trying not to get fouled. All layups need to be two handed dunk attempts. None of this one handed, "referee please save" nonsense he's shown. Now what is his potential??? Lamar Odom...tired of hearing that comparrison? How about Larry Nance??? Larry was one of the first 6'11" dudes playing small fwd/power fwd making plays all over the court.
Who's at fault? Coaching?...how long can you say that? Eddy Curry has had that nonsense following him since he was in Chicago. Now the Knicks have Anthony Mason following Curry with a bed pan. I don't want Anthony Randolph to spend the next 5-6 years doing the same thing. It's not gaining weight because Kevin Garnett, Rodman, and a journey man like Mikki Moore have made careers while still being bean poles compared to their peers. Anthony Randolph needs to study this game. He needs to watch tape. Request footage on guys like Larry Nance and see how they were successful. Just because they have a three point line doesn't mean you should take them. They make mini skirts in "plus sizes", that doesn't mean fat chics should wear them to the club. I gotta million of them.
Take it in stride brother Randolph...I'm just a blogger. Don't put me in the hater bracket. You are a New York Knick now. I'm writing all this for your own good.
"Go Knicks"
No comments:
Post a Comment