Jeremy Tyler

Charlie Widdoes

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Summer League Lookback: Knicks Thrive in Vegas

LAS VEGAS -- As the Knicks await the tournament stage of Summer League, they find themselves in a much different position than they were a year ago; a more talented roster, combined with a collective focus instilled by a new coaching staff, has propelled this group to a 3-0 start. In the process, they’ve provided hope for the upcoming season with their enthusiasm and inspired team play.

These (mostly) young Knicks are in the early stages of learning the Triangle offense, but for the most part, they are making it look easy. And when it stalls, they go back to basics: communicate more, cut harder, and make a play for a teammate.

Perhaps they’re running a simplified version of what is known as one of the most complex systems in basketball, but the team has bought in and the results are promising; they’ve won their three games by an average of 12.3 points – two blowouts and a gritty, two-point victory over Portland in which they rallied back to win on a Shane Larkin runner.

“You keep on grinding it out,” says Tim Hardaway Jr., who has been one of the Knicks’ most vocal leaders while pouring in 20.7 points per game. “Keep on communicating, keep on being passionate and things will work out.”

His players credit coach Derek Fisher and his staff for emphasizing trust and teamwork and thanks to the high-character makeup of the roster, New York has thrived in an atmosphere usually dominated by isolation play and communication breakdowns.

“We’re working together as a team, that’s the main thing,” said eight-year veteran and Triangle expert Shannon Brown, after New York demolished Charlotte by 23 points on Monday. “The coaches are doing a great job of explaining the triangle and what we’re trying to accomplish out there and we’re making it happen. We’re just out there having fun playing basketball and learning in the process.”

Both the fun and the learning are evident when you watch this team play. In less than two weeks, Fisher – who elected to coach the squad because he was anxious to “get after it” – and his staff have them embracing the nuances of a new system, making effort plays and constantly encouraging each other on the court and from the sidelines.

On a team full of great teammates, no one embodies this spirit more than Thanasis “Tenacious” Antetokounmpo, the exuberant rookie who knows his limitations but won’t let them slow him down: “I’m a good defensive player. I play hard every time, 100 percent effort. And the offense, I make everybody else comfortable.”

It’s no accident that this group has been such a joy to watch play together. There’s no shortage of talent, but Larkin’s teammates echo his contention that the combination of team-first players and strong leadership have made this a unique situation.

“That’s something that’s emphasized throughout the coaching staff,” he says. “If you’re not playing, you’re just as important as the guy on the court making the plays. That’s the kind of guys we brought in, but also the emphasis the coaching staff put on that side of the game.”

This approach has carried the Knicks through their first three games and allowed them to stay together when things inevitably get bogged down. Against the Blazers, they struggled with spacing in the first half, but because they communicated and kept fighting, they were in position to win at the end.

Although these wins won’t count toward the Knicks’ playoff push this coming season, important work is being done to build a culture that will; no fewer than five Summer Knicks figure to play significant roles in New York’s rotation, so Fisher’s players are gaining valuable experience.

“The first thing he always says is trust your teammates and play for each other,” says Jeremy Tyler, who has looked very comfortable as a facilitator out of the pinch post while averaging 11.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per contest.

The next test comes on Thursday as New York opens tournament play against the winner of Denver and the D-League select team at 10:30pm EST. 

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Chemistry Key for Undefeated Summer Knicks

The Knicks concluded their Summer League regular season schedule with a resounding 95-72 victory over Charlotte on Monday afternoon. Against a Hornets front line that includes two top-10 draft picks, New York attacked early and played with energy throughout to remain undefeated.

Point guard Langston Galloway erupted for 15 of his 17 points in the second quarter to propel his team to a 62-31 halftime advantage. Jeremy Tyler led all scorers with 19 points and added eight rebounds, while Tim Hardaway Jr. continued his hot shooting with 17 points on 3-of-5 shooting from downtown.

 The Knicks will now wait to find out their next opponent as they advance to the tournament stage.

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Knicks Offense Explodes to Beat Charlotte, 95-72

The Knicks' entry in this year's Las Vegas Summer League should be one of the most talented groups in the desert, thanks in large part to a crew of high-upside young players with NBA experience under their belts. In Part I of our #KnicksSL14 preview, we take a look at some familiar faces who figure to create plenty of highlights for new coach Derek Fisher and his staff.

As Aldrich prepares to embark on his fifth NBA season, he will try to build on the development he showed down the stretch run last year in New York. The big man proved he’s a capable rebounder and low post scorer, as well as a model teammate who is ready to give the team solid minutes whenever his number is called. Initially a reserve, he earned significant playing time over the last few games and responded with two dominant performances to close out the year. He’ll be out to show a new coaching staff that he can contribute to the cause this season.

As an 8-year veteran, Brown’s presence on the roster might raise a few eyebrows, but his knowledge of the triangle offense and familiarity with Phil Jackson and Fisher make him a perfect fit as a veteran mentor. He’ll be with the team in Vegas to help a very talented roster come together under a new system. How much he plays is uncertain.

Perhaps the main attraction of the Knicks’ Summer League entry, Hardaway returns for his second stint in Vegas looking to expand his game and take on more of a leadership role. After finishing as a 1st team All-Rookie selection, his defense and off-the-dribble game are among the areas he’ll be working on for these next few weeks. He was limited last summer because of a wrist injury, but is likely to play at least two or three games this year. His NBA experience, 3-point stroke and athleticism should make him a very difficult cover, especially with such talented teammates surrounding him.

Larkin was the 18th overall pick in last year’s NBA Draft, but his rookie season was marred by injury as a broken ankle in Summer League practice limited him to 48 games. After being traded to New York, Larkin said he’s looking forward to a fresh start as part of a new system with the Knicks. He was one of the most efficient pick-and-roll point guards during his time at the University of Miami and should have an opportunity to flourish in that role playing alongside capable NBA big men and gifted scoring wings to convert his passes into assists.

Tyler impressed in Summer League a year ago and translated his success into a spot on the Knicks’ roster once he recovered from a stress fracture in his foot. Once he made it onto the court, he showcased his refined offensive skill set and outstanding athleticism for a player his size. As part of a potentially imposing frontcourt duo with Aldrich, it’s unclear how much Tyler will play, but his participation in this week of practice should be helpful as he learns the triangle offense.

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Knicks Summer League Preview: The Veterans

marketing

NEW YORK, July 3, 2014– The New York Knickerbockers today announced the roster for its entry in the 2014 NBA Summer League, to be held in Las Vegas from Jul. 11-21. All-Rookie First-Team selection guard Tim Hardaway Jr., center Cole Aldrich, forward Jeremy Tyler and guard Shane Larkin headline the 14-man roster, which also features two second-round draft selections, forwards Cleanthony Early and Thanasis Antetokounmpo.

New York’s entry will play a minimum of five games in the tournament-style format, with games scheduled to be held at Cox Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. New York’s first game is scheduled for Friday, Jul. 11 against Dallas at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time. All Knicks games will air live on MSG Network, marking the eighth consecutive year that the network has provided full coverage of the NBA Summer League.

2014 New York Knicks Summer League Roster: 

No  Player                     Pos   Ht     Wt    Born                College/Country                2013-14 Team                 Yrs

45   Cole Aldrich            C   6-11  245   Oct. 31, 1988     Kansas/USA                       New York/NBA                      4

43   Thanasis Antetokounmpo  F    6-7   215   Jul. 17, 1992    Greece                        Delaware/D-League            R

26   Shannon Brown         G    6-4   205   Nov. 29, 1985  Michigan State/USA             New York/NBA                    8

17   Cleanthony Early        F    6-8   219   Apr. 17, 1991   Wichita State/USA                Wichita State/NCAA           R

14   Langston Galloway     G    6-2   202   Dec. 9, 1991    Saint Joseph’s/USA              Saint Joseph’s/NCAA         R

5    Tim Hardaway Jr.       G    6-6   205   Mar. 16, 1992   Michigan/USA                       New York/NBA                 1

40   Jordan Henriquez       C   6-11  250   Aug. 29, 1989  Kansas State/USA                Rio Grande/D-League       R

25   Zane Johnson            G    6-6   210   Aug. 1, 1989    Hawaii/USA                          Canton/D-League             R

0    Shane Larkin              G   5-11  176   Oct. 2, 1992     Miami (FL)/USA                    Dallas/NBA                        1

50   Cameron Moore         F   6-10  230   Nov. 12, 1990  Alabama-Birmingham/USA   Casserta/Italy                   R

35   Will Sheehey              F    6-7   200   Jan. 16, 1992   Indiana/USA                         Indiana/NCAA                    R

6    Brandon Triche          G    6-4   210   Feb. 1, 1991    Syracuse/USA                      Trento/Italy                        R

4    Jeremy Tyler              F    6-9   250   Jun. 12, 1991   San Diego HS (CA)/USA        New York/NBA                    3

55   Jordan Vandenberg   C    7-1   245   Mar. 25, 1990   North Carolina State/USA   North Carolina State/NCAA   R

Head Coach: Derek Fisher (Arkansas- Little Rock)

Head Athletic Trainer: Roger Hinds (Brooklyn College)

Associate Athletic Trainer: Anthony Goenaga (Long Island University)

                   Friday, Jul. 11......................... vs. Dallas........................... 1:00 p.m.

                   Saturday, Jul. 12..................... vs. Portland........................ 1:00 p.m.

                   Monday, Jul. 14....................... vs. Charlotte...................... 1:00 p.m.

                   Jul. 16-21............................... Tournament Play......................... TBD

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Knicks Announce Las Vegas Summer League Roster

Jonah Ballow

Two of the Knicks up-and comers-are still making an impact despite missing this year’s playoffs.  Just in the nick of time, Toure’ Murry and Jeremy Tyler surprised Sam Rivera at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains on Wednesday afternoon.  Rivera was about to check out of the hospital before Murry and Tyler quickly jumped at the opportunity to make a lasting impact in Rivera’s life.

“Sam was totally surprised that the players came to visit him just coming off the season.  He couldn’t be happier and said the first thing he was going to do was to tell his son,” said Richard Sgaglio, Director, Marketing and External relations.

Rivera calls Ossining, N.Y. home and suffered a spinal cord injury in a Metro North derailment in December 2013.  After four months of arduous rehab work, Rivera received the exciting visit while preparing to return home. 

Murry and Tyler also spent time with several of the patients during the trip to the hospital.  This story is one glowing example of the time spent in the community for several members of the Knicks organization.

Visit the community section for more stories.

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Murry and Tyler's Surprise Visit

Statistically Speaking: Played in 41 games (9.7 mpg). Averaged 13.2 points and 9.9 rebounds per 36 minutes.

Year in Review: Timing was an issue for Tyler all season. After catching the coaching staff’s eye by flashing his immense potential for the Knicks’ Summer League entry in Las Vegas, he spent the next few months working his way back from a broken foot. By the time he had recovered, so too had Tyson Chandler from the broken leg he suffered just a few games into the season.

With Chandler back, Amar’e Stoudemire on the verge of his healthiest season since 2010-11 and fellow big man Cole Aldrich making strides as a solid rebounder and rim protector, Tyler faced an uphill battle for minutes. In limited action, he did showcase the athleticism and shooting touch after joining the club just after the new year.

But after waiting his turn, he busted out in his 10th game, a blowout win in Boston. In 23 minutes, he connected on 7-of-9 shots for 17 points, with five rebounds and two blocks. Over the next few weeks, he delivered his best performances of the year as a reliable big off the bench while the Knicks began their second-half surge.

Season Highlight: The offensive explosion in Boston was not only a season best, but a sign of how dominant he has the potential to be; not many players his size can move like he does and score in so many different ways. He can run the court, finish at the rim or step back and knock down jumpers. Players with such upside will always get chances to play, but producing results like he did from late January through mid February –- during which he averaged 7.6 points (on 56.4 percent shooting) and 4.6 rebounds in 14.5 minutes per game -- could go a long way toward establishing him as a rotation-caliber NBA big man.

Looking Ahead: Tyler ran into some tough luck with injuries and established veterans ahead of him on the depth chart, but how he responds to his experience this season will be crucial to his success going forward. He made strides on both ends of the floor and has a bright future ahead if he can continue to refine his game as he enters his age-23 season. He shot 50 percent (12-for-24) from 10-16 feet this season and if he can get stronger and refine his footwork, he has a chance to become a devastating weapon in the pick-and-roll.

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Season in Review: Jeremy Tyler

Three NBA teams, two D-League teams, and a broken foot all in one year tested the mental fortitude of Jeremy Tyler. At the moment, dripping in sweat, proudly wearing a Knicks practice jersey, it’s easy to understand why a strong sense of happiness overwhelms the 22-year old while he recalls the roller coaster of events that led to a roster spot on his favorite team.

“I’m an emotional guy. I feel, sometimes I just want to cry in joy,” Tyler revealed.

Tyler took an unconventional path prior to suiting up for one of the marquee franchises in the NBA: The San Diego native decided to forgo his senior season of high school in an unprecedented move overseas to play international basketball. By skipping the year of college action, Tyler became eligible for the 2011 NBA Draft. Following seasons in Israel and Japan, the forward was selected 39th overall by the Charlotte Bobcats before being dealt to the Golden State Warriors.

A stop in Atlanta, a trip back to Golden State, a stint in the Summer League and ultimately the D-League was not the NBA dream Tyler once envisioned.

“You get to the NBA and it’s so much, so much going on and off the court and even on the court. It can be tough to handle,” Tyler explained.

Tyler realized the D-League was the perfect place to hone his skills at the time – not Israel, Japan, or even the NBA. The D-League offers a commodity the NBA lacks for prospects out of the rotation: playing time. As an assignment player for the Santa Cruz Warriors, Tyler drove to the games, played 40 minutes and drove right back home while returning to the Golden State Warriors. In contrast, he was also a member of the Santa Cruz club when not designated on assignment. The new CBA allows for a player to be sent down as many times as possible during the season as opposed to a limit of three times as stated in the previous CBA.

“I think the D-League is one of the hardest leagues to play in as far as mentality wise but I think guys that just work hard, that really work hard that accept where they are and don’t view it as a negative, they can easily find that niche they had to get them where they were at initially” Tyler disclosed.

Here’s where the conundrum exists for players in the D-League: They have to balance playing well enough to be noticed as an individual while adhering to team principles in order to win games. There was a period of time when Tyler fell into a natural trap of trying to score 25-30 points a game in the D-League but he eventually discovered the right mindset to achieve future success in the NBA.

“You have to fulfill a role and that comes with being a professional and not minimizing your talents but understanding where your talents can best help a team and then maximize that,” Tyler insisted.

He added, “For me, I can go out and score but right now the Knicks organization needs someone with energy, that runs the floor hard, plays defense, rile up the team, is young, just flying all over the place. And that’s exactly what I viewed the team needed when I was in the D-League.”

The D-League created a space for Tyler to find his role. According to nbadleague.com, more than 30 percent of current NBA players have experience in the NBA Development League. Notable players with stops in the D-League include: Jeremy Lin, Chris Anderson, Marcin Gortat, Matt Barnes, and Toure Murry, Shannon Brown, and Tyler for the Knicks.

“A lot of those guys are kind of teetering the fence being able to play at this level in our league and some of them just need that break,” responded Knicks head coach Mike Woodson.

On Monday morning, the NBADL, New York Knicks, and Westchester County announced the formalization of an agreement to bring a New York Knicks affiliated NBA Development League franchise to Westchester, New York. The move from Erie to Westchester will provide prospects close proximity to the Knicks Training Center, which is located in Tarrytown, New York. The relationship between the affiliates and NBA franchises should continue to grow stronger as more and more teams utilize the D-League to develop their players.

Tyler and the Knicks are one glowing example of a team and player reaping the rewards of the D-League. He traveled the world searching for a basketball career but his D-League experiences in Santa Cruz and Erie ultimately provided the development needed to reach the NBA.