PORTLAND – Frank Williams boldly drives to the basket like no Knick point guard since Rod Strickland. And his words are as bold as his penetrations.
Following yesterday morning’s shootaround at the Rose Garden, Williams declared himself “ready” to inherit the Knick starting point-guard position.
Problem is, coach Don Chaney wasn’t ready to make the move before last night’s encounter with the Trail Blazers.
Howard Eisley remained the starting PG, though if things continued to founder, Williams could be installed before this five-game Western trip concludes Tuesday in Utah.
“I think I’m ready,” Williams said. “It’s just a matter of time before they think so.”
Chaney was in no hurry.
“Why do I want to stay the same? We’ve only lost one game on this road trip,” the coach said.
True, coach, but your club was 7-12 entering the night, coming off two lottery seasons in which Eisley has been a big part of the rotation, if not the starter.
Chaney indicated he’s more prone to moving Charlie Ward back into the starting lineup, possibly keeping Williams as the definitive backup with Eisley playing sparingly at backup shooting guard.
Williams’ minutes should increase one way or another. He was the lone Knick to go without a turnover in Seattle on Wednesday, though he played just four minutes. Williams has played in all 19 games, averaging 12.2 minutes and less than a turnover per game.
“I think that’s the one thing I concentrated on this year, turnovers,” Williams said. “And I think I’m doing a good job.”
Williams’ rookie season was a bust, as he broke his wrist during the summer league and missed most of training camp. But even in the summer league this year, Williams didn’t wow Chaney, despite improvement on his jumper.
“He made a total turnaround [since training camp],” Chaney said. “Not only playing-wise, but he developed his body better, lost some body fat. His weight is down, muscle definition is greatly improved. On the floor, he has a better feel for the game. Last year, he drove to the basket and had no idea what he was doing. Now he understands if the lane is clear, he takes it and if not, he makes the pass.”
But the Knicks were stuck with Eisley again last night. Eisley made five turnovers in Seattle. He’s never been a high-tempo point guard, which is why Don Nelson got rid of him in the first place. So he’s really not Chaney’s type of field general. That’s why a change is destined to occur.
“I think he’s getting better,” Chaney said of Williams. “I don’t know if he’s ready to start right now. When it gets to the point where he’s consistently doing the same thing each time, that’s when you know he’s ready.”
Allan Houston won’t lobby for a change, but said of Williams, “It’s hard when you’re not getting too many minutes. He’s in a tough spot because he’s been playing well, but his minutes are, given the makeup of the team, you just don’t know from night in and night out. You have to make the most of the opportunity. That’s what he’s been able to do.”
