Martynas Andriuskevicius Interests Thomas

[Shapecity]

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">March 31, 2005 -- With the Knicks all but assured of making their third lottery in four years, Isiah Thomas is honing in on centers and athletic shooting guards/swingmen in the June 28 draft.
Problem is, there is a dearth of centers available. Utah's 7-0 center Andrew Bogut is a virtual lock to be the No. 1 pick. After that, it appears the 19-year-old 7-3 Lithuanian center Martynas Andriuskevicius is the next best pivot.

Many clubs have questions about Andriuskevicius because his European team plays him so infrequently to reduce his stock hoping he doesn't leave. But the big center with his inside-out skills has piqued Thomas' interest, as he saw him play a few minutes in Spain when the Knicks president visited him this winter. </div> Source

 

[Mr. J]

Come on, Shape! I was going to post this.

I still have not the slightest idea of why there is so much hype on this Martynas guy. He seems to be a decent prospect but?geez. He needs a lot of work. Aguirre can turn this guy into a beast, but I don?t know if Knick fans want to wait all that long to watch someone develop. Remember, without the Knicks lottery pick(s) they are basically the same team and I don?t want to see another team like this yet again. Also Isiah has to be smart and know that it is his head if Martynas doesn't develop like many people think. The Knicks will have to "Darko" him and maybe we'll see some results once Houstons contract is up. I don't know. Also Isiah might be interested in Green. I hope that means someone in the back court *cough* Marbury *cough* Crawford *cough* leaves.

 

[Shapecity]

Sorry MrJ18, I just got on a roll with the headlines today. What I found the most interesting about the article was his team benching him so his draft stock would drop. Andri has a lot going for him, which is why scouts are high on him.

1. He's a legit 7'2 (you can't teach height)
2. He handles the rock well for his size, is agile and great courtvision
3. He is the protege of Arvydas Sabonis (arguably the best player to come out of Europe ever)
4. He's just turned 18 this month

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Sorry MrJ18, I just got on a roll with the headlines today. What I found the most interesting about the article was his team benching him so his draft stock would drop. Andri has a lot going for him, which is why scouts are high on him.

1. He's a legit 7'2 (you can't teach height)
2. He handles the rock well for his size, is agile and great courtvision
3. He is the protege of Arvydas Sabonis (arguably the best player to come out of Europe ever)
4. He's just turned 18 this month</div>
Yeah, I heard the same thing too. I don't know how many minutes he averages a game, but I heard he averages like 5 and 4 in the minutes he gets. He seems to have a bright future, the waiting period is what might make him not much of a favorite until he starts to blossom and we all know the quick pace of New York reflects into our basketball.

I heard, read and saw a little bit of the McDonald's All American game yesterday. I was very impressed with Gerald Green and knowing how Isiah is in love with athleticism and it even says a swingman in the article, I think we might draft him. First I hope we trade away Tim and Penny in the summer and then open things up for Ariza and Green. Green is a strong possibility and I wont even be disappointed to see him don a Knicks uniform next season.

I must say, I really see Isiah Thomas drafting Chris Taft though.

 

[Peja King]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Sorry MrJ18, I just got on a roll with the headlines today. What I found the most interesting about the article was his team benching him so his draft stock would drop. Andri has a lot going for him, which is why scouts are high on him.

1. He's a legit 7'2 (you can't teach height)
2. He handles the rock well for his size, is agile and great courtvision
3. He is the protege of Arvydas Sabonis (arguably the best player to come out of Europe ever)
4. He's just turned 18 this month</div>

they said the same things about Darko... well if he decides to stay in europe for 2,3 years i think he cuold be a good pick... watch Krstic.. he stayed in Europe and look at him now

 

[Shapecity]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Peja King:</div><div class="quote_post">they said the same things about Darko... well if he decides to stay in europe for 2,3 years i think he cuold be a good pick... watch Krstic.. he stayed in Europe and look at him now</div>
Yes, they said the same things about Darko, and he went number 2 in the draft, ahead of Carmelo Anthony, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh. It looks like a huge mistake now, but it's still not fair to judge Darko yet. The Pistons were in a position to draft Darko, because they can afford to wait for him to develop. They have the luxury of having Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, and Antonio McDyess to play ahead of him.

The Knicks can also afford to wait 2 or 3 years for Andri to develop. The Knicks are a player or two away from making it back to the playoffs, but that player is not going to be found in this year's draft group. They'll need to find that player via free agency or through a trade. Then in 2 or 3 years when the Knicks have some cap space, they can also bring in a developed Andri into the mix.

We currently have the Warriors taking Andri in the Justbball Mock. They too, can afford two or three years for him to develop. The Warriors made their big move by getting Baron Davis. They simply don't need a drafted player to come in right now and start for them. They have enough young talent and depth as it is. For them and the Knicks, drafting on "potential" makes a lot of sense.

Gerald Green might have played himself into a Raptors uniform in yesterday's McDonald's All American game.

 

[REREM]

A guy like Penny,paid twice his worth-at least,is what everyone wants to dump. The Knicks could get some other comparable mistake,I guess. But to expect any gain is a fantasy. T Thomas could be moved if the package is attractive,but the Knicks can only toss in a few other guys they have wanted to dump. That leaves that draft pick as the best bait to get some team to accept a package of Knick's bad contracts. Anyhow,the McDonald's game kicked Green up several slots. If it's true the GM's are thinking athletic,and long term potential-then he goes real early. If Martynas A is unavailable I think the Mavs would deal Pavel P for the right price.......

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting REREM:</div><div class="quote_post">A guy like Penny,paid twice his worth-at least,is what everyone wants to dump. The Knicks could get some other comparable mistake,I guess. But to expect any gain is a fantasy. T Thomas could be moved if the package is attractive,but the Knicks can only toss in a few other guys they have wanted to dump. That leaves that draft pick as the best bait to get some team to accept a package of Knick's bad contracts. Anyhow,the McDonald's game kicked Green up several slots. If it's true the GM's are thinking athletic,and long term potential-then he goes real early. If Martynas A is unavailable I think the Mavs would deal Pavel P for the right price.......</div>
But the Knicks have 2 huge expiring contracts. They can get someone very good with those especially with the way teams jump on those these days. The Knicks will most likely draft a player. Trading a lottery pick and expiring contracts must get someone good. I think Isiah might take Green. He was the same one who drafted McGrady and this guy resembles him a lot. It is a possiblity.

 

[Knicks Analyst]

After the way Gerald Green played yesterday, it wouldn't surprise me at all for Isiah to pick him up. But after reading some scouting reports on Andriuskevicius, I have to say that I do not see Isiah going for him. Andriuskevicius, according to Chad Ford, supposedly likes to shoot from the outside, despite his 7-3 frame, and I don't know that that's the kind of player Isiah has interest in incorportating into this team. I think he wants a man with serious prescense in the paint, or just someone who can flat-out score. And I just don't see it. I see a possible selection of Green, but Ithink he's going for Taft or Splitter.

 

[JWohl]

green

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Knicks Analyst:</div><div class="quote_post">After the way Gerald Green played yesterday, it wouldn't surprise me at all for Isiah to pick him up. And I just don't see it. I see a possible selection of Green, but Ithink he's going for Taft or Splitter.</div>
I see Gerald Green as the next lottery pick of the Knicks especially following his exellent play yesterday. He is what the Knicks need. A young, explosive, athletic, shooter who can create on the defensive side and run the other way for fast breaks. We know Marbury is good at running the break and crawfor is explosive also so the three of them could make a nice group. Plus at 6'8 the knicks could slide green over to PF sometimes (like Shawn Marion does with the suns) and put Ariza in there and really get rolling. The Knicks could become a 'funball' team and potenntially excell at it.

 

[Mr. J]

I like Gerald Green. The weakest assest of the Knicks is their perimteter defense and maybe a Green can help that. The thing about the Knicks is that they have so many people to run on the break like Marbury, Crawford, Ariza, Tim, and Jerome, but they never seem to run on the break enough. As it stands of right now, I don't think Green could play the 4 due to his lack of height, but in the future is definitely a possibility. I would like to see Penny and/or Tim Thomas out for an a big man. Having a lineup of...
PG: Marbury
SG: Green
SF: Ariza
PF: Sweetney
C: Whoever
...will be very interesting. I don't see Crawford starting because of his lack of defensive intensity. He could provde a great offensive spark along with Houston next year. That is definitely interesting. If the Knicks can get their hands on a Frye with their second 1st rounder, I would like it. I heard moving up in the draft by packaging their picks would not be good. This draft is full of quality and the Knicks can get 3 quality players in the draft. I don't know. Hopefully we can get Green and Petro falls down to our reach or even Taft. I'd take the risk on them with our lower picks. I'm sure Taft will play hard trying to prove something!

 

[JWohl]

problem

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">I like Gerald Green. The weakest assest of the Knicks is their perimteter defense and maybe a Green can help that. The thing about the Knicks is that they have so many people to run on the break like Marbury, Crawford, Ariza, Tim, and Jerome, but they never seem to run on the break enough. As it stands of right now, I don't think Green could play the 4 due to his lack of height, but in the future is definitely a possibility. I would like to see Penny and/or Tim Thomas out for an a big man. Having a lineup of...
PG: Marbury
SG: Green
SF: Ariza
PF: Sweetney
C: Whoever
...will be very interesting. I don't see Crawford starting because of his lack of defensive intensity. He could provde a great offensive spark along with Houston next year. That is definitely interesting. If the Knicks can get their hands on a Frye with their second 1st rounder, I would like it. I heard moving up in the draft by packaging their picks would not be good. This draft is full of quality and the Knicks can get 3 quality players in the draft. I don't know. Hopefully we can get Green and Petro falls down to our reach or even Taft. I'd take the risk on them with our lower picks. I'm sure Taft will play hard trying to prove something!</div>
Green really isnt a SG he is a SF

 

[el_guasibiri]

[quote name='mrj18']I like Gerald Green. The weakest assest of the Knicks is their perimteter defense and maybe a Green can help that. The thing about the Knicks is that they have so many people to run on the break like Marbury, Crawford, Ariza, Tim, and Jerome, but they never seem to run on the break enough. As it stands of right now, I don't think Green could play the 4 due to his lack of height, but in the future is definitely a possibility. I would like to see Penny and/or Tim Thomas out for an a big man. Having a lineup of...
PG: Marbury
SG: Green
SF: Ariza
PF: Sweetney
C: Whoever
I agreed with you on the knicks getting Gerald Green in the Draft but I don't see Tim Thomas traded for a big man, because he right now is playing much better in the post up.He becomes a dificult player to guard at 6'10 250 pounds. and he shooting over 43% from 3 point range soooo.... I see it dificult in Isiah Thomas trading him.

 

[Shapecity]

Do the Knicks really need another scorer in Green? How is Green going to pull off playing PF? The guy is rail thin, he'll get destroyed at PF.

Unless the Knicks get rid of Marbury and/or Crawfod, Gerald Green doesn't make much sense for the Knicks. They also have a young talent in Ariza to play SF. Gerald Green is a decent defender, but at the pro level he's not big enough to be a strong perimeter or post defender.

Gerald Green is the talk of the town right now after his dominating performance in the McDonald's game. I could see the Knicks taking him, but I think they need to make some moves before they commit to Green. From the games I've seen him play, Green does has not learned to play off the ball. He likes having the ball in his hands (ala McGrady) to create offense. He enjoys measuring his defender and then popping a 3 in their face. Although Green is capable of being a SG, I think he's more valuable as a SF.

 

[el_guasibiri]

I think Isiah will get rid of Penny Hardaway,Jackie Butler,and Jermain Jackson if he draft Green that will get him some minutes to play around along with Trevor Ariza at the same time to give the fans some expectacular moves.

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I agreed with you on the knicks getting Gerald Green in the Draft but I don't see Tim Thomas traded for a big man, because he right now is playing much better in the post up.He becomes a dificult player to guard at 6'10 250 pounds. and he shooting over 43% from 3 point range soooo.... I see it dificult in Isiah Thomas trading him.</div>
The only reason why Tim is putting up these numbers is because this is a contract year for him. That's his motivation. Knick fans should be happy he's doing all of this in recent weeks. This will increase his trade value and hopefully we can sucker another team into getting him along with that expiring contract. It's not too difficult, in fact, it's much easier trading him now that he's decided to play better.

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Do the Knicks really need another scorer in Green? How is Green going to pull off playing PF? The guy is rail thin, he'll get destroyed at PF.

Unless the Knicks get rid of Marbury and/or Crawfod, Gerald Green doesn't make much sense for the Knicks. They also have a young talent in Ariza to play SF. Gerald Green is a decent defender, but at the pro level he's not big enough to be a strong perimeter or post defender.

Gerald Green is the talk of the town right now after his dominating performance in the McDonald's game. I could see the Knicks taking him, but I think they need to make some moves before they commit to Green. From the games I've seen him play, Green does has not learned to play off the ball. He likes having the ball in his hands (ala McGrady) to create offense. He enjoys measuring his defender and then popping a 3 in their face. Although Green is capable of being a SG, I think he's more valuable as a SF.</div>
Isiah said that he needs to prepare as if Allan Houston weren't around. I see Green taking a similar role as Houston. With something likely to be done about Penny and Tim, I think that position will thin out a bit. We also know how Isiah can't pass out on such talent so he might pull the trigger. Also with big men late in the draft such as Frye and Turiaf, Isiah could very well get Green. Marbury at age 29 next year, won't be around forever. A future of Crawford at the 1, Green at the 2, Ariza at the 3, Sweetney at the 4, and whoever we draft at the 5 is putting a smile on my face right now.

I think at the very least, Green can be like a 6th man role player off the bench at this stage of his career.

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting el_guasibiri:</div><div class="quote_post">I think Isiah will get rid of Penny Hardaway,Jackie Butler,and Jermain Jackson if he draft Green that will get him some minutes to play around along with Trevor Ariza at the same time to give the fans some expectacular moves.</div>
I don't think he'll get rid of Jackie Butler. He has been on the Aguire-workout-plan and looks somewhat promising in the garbage minutes he got. He still is only 20 years old 6-10 and has a good bulk at 250 pounds. He seems like a guy we can keep. What I don't want is for him to start blossoming and he gets traded similar to what happened to Frank Williams. Hardaway and possibly Jackson can be gone because Hardaway's expiring contract and Jackson's small filler like contract.

 

[el_guasibiri]

I believe that sonics center Jerome James is a free agent.The Knicks need to look to that player he is young and stong body shape but he has to work on that 15"foot jumper so he can turn it into a double double guy like Kurt Thomas.

 

[Mr. J]

A Jerome James player might be a good fit. James' offenses isn;t that much of a concern to me the fact that he is an excellent shot blocker is what's drawing my attention. The fact that he can average almost 1.5 blocks a game in 16 minutes is why I think he can do us well. He can bail us out with the frequent defenses lapses by the perimeter defense. James is definitely worth our time if we can get him at a cheap cost. I wouldn't feel comfortable giving him much more than the MLE.

 

[Platehpus]

Here's what I'd do. The Knicks will be running a three-guard lineup next year, so not resigning Tim Thomas is an obvious if we're going to get Ariza more minutes. If we miss out on Bogut, I'd take Green if he's still available. A big man to compliment Sweetney in the inside game would be wonderful, but I simply don't trust any of the europeans.

 

[crazyrussianz]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Platehpus:</div><div class="quote_post">Here's what I'd do. The Knicks will be running a three-guard lineup next year, so not resigning Tim Thomas is an obvious if we're going to get Ariza more minutes. If we miss out on Bogut, I'd take Green if he's still available. A big man to compliment Sweetney in the inside game would be wonderful, but I simply don't trust any of the europeans.</div>

Totally agree on the european sub, basically were takin a risk here, he might play good there but he can collapse here. so i rather draft someone that played here, green is a good draft so is splitter and taft, the question is will they still be around when it going to be out pick???

 

[Mr. J]

Guys don't forget we also have another 1st rounder probably (likely 27-30), and also a 2nd rounder from Houston I beleive (likely in the 50's) so we can get a sleeper or a Frye, or Turiaf with our late 1st rounder.

 

[Tribute to H2O]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Knicks Analyst:</div><div class="quote_post">After the way Gerald Green played yesterday, it wouldn't surprise me at all for Isiah to pick him up. But after reading some scouting reports on Andriuskevicius, I have to say that I do not see Isiah going for him. Andriuskevicius, according to Chad Ford, supposedly likes to shoot from the outside, despite his 7-3 frame, and I don't know that that's the kind of player Isiah has interest in incorportating into this team. I think he wants a man with serious prescense in the paint, or just someone who can flat-out score. And I just don't see it. I see a possible selection of Green, but Ithink he's going for Taft or Splitter.</div>

Just wanted to clear something up. Martynas does have developing post moves but he's still just a kid and doesnt really have the body to bang with big players. Which could be good since now he knows how to shoot. As soon as he puts on some pounds he'll be a force in the paint.

Why are we talking about using a lottery pick on a swingman? Especially when we already have our swingman of the future. I'm willing to bet there are a few swingmen that will be better than him further down in the first round, like Mikael Gelabale, and even one or two in the second round, maybe Ryan Gomes. Let's forget about this Green character and pick up Splitter. As for the second rounder from Houston it's going to be really low so we should probably try to get Lucas Tischer. He's a real big man who could be a force defensively in the paint. Then use our late first rounder on Vladimir Veremeenko. That way we'll have our big men of the future set and we'll be able to pick up some guards next season.

By the way I'm still confused how many draft picks do we have for this season? I dont think we have our second rounder anymore...

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">Why are we talking about using a lottery pick on a swingman? Especially when we already have our swingman of the future. I'm willing to bet there are a few swingmen that will be better than him further down in the first round, like Mikael Gelabale, and even one or two in the second round, maybe Ryan Gomes. Let's forget about this Green character and pick up Splitter. As for the second rounder from Houston it's going to be really low so we should probably try to get Lucas Tischer. He's a real big man who could be a force defensively in the paint. Then use our late first rounder on Vladimir Veremeenko. That way we'll have our big men of the future set and we'll be able to pick up some guards next season.</div>
I know what you're saying, but we're passing up on real talent here. Ariza is a swingman for the future, but Green can be very valuable for us. He can provide us with that 6th man we need. Also when Marbury leaves he will most likely be in his prime leaving a front court of a mature Ariza and Sweetney.

I think we can get a more than solid big man with our later first rounder. Plus with those expiring contracts, I think Isiah might be able to bring in a solid big man.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">By the way I'm still confused how many draft picks do we have for this season? I dont think we have our second rounder anymore...</div>
I'm pretty sure it is like this:
1. Our lottery pick
2. San Antonio's lottery pick via Phoenix
3. Houston's second round pick (I heard we have theirs somehow not quite sure, but we do.)

 

[JWohl]

mrj18

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">I know what you're saying, but we're passing up on real talent here. Ariza is a swingman for the future, but Green can be very valuable for us. He can provide us with that 6th man we need. Also when Marbury leaves he will most likely be in his prime leaving a front court of a mature Ariza and Sweetney. </div>
you are forgetting something, Green is better than Ariza is and will be a better player than Ariza could ever hope of being. I think it would be the other way around with ariza being a solid off-the-bench contributor and Greed starting

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">2. San Antonio's lottery pick via Phoenix</div>
its not a lottery pick.......

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">3. Houston's second round pick (I heard we have theirs somehow not quite sure, but we do.)</div>
I think its via the mauric taylor trade

 

[Tribute to H2O]

You honestly want to use a high lottery pick on a small forward? How about no? We can always draft a good small forward later on in the draft. Good big men are hard to find but swingmen are everywhere. Who cares how talented Green is? It doesn't matter how good Green will be because Ariza will be good enough. Unless he's guaranteed to turn into Lebron or Jordan or Kobe let's forget him and draft a small forward next season.

Ronny Turiaf is a good big man that we can use our late first rounder on and/or we can use Houston's second rounder to get Lucas Tischer. One thing is for sure I dont want to trade away our expiring contracts and take on more salary. That's a big no no.

Does anyone know if we have our own second rounder?

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">You honestly want to use a high lottery pick on a small forward? How about no? We can always draft a good small forward later on in the draft. Good big men are hard to find but swingmen are everywhere. Who cares how talented Green is? It doesn't matter how good Green will be because Ariza will be good enough. Unless he's guaranteed to turn into Lebron or Jordan or Kobe let's forget him and draft a small forward next season.</div>
But McGrady is in the same league as Kobe and some even consider him better. McGrady is a very good baller and a 2 time scoring champ. Swingmen are everywhere, but not swingmen turning out to be like McGrady. We can get a more than solid big man in the draft with S.A.'s pick or we can package them together with our second rounder and maybe get a 24th pick in the dratf and pick up a sleeper.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Ronny Turiaf is a good big man that we can use our late first rounder on and/or we can use Houston's second rounder to get Lucas Tischer. One thing is for sure I dont want to trade away our expiring contracts and take on more salary. That's a big no no.

Does anyone know if we have our own second rounder?</div>
If we add to our salary in a sign-and-trade to a good young player
, I wouldn't mind that. If we can use them in the draft I definitely wouldn't mind!

Nope, I'm pretty sure Houston has it. Basically we swapped 2nd rounders.

 

[Platehpus]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tribute to H2O:</div><div class="quote_post">You honestly want to use a high lottery pick on a small forward? How about no? We can always draft a good small forward later on in the draft. Good big men are hard to find but swingmen are everywhere. Who cares how talented Green is? It doesn't matter how good Green will be because Ariza will be good enough. Unless he's guaranteed to turn into Lebron or Jordan or Kobe let's forget him and draft a small forward next season.

Ronny Turiaf is a good big man that we can use our late first rounder on and/or we can use Houston's second rounder to get Lucas Tischer. One thing is for sure I dont want to trade away our expiring contracts and take on more salary. That's a big no no.

Does anyone know if we have our own second rounder?</div>
Bogut or bust.

 

[Mr. J]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Platehpus:</div><div class="quote_post">Bogut or bust.</div>
lol

Bogut is the most mature out of them and he is the player of the year. We probably wont get him though. I wish we could package all of our picks and get him.

 

[Mr. J]

I beg to differ...

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting JWohl:</div><div class="quote_post">you are forgetting something, Green is better than Ariza is and will be a better player than Ariza could ever hope of being. I think it would be the other way around with ariza being a solid off-the-bench contributor and Greed starting</div>
How do you know that? He is not even proven! You are making assumptions right now. People thought Olowokandi would be better than Nowitzki and we see how that turned out. Let's see what he can do in the league first, than judge based upon that.

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">its not a lottery pick.......</div>
Yeah, I don't know what I was thinking there

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I think its via the mauric taylor trade</div>
No, they have our second rounder.