Comments on: Knicks’ Win Leaves Buckets Singing

By: Alex David, aka Short White Boy

Alex David, aka Short White Boy — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 02:22:42 +0000

Yeah, Toney’s been dang impressive, and yes, if he keeps up this same scoring average with his current rebounds, steals, assists, threes, then of course I think he’s got a shot, but as I said it’s more a question of will he be able consistently get the minutes and shots all season long. And not because I don’t think he can maintain his abilities, but because other guys will have good nights where you gotta play Fields, Chandler or whoever 30 minutes.

As for Aaron Brooks, I could see that even though he played well against the Lakers in the playoffs it could still feel like he came out of nowhere when he did it all last season because there seemed to be a bunch of people who dismissed his playoff performance since it was up against Derek Fisher. That’s been the prevailing thought that fast point guards can destroy Fish, so I think people took Brooks’ performance with a huge grain of salt. Sorta like how all the intelligent GMs in the league didn’t think Jerome James had transformed into a force after one decent playoff series for Seattle. Too bad our GM was Isiah. Anyway, I’m not necessarily disagreeing that Brooks shouldn’t have won, just that I think his full season performance could’ve felt like a surprise to many people.

By: bgalella

bgalella — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 23:44:04 +0000

When Aaron Brooks won it last season, I thought that was lame because following his great post season against the Lakers, was anyone really surprised he played so well?

I think the most improved player is someone that comes out of nowhere and makes an impact, but that’s just me.

By: bgalella

bgalella — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 23:23:55 +0000

You make good points, but through five games, Toney Douglas has doubled his scoring average, doubled his rebounding total and is averaging 2.5 steals per game. He’s had a tremendous year and entered it with zero expectations.

By: Alex David, aka Short White Boy

Alex David, aka Short White Boy — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 19:47:34 +0000

I’ve been loving Toney Tone, but Most Improved, Brendan? I mean the first two games it looked like it was Wilson Chandler would win that. And that Landry Fields would be a huge 35+ minute part of the rotation, rather than the 20 minuter he’s been the last few. The Knicks not only have some depth, but D’Antoni’s actually using it a bit, allowing guys like Landry, Wilson & Toney Tone to play more and thrive on nights they’ve got it going. But so far our rotation hasn’t settled enough for me to be convinced that TD’s gonna regularly get 30+ minutes/night. Particularly if Anthony Randolph and Kelenna Azubuike can eventually work their way into the rotation. So while I think Tone has the skilzzz, desire and ability to be a MIP candidate, it’s really really really hard for me to see him being assured of getting enough minutes all year long to make it a real probability.

But I am indeed loving his performances and don’t mean for my realism to be raining on your parade.

By: Derek Armour

Derek Armour — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 15:08:37 +0000

It’s a story we’ve seen before…player gets drafted for his defense, surprises with his offense (see Ewing, Sprewell etc.). Toney Douglas will be a very good player for a long long time in the NBA. His ability to shut down the other team’s point guard will lead to a lot of Knick wins. Under D’Antoni the Knicks will score points so disrupting the other team’s ability to start their offense will be huge this season and beyond.

By: Brendan Galella

Brendan Galella — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 00:04:47 +0000

I think the league can start etching Toney Douglas’ name on its Most Improved Player of the Year trophy, he’s been playing out of his mind. 30 points against Chicago, 19 points, 10 rebounds and five steals against Washington. Really surprised by what he’s been able to do this season.