Maybe it was the intoxication of watching Antonio McDyess rise for two spectacular dunks during a 2-on-2 following yesterday’s morning shootaround in a virtually empty gymnasium.
But for the first time since training camp opened in late September, Don Chaney said he believes when it’s all said and done, the Knicks are going to the playoffs.
Previously, Chaney had hedged on the playoff topic. In fact, before the season opener, he said he didn’t know if this was a playoff team without McDyess. But now that McDyess should be back on the court on Dec. 1, with a small chance of debuting Thanksgiving eve in Minnesota, Chaney is feeling good despite the losing record. Perhaps he better start talking postseason since owner James Dolan has declared he “expects” the Knicks to make it.
“I think we’re going to get to the playoffs,” Chaney declared before last night’s loss to the Lakers. “That’s our main focus and I think good things will happen to us. It’s still early. We are playing better.”
Chaney is convinced that Dice’s arrival will turn their fortunes. And Chaney said the 6-10 power forward doesn’t have to be the 20-point, 10-rebound guy of his past.
Indeed, even if a rusty McDyess can play 20 minutes the first month or two off the bench, it means Knick fans won’t be subjected to the sore sight of undersized power forwards Othella Harrington and Clarence Weatherspoon.
“I don’t expect All-Star performances,” Chaney said. “I think he’ll probably get there. I want him back to have another player whose athletic and makes decisions. He’s a very good athlete. It’s what we need. He understands the game. He may not statistically get where he was a few years ago but just having him on the floor and being out there and having his presence will make us a very good basketball team.”
Chaney and assistant Brendan Malone pulled up a chair to watch McDyess’ 2-on-2 game featuring rookies Mike Sweetney and Maciej Lampe and player development coach Tyrone Corbin.
McDyess made two scintillating dunks. First, he drove by Lampe along the baseline and made a spectacular righthanded reverse slam, drawing a howl from Malone. Then he blew by Lampe again down the lane for a thunderous righthanded jam. He tripped, tumbled to the court but bounced to his feet instantly.
MyDyess will have his second full 5-on-5 scrimmage today but may need two more before being activated.
