Knicks Hope Promising Youngsters Make it Three in a Row vs. Rival Celtics
Nov 21 2009 8:35PM
The sports rivalry between New York and Boston is unlike any other two cities in the United States. But, believe it or not, the Knicks could be inspired by the recent accomplishments of the Celtics, who will visit Madison Square Garden on Sunday afternoon.
Just a few years ago, the Celtics were in a very similar position as the Knicks right now. They hadn’t reached the playoffs for two straight seasons and after developing young players such as Rajon Rondo, Leon Powe and Kendrick Perkins, Boston created enough flexibility to bring in All-Stars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen following a 24-58 record in 2006-07.
The next season the Celtics were NBA champions.
“It’s amazing how quickly things can change in the NBA,” Knicks center David Lee said. “A couple players can make a big difference.”
The Knicks are hoping for the same results. And if everything goes according to Knicks President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh’s two-year plan, the Knicks will continue to develop their young players this season.
“Our goal this year was to try to develop the young players and to see which of the young veterans we have could fit in with what we want to do in the future,” Walsh said on Friday.
The Knicks’ roster is certainly filled with potential. Danilo Gallinari has proved to be one of the best three-point shooters in the league, Wilson Chandler has shown that he can play three positions and rookie Toney Douglas has already become one of the Knicks’ most explosive scorers. Jordan Hill, the team’s lottery pick, is expected to play more minutes as the season rolls on.
Eddy Curry, who played just three games last season, had a promising return last Wednesday as he played a big role in the Knicks’ victory over Indiana. The Knicks believe he is a major piece to what they’re trying to accomplish in the future.
“Eddy now is on the team and we have to devote a lot of attention to Eddy,” Walsh said. “He went out there in 11 minutes and I thought he actually changed the game for us.”
Curry had another solid outing in the Knicks second consecutive win in their 98-91 win over the Nets in New Jersey. Gallinari also shone on Saturday, leading New York with a team-high 17 points.
The Knicks young bucks now hope to make it three in a row when they tip-off against the Celtics on Sunday afternoon.
“We always have some good matchups against Boston,” Lee said. “Usually a little bit better at our place than on the road, but they’re a good team.”
Just a few years ago, the Celtics were in a very similar position as the Knicks right now. They hadn’t reached the playoffs for two straight seasons and after developing young players such as Rajon Rondo, Leon Powe and Kendrick Perkins, Boston created enough flexibility to bring in All-Stars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen following a 24-58 record in 2006-07.
The next season the Celtics were NBA champions.
“It’s amazing how quickly things can change in the NBA,” Knicks center David Lee said. “A couple players can make a big difference.”
The Knicks are hoping for the same results. And if everything goes according to Knicks President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh’s two-year plan, the Knicks will continue to develop their young players this season.
“Our goal this year was to try to develop the young players and to see which of the young veterans we have could fit in with what we want to do in the future,” Walsh said on Friday.
The Knicks’ roster is certainly filled with potential. Danilo Gallinari has proved to be one of the best three-point shooters in the league, Wilson Chandler has shown that he can play three positions and rookie Toney Douglas has already become one of the Knicks’ most explosive scorers. Jordan Hill, the team’s lottery pick, is expected to play more minutes as the season rolls on.
Eddy Curry, who played just three games last season, had a promising return last Wednesday as he played a big role in the Knicks’ victory over Indiana. The Knicks believe he is a major piece to what they’re trying to accomplish in the future.
“Eddy now is on the team and we have to devote a lot of attention to Eddy,” Walsh said. “He went out there in 11 minutes and I thought he actually changed the game for us.”
Curry had another solid outing in the Knicks second consecutive win in their 98-91 win over the Nets in New Jersey. Gallinari also shone on Saturday, leading New York with a team-high 17 points.
The Knicks young bucks now hope to make it three in a row when they tip-off against the Celtics on Sunday afternoon.
“We always have some good matchups against Boston,” Lee said. “Usually a little bit better at our place than on the road, but they’re a good team.”
