Training camp officially starts on Tuesday which means Monday was Knicks Media Day! The Knicks’ top players sat down for interviews and CP the Fanchise broke it all down with JD Sports Talk on their latest live stream.
Click the links below to catch the full show on all major podcast platforms.
• Spotify
• Apple Podcast
• Google Podcasts
• Stitcher
Here’s a breakdown of the biggest takeaways from Knicks Media Day and yesterday’s show below:
Julius Randle reflects on Knicks vs. Hawks series
Julius Randle was first up to face the media. The first-time All-Star was asked to reflect on the playoff series against Atlanta and discuss what he may have learned for the future. He admitted that it felt good to get his first playoff experience under his belt but thinks that the Hawks series was a simplistic one that he “overcomplicated” for himself.
He told the media that in that moment he wanted to make himself great which caused him to get into his head too much. He realizes now that he put too much on his shoulders during the series and is excited to get back to the playoffs to show what he’s learned and how he has improved.
JD thinks that Randle’s desire to be great and be the savior for New York was his downfall in the playoffs. He thinks Randle admitting this is a great sign of growth and hopes he can turn it around this season. CP wasn’t encouraged by Randle’s first playoff outing and thinks it wasn’t as simplistic as Randle says. He believes that Nate McMillian’s game plan was great and ultimately the Knicks did not have enough shot makers to win. This is an area they hopefully fixed this offseason with the additions of Evan Fournier and Kemba Walker.
Rose declares Kemba starting point guard!
Derrick Rose was asked about the addition of Walker to the squad and he responded by asking “who wouldn’t want Kemba Walker on their team?”. Rose was also asked if he knows whether he or Walker would be in the starting guard spot, and without hesitation Rose asserted “he’s starting.”
Rose is at a different stage in his career – he’s not worried about his minutes and will do whatever he can to change the game when he gets his time on the court. He seemed excited about the deep roster that the Knicks have put together and believed that all the guys are versatile and can guard against the 1 to the 3.
Rose said that one of the main areas he always seeks to improve is being a vocal leader, and that was certainly on display with this response. This is a true show of leadership by Rose. It’s clear he has no ego as he fully embraces the role of backing Kemba up.
While this is a position that many people of Rose’s ability and stature would not accept, it’s admirable that he gave up his spot to Kemba so willingly. CP and JD were excited by Rose’s response and think this was a great example of his growth and leadership. It’s clear that Rose re-signing was vital to this team’s success going forward even at his age as his leadership will be invaluable.
Rose reason Walker chose NY?
When Kemba Walker stepped in for his Media Day interview, reporters caught him up to speed with Rose’s comments declaring him the starting PG. Walker couldn’t hold back his smile, and admitted that playing alongside Rose was one of the main reasons he chose New York this offseason.
This should help quell Knicks fans concerns who still question what good trading for Rose in pursuit of the playoffs did for the franchise. Not only did storming into the playoffs for the first time since 2013 help the development of the young roster, but it ultimately helped lure 4X All-Star Kemba Walker out of Oklahoma City and back to his hometown. With continued improvement, the Knicks can make themselves almost irresistible to future star players on the move.
Thibs Calls Kemba the “Perfect Fit”
Coach Thibodeau was all smiles when asked about the Walker addition during his media interview.
“There’s a positive energy to him. He’s the perfect fit for us,” Thibs said.
Thibs added that Fournier will also be a great fit, and that Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin and Kevin Knox have all looked great this summer.
Two-Way RJ
R.J. Barrett’s most notable moment of his Media Day interview came when asked about picking up tougher defensive assignments on a nightly basis this season.
Barrett responded that he’s ready to take on any defensive task coach Thibs throws his way, and wants to go down in history as a two-way player.
With the addition of Fournier to replace Reggie Bullock, there is a defensive void on the perimeter that RJ may be able to fill against the leagues best scorers. It’s a great sign that Barrett is ready and willing to take on the challenge if his name is called, because if he becomes a lockdown defender he could take the next leap in his development.
Should the Knicks target KAT or Ben Simmons?
One caller from last night’s KFTV stream asked the guys their opinions on trading for someone like Karl-Anthony Towns or Ben Simmons, two players seemingly disgruntled with their current franchises and available via trade. The caller likes these two as trade candidates for New York due to their age and potential.
JD thinks it’s too early to be talking about trades and wants to see this team play at least one game together before even entertaining that idea. CP on the other hand does not like the idea of trading for Simmons. He believes that if he was as good as people make out Philly wouldn’t be trying to trade him. KAT is a question mark specifically with his fit with Randle on the defensive end.
What do you think of the idea of trading for someone like KAT or Ben Simmons? Let us know in the comments below!
Stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news, rumors, and recaps heading into the regular season. Also, make sure to check out the latest Season Preview with special guest Alan Hahn below!
