The New York Knicks are looking to make a lot out of a little. The team might not have had the free agency run or the marquee NBA Draft fans were hoping for, but Phil Jackson has put together a team that could overachieve this season. Already in the preseason, fans are seeing that rookie Kristaps Porzingis and Jerian Grant could be very productive this season while free agents like Arron Afflalo look to breakout stars.
The Knicks signed Afflalo to a two-year deal in hopes that his previous chemistry built in with Carmelo Antony would carry over in the Big Apple. Afflalo was injured for most of the preseason, but now healthy from his hamstring problem, the veteran is putting things together. The shooting guard told the media he spent his down time watching film and learning the triangle offense and so far it is showing on the court.
"I felt very informed," Afflalo said., via ESPN.com. "Yeah, those have to be layups for me this year. And that's always been a strength of mine. ... The post area, the mid-range area, when I really get my legs under me, I want to take advantage [there]."
Another player looking very comfortable in the triangle offense is Jose Calderon who is earning a starting spot according to Ian Begley from ESPN. Calderon told the media that he is healthy this season after dealing with injuries all year last season. That is showing on the court along with his veteran knowledge as Calderon competes with Langston Galloway and Grant. Health will be the key for Calderon. He is much older that his point guard teammates, but the veteran is not worried about that.
"I don't need to be the fastest or be able to jump highest to be effective or do the right things to help the team," said Calderon, via Newsday.com. "But it's tough, because some guys are going to score on you. Someone like [Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook], who averages 25 a game? He's going to score. But you've got to fight through it and do the best you can and trust that a low-post guy will step up and have your back when you need it. Some situations are one-on-one, but when we play as five guys and follow our plan, we should be OK."
According to Fisher, he will consider playing Calderon at shooting guard some times on the court in order to reduce defensive pressure on him. Fisher has been impressed with what Galloway and Grant have done this preseason and has no issues starting them if necessary. Similar to what Jason Kidd did late in his career, Calderon rotating between both positions could help his productivity on the court.
"But what separates you is your ability to still be good at who you are. And being healthy this year, I think Jose will be able to do that. Using his IQ and his awareness of the game the defensive end, he can still be solid on that end," Fisher said, via Newsday.com.
