Knicks: Hakim Warrick & Julius Hodge Show Versatility <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">GREENBURGH, NY, May 5, 2005 -- Time after time, Knicks President, Basketball Operations Isiah Thomas expresses an open admiration for versatility. And the first thing that comes into hoop insiders? minds when thinking of Julius Hodge and Hakim Warrick -- the duo of topnotch talents who worked out for the team on Thursday at the Knicks? Madison Square Garden Training Center -- has to be ?versatile?. ?I think I am mainly a point guard in the NBA,? the 6-8 Hodge, who played FOUR positions regularly at N.C. State, said. ?Or maybe a ?two?. Either way, I know how to run a team. Let?s put it this way, I want to be known as a guy who does whatever it takes -- and plays whatever position -- to help his team win.? The 6-9 Warrick has been a terrific ?tweener? at Syracuse ? stylishly swinging back and forth between small and power forward -- a characteristic that doesn?t always translate optimally to the NBA. But don?t tell that to the player who won the NCAA Title two years ago with the Orange: ?To me, that?s helpful,? he stressed with obvious emotion. ?The fact that I can play the ?three? or the ?four? means that I have more ways to help the team. AND that I get more time on the floor.? The championship experience can?t hurt much either. ?I?ve been through the grinder under the greatest possible pressure,? he nods. ?I know what the spotlight feels like and it doesn?t faze me one bit. And I know how to win.? Besides their winning versatility, both players own a certain lanky awkwardness on the floor that they?ve managed to turn to an advantage. ?I think I?m real good in all areas of basketball,? smiled Hodge. ?But I feel I must improve my game in all areas as well. Look, I know I?m not the quickest, or fastest guy out there, or the highest jumper. But I?ll be the hardest worker for sure.? Hodge, a native New Yorker who attended St. Raymond?s High School, grew up both ?a huge Knicks fan? and an avid admirer of Stephon Marbury. ?I?ve been following his career since he was in high school and playing with the Gauchos,? said Hodge. ?The dude is great. And you know what? He works so-o-o-o-o hard.?</div> Source
Both players would be good fits for the Knicks but if I were a Knicks fan I would like to see Warrick put on a Knicks jersey next year. Six nine isn't that short, it's not like he is a Jason Maxiell a 6'7" power forward. What Warrick lacks in size he will make up in his athledic ability. Okafor was the same size coming out and now is some how listed as 6'10", it's weird how these players grow Funny thing is that if Warrick was 6'10" he would be going top five, but that's how the league is today, size is everything I guess.
I like both players and especially Hodge because of his versatility. I think Isiah is especially interested in Warrick because of his athleticism. I think he wants a team of high flyers with Ariza and Warrick running the floor at the same time along with Marbury throwing down alley-oops. Hopefully Warrick can slip to our 30th pick and Hodge can slip to our 54th pick!
