Gavin Schall here, the host of the daily Locked On Knicks podcast, with your daily Locked On Knicks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Knicks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Do the Knicks’ Rookies Deserve More of a Shot?
Nov 18, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Pacome Dadiet (4) during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner/Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Gavin: Alex, let’s dive into the Knicks’ rookies. Do you think they deserve more playing time?
Alex: Absolutely, Gavin. Pacome Dadiet is a standout. His defensive skills are exactly what we need, especially with our star wings struggling. Remember his lockdown performance against the Nets?
Gavin: Hold on, Alex. Dadiet’s got potential, but he’s still raw. Sure, he’s got the height and IQ, but can we really trust him in high-pressure situations? Mikal Bridges is logging heavy minutes for a reason.
Alex: I get that, but Dadiet’s shooting from beyond the arc is promising. We need someone to step up and give our key players a breather. He’s shown he can be that guy.
Gavin: But is he ready to handle the NBA’s physicality? We can’t afford to gamble on potential when we’re trying to win games now.
Alex: Fair point, but let’s talk centers. Ariel Hukporti has shown real potential, especially with his shot-blocking. Four blocks in one game is impressive. He could be the spark we need.
Gavin: I disagree. Jericho Sims is our guy. He’s reliable, excels in offensive rebounding, and sets solid screens. Hukporti might have potential, but Sims is the steady presence we need right now.
Alex: Sims is steady, but Hukporti offers a different skill set. We need depth at center, especially while waiting for Precious Achiuwa to return. Hukporti could fill that gap.
Gavin: I see your point, but Sims is like the heart-healthy choice—reliable and steady. We can’t risk experimenting when consistency is key.
Alex: It’s a balancing act, but the depth and potential of these rookies are exciting. As the season progresses, it’ll be interesting to see how they develop and contribute.
Gavin: And what about Tyler Kolek? His shooting is impressive, but his defense is lacking. We can’t sacrifice defense for offense, especially with our current lineup.
Alex: Kolek’s offensive potential is undeniable. He could be a Brunson light, offering dynamic passing and scoring. We should nurture that talent, even if it means taking some risks.
Gavin: Risks are fine, but not at the expense of our current momentum. Cam Payne is playing well, and we can’t disrupt that flow for a rookie still finding his footing.
Alex: I see your point, but rookies need real-time experience to grow. Kolek’s effort and potential make him worth the investment.
Gavin: We’ll see how it plays out, Alex. It’s a balancing act, and as the season progresses, we’ll find out which rookies can truly make their mark.
Alex: Agreed, Gavin. For more insights, listeners should check out the Locked On Knicks podcast. We dive into these debates and more, exploring the future of our team, including a fun game of “Heads or Thibs,” where one of us is forced to play the role of Tom Thibodeau and make our case against these rooks playing.
They’ve had close wins, technical wins, nail-biters and blow-outs; they’ve (reportedly) turned down superstars and and currently sit third in the west with a record of 11-5 — In a Western Conference finally coming alive, can the Houston Rockets keep this up?
The Rockets are on pace to tie or surpass the franchise’s win record of 64, set by a team led by James Harden in 2017-2018. It was Harden’s — and all the failed years of being in the running for title contention — ghost that still hung over the franchise as recently as last season, no matter that Harden himself has been part of three different rosters since he sulked his way out of Houston. Everything from the Rockets brand of basketball to the team’s waylaid trajectory back into competition had been set and then upended by him.
It was something of an exorcism then, that Houston handily beat Harden’s current team, the Clippers, in back-to-back games this week.
What feels especially lasting about the winning pace the Rockets have set is that there’s plenty room for the team to improve. Houston’s sitting at 25th overall in field goal percentage, 27th in three-point percentage, and is still claiming the ninth overall offensive ranking in the league. Their starters have all been shooting well below their career bests, and yet, nothing about the Rockets’ wins have looked harried.
For a team that has an average of just four years NBA experience between them, there’s a wealth of patience. When the Rockets have been pressed this season, or teams like the Pacers and Bulls have tried to rush them with pace, they fall back on snapping passes and sinking into ball movement. There are still sequences of ISO ball and flubbed defensive rotations, but Houston has leaned into their transitions as opportunities to reset. No doubt in part to having the always unflappable Fred VanVleet driving this thing, plus the veteran offensive ballasts of Jeff Green and Dillon Brooks.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Legacy Will NBA expansion bring the SuperSonics back to Seattle? Find out. (The Athletic)
Biz Amid their early-season tank, the Sixers expected to scour the trade market for power forwards. (Real GM)
Fans “That’s really the beauty of the NBA,” as Knicks fans know all too well. The unpredictable nature of the game keeps everyone on edge and engaged. Discover more about what makes this season special. (Posting and Toasting)
Analysis Tom Thibodeau’s Knicks are facing an unusual struggle with their usually reliable defense. Examine the issues and potential solutions. (New York Post)
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Franz Wagner A First Round Fantasy Basketball Player?
Nov 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) celebrates with guard Jalen Suggs (4) after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers with a 3-point basket with 2.5 seconds left in the game at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Orlando Magic edged out the LA Lakers with a 119-118 victory. The game was a showcase of talent and strategy, with the Magic overcoming a deficit to secure the win. Franz Wagner was the standout performer, continuing his impressive form with a stellar 37 points, six rebounds, and 11 assists. His all-around game, including four steals and four threes, solidified his status as a top fantasy asset. Wagner’s recent performances have elevated him to first-round value in fantasy leagues, making him a potential sell-high candidate, though his current form might make holding onto him equally appealing.
Dalton Knecht’s Role and Performance
Dalton Knecht played a significant role for the Lakers, logging the most minutes on the team. While his 17 points, four rebounds, and one assist were solid, they highlighted the limitations in his fantasy profile. Knecht’s reliance on scoring and shooting efficiency means that while he’s a valuable asset, his contributions in other categories remain limited. Fantasy managers should monitor his role closely, especially as the Lakers adjust their rotations.
Anthony Black’s Consistency Concerns
Anthony Black’s performance was less consistent, with 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists on 25% shooting. While his recent games have shown flashes of potential, this outing underscores the volatility in his production. Fantasy managers who picked up Black for his upside should consider holding him through the Magic’s favourable schedule but remain cautious about his long-term consistency.
BBQ Pelican(s): Jalen Brunson And The New York Knicks TORCH New Orleans JALEN BRUNSON STAND UP!!!! The Knicks captain had his best game of the season on a night where the rest of the team struggled and carried them to a win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Join hosts Gavin Schall and Alex Wolfe for a recap of Brunson’s electric 3rd quarter, the Knicks bench continuing to struggle on offense, Josh Hart’s big comeback and so much more! Don’t miss this engaging analysis of the Knicks’ evolving strategy and their path to success. Tune in for expert insights and in-depth discussions on the team’s journey.
Karl-Anthony Towns Decimates the Timberwolves in His Return To Minnesota As the Knicks Cruise To a W
Alex and Gavin break down the first matchup between the Knicks and Timberwolves in the Karl-Anthony Towns era, as KAT dominated his former team in his old arena. Plus, Mikal Bridges had his best all-around game as a Knick, the defense played as well as it has all season, Julius Randle was more than a little grumpy at the Knicks and his former teammates, and much more on today’s show!
Can Karl-Anthony Towns And The Knicks Knock Off Some Old Friends? With Locked On Wolves Ben Beecken
he New York Knicks are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a highly anticipated matchup, with Karl-Anthony Towns’ transition to the Knicks taking center stage.
The boys are joined by Locked On Wolves Host Ben Beecken, to explore Julius Randle not yet being embraced in Minnesota, and Donte DiVincenzo’s ice-cold start before diving into the most surprising parts of Karl-Anthony Towns’ success with the Knicks.
