One day, just one day is all you have to wait to watch the Knicks play again.
I’d rather not, however, because it’s the preseason and you very well know how that might go.
Here’s some stuff heard around the Knickerbocker fam of late.
On Josh Hart’s ramp-up process:
“They’re ramping it up a little bit.”
On Hart’s preseason finale status and camp depth:
“Well, I don’t know yet [if he’ll be available for Friday], but first thing is, that’s why you got — we got 21 guys [in training camp]. We always talk about next man up, next man up and keep yourself ready because you never know when your number’s called. So it’s two-fold: It gets those guys mentally ready for that. It gives other guys opportunities. It gives me an opportunity to see others.”
On Hart’s importance and long-term outlook:
“At the end of the day, Josh is an extremely important part of our process. We know this is gonna be a process.”
On building a competitive culture:
“Hundred percent, yeah, and sometimes, we play a ton of games. Everybody in this business is a pro, and anybody that’s a pro can have an exceptional night. So sometimes, it just wasn’t meant for you to win, but if you’re trying to adhere to what your standard is, it’s all you can ask for, like you said, at certain times. You move on. But those things have to be here day-in, day-out, night-in, night-out, 24/7, 365 days a year.”
On realistic expectations for the start of the season:
“It’s not gonna happen Game 1, Game 2 — we’re not gonna come out, could we come out blazing? Yeah, who knows. We’re gonna have our highs. We’re gonna have our lows. Can’t get too high if it’s going good. Can’t get too low if it’s not. We gotta stay even-keeled and know that this is a marathon and not a sprint, at the end of the day.”
On testing team standards through adversity:
“That’s when you really know if people can adhere to stuff is when you hit adversity. Do you go right, do you go left or do you fight through it as a connected group?”
On building team culture and sacrifice:
“Our standard… is first thing, everybody’s got to sacrifice. You’ve got to sacrifice for one another at all times.”
On pushing OG Anunoby to run more:
“I know I’m pushing him to do that because I think he can be really, really good, him and Mikal in the open floor.”
On the team’s approach during preseason:
“I think we’re excited for the season to start. But we’re also still fortunate for these days to learn, grow, figure ourselves out and prepare for the long season.”
On adapting to Brown’s defensive system:
“Just the ball handler, the person guarding the ball knowing there’s help behind you and knowing where it’s coming from and the just everyone being on a string. We’re figuring it out as well. We’re not used to it fully, but it’s getting better and better, and I think the coaches are doing a good job of emphasizing to us, showing us on film where we need to be, and then we go out there and try to execute.”
On the team’s long-term trajectory:
“We just want to peak toward the end [of the regular season] and into the playoffs.”
On prioritizing development early in the season:
“Of course, you always want to win 50 games straight, but also you realize it’s a long season, so you’d rather learn and grow — especially early in the year — and figure stuff out.”
On developing his offensive decision-making:
“Knowing what to do when.”
On younger teammates fighting for roster spots:
“They all work really hard, they ask questions, they’re eager to learn and they play hard.”
On the team’s uptick in three-point shooting:
“I guess when the game is sped up and there’s more drive-and-kicks and taking shots that are open. I think it’s an emphasis for everyone to shoot when open.”
On learning Brown’s systems:
“I think we’re picking up on what he wants us to do.”
On his understanding with the Knicks entering camp:
“We know what the situation is. There’s no questions around what the reality of that is.”
On new offensive and defensive structure:
“Having a structure where everybody’s clear and understands our triggers and what we’re trying to do.”
On competing for a spot while being a good teammate:
“In this league, you’re measured on your pro, your readiness, and if you’re a good teammate. Those are things you can control.”
On lessons from the Eastern Conference Finals:
“There’s only a few things you can control — your energy, how you show up, what kind of teammate you’re going to be, your approach.”
“Today, I officially begin my transition out of my basketball career. I have proudly given my mind, body and spirit to the game over the last few decades. With the many sacrifices it took to get here, I have received many rewards.
I am deeply grateful to have arrived to this point on my own terms and now to be able to reap the benefits of my career with my family and friends. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all who have had a place in my journey.”
On going all out to win in the tic-tac-toe war at MSG:
“I was like ‘I’m just gonna go all out and lay it all out there.’ And I did it. It was awesome. It was incredible.”
On his mindset before the contest:
“(The plan was) just lay it all out on the line. I don’t know if I’ll ever get another opportunity like this, ever, in an incredible arena with so many people there. I was like, ‘All right, I’m not going out of here with a loss.’”
On what he’ll do with the $500 prize:
“I might frame the check. Never even deposit it, we’ll see. Never forget the moment. I’ll see if I can get it autographed from the team.”
On setting the tone for the Knicks:
“We want to see the Knicks bring the same work ethic, the same will to win, the same competitive drive to what they do day in, day out. Just like I left it all up there on the floor for this tic-tac-toe game.”