Battle for Shooting Guard Spot Heating Up
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A sprained ankle might keep Bill Walker out of Saturday's rematch vs. the Celtics.
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With all the new faces on the Knicks’ roster this season, the highflying Bill Walker has flown under the radar a bit through training camp and the first three preseason games.
But that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been impressive so far this season.
Walker has caught the attention of Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni and is making a strong case for a big role in the rotation -- and possibly a starting job. D’Antoni considered Walker one of the Knicks’ best shooters in the last 30 games last season and believes he’s only gotten better over the summer.
Already one of the game’s best dunkers, Walker looked like a different person when he arrived to Las Vegas in July for the NBA Summer League after losing around 25 pounds.
“I think he’s in better shape this year and he’s playing harder,” D’Antoni said after Friday’s practice. “So, yeah, he’s earning some time.”
Walker drained three 3-pointers and scored 11 points against the Celtics on Wednesday before leaving the game late with a sprained right ankle. He didn’t practice on Friday and the Knicks listed him as “questionable” for the rematch against his former team Saturday night in Hartford.
According to D’Antoni, shooting guard is one of the Knicks deepest positions. Wilson Chandler has started there the first three preseason games, but D’Antoni says there’s a chance Chandler could be the starting power forward on opening day, which would move Amar’e Stoudemire to center.
“Those are questions we’ll try to answer in the next three or four games,” D’Antoni said. “But those are questions that can go into January.”
Among the others looking for minutes at the two spot are Toney Douglas, Landry Fields and Roger Mason, Jr. D’Antoni expects his shooting guard to be able to make the open perimeter jumper in order to spread the floor for Stoudemire to work the inside. Defensive ability also comes into consideration.
“We are trying to find the perfect combinations, the best defensive team and the best offensive team to open the floor up and give Amar’e the best possibility to run rampant,” D’Antoni said. “Obviously, if you could spread the floor more it will lead to Amar’e getting to the rim or getting to the foul line.”
The Knicks could also receive a major boost at the two when Kelenna Azubuike fully recovers from patella tendon surgery. Azubuike, who was brought over in the four-player trade with Golden State during the summer, has made 41 percent of his 3-pointers over his four-year career.
“I can bring a lot to the team when I’m healthy,” he said. “I’m confident about that.”
But that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been impressive so far this season.
Walker has caught the attention of Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni and is making a strong case for a big role in the rotation -- and possibly a starting job. D’Antoni considered Walker one of the Knicks’ best shooters in the last 30 games last season and believes he’s only gotten better over the summer.
Already one of the game’s best dunkers, Walker looked like a different person when he arrived to Las Vegas in July for the NBA Summer League after losing around 25 pounds.
“I think he’s in better shape this year and he’s playing harder,” D’Antoni said after Friday’s practice. “So, yeah, he’s earning some time.”
Walker drained three 3-pointers and scored 11 points against the Celtics on Wednesday before leaving the game late with a sprained right ankle. He didn’t practice on Friday and the Knicks listed him as “questionable” for the rematch against his former team Saturday night in Hartford.
According to D’Antoni, shooting guard is one of the Knicks deepest positions. Wilson Chandler has started there the first three preseason games, but D’Antoni says there’s a chance Chandler could be the starting power forward on opening day, which would move Amar’e Stoudemire to center.
“Those are questions we’ll try to answer in the next three or four games,” D’Antoni said. “But those are questions that can go into January.”
Among the others looking for minutes at the two spot are Toney Douglas, Landry Fields and Roger Mason, Jr. D’Antoni expects his shooting guard to be able to make the open perimeter jumper in order to spread the floor for Stoudemire to work the inside. Defensive ability also comes into consideration.
“We are trying to find the perfect combinations, the best defensive team and the best offensive team to open the floor up and give Amar’e the best possibility to run rampant,” D’Antoni said. “Obviously, if you could spread the floor more it will lead to Amar’e getting to the rim or getting to the foul line.”
The Knicks could also receive a major boost at the two when Kelenna Azubuike fully recovers from patella tendon surgery. Azubuike, who was brought over in the four-player trade with Golden State during the summer, has made 41 percent of his 3-pointers over his four-year career.
“I can bring a lot to the team when I’m healthy,” he said. “I’m confident about that.”
