Post by Greg on Jul 27, 2009 20:18:04 GMT -5
metroareasports.blogspot.com/2009/07/new-york-knicks-three-breakout-players.html
The New York Knicks enter the 2009 season with a relatively young team and have young, up and coming players who are bound to become NBA stars.
With the addition of solid players in last month's draft and the progression of the level of play coming over from last season, the Knicks should have a positive season with players leaving their mark on the league and showing where they stand.
Three Knicks should break through this season and show that not only themselves, but the entire team is ready to once again compete in the Eastern Conference.
Wilson Chandler
Under rated would be one of the best words to describe how the league looks and feels about Wilson Chandler.
Chandler, New York's first round draft pick in 2007, finally showed everybody what he was made out of last season. He was one of the Knicks go - to players during close games and was always a big time performer.
Yet, last season was only a stepping stone for this future NBA star. Chandler will most likely move to the shooting guard position this season, which means more opportunities to score and put up big time numbers. The best and most exciting part of Chandler's game is when he uses his quick and explosive first step to drive to the lane, and work his magic around the rim.
Energy and enthusiam is what head coach Mike D'Antoni is looking for from his team, and that is exactly what he will get from Chandler night in and night out.
Toney Douglas
Despite only entering this season as a rookie, Toney Douglas should be a key component to the Knicks' success this season.
This past week at the Las Vegas Summer League, Douglas showed why he was a first round selection in this year's draft. He proved that he has the ability to run New York's style of offense and showed why he was the ACC's Defensive Player of the Year last season.
Douglas is also showing that he can be th No. 2 point guard on the depth chart behind Chris Duhon, and getting rid of Nate Robinson would be no big deal. Being described by many people around the league as a, "Combo Guard," Douglas has the ability to shoot the open jump shot, drive to the basket, and also find his open teammates.
When New York goes to it's second unit this year, there should be no change of pace from the starters if Douglas is on the floor running the team.
Danilo Gallinari
Although he didn't get that much playing time last season due to injuries and is already being labeled as a bust, Danilo Gallinari is destined to come through in a big way for the Knicks this season.
Gallinari, New York's 2008 first round pick, deserves to play a big role for the Knicks this season, and should have the chance to put up some quality numbers.
Throughout last season, his transition from the European style of basketball to the NBA was noticeable. Yet, that is now behind him and he is only going to get better and become more comfortable with the game.
Despite only limited playing time, glimpses of greatness were shown last
season, and if he can get healthy and work out his injuries, Gallinari should show why he was a top ten pick.
Between Chandler, Douglas, and Gallinari, all three of those players should break through in a big way for the Knicks this season, and lead the team in a positive direction.
The New York Knicks enter the 2009 season with a relatively young team and have young, up and coming players who are bound to become NBA stars.
With the addition of solid players in last month's draft and the progression of the level of play coming over from last season, the Knicks should have a positive season with players leaving their mark on the league and showing where they stand.
Three Knicks should break through this season and show that not only themselves, but the entire team is ready to once again compete in the Eastern Conference.
Wilson Chandler
Under rated would be one of the best words to describe how the league looks and feels about Wilson Chandler.
Chandler, New York's first round draft pick in 2007, finally showed everybody what he was made out of last season. He was one of the Knicks go - to players during close games and was always a big time performer.
Yet, last season was only a stepping stone for this future NBA star. Chandler will most likely move to the shooting guard position this season, which means more opportunities to score and put up big time numbers. The best and most exciting part of Chandler's game is when he uses his quick and explosive first step to drive to the lane, and work his magic around the rim.
Energy and enthusiam is what head coach Mike D'Antoni is looking for from his team, and that is exactly what he will get from Chandler night in and night out.
Toney Douglas
Despite only entering this season as a rookie, Toney Douglas should be a key component to the Knicks' success this season.
This past week at the Las Vegas Summer League, Douglas showed why he was a first round selection in this year's draft. He proved that he has the ability to run New York's style of offense and showed why he was the ACC's Defensive Player of the Year last season.
Douglas is also showing that he can be th No. 2 point guard on the depth chart behind Chris Duhon, and getting rid of Nate Robinson would be no big deal. Being described by many people around the league as a, "Combo Guard," Douglas has the ability to shoot the open jump shot, drive to the basket, and also find his open teammates.
When New York goes to it's second unit this year, there should be no change of pace from the starters if Douglas is on the floor running the team.
Danilo Gallinari
Although he didn't get that much playing time last season due to injuries and is already being labeled as a bust, Danilo Gallinari is destined to come through in a big way for the Knicks this season.
Gallinari, New York's 2008 first round pick, deserves to play a big role for the Knicks this season, and should have the chance to put up some quality numbers.
Throughout last season, his transition from the European style of basketball to the NBA was noticeable. Yet, that is now behind him and he is only going to get better and become more comfortable with the game.
Despite only limited playing time, glimpses of greatness were shown last
season, and if he can get healthy and work out his injuries, Gallinari should show why he was a top ten pick.
Between Chandler, Douglas, and Gallinari, all three of those players should break through in a big way for the Knicks this season, and lead the team in a positive direction.