Gearing up for the preseason
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- August
- 21
I doubt there’s a line forming at the MSG box office to get preseason tickets.
The schedule was released today and looks very much like it has in seasons past. You’re going to get a heavy dose of the Celtics, Sixers and Nets.
I am kind of surprised all of the games will be played in the big arenas. Staying local in the preseason is a smart way to cut the cost of unnecessary travel. I just always thought playing these games in places like Scranton and Binghamton was good for the league.
Anyway, here’s the schedule:
Oct. 8 vs. Toronto Raptors, Air Canada Centre, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10 vs. Philadelphia 76ers, Wachovia Center, 7 p.m.
Oct. 14 vs. Philadelphia 76ers, MSG, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 17 vs. Boston Celtics, TD Banknorth Garden, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 20 vs. New Jersey Nets, IZOD Center, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 21 vs. Boston Celtics MSG, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 24 vs. New Jersey Nets MSG, 7:30 p.m.
Now that we have that information, it’s time for the countdown to begin. Labor Day is coming and it’ll be time for training camp before we know it. Here’s what I want to keep an eye on … how many players will show their excitement about the new regime by showing up in September and going to work early?
David Lee has been showing up at the MSG Training Center every once in a while. Nate Robinson is back in the neighborhood, as well. Now who’s going to join them for an evening run?
Stay tuned.
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on Thursday, August 21st, 2008 at 5:11 pm by Mike Dougherty.
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Mike, is there any talk from Beijing about D’Antoni’s role in the coaching staff, how he’s relating to the players, or any strong connections he might be making? The three biggest free agents of the messianic 2010 class are on the team, so I’m curious to know what kind of an impression he is making.
As far as training camp goes, what are the chances that either Zach or Eddy will surprise everyone by showing up in good shape? One in three? One in ten? One in 100?
Mike,
I realize that you said that the Celtics, Sixers, and Nets are going to be tough games. Any reason to believe that Walsh will make any moves between now and training camp or the start of preseason, or is this the team D’Antoni will work with? Plus, do you see this team at least giving Toronto a fit if they come in training camp in shape?
Starks,
I did see a couple of stories where Kobe and LeBron spoke very highly of what D’Antoni can do for a team. You’re not going to find many players who don’t want to play in that system. And I would guess Curry and Randolph both will come in ready. They are supposed to be working hard, but the weight comes back later in the season, and that’s where they need to be vigilant.
Roy,
It’s vacation time now, most deals have either been done or are tabled. Things change when camps open and teams need to address a need, so it’s possible Walsh might be able to make anothe revision. I don’t know if they’ll compete for a playoff spot with the likes of Boston, Philly or Toronto, but the current roster should be able to compete with them game to game if they simply try harder than last season.
Hey Mike,
Let me first say that I pity those who don’t have Tivo. The gold medal game was really exciting and emotional basketball. Our athletes played with poise, tenacity, and with their heads. The Spanish team, who, let’s face it, were smaller, slower, and less skilled than our players by a large margin, showed the world how to play basketball the right way and made our guys sweat until the end. Kudos to Rudy Fernandez and Juan Carlos Navarro. Everyone on our team played well, and needed to, as it turns out. Tayshaun Prince was extremely effective in very limited minutes. Deron Williams made many big shots. Of course LeBron, D Wade, Kobe, and (future Knick) Carmelo are just larger than life with their athleticism and clutch play. Bravo, and thanks guys! I never thought I’d feel as good for a group of millionaires but you stayed humble. I hope the Knicks have Tivo.
On the Bosh thread: He really played well in the tournament and the team made most of their big runs when him and Wade came in. I like him, obviously, and he might be part of a Pistons type nucleus. One without a savior. However, let me say that I know in my heart that LeBron is the best player in the world. The body of Russell and the skills of Cousy. As I have said I love Melo’s east coast roots and grit. Dwayne Wade might be 2nd best and not missing #1 status by a lot. Anyone in this class to the Knicks is a no brainer, but Lebron gets us our championship.
In the meantime, though, if Spain can keep it that close to that team, the Knicks should be able to be more competitive.