As a change of pace from my recent game preview format, I decided to trade questions with Seth from Posting and Toasting. I started following P&T when Seth joined SB Nation, which was shortly before I got the call up to the show. He won me over with his "Know Your Opponent" feature prior to each game. One in particular from last spring stands out. Though I can't find the link, I can still share the quote:
Now that is quality. So check out his responses below and see what the Knicks community is saying over on Posting and Toasting.
Me: At the time of the big Zach Randolph trade I remember wondering how he would play with Eddy Curry. In hindsight I should have been wondering what it meant for David Lee. Does Lee deserve more than 25 minutes a game? Or am I overvaluing Lee?
Seth from P&T: More than 25 minutes? Probably. More than 35? Probably not. People have been clamoring for Lee to be a starter, even at Randolph's expense, but I think he's perfectly suited for the bench. He's extremely valuable as an energy guy, a finisher, and a fantastic rebounder. I think we expect a starter to be able to either create some offense, play solid man defense, or both. Lee does neither with any consistency, so I like him coming off the bench. If that means 25 minutes some nights, then that might be the best route. For his part, D-Lee's never complained about the inconsistency of his PT. Time on the bench is more time to mack ladies, anyway.
Me: Speaking of Curry. Financial feasibility aside, would you trade him for Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah?
Seth from P&T: Absolutely not. Talent-wise, Thomas may develop enough to make it an even deal, but I just like Curry a lot more than either of those guys. Punks.
Me: I always thought of Nate Robinson as an energy guy that never met a shot he didn't like. However, there have been rumblings about his maturation as an all around player. What is he bringing to the table this season?
Seth from P&T: Nate's come a long way. He's using his size and quickness to his advantage now to become a pretty pesky defender. On the other end, he's still prone to force up a shot or two, but much less so than previous seasons. Add in his long-existing ability to whirl through the paint and come up with baskets and dimes, and you've got a pretty legit player. And he can dunk. I've really enjoyed watching him this year.
Me: Ultimately how do you see this season unfolding for the Knicks?
Seth from P&T: Given that I've already come just short of calling the Knicks a contender AND written off the season completely at various points in these first 13 games, I have no clue. The most fitting course for the rest of the season would be alternating 4-game winning and losing streaks from here on out, followed by a finish in the 9th or 10th spot. That would fit in line with the frustration and inconsistency of the first few weeks, no?