Don't Hurt 'em, Just Knick 'em

After consecutive Knicks drubbings it's time to take a look at what we've learned the past two days (if anything). It's hard to determine anything from the preseason, but you never want to get beaten soundly on consecutive nights like that. The Knicks team on the court last night did not look different from last years team at all: sloppy play (on both ends), tons of turnovers, missed free throws, poor rebounding and weak defense. Luckily the Knicks still have some time to get things in order.
A couple random things I found interesting:
1. Eddy Curry is 25 years old and he's a 7 year veteran. That is completely ridiculous. Eddy made some positive strides in his game last year and the same can be expected this year. Each year he learns more and more to help tone his game.
2. Eddy and Jamal really love each other. Watching them throw those back door oops is a thing of beauty. It helps that they've been playing with each other dating back to their days in Chicago.
3. It'll be interesting to see how Eddy does from the line this year. He will (should) be getting to the line 8-12 times a game (easily). While I don't think anyone expects him to shoot +80% from the line, the 70-75% range is very possible. This is part of his game that he needs to develop. With the amount he gets fouled he needs to be consistent from the line. Didn't do so hot last night going 5-12. On a side note Jared Jeffries, who was maybe the worst free throw shooter of all time last year, showed some nice improvement going 6-6 from the line. (watching him from the line last year was one of the more entertaining things in the knicks season)
4. Jamal Magloire gave David Lee the business last night. Magloire was busting his ass down on the block and D. Lee couldn't do shit on the offensive end (was really hurling up the bricks last night). It'll be interesting to see what D. Lee's jumper will be about this year. Can he make it with any consistency? I'm not so sure. One person who has been impressive from outside so far is Wilson Chandler. He's been stroking some 3 balls and has shown a nice little touch.
5. Quintin Richardson could really be a difference maker for the Knicks. While they don't really need his scoring, he's got a nice little touch from outside, busts his ass on the defensive end and rebounds. He's one of the few positive clubhouse influences on the Knicks. Hopefully some of the younger Knicks will follow Qs lead.
6. I hope someone else saw Steph's gear last night. I've been trying to find a picture of it, but not luck so far. A really ridiculous blue suit. Really wonderful stuff.
7. It's good to know that with about 10 days before the Knicks kick off the season Isiah still has no real idea of what the rotation is going to be. He's got a tough job because he's compiled a roster full of mediocre players who all deserve a little bit of time. The Knicks need to learn to h play together and they can't really do that until they get a sense of who they will be playing with. The Knicks are consistently beat by teams that are less talented but know how to play together. On paper the knicks might have hte most stocked team in the league, but it obviously doesn't mean shit.
8. The Allen Houston comeback tour is all but done. Isiah didn't have him dress for the game last night, and i think it's pretty obvious that Dolan (good golf buddies with H20) pretty much forced Isiah to take him on. Which is not really a problem, as long as he doesn't force Isiah to keep him.

- In an unrelated matter, I want to offer my condolences to all you Yankee fans for the loss of Joe Torre. Gotta respect Joe Torre, and his decision not to come back. Why the hell would he sign a one year deal. He'll find himself in the exact same situation last year, and probably have to hear about his contract status throughout the year. He obviously doesn't need the money, so why put yourself in a bad situation like that. Props and respect to Mr. Torre.