Re: Travis Knight

[Adam Suchocki <Twilight@world.std.com>]

I have to disagree.  I think Knight is a marginal roll player on par 
with Szabo.  Knight is a little stronger, but Szabo was more athletic (a 
much better leaper and somewhat better foot speed).  Either would fill 
in well as a back-up center on a running team, but neither should be 
starting.  Both may improve some, but I'd be willing to bet Dino's 
salary that Knight will never be in the same class of skill or 
effectiveness as Rick Smitts.  For starters, Knight needs around 4 
inches and 30+ pounds to just match him for physical stature (Smitts is 
7'4 and has been over 270 for much of his career).  Smitts, when 
healthy, can push Ewing around in the paint, and was part of the reason 
Indiana gave New York so much trouble in recent years.  Although Smits 
is not a good rebounder, his low post moves are much better than most of 
the centers in the league.  Only Olajuwan, Robinson, and Ewing seem 
better than him when it comes to offensive moves and shooting touch 
(Shaq and Mourning may score more, but Smits has much better moves than 
either).  Knight may improve a lot, but he just doesn't seem to have the 
hands, size, strength, or body control to be a center of the caliber or 
Rick Smitts.

Adam
> In a transition style/running offense he will be fine..on defense he will
> have help against physical centers the others he should be able to handle
> 1-on-1. The key is athleticism, shot blocking and the jump shot..anything
> else would be too much to expect. It's difficult to comment on Szabo's
> talent because he played on a team where wins or losses were
> inconsequential. Knight on the other hand gave sterling performances in key
> games and kept Sean Rooks on bench. Given the right coach he has the
> potential to be as good as Rick Smits.
> 
>  - Mishra
>