SB Nation User Blog: ForeignFlopper

Criteria For a Successful Season

ForeignFlopper — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:33:11 -0000

So we've discussed and dissected this team's potential endlessly already (what else do we have to do in the offseason?), but I figured that I would throw my 2 cents into the overflowing change bucket. I haven't really posted much here at P&T, but I'm the stereotypical graduate student who loves nothing more than to read his own writing. It is in this spirit that I present some of my expectations for our lovely Knickerbockers for the upcoming season.

Despite what the media, Donnie Walsh, and the majority of pundits believe about the 2009-2010 Knicks season, I truly believe that it is actually important. Seth has mentioned this before, so I'm simply regurgitating his comments, but this season can make or break next summer's free agency. I'm very skeptical of the sports media's collective belief that the 2010 free agents will automatically sign with New York because they want to play in New York. One argument that is always trumpted by ESPN, etc. is that players can make more money in New York. My degree is in English, not Economics or Marketing, but I'm fairly confident that guys like LeBron and Wade have no trouble making money in small- or mid-markets. These guys are global icons, regardless of whether they play in New York, Boston, Memphis, or OKC.

One argument that is almost never made by the national media is the simplest: winning. I realize that I'm only a fan and not an expert, but I tend to believe that LeBron, Wade, and Bosh are going to sign with the team that gives them the best opportunity to win. These men are smart and know that their legacy will be dependent on the number of championships they win (if any). Compare our percpetions of Charles Barkley (zero championships) or Karl Malone (also zero) as players with Tim Duncan (4 championships, 3 Finals MVP's)...Yeah Duncan's probably better, but you don't think the championships have something to do with it?

As biased as we are, I think we all can agree that the 2010 Knicks are not winning it all...or probably even making the playoffs. However, there is hope for this season, namely Jordan Hill, Toney Douglas, Danilo Gallinari, and Wilson Chandler. As far as I'm concerned, these guys are our core. I love Nate and Lee to death, but my gut tells me they won't be wearing blue and orange next season. If we're going to ~~sucker~~ sign a major free agent next summer, at least two of these four need to have a strong season. That is my sole expectation for this season's team. If three of them having strong showing, then I will be ectastic. I will s**t myself if all four look good. Some individual thoughts:

Jordan: I'd like to see him as a starter or 3rd big by the end of the season. He needs to run the floor well and show that he can be the ideal-D'Antoni big. Let's be realistic, we're not going to see Amare 2.0, but Jason Thompson or Carl Landry would be great.

Toney: He need to do what Toney do. Also, demonstrating that he's a solid back-up point would be nice too. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten to watch him much, but do you guys think the next-Delonte West is out of reach?

Danilo: He needs to be the Messiah. That way if we whiff in the summer, we aren't completely f**ked.

Wilson: If Wilson can become a more efficient scorer while putting up the same kind of numbers as last season, then I'll be happy.

So there's my expectations for our core. Frankly, if I had to choose between these four having strong showings or making the playoffs, I'd have to choose the former. On a more sentimental note, I'd really love for Nate and Lee to look great, so that someone (probably not the Knicks) puts up the big money. Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to see if my expectations come to fruition, as I'm spending the next six months in Thailand, and I'm guessing they don't have NBA coverage. I'm really relying on P&T this season, not to put any pressure on Seth or anything.

Ziller lists Manu as #12 on his list

ForeignFlopper — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:43:03 -0000

Fanhouse

Tom Ziller of Fanhouse has been ranking his 50 best players. Tony was # 25. Manu's #12. Where'll see Timmy falls. y guess is Timmy will be #4 or #5 on his list. If he falls below #7 (or KG) then he got hosed.

Personally, I agree with what he has to say about both Manu and Tony (especially Manu's efficiency on offense). And (thankfully) he says almost nothing about flopping. It's such a cop-out when people use flopping as an arguement against Manu's greatness.

The Spurs Kick Ass in Video Games Too

ForeignFlopper — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:48:01 -0000

So I recently got NBA 2k8 for PS3, and (naturally) I've been dominating Association mode (Dynasty mode) with the Spurs. Tim Duncan is rid-Duncan-ulous in the post. You know the arcade-fighter games like Street Fighter and Mortal Combat? There's always one character who has one move (usually something incredibly obnoxious but also effective like a jab) that, if you time it right, can never be blocked so you can just use it over and over again until you win. Well, that's Tim Duncan in the post in 2k8. Seriously, in my season Duncan is averaging over 12 pts. (in 5 min. quarters) and is shooting over 73% from the field. Playing as the Spurs is just not fair, but, really, that's how it should be.

Spurs' Future Prospects

ForeignFlopper — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:59:31 -0000

Like everyone else, I've been totally caught up in the playoffs. But the other day, I began wondering about the Spurs' future prospects. We drafted Tiago Splitter, and from what I've seen and heard about him, he could be a good find for us. However, I could also see the Spurs going the "El Cheapo" route (see Luis Scola) and trading away his rights for nothing. I've also heard some about Ian Mahinmi--apparently he's a beast. Anyway, regardless of how we do in the playoffs this season, we really should be looking towards the future. Frenchie and Red Rocket are the only players on the roster UNDER 30. Basically, the Spurs are old as fuck and the front office needs to start thinking about acquiring some players who aren't rotting on the court. As I said though, I don't know too much about either Splitter or Mahinmi, so I was wondering if anyone is familiar with either of these guys and their future with the Spurs.