Knicks Media Day Quotes & Tweets
The best / most important quotes from members of the Knicks from today’s Media Day Session, along with analysis from reporters.
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The day started with an announcement that the Knicks had picked up Mike Woodson’s option for the 2014-2015 season.
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The Knicks announce they have picked up the option on Mike Woodson’s contract for the 2014-15 season.
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KOACH WUDSEN HAZ JOB SEKURITEEEEE
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Knicks pick up option on Mike Woodson. Don’t equate that with job security…just means Woodson gets a golden parachute if he’s fired.
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Woodson is 72-34 as Knicks coach.
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Knicks Media Day set to start with new president and GM Steve Mills speaking first.
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Steve Mills says his new job “came about suddenly.” When Dolan approached him, he thought he had the “skill set” to rebuild organization.
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Mills says he will be “leaning” on the personnel men such as Gabriel, Warkentien, Mark Hughes early on.
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Steve Mills: “Our goal is to a win a championship this year. We think we have a good chance to do that.”
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Mills on several occasions sys won’t address the unorthodox timing. Says that’s more a question for Dolan, who is not here.
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Mills on what James Dolan and he discussed: “Jim and I talked a lot about making this a place that people want to come play.”
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Steve Mills just confirmed that he is considering adding someone to work directly under him. Could be someone from within.
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Well, if you were hoping Steve Mills would clear up the Grunwald ouster, you’ll be left wanting. Maybe JR will clear it up.
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Mike Woodson begins to field questions
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Woodson said Knicks want Melo to stay, but they’re worried about this season, defending their Division title and competing for an NBA title.
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Mike Woodson said Amar’e Stoudemire had another “minor procedure” on his knee. He said he’s “rehabbing nicely.”
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Woodson on Glen: “I have nothing to do with that change. I wish him nothing but the best from the bottom of my heart.”
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The conversation turns to JR Smith’s suspension…
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Woodson says hopes to have J.R. back for the first game. Which means sixth game after five-game suspension.
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Woodson on J.R.’s suspension: “I don’t condone anything like that. J.R. knows he made a major mistake. Hopefully learning experience.”
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J.R. Smith: “I’m more disappointed because I let my teammates down more than anything. I let Mr. Dolan down.”
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Woodson on J.R.’s 5-game ban. “I’m sure he will apologize to this organization and his teammates b/c we’ve made a major commitment to him.”
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… and his knee
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J.R. Smith admits he waited until after he signed to have surgery because his first obligation was to take care of his family. More honesty
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What about the biggest offseason addition?
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Andrea Bargnani says he’s feeling 100% healthy following a bout with the flu & various injuries last year. Says he needs to get into shape.
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Woodson said Bargnani is “a talented offensive player who can open up things.”
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Bargnani speaks to small group of press on side. Said he could’ve joined Team Italy in September. “Now I’m good,” Bargnani said.
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#Knicks not bringing Bargnani up to dais but Kenyon did. Shy guy and his English not considered terrific. Sure it was his choice.
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Okay, now the fun starts. Metta World Peace rolling through media, asking questions.
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Metta World Peace is now interviewing the media with a camera following him.
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Metta World Peace clowning on front office shakeup: “There’s no shakeup. The only thing I shake up is my milk. No shakeup.”
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Metta World Peace was asked about his comfort level in New York. “I’m most comfortable in the bed.” Funny line. #Knicks
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Carmelo is in the gym listening to Metta and probably thinking “how the hell did Kobe win with this guy.”
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Iman Shumpert: “I’ve had an awsome summer. No lockout. It’s been the smoothest it’s been. I hope it shows.”
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Shumpert: “It’s not like I love defense. It’s I want to score the ball so bad, I want to snatch the ball from you.”
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Tim Hardaway Jr. says he is not limited by the wrist injury he suffered in summer camp. #Knicks
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Of course, Carmelo’s contract was a major topic
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Carmelo Anthony said he will not think about his contract situation during the season. Says there’s no point to it.
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Carmelo Anthony adds that his focus is on “being a Knick and doing what I need to do hopefully to win a championship.” #Knicks
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Melo doesn’t want to talk about his contract status and said he won’t think about his opt out. He said he’s still under contract.
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Kenyon Martin on Melo’s potential opt-out: “There’s nothing better than playing in NYC. Just the city alone should entice him to re-sign.”
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Carmelo on expectations: “I‘m not going to put that pressure on myself or our guys to say that it’s championship or bust.” #Knicks
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#Knicks president and GM Steve Mills: “We’ve made it clear that we have every intention of making Carmelo a Knick for a long time.”
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Amar’e Stoudemire’s knee was also heavily discussed.
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Amar’e said the surgery was “very very minor,” “extremely minor,” and that most athletes go through it. He’s still not saying what, tho.
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Mills on Stoudemire: “We’re going to really take it slow on Amar’e during training camp. We’ll bring him along slowly.”
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Amar’e says “unfortunately my career has been somewhat tainted by injuries’ but remains confident that he can function at a high level.”
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Amare says the surgery he had in July was “minor.” Of course, it was so minor that the Knicks forget to announce it. No biggie….yeah right
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Amar’e said he hasn’t started basketball drills or court stuff yet. He will be doing weight lifting and strengthening when practice starts.
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Amar’e doesn’t sound as if he will be doing basketball stuff for a while. Kept talking about prolonging his career.
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Everyone sounds really excited and healthy for the 2013-14 season. Except Amar’e, who sounds like he is looking forward to the postseason.
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Stoudemire won’t say if he’ll play any preseason games. Still rehabbing. “My career is not over.”
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Mike Woodson didn’t have specific minutes limit for Amar’e but said he’d have to get “creative” & goal is to have him healthy for playoffs.
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Melo says everyone will have to help fill the leadership void left by Kidd, but ‘I have to be the spearhead, I have to be at the forefront.’
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Mike Woodson says Carmelo Anthony’s shoulder is “fine” and he’s been at the training facility often in recent weeks scrimmaging. #Knicks
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Tyson Chandler said he’s worked on his mid-range jumper & jump hook extensively this summer. “I definitely want to get involved,” he said.
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Meanwhile, at the Nets’ media day…
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Kevin Garnett on if he’s talked to Carmelo Anthony since he’s been in NY: “Have not.”
The players seem eager to get the season underway. Only one more month to go, guys
-Tommy Rothman
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