Steve Novak happy to be a Knick
New York Knicks forward Larry Hughes driving between the Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Gordon, left, and forward Steve Novak in the second quarter. (March 25, 2009) Credit: J. Conrad Williams Jr.
GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- Unless they add another player on Christmas Eve, the Knicks' opening day roster is set.
"I couldn't have been happier,'' said Novak, 28, in his sixth NBA season. "To get a call from New York, it's something you dream about as a little kid no matter where you're from. It's just a special place to be.
"You get to a place and say, 'Wow, they have really good fans.' Here, I feel the city, everyone's a fan. You feel the energy. Every cab driver I've had is talking about the Knicks. It's just different here.''
As a three-point specialist, Novak could replace Shawne Williams in the rotation once he's up to speed. Coach Mike D'Antoni didn't know if he will be acclimated enough to contribute in Sunday's season opener against the Celtics.
"I'd be a little afraid Sunday and as we go forward get more comfortable with what he can do," he said. "Also looking on the court seeing what we need at that time and what he can give you -- whether we tap into it immediately or wait and get more comfortable with the system, I don't know."
