Comments on: Wizards 93 Bizzaro Knicks 105

By: Owen

Owen — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 01:41:13 +0000

Balkman has made the Knicks 9 points better on defense thus far, almost exactly what he did last year. If Isiah wants to keep his job, which is arguable, he should be playing Balkman more…

By: retropkid

retropkid — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 19:34:49 +0000

Yep, Balkman should get 25 – 30 minutes a game.

If he is showing disrespect for Zeke in practice, that reflects back to Zeke’s character too. I agree that Popovich would have that kid working on his shot, his FTs, and contributing regularly…

By: Frank O.

Frank O. — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:54:13 +0000

I agree with jon that Balkman should be playing. I still think he is better than Q.
I was speculating, with some reporting support from the mainstream media, that Balkman’s issues with Isiah may be more about his practice habits.
But there is no doubt in my mind that he should be on the court 30 minutes a game now. The Bricks need people who will defend and cause havoc.
And he finishes likes few players in basketball can.

By: Frank O.

Frank O. — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:51:38 +0000

If he had been doing this, he would have easily displaced Q by now.
That guy is a waste of space.
Lest night again, he had a very quiet 34 minutes of play.

By: jon abbey

jon abbey — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:50:21 +0000

the bottom line is that Balkman’s play on the court makes it obvious he deserves more minutes. with the way he’s been jerked around by Isiah, I personally don’t get too upset if his practice habits aren’t ideal. now, if he gets 20+ minutes for a stretch of let’s say 20 games or so, and his shooting and FT shooting still stay awful, then I’ll have much more of a problem. but to me, he’s done enough on the court to prove that he should get regular minutes right now, and maybe the shooting will improve along with that.

By: Frank O.

Frank O. — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:49:52 +0000

And I think Zeke has kept Balkman on the bench primarily because of his practice habits, if you don’t mind me trying to see into the labyrinthine mind of Isiah.
Zeke said Balkman was having a greater impact last year as opposed to this year, and I suspect he’s speaking in the broader context of games and practices.
And Zeke has been benching guys for performance issues to send a message.

Perhaps his message to Renaldo is: stop reading your press and the blogs and start sharpening your weak points (foul-shooting and mid-range jumper) so that you’re not just an energy guy, but a well-rounded contributor. Some young guys waste their physical talents by failing to develop actual skills.

I think at SF, you need a jumper and you need to get to the line. He defends, rebounds and handles the ball well. It shouldn’t be too great a leap to get better shooting the ball in general.

By: Roshi

Roshi — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:48:49 +0000

If this team had a decent coach, who the players respected, Balkman’s work ethic would not be an issue. You can be damn sure that Popovich would have Balkman practicing shooting until his arms fell off. It would also help if the Knicks had a player leader who keeps the other guys in line and demands accountability. Unfortunately, Garnett is not available, and no one on our current roster fits the bill.

By: Z

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:37:08 +0000

“This doesn’t reflect well on Balkman, I think.”

Balkman’s FT shooting is alarming. He hasn’t improved at all. Lee sucked his rookie year, worked hard, and came back his second year an 80% shooter. I wish Balkman had done the same. Oh well…

By: brian quinnett's left nipple

brian quinnett's left nipple — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:34:46 +0000

hey jon. i’m a knicks fan living in the bay area and who has adopted the warriors as his west coast representative. i catch most of their games. honestly, monta’s been playing 2-guard mostly because that’s the only way they can get him on the court, next to baron. and even so, when they play together, baron’s off the ball a fair portion of the time with ellis running things.

my point? baron’s the lead guard. no question. and monta’s not a point guard yet, but he’s not far away at all. he’s got a good idea about who to pass to and when, how to space the floor, and when to push. it’s coming to him. and he’s only what, 22?

the dude’s for real.

now back to your regularly scheduled knick snarkiness.

By: Frank O.

Frank O. — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:34:07 +0000

From Newsday Bricks’ Reporter Hahn on Balkman:

Nothing more amusing than walking into the shoot-around and seeing Renaldo Balkman and Jerome James having the time of their lives while shooting free throws. It really should be termed “practicing” free throws, but, really, let’s not call it what it isn’t. At least while he continues to work hard in his rehabilitation, Jerome can set a good example for young players.

Wait, let’s not call it what it isn’t.

This doesn’t reflect well on Balkman, I think.