Coach: Coaching the Grizzlies at the beginning, playing the bantam

Chapter 238 The new season sets sail!First issue of combat power rankings, fifth in the league?

In late September, the Knicks held a media day inside Madison Square Garden.

The team's 15-man roster for the new season is full, and the next step is to get ready for the regular season.

Lu Yong arrived at the arena and greeted every player in the team, trying his best to leave a harmonious scene in front of the media.

During the offseason, he called the players one by one and told them what they needed to focus on during the summer.Among them, Butler, Shumpert, and Bazemore are all three-pointers, and their roles in the new season will be closer to the 3D direction.

However, unlike Shumpert and Bazemore, Lu Yong asked Butler to focus on practicing three-pointers in order to expand his offensive arsenal in advance. Butler in his rookie season naturally cannot become the Knicks' main offensive point. He can only practice three-pointers. With good three-pointers, he can get more playing opportunities.

As a "league scrap", Butler cherishes the opportunity to play for Lu Yong. He was excited when he received a call from Lu Yong in the summer. He stayed in the gym almost every day to practice shooting, not daring to be lazy for a moment.

Butler's hard work is obvious to all, and the fact that he came all the way from a tragic childhood experience to this day is a testament to his resilience.Lu Yong has no worries about Butler's training progress. He knows that even if everyone in the Knicks is slacking off, Butler will not stop training. This is a gene engraved in a person's bones.

After walking around the court, Lu Yong walked directly to Butler and asked with a smile: "Jimmy, how was your training in the summer? Has your long-range shooting efficiency improved?"

Butler stretched out his hand and scratched his head. "I am more confident in the bottom corners on both sides. It may be a little worse in other positions, but it is definitely a lot better than last season."

Lu Yong nodded lightly, patted his shoulder with his hand, and said with a smile: "As long as you make progress, don't worry. After the season starts, I will let coach Hoiberg guide you in shooting. You must always be prepared."

"Yes! Coach!" Butler replied loudly and excitedly, feeling Lu Yong's importance and trust in him.

Lu Yong is patient with Butler's growth and knows how good Butler's ability to lead the team will be in the future.

Even if he fails a little early in his career, it won't be a big problem. As long as Butler can practice three-point shooting well, coupled with his already excellent individual defense, being a 3D gate is not a problem at all. JR Smith is the Knicks' strongest player at the second position, but his playing style is more suitable as a sixth man, leading the second team to score points.

In the new season, Lu Yong plans to let J.R. Smith continue to play as a substitute, and the starting second position will be chosen from three defensive heroes: Barrett, Shumpert, and Bazemore.He has not yet decided on a specific candidate and will make the final decision through preseason observation.

Lu Yong talked a lot with the role players. It is not a good thing for a championship team to rely too much on stars. Only when the role players play their characteristics can the Knicks stand out in the Eastern Conference more easily.

An eagle-eyed reporter saw Lu Yong constantly wandering around the team's role players and curiously stepped forward to interview him.

Lu Yong smiled and said: "In my opinion, the performance of role players is an important factor that affects the outcome of the game. Cameron, Deron and JR are all veterans who have been in the league for many years. They have their own ways. Adjust the status, so new people need me to understand and guide them more."

The reporter asked again: "The Knicks traded second-year rookie Jimmy Butler from the Bulls in the summer. It is rumored that you are very optimistic about Jimmy's future development. What role will he play in the team in the new season?"

Lu Yong said: "Jimmy will compete with other players for playing time. Whoever is in good condition will play more. This has always been my way of employing people. As for Jimmy's future, I am indeed very optimistic about it. Maybe his talent is not in the league." Outstanding, but those who work hard should be rewarded, and I believe Jimmy will surprise the fans."

Players were interviewed, and most of the topics revolved around coach Lu Yong. Deron Williams, who had just joined the Knicks, even said confidently: "The Knicks are definitely the biggest favorite to win this season, because the team's head coach is Lu. That's why I chose to join the Knicks."

Deron Williams did not hide his intention to join the Knicks. He originally came for Lu Yong and firmly believed that playing for Lu Yong would lead to success.

Anthony was interviewed and also gave Lu Yong a high personal evaluation. "In my opinion, Lu is the best coach in the league. He is not only good at arranging offense, but also arranging tactics according to the characteristics of each player. The Knicks will try their best to compete for the championship in the new season. This is our common goal."

Anthony is very optimistic about the Knicks' championship prospects in the new season. Even the 76ers can reach the top of the league under the leadership of Lu Yong. There is no reason for him to do worse than the veteran Iverson.

After the interview, James Dolan walked onto the court and hugged Lu Yong.

He is very satisfied with the current team atmosphere of the Knicks and believes that the Knicks will have the strength to compete for the championship this season.

After Deron Williams joined, the Knicks' comprehensive strength was significantly stronger, and crossing the Heat mountain is no longer a fantasy.

"Lou, in the new season, you should be free and bold. No matter what ideas you have, communicate with the management in a timely manner. Everyone will support your work unconditionally." James Dolan said with a smile.

"Don't worry, the Knicks will definitely surprise everyone in the new season." Lu Yong waved his hand confidently.

In early October, the NBA preseason officially started.

In the first game against the Bucks, Lu Yong began to rehearse the lineup and sent out Tyson Chandler, Stoudemire, Anthony, Butler and Deron Williams as starters.

The Knicks' tactics are not complicated. Butler's position battle is mainly responsible for opening up space in the bottom corners on both sides, getting ready to catch and shoot, and occasionally using screens to cut to the basket.

Stoudemire played a pick-and-roll with Deron at the top of the arc. Anthony is a star who is free from tactics. He can play the role of an off-ball shooter or ignore the tactics and choose to play in singles. As long as the touch is hot enough, Lu Yong gives him super high tactical status.

As for Chandler, his biggest role on the court is to protect the frame. On the offensive end, he is responsible for grabbing rebounds and eating pie. He is the defensive core of the entire Knicks and is equally important.

Anthony plays one-on-one with the ball in the corner. The triple threat can dodge his opponent and attack by himself, or he can attract double-teams and pass to teammates who have better opportunities.

In the first quarter, the Knicks and Bucks faced off on offense. The two sides fought back and forth, but no one tried their best.

In the second quarter, Lu Yong directly played five up and five down, with five substitutes: Shumpert, J.R. Smith, Bazemore, Novak, and McGee.

With two 3D players + a high turret + a frame-protecting elite, JR Smith has unlimited shooting rights in this tactical system, which is very suitable for his neurotic performance.

Novak is 2 meters tall and weighs 08 kilograms. He is a big player with accurate shooting.

Last season, Novak averaged 18.9 minutes per game, scored 8.8 points and 2 rebounds, and shot 47.2% from three-point range, winning the NBA season three-point title.Even though Novak has a single role on the field, he can play a huge role in Lu Yong's tactical system. He is the type that Lu Yong likes.

In his most accurate season, he shot 56.2% from three-point range. He controls his playing time and is expected to become a surprise player on the Knicks' bench.The Knicks' second lineup crushed the Bucks. Led by J.R. Smith's 7 consecutive points, the Knicks quickly established a double-digit lead.

In the end, 109 to 92, the Knicks won the first game and got off to a good start in the preseason.

安东尼只打了22分钟，11投6中，三分球5中2，罚球3中3，得到17分4篮板2助攻，表现不错。德隆-威廉姆斯9投5中，三分2中1，罚球2中2，得到13分3篮板8助攻，很好的串联起了尼克斯的进攻。

首发中锋泰森-钱德勒2投2中只得4分，却抢下了9个篮板球外加3次封盖，不愧是能杀进DPOY榜前三的顶尖中锋。

The Knicks had three substitutes score in double figures, J.R. Smith, Novak and McGee.Among them, JR Smith played 23 minutes, making 14 of 7 shots, 6 of 3 three-pointers, and 3 of 2 free throws. He scored a game-high 19 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal, and shot 50% from the field.

In the second game, the Knicks narrowly defeated the Celtics 104 to 101.

Power center Tyson Chandler took a rest, and Lu Yong started Draymond Green and Stoudemire together to increase mobility and speed up counterattacks.

Stoudemire's status has declined slightly in the past two seasons, but when Deron Williams joined him and played pick-and-roll with him, Stoudemire's offensive efficiency improved significantly.In position battles, he received passes from Deron and cut to the basket several times, and succeeded in beating Brandon Bass one-on-one. He played very aggressively, allowing fans to see the shadow of the former bully in him.

Anthony's three-threat ability in front of the frame is even more top-notch in the league. Whether he is turning over for a jump shot, turning around or breaking through, he can easily catch the ball. One-on-one with the ball can ensure good offensive efficiency.

Stoudemire broke out and was very comfortable with Deron in the positional battle. He played 21 minutes and scored 18 points, 7 rebounds and 1 block, with a shooting rate of over 70%.

The Celtics' defensive system collapsed after losing Garnett, and they lost top pitcher Ray Allen this summer. Although they have successively strengthened Terry, Courtney Lee and "Brazilian Lightning" Barbosa from the free market, they have People, but there is basically no chance of winning the championship in the new season, and the strength has declined seriously.

If it weren't for "Psycho" J.R. Smith's poor touch in this game, the Knicks wouldn't have won so hard.

After that, the Knicks defeated the Raptors, Bobcats, and Trail Blazers, losing one game to the Hawks in the middle, and achieved an impressive record of 5 wins and 1 loss in the preseason.

The playing time of the Knicks' main players was limited to less than 25 minutes by Lu Yong. The substitute players got more opportunities, and the coaching staff also took the opportunity to conduct in-depth inspections.Several newcomers Green, Butler, and Bazemore played very well.

Among them, Butler's progress is the most surprising. He is already considered a capable defensive knife. Not only is he full of impact on counterattacks, but his three-point shooting rate in the right corner has also improved a lot, both on offense and defense. Outstanding performance.

In Lu Yong's previous life, Butler started to sit firmly in the rotation in the second season of his career. All statistics have improved significantly compared with the first year. He has great offensive potential and his defensive efficiency exceeds the league average.

The other two, Green and Bazemore, are less stable in shooting, but they are better at being defensively sticky and have a positive attitude, and they are also ready to fight.

Lu Yong has some headaches about how to arrange rotations, and can only make temporary adjustments based on the characteristics of his opponents.

The Knicks' lineup is too deep. This is not the first time Lu Yong has been troubled by sweet troubles, but it is the first time he has been so entangled in hiring people.

The newcomers all performed well in the six preseason games, and even Oden, who returned from injury, played a good game.In Game 09 against the Bobcats, Oden came off the bench to beat 8 first-round pick center Byron Mullens. He made 6 of 4 shots and 2 of 14 free throws. He efficiently scored 8 points, 1 rebounds and [-] block. Even Lu Yong They were all amazed.

Oden's physical talent is worthy of being among the best in history. He can dominate the basket in a short period of health. I can't imagine what level Oden can reach without injury problems.

After the preseason, Lu Yong announced that the team would have a holiday, allowing everyone to take advantage of the time to rest and prepare for the upcoming regular season.

Anthony spent his own money to treat all the team players to dinner. His wealthy behavior is very Gua Ge, and his emotional intelligence, appearance and strength are all online.

The regular season hasn't even started yet, but the Knicks are already united. From the coaching staff to the players, they are actively preparing for the game and can't wait to win.

It's clear this is shaping up to be a great season.

On the 21st, ESPN's official website announced the first NBA strength rankings. The Knicks ranked fifth in the league, a significant improvement from last season.

The four teams ahead of the Knicks are: the Spurs, Heat, Lakers and Clippers, all with strong lineups.

In the past, the teams coached by Lu Yong could always perform far better than last season. ESPN has been slapped in the face many times. This time it simply learned a lesson and directly pushed the Knicks into the top five.The reason is that Lu was able to win the championship with the 76ers last season. The Knicks' overall strength is far above the 76ers, so there is no reason to be ranked lower.

On October 10, the Knicks opened their home game against the Pacers, who ranked eighth in the strength list.

This is the focus of this round, and it is also the second consecutive year that Lu Yong and Pacers coach Rick Carlisle have faced each other in the opening game.

In the evening, Lu Yong stood at the door of the locker room chatting with Anthony. "You can take more shots tonight. I hope you can use all your firepower to beat Pacers small forward Paul George and overwhelm the opponent with momentum. The opening game is very important to us. Only victory can better improve the team. Morale, I don’t want the record of undefeated gold in the opening game to be cut off here.”

Anthony nodded and said: "Don't worry, Lu, Danny Granger had surgery and was reimbursed for the season. If he was here, I might still be a little stressed. Without him, the Pacers are not worth mentioning at all."

"Don't be careless. Paul George has a good talent. Now is a good opportunity for you to educate him. In two years, it won't be certain who educates whom." Lu Yong said with a smile.

Danny Granger just had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in the summer and will be out for the season ahead of schedule this year.Now the nominal star of the Pacers falls on the shoulders of David West, but Lu Yong knows that this Pacers is Paul George's team, and his counterattack officially begins this season.

George is much better than Granger in terms of physical talent and leadership ability, especially "Black Yao Ming" Hibbert is also growing rapidly. The Pacers are not weak this season and will become a force that cannot be underestimated in the Eastern Conference.

TNT radio broadcast the game live across the country, and Barkley teased Pacers coach Rick Carlisle before the game. "When Lu coached the 76ers last season, the opening game was against the Pacers, and the result was a brutal massacre. I think Rick will never forget that scene. I wonder how he is feeling now, hahaha."

Kenny Smith smiled: "Don't look at this Pacers based on past results. The Pacers have made significant progress in the past two seasons, and the new generation of main players in the team have gradually grown up. I think they have the ability to cause trouble for the Knicks. , even an upset win.”

　I received a message from the boss and asked me to update more.

　　Starting from tomorrow, I will update a lot. The target is [-] per day. I will work overtime tonight to sort out the details and be forced to open for business. It’s hard~
　　
　
(End of this chapter)