Knicks Vegas Summer League Mailbag Q&As
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Q: Love the hustle, you got heart and we need that. Living near UF myself and being a fan of both the Knicks and Gators for a while, what did it feel like having them win the national championship after you left?
A: It was mixed emotions. I wanted to be on the floor really bad helping those guys win, but at the same time I was very happy for them. Those guys who are still playing for UF are like my little brothers. I was with them last year and helped Florida to recruit them, and I was just happy to see them get to realize their dreams.
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Q: After learning and experiencing many things that went on in your rookie season, what advice can you give to Balkman and Collins? P.S.: You're the man and I totally look up to you as a great figure.
A: For Balkman and Mardy, for them, being rookies together, like me, Channing and David were the Three Amigos. For them, it’s just coming in to practice each day, going together. I think if they work hard and they play together, everything will be okay. They’ll be just fine, as far as being great basketball players and on top of that, becoming great people.
From Ryan (Franklin Lakes, NJ):
Q: It was very exciting to see you out on the floor last year and you will be fantastic with our fastbreak offense next year. I was wondering what it is like being a point guard and having a Isiah Thomas as a coach because he has obviously had great experience as a point guard?
A: It’s awesome. It’s an unbelieveable experience for me, seeing Isiah every day now, out here working with us hands-on. I think it’s going to be an exciting year next year, and hopefully we can win a lot more games than we did last year.
From Steve (New York, NY):
Q: I noticed you're using the new NBA ball in Summer League. How does it feel? Do you think it will change your game any?
A: It’s different, but at the same time it feels like a college ball. I like the old NBA ball better. The design on the (new) ball is a lot better than last year’s, and maybe they can use that design and keep the old ball. But we’ve got to adjust. Survival of the fittest means you’ve got to work your way in. It’s like Darwin’s theory. Survival of the fittest; guys will adapt to their environment.
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Q: Renaldo, I read you don't plan to ever get another haircut. Is this true? If you put in a 15 year career, you'll be tripping over your locks as you run down the court!
Best of luck. I hope you prove the prognosticators wrong.
A: I did make a statement when I was in college saying that I would never cut my hair again, but that was in college. Now it's the NBA. I mean, if I have to I have to. But as of right now, I'm going to keep it groomed and keep it up so it won't get that long so I won't have to trip on the court.
From Kendrick (Columbia, South Carolina):
Q: Renaldo, I follow University of South Carolina sports closely so I know that you are an outstanding player. How is the transformation from the college to the NBA going?
A: It's going pretty well. I thought it would be a slow start, but I came out strong. I'm just going out and play like I played at South Carolina. . .but a little bit harder, you know? A little bit harder.
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Q: A lot of people thought a better guard was available at #20. I like the idea of having a big guard on the team and I thought you were a good pick. Not only do you have good size but you also play defense. But I was surprised you drifted so low into the first round. What will you do in your first season to prove to people that the right decision was made and that you are the better guard or best point in the draft?
A: Just come out here and try to work hard. I'm not about trying to prove anything to anybody; I'll just let my game that. I just want to come out here and do the best I can do. I'm going to come out here and make good decisions and just try to work my butt off. That's all I can try to do.
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Q: What's the most important thing you think you have to work at to become a better all around basketball player?
A: I love to play basketball and everyday I come to the gym, I try to make each guy on the team a better basketball player. I think that if I do that, I'll turn myself a better player too
From Larry (Long Island, NY):
Q: What is the source of your jumping ability? Any workouts you'd like to share?
A: I don't really do any special workouts to jump higher. I think God has blessed me with great athletic and jumping ability. In the NBA, I'm not considered very tall, but I'll take my hops over height anytime.
From Anthony Casares (Brick, NJ):
Q: With Isiah now as the head coach, how will his style of play, running the floor game, tie in with your game?
A: I think Isiah's coaching style is going to help me and my teammates a lot. Isiah was a point guard and a Hall of Fame legend. He knows how to play an up-and-down style that is extremely efficient. I can certainly play that kind of game.
From Anthony Parrino (Port Chester, NY):
Q: Nate, You had an up and down rookie season, what have you been working on during the summer to further develop your already exciting game. We know you work out twice a day, what improvements can we expect to see from you this season?
A: I have been working on everything on my game: my dribbling, shooting, passing and defense. I've watched a lot of games on film, too. I practice everything to gain positive attributes to help the team win.
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Q: Hi Channing, What is up? First of all I would like to ask you about your injury and how it is going? I hope it is going well. Another question I would like to ask you is what are your goals in this summer league? What I mean by that is what area of your game are you going to concentrate on in this summer league tournament?
Thank you and good luck! - Chris
A: My knee is 100-percent. Thanks for asking! Being away gave me a real opportunity to appreciate basketball that much more. My goal is to get better everyday. During summer league, I am going to get to execute all of the moves I have been practicing.
From John Lanza (Mamaroneck, NY):
Q: I read that you have bulked up to 260 lbs. in the offseason. How do think this will affect your post game and have you been spending much time on your post moves this offseason? Everyone knows you can shoot, let's see what you can do inside.
A: Yes, I have been working on my post-moves. I have been working on my total game trying to become more of a complete player for the Knicks.
From Derek (Charlotte, NC):
Q: Are there any negatives to adding the additional 20 lbs. It certainly helps your power game but how will it affect your agility?
A: I have actually gained 15 pounds of muscle and that will help me with my agility and explosiveness on the court. I have been working with our strength coach, Greg Brittenham, all summer and he gotten me in great shape.
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Q: What inspired you to be so dominant in last year's SEC tournament and the NIT, and what have your learned from those experiences that you will carry over to the pros as a Knick?
A: I approached those tournaments the same way I approach every game, and that’s to play hard. I play every game like it’s my last, so that is what I did in the SEC and NIT tournaments.
From Derek (Charlotte, NC):
Q: How do you think the controversy surrounding you being picked 20th in the draft is going affect your game or your approach to the game?
PS: We Knick fans love an underdog and we love hustle players. You fit both bills, good luck. I'm rooting for you.
A: A lot of people doubted me, but I had made my mind up that I was ready for the NBA. The Knicks are going to be proud that they picked me. I promise to work hard every minute I’m on the floor.
From Steven Ortiz (Bronx, NY):
Q: Where were you when your name was called by Commissioner David Stern? I don't remember seeing you at the Garden!
A: I was at my apartment with all of my family - about 15 of us. We had a nice barbecue. Before you knew it, they called my name. It was real silent at first, then there were lots of screaming. Everyone was so excited. I think we woke up the whole complex.
From Stacy Duviella (Brooklyn, NY):
Q: N.Y is the toughest place to play so what is it about your game that will make Knicks fans fall in love with you?
A: The intensity I play with will turn the fans on. I have a nose for the ball – if the ball goes nine rows up, I am going to go get it.
From Ryan (Hong Kong, China):
Q: Who is the person you looked up to growing up?
A: I always looked up to my father, Michael Balkman. Playing basketball with him and the older guys growing up gave me the heart to play with anybody.
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Q: What are your personal goals for the upcoming season? What areas did you focus on improving this summer?
A: I need to improve my jumper and all the skills to play the small forward. Isiah wants me to do that in the off-season, and that’s what I have been working on.
From Z Prince (Brooklyn, NY):
Q: Which Position are you looking forward to playing, the 3 or 4? Since you're really good at both, which position you feel best helps the team?
A: I will play any position that gets me on the floor. I am a basketball player. It doesn’t matter what position they have me playing. Where ever they want me to lineup, is great.
From Anthony Parrino (Port Chester, NY):
Q: David, last year you became a fan favorite due to your hustle and energy on the court. If only your desire could rub off on some of the older players on the team. Last year you led by example, do you see yourself being more vocal this year to try and inspire others?
A: Yes I do. It is something Isiah has talked to me about. To be more of a leader now that I am a veteran player is something I need to do.
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Q: Mardy, I have had season tickets since your junior year at Temple and know your ability quite well. My questions about your ability to step up your game for big games was easily put to rest when you dropped 28 on Duke despite leaving the game with an ankle injury. So my question for you is, how are you going to handle the New York media and fans who were disappointed with the Knicks pick and do not know you or your ability quite as well as people like me?
A: I really respect the New York media – they have a very important job to do. I am going to handle the New York media like I handled the Philadelphia media the same way. Philadelphia is a big town too, so I am sure I’ll be fine.
From David Guzman (New York City)
Q: Leadership is of great importance. In this city we've had great leaders on the Knicks. I've heard how you have a sort of "Cool Hand Luke" way about you in regards to your quick and efficient decision making skills, which is something we definitely need. Do you feel you'll be able to become a micro-manager on this particular team?, and Do you think you can bring this team together in every aspect of the game in order to achieve one goal?, whether that be a playoff appearance or a vast improvement over last season. I know it's a bit much to ask of a first year player, but we need NYK to return to it's original form. I wish y'all the best.
A: I plan on bringing my hard-working attitude to the New York Knicks. My teammates will see how hard I work and I am sure that will rub-off on everyone.
From Bernard Aguinaldo (Bristol, CT):
Q: Mardy, with an already full backcourt, what do you have to do to crack the rotation? I wish you success for the upcoming season.
A: I just have to work really hard and I have to shoot the ball well. I have to show the coaches all of my abilities and do what they tell me to improve my game. And hopefully, that leads to a shot in the rotation.
From Pedro Ortega (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico):
Q: What area of your game will surprise everyone (fans, teammates and opponents) in your rookie season?
A: I think people will be surprised by my athletic ability, I am pretty athletic and I can get up and down the floor. I can fill the lanes, hit open men and get to the basket.
