Knicks Knacks

I spent most of the afternoon sitting in on seminars at the Rookie Transition Program, which is basically four days of high-intensity orientation. The league and players association run the sessions before each season to give newcomers a map to the unexplored universe they are entering.

Here’s the most valuable piece of information they received, compliments of Stu Jackson:

“If there’s an altercation on the court, don’t get off the bench,” the NBA’s executive vice president of basketball operations said. “Just ask Boris Diaw or Amare Stoudemire.”

The rookie class was very attentive while Ronnie Nunn was talking.

And there were more than a few heads shaking when the league’s director of officiating flat denied the existence of rookie calls, star calls, make-up calls and home cooking. Referees are graded on getting the call right, and he noted that fictional infractions would prevent career advancement.

Nobody giggled out loud.

Either way, Nunn did review the Points of Emphasis for the upcoming season. Here’s the list of what the officials will be concentrating on:

• Block vs. Charge: It always seems to be the hardest call to make, but the refs will be watching the defender a little closer as he moves to establish position.
• Carrying and palming the ball: Jamal Crawford is going to hate this one.
• Jump balls: No more gravity-challenged players will be stealing the ball when it’s still on the way up.
• Trajectory of the defender: Hands in the air. Defenders need to be straight up and down if contact is made when a shot goes up.
• Traveling: Skipping is not legal, and questionable pivots will draw a whistle.

Nunn also reminded the rookies about the Respect for the Game technicals officials were blowing every time a call drew a cross-eyed look last season. They are all still in effect.

Heat of the moment expressions will be tolerated as long as there is nothing directed at the refs and the player gets right back into the flow of the game.

“After that little whatever, you need to get into the wind,� Nunn said with a sly grin.

Jackson also indicated constant complainers will again be picking up more technicals. That’s a note David Lee and Nate Robinson need to remember. Both seem to believe a quick negotiation will make the problem go away.

The Knicks were again well represented with Wilson Chandler, Randolph Morris and Demetris Nichols in attendence. I spoke with all of them. You’ll have to wait, though, because I’m tired.

Check back with me tomorrow.

I will say this, Morris seems to have lost the baby fat. He is darn near chiseled now.

Sleep tight.

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