Amar'e answering questions late into the session
Media Day is a really cool concept. It blurs the line between media and player and gives writers, radio hosts a chance to talk to players. I got approved earlier in the week and took my spot at Knicks Media Day 2010.
We were able to pick up a booklet with all the season’s information and I scanned through that from 12:15-12:30 before the event started – had pretty basic information.
From 12:30 to 1:30 Knicks Vision was able to acquire more than forty-five minutes of tape. Below is the information I attained:
-First person I stopped by at was Anthony Randolph who is surprisingly soft-spoken for somebody who is known for his intensity. In any event, he said he worked on “getting bigger and stronger” and his jump shot (and extending his range to the three point) this offseason. He also cleared up what his actual height is: 6’11″ 3/4. On what he’s looking forward to this season playing in the Garden: “exiting dunks, blocked dunks, stuff like that.”
-Danilo Gallinari had some interesting remarks too about the season. He expects to take more of a “leadership role” and seemed to act like he wasn’t worried about getting traded. Also, he stressed the importance of the game in Milan. “We are going to Milan and I’m from Milan. That’s my city. There are people who I grew up with, so I have a really special relationship.” And then this: “I just win to win the game so bad.”
-The Russian Cat, Timofey Mozgov, told me that he thinks his own rebounding needs improvement and his English does as well. “On the court, it shouldn’t be an issue, but off the court, it will be.”
-By and large, Ronny Turiaf is the most energetic and likable Knick this season. You guys will love him. He cares about what he does and he’s willing to provide his role on the team. On starting: “I just want to play basketball, man. I’m not the type of guy that will say, ‘I can’t play because I don’t start.’ You put me on the court, I’m going to do something good. …I like to be in at the end of the game.” I asked him whether his heart was an issue and he told “100% not.”
-Talked to Toney Douglas and it seems like he’s been working hard.
-Raymond Felton‘s personal goal is “to make everybody on the team better.” He also “loves Toney [Douglas]” and how he plays defense. Winning the NCAA title is one of the three best basketball moments Raymond Felton remembers. In no order, “Winning the high school state championship for the first time, winning the title at Carolina, and then getting drafted. Those are the top three things that I’m very proud of.”
-Bill Walker said we shouldn’t worry about his Summer League performance and not to judge too much into it.
-Towards the end of the session, got to talk to Amar’e (snapped the “in action” shot above) and asked what he wants to do this season. “Make sure I lace my shoes up before I step onto the court,” he said chuckling. “The most important aspect for me is to stay healthy. Health is by far the most important aspect of any player, so you gotta do what it takes to stay healthy.”
If you crave more Knicks, check Posting and Toasting or The Knicks Blog. Both site operators were there and ran pretty solid Media Day coverage on their blogs after the event. Got to say hi to Seth and Tommy, but had to run quick as I had to continue talking to players and people around the league. I’m guessing you’ve seen their blogs, but if not, you’re missing out!
