CHICAGO – It was rookie Renaldo Balkman to the rescue last night at Chicago’s United Center.
They booed Balkman on draft night, but he has become a fan favorite at the Garden – his energy, hustle and wild dreadlocks an endearing vision.
In a bit of a gamble, Thomas started Balkman at small forward vs. the Bulls to replace the hamstring-impaired Quentin Richardson, hoping Balkman’s energy off the bench would transfer to the game’s tip-off.
Balkman was ecstatic.
“I’m like, ‘Wow,’ ” Balkman said. “Like most rookies don’t even play. To get an opportunity to play and chance to start, it’s crazy.” With David Lee also starting last night for injured and brittle Channing Frye, the Knicks took the court vs. the Bulls with a spotty outside-shooting club but not lacking in high-energy, uptempo players. Richardson could be back tonight vs. the Cavaliers so he can defend LeBron James.
Isiah Thomas passed on Nets point guard Marcus Williams to select Balkman at No. 20, fearing he would not be there when they selected again at No. 29.
Turns out, he probably would have been available and the Knicks could have had both players. The Knicks chose Temple point guard Mardy Collins at No. 29. Collins has shown tiny flashes he can play in this league in limited action.
The Balkman pick drew major criticism since the South Carolina forward was not even in the draft media guide and was likely a second-round pick at best.
Greg Anthony pounded Thomas for the selection and, since, the two have gone after each other in the press.
Balkman has used the commotion as motivation.
“To me, it was a great pick,” Balkman said. “I think it was a great pick, the 20th pick, myself.
I’m still a basketball player. I go out and show people what I’m about. That’s what I do every day.” Balkman plays with a major chip on his shoulder, and that’s exactly what Thomas wants. His speed and recklessness on the boards are exactly what Thomas is seeking. Problem is, he can’t shoot, and that’s exposed the longer Balkman is on the court.
“He understands the pro game a little better,” Thomas said.
“He still has a ways to go. But what he doesn’t have in knowledge and experience he makes up for in effort and hustle.” Owner James Dolan’s decision whether to keep Thomas around after this season hinges on guys like Balkman. If Balkman is a flop and the Knicks do not make the playoffs, it would be another black mark against Thomas.
But Thomas is not overplaying Balkman to prove he made the right pick. In fact, he’s been very protective. Balkman had a great Saturday night in the first meeting vs. the Bulls, leading the Knicks’ fourth-quarter surge. He finished with 10 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and three blocks.
But on the season, though Balkman has played in all 15 games, he’s averaging just 10½ minutes.
“We don’t have a choice,” Thomas said. “I like what they bring off the bench, but all the starters are gone. Playing without Richardson, Frye, (Jared) Jeffries, it’s pretty much go with what you got.” The first days of training camp in Charleston, Balkman was a fish out of water. Thomas was surprised how raw Balkman was to the NBA game. Thomas made comments early in camp that Balkman might not make the rotation. As preseason wore on, Balkman’s energy, speed and ability to make things happen forced Thomas to give him a bit role.
“I’ll go out and do the same thing,” Balkman said. “Whatever minutes I get out on the floor, I’ll play my best and hardest. If it’s 30 seconds, I’ll go out there high energy.” Jeffries was supposed to be the Knicks’ starting small forward this season but he fractured his left wrist in training camp, needed surgery and won’t make his season debut for at least 10 more days.
When Jeffries returns, Thomas has a big decision to make on whether to bench Richardson, improving Steve Francis or – yes – struggling Stephon Marbury.
