Knicks' Fields named to All-Rookie team
New York Knicks guard Landry Fields drives past Denver Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo during the first half. (Nov. 16, 2010) Credit: AP
Landry Fields was selected 39th overall last year and wasn't even in the NBA's extensive draft guide. But the 6-7 swingman from Stanford became one of the biggest surprises of the Knicks' season, and Wednesday he was named first-team NBA All-Rookie.
But there is some debate as to whether he fits as the team attempts to become a championship contender. At the very least, Fields may lose his starting spot at shooting guard, with pending free agents such as J.R. Smith, Rasual Butler and Anthony Parker potentially eyeing a move to join Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire in New York.
A relatively unknown prospect, Fields had a surprising immediate impact with the Knicks, who entered training camp with questions about the shooting guard position. But Fields, a versatile, high-IQ player who can grab rebounds and finish on the break, became the answer when the regular season began. He averaged 10.1 points and 7.1 rebounds and shot 51 percent from the field in the first 54 games (before the All-Star break).
His numbers, however, dramatically dipped (9.1, 4.8 and 45.3 percent) in the final 28 games after the trade for Anthony. The slower pace and the need to play more of a perimeter game had a negative effect on Fields' performance.
And in the playoffs, Fields struggled mightily against the Celtics' Ray Allen. Fields made only 3 of 15 shots from the field and totaled five rebounds in Boston's four-game sweep.
During the regular season, Fields averaged 9.7 points and 6.4 rebounds and appeared in all 82 games (81 starts).
Fields was joined by Rookie of the Year Blake Griffin (Clippers), John Wall (Wizards), Gary Neal (Spurs) and DeMarcus Cousins (Kings). The second team included Greg Monroe (Pistons), Wes Johnson (Timberwolves), Eric Bledsoe (Clippers), Derrick Favors (Nets/Jazz) and Paul George (Pacers).
