Knicks Have Two Spots? We're Here for YOU!

by Scott Schroeder on Feb 20, 2009 11:00 AM EST in D-League News Comment 7 comments

Walker_russell_medium

Doing my usual perusal of all things D-League, I saw a post from the SB Nation Knicks blog, Posting & Toasting, who wrote:

- The deals open up two roster spots, which could mean a quick raid of the D-League. Patrick Mini-Ewing, anybody?

Next, I look over to Newsday and see:

The three-for-one deal opened two roster spots, which Walsh said the Knicks likely will fill with players out of the D-League (Will Conroy, Blake Ahearn or Patrick Ewing Jr.) or off the NBA waiver wire (Quincy Douby).

Well, these names are better, I suppose. If I'm the Knicks however, I don't put Patrick Ewing Jr. in the mix at all. I mean, he's coming off the bench in the D-League. Who would I look to, you ask?

The best player in the D-League right now is Pops Mensah-Bonsu. Although Bakersfield stymied him last night, holding him to just 22 points and 11 boards (both below his season averages of 25 and 12), he still did work. You can read more about Pops here.

If you're looking at a point guard, which makes sense with Anthony Roberson gone, Conroy and Ahearn are both good choices, but since Walker Russell Jr. got a tryout last season, I wouldn't be surprised to see him get another chance to show what he can do. After all, now that he's actually proven he can do something, why wouldn't you?

Russell got a shot with the Knicks at the beginning of the 2007 season after averaging 5.6 points and 3.6 assists in the D-League. That's not good. This season he's averaging 16 points, 11 assists, and four rebounds per game. Plus, he's got the Patrick Ewing Jr. family connections. He's the nephew of Campy Russell and his dad is a scout for the Knicks.

So, Donnie Walsh, do the right thing.

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someone

on posting and toasting wants rod benson. thoughts? and are there any shot blockers in the dleague? i just don’t know these dudes.

but i believe pops was in the nba for at least a cup of coffee. i remember thinking walker russell was good but not anything better than a guy like mike wilks or something.

by stingy d on Feb 21, 2009 12:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Rod Benson is good

He was best rebounder in the D-League last season, had a 28 and 28. This year, he’s the sixth man for the Wizards, so I’m not sure if you can call him up off the bench.
Pops is the best shot blocker. Cheikh Samb, if he comes in, would be the best if not Pops.

Walker Russell isn’t great, but he’s at least as good as Anthony Roberson. Definitely can run the offense better.

Ridiculous? I think Not.
Upside? Plenty.
RidiculousUpside

by Scott Schroeder on Feb 21, 2009 1:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

roberson was not capable

his handle was worse than shaky. and he was just simply incapable of setting anyone up. and he didn’t even make his open jumpers. he choked every chance he got basically. i remember russell from summer league and he was nice. calm and collected type of fella.

i feel like if we need to get a player it’s gonna be someone who can block shots and/or shoot from the perimeter.

by stingy d on Feb 21, 2009 2:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hmm

Block shots — Pops or possibly Dwayne Jones (From the Magic)
Perimeter shooting — Blake Ahearn. 46% from 3 — 93-for-204.

Ridiculous? I think Not.
Upside? Plenty.
RidiculousUpside

by Scott Schroeder on Feb 21, 2009 6:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

looking at pops on you tube

this guy is somethin!

by stingy d on Feb 21, 2009 6:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Pops is good

So is Blake, if you’re looking for a long distance shooter.
Regardless, I’m disappointed, the Knicks haven’t called anyone up yet.

Ridiculous? I think Not.
Upside? Plenty.
RidiculousUpside

by Scott Schroeder on Feb 22, 2009 2:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i bet

the marbury situation gets settled (or unsettled) before we move forward. also i would imagine d’antoni would want to see how his new players pan out before considering what he needs next.

donnie walsh has not made a knee jerk reaction up to this point in his tenure, and it may be possible that he’s never jerked his knee once in his life. so i can’t imagine we’ll see one now.

i’m sure people have pulled his leg though… (yeesh)

by stingy d on Feb 22, 2009 7:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

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