“Jerian’s maturity as a rookie is something that was always impressive to us even talking to him at the Chicago combine”, Fisher said, via Newsday.com. But you could come to me and get it for $5.
Advertisement
Knicks rookie Kristaps Porzingis, also a hip-hop fan, must be thrilled.
Porzingis featured in two of the three preseason games for the Knicks and also dealt with two previously sustained injuries, one of them in the quad. “It’s not about how many points he scores or how he looks in terms of can he be the second scoring option or the third scoring option”. He appears to have that in him. I think it’s more credit to him than me because I can only imagine the feeling that I had – that hunger to be successful and you have it in front of your face.
Fortunately for the Knicks, they do play in a bad Eastern Conference. I saw him changing shots.
“I think he arrived [in good shape]”.
The Knicks took the court in Charlotte on Saturday night without the services of three projected opening night starters (Carmelo Anthony, Robin Lopez and Jose Calderon) or Kyle O’Quinn, another key role player. “I’m back now and hopefully nothing happens in the future and I’m healthy”. He finished with 15 points (3 of 3 from downtown) and 6 assists.
If Porzingis can stay healthy, he still has one more preseason game and about seven practices to shake off the rust and get ready for the regular season.
Okafor has been dealing with a right sore knee.
Back in August, SB Nation had mentioned the Knicks’ intention to bring back the two-time National Basketball Association Sixth Man of the Year awardee to help shore up their thin small forward-shooting guard lineup, and this may be the opportunity they are looking for. Seventeen of those teams won 25 or fewer games the next season. He ended up signing with the Hornets. “By them doing that, when that time comes, it kind of forces me to be at the top level of my game on both ends of the court”.
Advertisement
Focus on Fisher: Fisher had a miserable first season as coach and a rocky start to the second after missing a practice following an altercation with former teammate Matt Barnes in Los Angeles. “Not clearly out of danger at this point”, Fisher said, “but obviously I’m very happy that he was able to speak a few words and let everybody know he’s still here”. “But I think he’s just letting everyone know he’s accepting more leadership and expects to be held accountable”. “He’s huge. The first day I got there I saw his jersey retired so I know he’s a legend there”.
