![[Video] Knicks 2015-2016 Season Final Preview](https://nykloyalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/knicks_porzingis_melo.jpg?w=825&h=440&crop=1)
Tonight, the Knicks kick off the season against the Milwaukee Bucks. Check out this final preview to get you hype. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET.
Category: News
Matt Barnes Attacks Derek Fisher for Dating Estranged Wife
Before officially kicking off the 2015-2016 season, the Knicks already have some drama via head coach Derek Fisher, who was attacked by former teammate Matt Barnes over the weekend for dating Barnes’ estranged wife Gloria.
According to a report from The NY Post, Fisher has been dating Gloria for several months. What drew Barnes’ ire was finding out Fisher was staying in his former home. Barnes, who now plays for the Memphis Grizzlies and was training in Santa Barbara, reportedly flew into a rage and drove 95 miles to L.A. with the expressed intent “to beat the shit outta Fisher.”
Per another source, the two men came to blows with Fisher receiving a “few scratches,” but opting not to press charges.
Fisher was not at Monday’s practice due to “equipment trouble” with his flight. He will be on the sidelines tonight for the Knicks’ debut preseason game against Brazil.
The NBA stated they are “aware” of the altercation but there’s no word on if any disciplinary action will take place.
Leave the married women alone, Fish! Gloria might be “estranged” from Matt, but until the divorce is finalized, you’re frolicking with another man’s wife. I don’t expect this to have any ramifications on tonight’s game, but it’s still the type of unnecessary distractions a team doesn’t need.
Oh, and if you’re wondering if Gloria Barnes of Basketball Wives fame is worth all this trouble, you tell me.
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![[Video] Jab Step! “Carmelo Anthony Be Like…”](https://nykloyalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/melo_3taunt.jpg?w=305&h=510&crop=1)
[Video] Jab Step! “Carmelo Anthony Be Like…”
Since hitting my radar via his hilarious on-court impersonations of Russell Westbrook and James Harden, I’ve been waiting for BdotAdot5 to deliver his take on our very own Carmelo Anthony. Here it is. You think he included enough jab steps?
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![[Video] Melo Practices with Porzingis and Early at Terminal 23](https://nykloyalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/melo_hawks.jpg?w=352&h=234&crop=1)
[Video] Melo Practices with Porzingis and Early at Terminal 23
On Friday, some new footage dropped of Carmelo Anthony having a pickup game with rookie Kristaps Porzingis and second-year player Cleanthony Early. Since this isn’t an official training session, there isn’t much to gather from this outside of Melo’s jumper still being wet, Early’s defense remaining shoddy, and the guys are hopefully learning each other’s tendencies to build much-needed chemistry.
Preseason will be upon us before we know it.
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Derrick Williams Signs with Knicks for 2 Years, $10 Million
Power forward and former #2 draft pick Derrick Williams has confirmed a two-year, $10 million deal to join the New York Knicks.
Williams spent the last two years with the Sacramento Kings, averaging 8 points and 3 rebounds in 19 minutes during the 2014-2015 season.
The deal includes a second-year player option.
Williams took to Twitter to reveal his excitement in coming to New York.
No doubt, this is a “low-risk, high reward” selection. In terms of being an overall #2 draft pick, you can look at Williams’ career thus far as a bust. However, we’re not looking at him to be a main option. His energy when rolling to the basket, finishing at the rim, and occassionally stretching the floor can be very beneficial depending on the lineup.
The big issue is his defense — Williams ranked dead last among PFs this season. That means a defensive big like recent pickup Robin Lopez has to be on the court with him at all times. Preferably, Williams continues to come off the bench like he did in Sactown. And with this deal having a second year opt-out like Afflalo’s, Williams has every incentive to play lights out to earn a higher deal.
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Robin Lopez Agrees to Knicks Deal at 4 Years, $54 Million
Center Robin Lopez has inked a 4-year, $54 million deal to leave the Portland Trailblazers for the New York Knicks.
The 27-year old Lopez averaged 10 points (54% FG), 7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks over 28 minutes last season for Portland.
Known for his defense and rebounding energy (3 off. rpg), Lopez is expected to be the “rim protector” team president Phil Jackson emphasized as a free agency focus.
With Carmelo Anthony and rookie Kristaps Porzingis likely to spend significant minutes at power forward, Lopez’s 7’0, 255 pound frame is essential for covering their weaknesses on the boards and defensively. This used to be Tyson Chandler’s job until he mentally checked out. Cole Aldrich and Lou Amundson did the best with their limited ability last year. Rolo is a clear upgrade in all facets. I’m expecting him to average a double double being in the East and likely playing increased minutes.
No, Lopez isn’t a name-grabber like Deandre Jordan or LaMarcus Aldridge, but he’s a marked improvement and fits the defensive mold we’re trying to build.
Still skeptical? Check the videos below.
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Knicks Sign Arron Afflalo for 2 Years, $16 Million
The Knicks made their first significant move in free agency today with the signing of veteran guard Arron Afflalo to a two-year deal worth $16 million.
The 29-year old Afflalo spent last year in Portland where he played 25 games. He averaged 11 points (41% FG, 40% 3pt) and 3 rebounds over 30 minutes. He missed the post-season due to an arm injury in April.
Afflalo’s best season came in 2013-2014 for the Orlando Magic, where he started 73 games and averaged 18 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists (46% FG, 41% 3 pt.).
Afflalo also comes in Carmelo Anthony experience, as the two played together on the Denver Nuggets for two seasons (2009-2010).
Considering some of huge contracts being doled out this free agency for role players, I’d say the Knicks did a good job here. Despite a bad season in Portland, Afflalo is a two-way player and clear upgrade at the two-spot over Iman Shumpert and JR Smith. And it leaves New York roughly $20 million to still pursue the three big free agents left (Jordan, Aldridge, Monroe). So far, so good Phil.
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![[Video] Welcome to NY: A Look at Knicks #4 Pick Kristaps Porzingis](https://nykloyalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/porzingis_knicks.jpg?w=576&h=384&crop=1)
[Video] Welcome to NY: A Look at Knicks #4 Pick Kristaps Porzingis
The boos and groans rained down heavily at the Barclays last night with the Knicks’ selection of 19-year old European prospect Kristaps Porzingis.
All the coaches and scouts seem very high on the kid, touting his 7’1 frame, ability to space the floor with 3-point shooting, and shot-blocking potential. The trepidation with Knicks fans is the fact we’re dealing with a true prospect that needs to grow into a man’s body to guard his position (he’s currently around 220 and rail-thin). With Carmelo in his prime and wanting to “win-now,” most of us were hoping for safer, sure-fire picks like Emmanuel Mudiay at point guard. It also hurt that Philly was just spiteful in taking another big in Jahlil Okafor right ahead of us.
It remains to be seen if the Knicks can create a culture the cultivates Porzingis into a future star. He could soar as high as a Dirk or Garnett, level out somewhere around a Bargnani level or even worse (shudders). The main thing is that we’re patient over these next 2-3 years.
Below are some highlights and background on our new prodigy. He actually wanted to come here and as he put it after his selection, “turn those boos into cheers.” Anyone that willingly wants to come to NY and handle the immense pressure and cynicism deserves our support.
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Phil Jackson Urges Optimism and Hope Ahead of 2015 Draft
Despite the 2014-2015 Knicks holding a franchise-worst 14-61 record, team president Phil Jackson is stressing a “plan” is in place to rebuild the team next year.
In a video sent to season ticket-holders, Jackson highlighted the team’s expected high draft pick and cap space as main reasons to remain hopeful.
While I know this has been a challenging season for our team on the court, I can also tell you that everyone in the organization is working tirelessly to get our Knicks back to a place where we are once again competing at the highest level,” Jackson said in a video message obtained by ESPN New York that doubled as a pitch to season ticket holders to renew for the 2015-16 season.
We have made key roster moves to free up significant cap space that will provide us greater flexibility to acquire talent in this summer’s free agency,” Jackson said. “And for the first time in many years, we expect to have a top pick in the NBA Draft this June. These are key steps to building a roster of players that have both the talent and character to win in New York and who, alongside Carmelo Anthony, will become a team that can become a consistent winner.
We have a clear plan and expect our efforts to take really take shape as we enter the 2015 draft and free agency in the months ahead,” Jackson said in the video. “I ask that you remain optimistic and hope you will join us on our continued journey as we build a team that once again reflects the spirit of being a New York Knick.
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There can’t be any possible way next year’s team is worse than what we’ve seen the last few months. Outside of Melo, the entire “Knickstape” core that won 54 games two years ago is gone, ensuring we’ll have a completely fresh start and hopefully a new identity. It’s been a horrific year, but a necessary one.
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Anthony Mason Passes Away at 48
Former Knicks forward Anthony Mason, who came to epitomize the hard-nosed defense of the early to mid 90s New York teams, has died at 48 due to complications from congestive heart failure.
The New York Knicks and Mason’s son, Anthony Mason Jr., confirmed the news this morning. Mason had been hospitalized since early February after undergoing multiple heart surgeries.
“Overnight, New York City and the world lost a legend, a friend, a brother… but more than anything our father, Anthony Mason,” said Mason Jr. “As you all would expect our father, Big Mase, put up an incredible fight, dealing with a severe heart issue. I’m wishing this was something else I was writing, but Pops we’ve got to let you know we love you and know you’ll always be with us.”
At 6’7 with a massive and muscular build, Anthony Mason was one of the NBA’s more intimidating players due to his physical defense. He spent five years with the Pat Riley-coached Knicks, winning the 1994 Sixth Man of the Year award and being instrumental in the team reaching the NBA Finals that year. He was traded in 1996 to the Charlotte Hornets and later spent time with the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat.
At press time, funeral arrangement have not been announced.
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