New York Knicks - 2016 Press Conference

[Inner_GI]

Inner_GI: Good morning everyone. Thanks for making the trip. Last season was a huge turning point for this organization, and we won 50+ games for the first time since 2009. It was a long time coming, but the young-vet core we put together with Lin, Bazemore, and Parsons really carried the load last year. Matthews and Luc as our veteran leaders were outstanding, and Jokic continues to be the indicator of how far this team will or will not go.

We squeaked by the Bulls in the first round of the playoffs, and could not manage to get past the heat without our fully healthy squad, but the goal was the make the playoffs, and we crushed that goal by winning the division and being the #3 seed out east.

This year we expect more of the same - Challenge for the division and get to the conference finals. We had a pretty good start in training camp with Lin, Bazemore, Parsons, Chet, and Jokic all showing great promise in their games. Wes Matthews suffered a minor knee injury in camp. We are hoping this doesn't affect he performance on the court, as he is the guy that really gets this offense moving. Henson hasn't show his commitment to the team since we match the Bobcats offer. We understand that Henson wanted to go back to North Carolina, but we thought he and Jokic were a very good tandem. I will have a 1 on 1 discussion with Henson to discuss his long term commitment to this team. I expect him to stay late and regain his form with our assistant coaches.

Any questions?

[JNR]

GWR: How do you see this team defensively?

[NOLa.]

It's no secret that Mbah a Moute was the glue that propelled your team to win the division last season. Who do you think steps up to fill that role on your team now? Are you hoping to trade for either Mbah or another defensive piece?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[garbageman]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: With John Henson looking out of form, what does your starting lineup look like? Will it be different from last year?

[Inner_GI]

GWR: How do you see this team defensively?

One of the worsts in the league. Simple. Losing Henson to TC and Luc to FA, we are going to have to rely on offensive output to win games.

[Inner_GI]

It's no secret that Mbah a Moute was the glue that propelled your team to win the division last season. Who do you think steps up to fill that role on your team now? Are you hoping to trade for either Mbah or another defensive piece?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm looking to make a move for a more well-rounded wing at SF, and utilize Parsons as a 6th man at SF/PF. Luc was definitely the glue. He left to play in the west. It's easier over there.

[Inner_GI]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: With John Henson looking out of form, what does your starting lineup look like? Will it be different from last year?

So far, we are still playing around with the starting lineup, but if Henson gets some training before the season starts, it will be

C: Jokic
PF: Henson
SF: Bazemore
SG: Matthews
PG: Lin
6th: Parsons
7th: Dooley

We are flirting with the idea of starting parsons at PF like we did in the playoffs to great success.

[kucoach7]

It is well known you've shopped Dooley. Do you think it more likely that he gets shipped off for a star or that he stays and feeds Jokic for the rest of his life?

[78#]

Bump

[WigNosy]

Do you feel Jokic is ready to make an all-star team this year?

[IamQuailman]

I think it's possible that Chandler Parsons could become the unsung hero of this team. You have him listed as your 6th man, but do you see it possible that he could fight his way into the starting line-up?

[Conroy]

Sports Guy Bill Simmons here, which team do you see as your main hurdle to completing your goal of winning the Atlantic Division?

[Inner_GI]

It is well known you've shopped Dooley. Do you think it more likely that he gets shipped off for a star or that he stays and feeds Jokic for the rest of his life?

Our priorities are to win now, and Dooley is a prospect. We have tried offering Dooley with multiple picks to upgrade at the 2,3 or 4 position. We are still working out a potential long term home for Dooley. If no arrangement is met, Dooley offers us a great backup to Lin and a starter when needed.

So what happens? I don't know. I'm trying to put the best team on the court.

[Inner_GI]

Do you feel Jokic is ready to make an all-star team this year?

Nope. He doesn't score like All-Star big men.

[Inner_GI]

I think it's possible that Chandler Parsons could become the unsung hero of this team. You have him listed as your 6th man, but do you see it possible that he could fight his way into the starting line-up?

Probably not. I want to have Parsons take advantage of backups at the 3 and 4, even though he started at PF in the playoffs.

[Inner_GI]

Sports Guy Bill Simmons here, which team do you see as your main hurdle to completing your goal of winning the Atlantic Division?

Injuries or 76ers.

[78#]

Craig Biggio - Houston Chronicle: - With Henson's struggle in TC, how much more minutes could that lead to for a guy like Cole Aldrich who has strong defensive abilities?

[Inner_GI]

BREAKING NEWS: Knicks trade former #6 pick, Chet Dooley and Cash, to the 76ers for former #5 pick Gary Harris

[Inner_GI]

Craig Biggio - Houston Chronicle: - With Henson's struggle in TC, how much more minutes could that lead to for a guy like Cole Aldrich who has strong defensive abilities?

We brought in Cole and Tyler to provide cover at the C and PF positions. We didn't expect to be considering them as starters, but it is a possibility. Henson still has the game to start in this league, but he won't be the clear #1 choice anymore.

[RPF]

Chris Christie, Star-Ledger: What role will Gary Harris have on this roster? You know why I'm here.....

[Bowtothebill23]

How do you see Gary Harris and Wes Matthews playing this season?

[Inner_GI]

Chris Christie, Star-Ledger: What role will Gary Harris have on this roster? You know why I'm here.....

He's the starting SG. He offers more offensive power than Bazemore at the 2.

[Inner_GI]

How do you see Gary Harris and Wes Matthews playing this season?

We are moving Matthews to the 3. His current quickness is probably best suited guarding 3s in this league, atm.

Project lineup
Lin
Harris
Matthews
Parsons
Jokic

[NickMalone77]

Nick Melon; The Advocate: Was it true that JR Smith was enamored with NY's Pipe Fitters organization that led him to sign with the Knicks?

[Inner_GI]

Nick Melon; The Advocate: Was it true that JR Smith was enamored with NY's Pipe Fitters organization that led him to sign with the Knicks?