Speedball officially died in Westchester on Thursday.
Interim Knicks coach Mike Woodson staged his first practice Thursday and reporters got to see implementation of a host of structured, deliberate set plays that was absent in the read-and-ract Mike D’Antoni speedball offense. D’Antoni resigned Wednesday, feeling he didn’t have enough guys buying into the share-the-ball system, specifically Carmelo Anthony.
Amar’e Stoudemire admitted the offensive system is changing dramatically under Woodson in blending more toward the superstars, less toward Linsanity. Woodson admitted afterward point guard Jeremy Lin still is in a “learning stage.’’
“He’s going to utilize his leading scorers, myself and Carmelo (Anthony), make sure he takes advantage of every opportunity on the court,” Stoudemire said after practice. “We’ve been profound scorers all our careers. He wants to make sure we take advantage of that.”
“It’s going to be different for us,’’ Stoudemire added. “Coach Woodson has his offense and offensive schemes. We have to readjust to that. We are all receiving it well. We’re excited about it. We can’t wait to play in the new offense.‘’
Knicks owner James Dolan gave his rah-rah speech before the Portland game Wednesday night in the locker room and told them nobody is getting traded at Thursday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline. Of course he meant anyone integral, as the Knicks were shopping Toney Douglas.
“Mr. Dolan was perfectly clear in his message nobody was going anywhere,” Stoudemire said. “He wants to give this team a chance to succeed. That’s what we’re going to do.”
Stoudemire and Anthony were surprised Indiana’s Danny Granger tweeted the resurgent Pacers have “two winnable games’’ ahead, referring to the home-and-home with the Knicks Friday and Saturday.
“He just got to be careful what he asks for,’’ Stoudemire said. “I don’t know if he’s in a position to speak too boldly right now. We got something to say about that tomorrow. ‘’
Said Anthony, “I’m glad he said that.’’
The Knicks (19-24) and Bucks, who hold the tiebreaker, are tied for the eighth and final playoff spot with the Cavaliers also in contention.
“We got to make sure that we play better than our record,’’ Stoudemire said. “We’re not in great position in the playoffs standings but we have a phenomenal team with great players.’ We know how good we can be.’’
Anthony looked thrilled on the practice court Thursday and again said it’s untrue D’Antoni resigned because he felt he couldn’t coach him anymore. Anthony has yet to reach out to D’Antoni, however.