Fonz’s Sunday Summary: D-League Showcase, the Knicks and Kentucky Basketball

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Hello all and welcome to the Sunday Summary with your host Alfonso De Falco.

1. The D-League showcase2016-D-League-Showcase-LOGO

A couple of weeks back in a Sunday Summary I talked about the rise of the D-League and how NBA teams are recently using the minor league system to their advantage. Every year in the first week of the new year the minors have a four day event called  the “showcase.” Here is where every scout and GM for an NBA team watch this action-packed event looking for a potential piece to add to their team’s rosters. For example, last year we saw Santa Cruz Warriors forward James Michael McAdoo receive a call up to the parent club Golden State Warriors.

Last season, 47 players were called up into the NBA with Hassan Whiteside of the Miami Heat leading the group. So far this season six players have been called up, with two players (Lorenzo Brown to the Suns and Elliot Williams to the Grizzlies) getting the call up during this week’s showcase. The final day of the showcase is today, and this is the week that teams can sign players to 10-day contracts, so will see what players step up their game to get NBA noticed.

2. The New York Knicks

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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

I think it is safe to say that the New York Knicks are back, sort of. With a current record of 18-20 they already surpassed their win total from last season (17) and look to keep adding more into the win column. Later on in the week there will be a detailed review on every player on the roster but I’ll give you a quick glimpse of what I will have to say.

Kristpas Porzingis has done spectacular so far and really impressed me in the game against San Antonio a few nights ago. I know they ended up losing the game but it was by 1-pt against a Spurs team that is known for blowing out opponents at home. Zingy tied his career-high in scoring with 28 points while grabbing 11 rebounds. Carmelo Anthony also looks like he is enjoying his time on the court thanks to guys like Porzingis and Arron Afflalo, the leading scorers behind Melo. You can see that Carmelo is trusting his teammates a lot more which in the long run will help this team.

3. So what is next for New York?

(Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/NBAE via Getty Images)

(Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Knicks have slowly improved this season but I think they can do better. The one problem they have is consistency. One week they look unstoppable while the next they look awful. Inconsistency will not help their cause if they are looking to make a playoff run now or within the next couple of years. Part of it is the “new.” What I mean by that is new players came in learning a new system, you have a fairly new coach in the league trying to get things in order by changing his rotation every game. I think as the season progresses, the Knicks as a whole will learn and get back to their winning ways.

As far as their roster, the team has 14 players meaning that they can sign someone. With Cleanthony Early out with a severe knee injury after getting shot in the leg the team has only 13 active players. I think it is time for the Knicks to add someone on the roster. Since 10-day contacts can be started I would not be surprised if the team uses that to try different pieces. Here are a few ideas I have in mind for New York’s potential 15th man.

1. Brandon Jennings: There have been reports that the Knicks are interested in Jennings, but were not impressed with the way he played against New York a couple of weeks back. It was his first game back since he tore his achilles so he should get his rhythm back, but if the Knicks want a player who is ready now, this might not be the best option. Not to mention that they would have to make some trades with Detroit to even receive Jennings.

2. Tony Wroten: The fourth year player was recently released from the Philadelphia 76ers. The Knicks have been interested in Wroten. There has been no talks from Wroten’s side as far as interest right now it’ll be the waiting game for Wroten.

3. Jimmer Fredette: Ever since joining the Westchester Knicks he was been dominate averaging 23.6 points per game while shooting 50.4% (46% from three) impressing a lot of scouts and GM’s. After a couple of struggling seasons in the NBA the former 10th overall selection is looking for another opportunity.

4. Kentucky Basketball and Drakedrake

Looks like rapper Drake will not be around in Kentucky much longer. It was reported that the University of Kentucky received a violation from the NCAA. Sophomore guard Tyler Ullis posted a picture with the rapper after a concert in Chicago and the NCAA was not too happy about that. The university received a “Level III Violation” which is described as “preferential treatment.”

This is the second time the school has received this violation because of Drake. The first was back in 2014 when Kentucky had their Big Blue Madness where Drake was warming up with the team and shooting the famous air ball and walking back to the line like nothing happened. After the event he was taking picture with players on the team and recruits that came up to visit which apparently is a big NO from the NCAA. The university ended up giving Drake a cease and desist letter

Look I’m not for the NCAA doing this. I think this was kind of a dumb violation but with what has been happening maybe Kentucky should take a step back from their biggest fan.

5. Top 5 plays of the week.

Let’s take a look at my top plays of the weeks (from January 3rd to January 10th)

5. Jordan Clarkson throws it down

The second year guard has a bright future.

4. The Golden State Passers

Thats why they are the best team in the NBA

3. Deron Williams for the WINNN

Yeah that Deron Williams

2. Aaron Gordon with authority!

The 20 year has some bounce

1. Kobe Bean with the alley oop

You read that right

 

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