With next season in mind …
-
- April
- 6
Since we’ve all pretty much realized it’s time for the Knicks to move on, now is a good time for a little note I picked up from David Lee on the art of shooting those dreaded free throws.
The Knicks are shooting 72 percent from the line this season, which ranks 26th in the league. Only the Warriors, Magic, Cavaliers and Heat are worse.
It’s the deficiency Knicks coach Isiah Thomas believes has cost at least a half dozen wins. Maybe even more. And it’s hard to argue the point.
Lee shot 57.7 percent from the line last season.
When an opponent fouled the energetic rookie, a couple of my colleagues along press row would utter the familiar 1-for-2 refrain. And usually, they were right.
Lee spent a lot of time over the summer working on free throws and is shooting 81.5 percent from the line this season.
“I think the biggest thing is just feeling comfortable at the line,� he said. “Last year, I used to go to the free throw line thinking, ‘Don’t miss. Don’t miss. Don’t miss.’ For me it was just taking my time and staying in rhythm up there. And once you make a couple, it’s a lot easier because a big part of it is mental.�
Fixing the problem on the fly is apparently impossible. I can’t tell you how many free throws are shot following every practice and shoot-around. There hasn’t been a lot of improvement to speak of.
“Over the summer is the easiest time to improve on it,� Lee said. “As a team, we’ve had guys miss free throws who normally make them. It hasn’t been the guys who usually struggle from the free throw line, necessarily. But it’s something you can get better when you regain confidence through repetition over the summer.�
Eddy Curry is the one player who needs to improve the most.
He ranks fifth in the league in free throw attempts, but is only good from the line 60.8 percent of the time.
Think about this, if the developing big man shoots 70 percent from the line this season, that’s another 54 points on the scoreboard. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but the Knicks have lost eight games by two points or less.
This entry was posted
on Friday, April 6th, 2007 at 12:12 pm by Mike Dougherty.
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E-City’s problem is that he does not bend his knees. His shot is all arms and although he puts enough rotation and arc on the ball, he will not succeed consistently until he bends at the knee.
E-whaty ??? He ain’t E-nothin’ until he wins something last time I checked E-Fatty has done squat in NY, well squat and a new tattoo on his chest to profess an injustice. ;c/
Hey Brandon what have you ever won in your life? Just curious because I dont see you making 9 mill a year and winning games for the Knicks.
Looking forward to next year, there are still some major problems to be addressed in addition to improving free throw shooting and cutting the turnovers in half.
– Jeffries needs a jump shot and about 10 pounds of muscle. – Frye needs to be stronger and tougher both mentally and physically. – Crawford needs to learn to play with discipline, to protect possessions and to become a better passer. – Q’s back isn’t getting better any time soon. We can’t count on him so we still need a deep threat. – Nate needs to be a pro, not a punk. – Lee needs to get stronger, extend his range and to become a better defender all around. – Curry needs to learn to play D and block shots. – Balkman must improve his jumper and perfect his handle. – Collins must get a little stronger and shoot about 10,000 3s this summer. – Randolph Morris needs to step up and take Big Snacks’ job. – Steve Francis needs a hearty thanks, and a heartier adios. – Steph needs to rest. Period. – Isiah needs to watch every game this season over again and realize that he needs to defend the 3 pt line. The idea that you can stop a team inside, let them shoot 3s, and win is absurd.
That’s right Sam; no matter how much Curry blows. He will still have a better life than us shmucks who pay his salary. The fans give this bozo $9 million a year. And we feel sorry for him because some of us are a little hard on him. Poor Curry.
I dont feel sorry for Curry. I wish I was a famous NBA player leading the whole NBA in points in the paint. I feel sorry for you.
I don’t need to be famous; I wish I got paid $4 million a year to play about five minutes a game. I’d kind of fill in in the third quarter to give some guys a rest. I’d take a couple of shots from behind the arc, maybe make a few. Eventually I’d tear my knee and miss a seasons, then when I came back I’d play in Europe for a few years before retiring to France.
But anyway, hopefully the Knicks take the offseason to work on free throws and turnovers and the like.
Sam I guarantee your not making 9 million either.
P.S. E- WATEVER had 9 TOs tonight. It’s nice to love him just for his dunks and standing in the paint but realistically this kid ain’t no franchise please man
Chandler > Curry
Ty Thomas > Curry
Oden > Curry
give me Horford right now > Curry
Aldrige > Curry
E-Fattty is right. Get that blimp a quiznos sub or something. He sux worse than you sam. Fat does not equal skill, at least last time I checked spoonface.