Doug’s Sports Rap – Knicks Continue to Develop

The Golden State Warriors are 19-0, The Philadelphia 76ers are 1-18, and right in the middle are the New York Knicks at 8-10.

I said at the start of preseason that Knicks fans will have to be patient as this team developes, and almost 20 games into the new season, they are starting to find some things to build on.

The development of Knicks 1st round pick Kristaps Porzingis has been a pleasant surprise  for the team and its fans, despite the rookie mistakes, this kid seems to get better and more focused as the season moves forward.

The Knicks other first round pick Jerian Grant has shown his speed and ability to attack the paint, the press said he was a wash, but I think the press will be eating those words for breakfast by mid season.

Free agent Arron Affalo, who was injured at the start of the season is starting to find his game, scoring 31 points against Houston on Sunday night.

Robin Lopez has been good in the paint, he's missed some easy lay ups, but he makes up for it in blocks and boards.

Lance Thomas, Langston Galloway, Lou Amundson, Derrick Williams, Kevin Serephin, and Kyle O'Quinn have had some good moments.

Carmello Anthony continues to be the team leader, and I think going into these next 20 games you will see more of a team philosophy, and less isolation on his part.

Look for Coach Derek Fisher to make some decisions regarding players and their minutes, I think he's still going through the evaluation process, using almost the entire bench, look for that to change.

The Knicks have had a tough schedule these first 15 to 20 games, they have played the Cavs, Rockets and Heat twice, the world champion Spurs, the Thunder and the Hornets, all playoff teams with experienced teams.

I think this has been a great learning process for this team, expect some improvement over the next 20 games,

Go Knicks!