2018 Training Camp Official Thread

Spacing is a factor but that's not the point I'm ultimately trying to make. You have someone who plays good with the ball, and someone who plays good without it. Which is the better fit to put next to 3 ball dominant players? It's simple.

And no, I don't count Plumlee as a ball dominant player, in terms of someone who needs touches (like Nurk does).

 

I'm with you. As long as there is a floor spacer such as CJ or Dame on the floor, the Nurk/ET connection is going to be electric.

 

They can work together but there's better rotational fits with different substitution patterns than you're suggesting.

In the end, Turner still plays half his minutes with Nurk.

 

As if the ending lineup proves that you know about player cohesion and the optimal combinations of specific skill sets...

It doesn't.

 

Exactly. Turner is infect to bring in when one of them goes out.

 

*perfect

 

It isn't about can or can't. It's about optimizing skill sets within certain lineups.

I also question how effective that duo can be. Nurk improved as a roll man working with Dame and CJ because they're two of the most dynamic pnr scorers in the league. Turner on the other hand is a guy that you can play under and drop coverage on which limits the threat of the roller. He also doesn't have the greatest instincts or tools as a cutter.

 

We get rid of Meyers and get a legit backup center. We don't need a Center that can play the 4/5. We have enough PF. The Knicks get there man in Harkless and we get a real center that can backup Nurk.

 

Uhhhh it kinda does. If I say they will play together and they end up playing together when the game matters the most..uhhh yeah.

 

The whole argument started with the idea that Harkless spaces the court better than Turner, but the reality is that he really doesn't. Defenders don't sag off of Turner anymore than they do Harkless, but Turner can at least create for himself, and others. And I didn't even get to defense, where Turner is more consistent. I have yet to hear one legitimate argument as to how Harkless is a better fit with Dame/CJ/Nurk than Turner. At the end of the games that's what matters. Who starts or doesn't start really doesn't matter at that point. The best players finish games.

 

I can tell you now.

Not enough to correct anyone

 

Doesn't matter because Harkless will be a Knicks at some point this season.

 

With respect, I'm not sure that I buy this hype. If he was so good, he would be a franchise player on a team. Instead, he's been on something like 7 teams in 9 years, and he's never even sniffed an All-Star vote.

But I am optimistic that he can work well in Stott's offense. I just hope these stats reflect the play.

 

Regarding the SF position, I don't think any of them are complete players so it's going to come down to the matchups. Against teams that are more aggressive applying pressure, especially late in games, then you will want ET in there with Dame and CJ. I can also see times when having Harkless in there will be more beneficial. So I guess it really doesn't matter who starts, adjustments in the 4th will be made. Of course who is having the better game will be a factor as well.

The PF position will be similar since at this time there is no clear favorite. The constant will be Dame, CJ, and Nurk.

 

This is assuming that Stotts can make adjustments. He doesn't have a great history of that.

 

Turner > Harkless.
But I still start Harkless next to CJ & Lillard.
I truly hope Stotts benches Harkless like he did late last season when Harkless had mental lapses. He doesn't bring enough to the table to allow that.

 

I'd start Turner, I think he's better suited to the starting lineup and better fit with the other players. But I also like Harkless as a substitute

 

I also like Harkless even better as a small ball 4. I wish we'd have a little more playing time available in the front court

 

Harkless is a great slasher who can dominate in the paint with the right plays and players. Nurk had some good assists last season with Harkless, and they made some great plays.