ducks
10-27-2005, 08:43 AM
KNICKS: James done after 11 minutes
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
BY DAVID WALDSTEIN
Star-Ledger Staff
PHILADELPHIA -- When the Knicks acquired Eddy Curry earlier this month Jerome James was relegated to the bench, which is not completely new for the backup behemoth. James has had to sit down with foul problems so often in the past that Larry Brown recently joked he fouls out during pre-game layups.
James was second in the NBA in fouls per 48 minutes (10.1) last year -- and first the year before with 10.4 -- and it wasn't just by pure clumsiness. The 7-footer, who averaged only 16 minutes per game last year due of foul trouble, takes great pride in his rugged style of play, and wants to bring it to the Knicks.
"No easy layups," he said. "We're definitely not trying to hurt anyone, but we have to let people know we're there."
While in Seattle, James initiated a no-uncontested-layup policy. He said that when 6-9 Nick Collison arrived last season as a rookie out of Kansas he was concerned about getting into foul trouble. But in the end Collison joined forces with James, and ended up averaging 8.7 fouls per 48 minutes -- fifth highest in the league.
James wants to institute the same staunch defensive code for his new team, but Brown is concerned that James physical style of play could cause problems.
"We need him on the court," Brown cautioned.
But after last night's 80-71 victory over the Sixers, Brown was the one who sat him down, and not due to foul problems. Brown had hoped to allow James, who has been out much of training camp with sore hamstrings, to play significant minutes, but benched him after only 11 minutes.
"He needs to use the next seven or eight days to get in better shape," Brown said.
James said he would do whatever Brown asks. "I guess I need to spend even more time in the gym," he said.
Notes: Malik Rose, who has been mentioned in trade talks with the Trail Blazers for Darius Miles or Theo Ratliff, said he hadn't heard anything about the possibility of switching coasts, and would be "shocked" if it happened. ... Mo Taylor and former Knick Lee Nailon were ejected from the game in the first quarter after a pair of minor scuffles. Taylor admitted it was "stupid" to get kicked out. ... Stephon Marbury was kicked in the left shin (X-rays were negative) and is listed as day-to-day...Allen Iverson (knee) didn't play.
© 2005 The Star Ledger
© 2005 NJ.com All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
BY DAVID WALDSTEIN
Star-Ledger Staff
PHILADELPHIA -- When the Knicks acquired Eddy Curry earlier this month Jerome James was relegated to the bench, which is not completely new for the backup behemoth. James has had to sit down with foul problems so often in the past that Larry Brown recently joked he fouls out during pre-game layups.
James was second in the NBA in fouls per 48 minutes (10.1) last year -- and first the year before with 10.4 -- and it wasn't just by pure clumsiness. The 7-footer, who averaged only 16 minutes per game last year due of foul trouble, takes great pride in his rugged style of play, and wants to bring it to the Knicks.
"No easy layups," he said. "We're definitely not trying to hurt anyone, but we have to let people know we're there."
While in Seattle, James initiated a no-uncontested-layup policy. He said that when 6-9 Nick Collison arrived last season as a rookie out of Kansas he was concerned about getting into foul trouble. But in the end Collison joined forces with James, and ended up averaging 8.7 fouls per 48 minutes -- fifth highest in the league.
James wants to institute the same staunch defensive code for his new team, but Brown is concerned that James physical style of play could cause problems.
"We need him on the court," Brown cautioned.
But after last night's 80-71 victory over the Sixers, Brown was the one who sat him down, and not due to foul problems. Brown had hoped to allow James, who has been out much of training camp with sore hamstrings, to play significant minutes, but benched him after only 11 minutes.
"He needs to use the next seven or eight days to get in better shape," Brown said.
James said he would do whatever Brown asks. "I guess I need to spend even more time in the gym," he said.
Notes: Malik Rose, who has been mentioned in trade talks with the Trail Blazers for Darius Miles or Theo Ratliff, said he hadn't heard anything about the possibility of switching coasts, and would be "shocked" if it happened. ... Mo Taylor and former Knick Lee Nailon were ejected from the game in the first quarter after a pair of minor scuffles. Taylor admitted it was "stupid" to get kicked out. ... Stephon Marbury was kicked in the left shin (X-rays were negative) and is listed as day-to-day...Allen Iverson (knee) didn't play.
© 2005 The Star Ledger
© 2005 NJ.com All Rights Reserved.