The New York Knicks have been off to a rocky start this season.
After being declared a super team by star Derrick Rose, the team has been anything but super. They rank at the bottom of the league on both sides of the ball, and they look like a team without an identity.
Starting guard Courtney Lee tells ESPN's Ian Begley that he can solve some of their issues with one simple thing. Practice.
“We run the triangle, we practice against it a lot. I think we need to practice against pick and rolls, practice against other looks and whatnot and get comfortable with that because that’s what other teams are running.”
The Knicks will need time to gel because the starters didn't get much time together during training camp and preseason.
The triangle offense is not being run properly, and the team isn't comfortable running in transition either. Add a bit of holding the ball too long, and you have an in-between type offense that's not working.
Coach Jeff Hornacek isn't happy with the defense, and says he feels it's now more about desire than just going through drills.
“It’s not like we haven’t done defense in practice. Guys are offensive-minded guys, but we have to play both ends. Defense has been taught and preached. It’s half of practice every time. Sometimes guys just have to take it upon yourself to stop somebody. Not look for help.”
The goal for the Knicks is to move the ball, push it in transition and fall back into the triangle offense to settle things.
The hard part is doing it consistently, and quickly enough not to sink into a hole where they can't pull themselves out.
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