TARRYTOWN, NY — It could be too early to inform who gained the jackpot Knicks-Timberwolves commerce from this fall, however the Knicks definitely appear to be winners — for now — as they head right into a nationally televised matchup in Minnesota on Thursday.
Cities of Karl-AnthonyThe Piscataway, New Jersey native and Kentucky’s No. 1 total choose is averaging 24.8 factors per recreation (14th within the NBA) and 13.9 rebounds (1st within the NBA) whereas capturing at 52% from the sector. He is had 15 straight double-doubles and is coming off a 22-point, 22-rebound recreation in Sunday’s win at Orlando.
Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo?
Randle is enjoying nicely, averaging 20.1 factors and 6.8 rebounds, lower than half of Cities’ rebound whole. DiVincenzo is averaging 8.3 factors whereas capturing 32 % from deep, 5 share factors beneath his profession common.
“I’ve extra to present and do and play higher,” Cities mentioned Tuesday as he prepares to play his first recreation in Minnesota as a Knick after spending his first 9 years there.
“I simply need to be a famous person in my function, no matter that function is for our staff, and really be the 5 right here. And I simply need to be the very best I may be.
Cities seems to be a lock for his fifth All-Star look and second in a row.
“Karl-Anthony Cities has been lively all through the season,” ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins mentioned final week on “NBA In the present day.” “I’ve him proper now coming into the MVP dialog.”
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The Knicks rank third within the NBA in offensive ranking and have 4 gamers averaging at the very least 17 factors per recreation, with Jalen Brunson (25 factors per recreation) and Cities every at or close to 25.
So, has Cities exceeded expectations because the commerce regardless of having to maneuver his positions from energy to middle?
“Yeah, and that’s an amazing query,” mentioned Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, who coached Cities when he got here to the league from Kentucky.
“I suppose I had fairly excessive expectations of him. And I believed once I had him as a younger participant, I knew he was an amazing rebounder then, and I felt like he would be capable to adapt to maneuver again to the middle place.
Offensively, Thibodeau has seen Cities evolve.
“Whether or not it’s 5 outs, away from the basket, you may get him again to the basket, put him on the ground,” he mentioned. “I’d say he’s in all probability a greater passer now than he was then. He sees issues a lot earlier. I believe the double staff he’s extra comfy with.
The coach mentioned Cities has additionally change into stronger and extra skilled since he first coached him in Minnesota.
“I believe expertise is a superb instructor,” he mentioned. “I believe he’s been by quite a lot of various things. I believe he discovered lots. He is a lot stronger now than he was then. He at all times had excellent contact. He at all times had excellent instincts. However I believe going into huge video games and that type of factor and adjusting to completely different teammates, you study out of your teammates.
Maybe extra importantly, the coach says Cities is enjoying throughout the staff idea because the Knicks proceed to battle with two new starters in him and Mikal Bridges.
“You understand you don’t do it alone,” the coach mentioned. “You possibly can’t do it your self. However I believe he is grown lots yearly since he is been within the league.
John Calipari, Arkansas coach not too long ago advised the New York Put up Cities was initially “damage” by the commerce, however the coach advised him, “Please, [the Knicks] are excellent for you. Don’t fret about all the opposite issues. Come on.'”
He performed and is enjoying like an All-Star. And it seems just like the Knicks gained the commerce.
For now, at the very least.
CITIES FAN OF THE POPE
Cities was requested about new Kentucky coach Mark Pope, who has the No. 4 Wildcats at 10-1 heading into Saturday’s recreation in opposition to Ohio State within the CBS Sports activities Basic on the Backyard.
“I believe he’s doing an amazing job,” Cities mentioned. “The staff is wanting nice in the meanwhile. Mark Pope is a superb coach. I had the chance to speak to him lots, and [he’s a] nice man, nice coach. He directs them.
He added: “He and this Kentucky staff might go far. »
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Adam Zagoria is a contract reporter who covers Seton Corridor and NJ faculty basketball for NJ Advance Media. You possibly can comply with him on Twitter @AdamZagoria and take a look at his web site at ZAGSBLOG.com
