Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal talk Knicks
While you’re waiting for tonight’s Knicks-Nets game, here is some interesting reading for you.
It’s part of the release that Turner Sports sends out from their nationally televised broadcast. Here’s what Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Mike Fratello said about the Knicks before and during their win over Boston last night:
Barkley on Carmelo Anthony: “He’s the best scorer in the NBA. He is a fantastic scorer and he’s going to get plenty of time to rest after the first round when they get beat by the Bulls or the Heat.”
O’Neal on Amar’e Stoudemire’s role with the team: “I think it would be best for Amar’e (Stoudemire) to come off the bench. He doesn’t have the same explosiveness that he had when he played for the Phoenix Suns. I think he could be the ultimate scorer off the bench.”
Mike Fratello on J.R. Smith’s streaky shooting: “One of the biggest complaints about J.R. Smith is that even though he can shoot you into a bunch of games he can shoot you out just as quickly.”
Barkley on Steve Novak: “Steve Novak has officially become the best shooter in the NBA. I like Kyle Korver but I have to elevate Mr. Novak. He can shoot it.”
Barkley on how Amar’e Stoudemire’s return changes the dynamic of the Knicks: “Once they get Amar’e Stoudemire back, that’s going to change the whole dynamic, [Anthony] won’t be getting every shot. The reason the Knicks can’t advance [in the playoffs] is because the game is going to come down to how well Carmelo and Amar’e play defense and rebound the ball.”
Barkley on J.R. Smith: “No one has ever questioned his athletic ability. They’ve questioned his brains and rightfully so. If he could get it together, he could be scary because he has incredible athletic ability.”
Fratello on if Knicks head coach Mike Woodson deserves a contract extension: “With the job [Woodson’s] done right now and the support that the players have given him…down the stretch is so important. They’ve got to get into the playoffs and can they do any damage in the playoffs? He’s shown that he can coach and this team has responded to him.”
