KNICKS NOTES
The triangle offense has been a disaster in the DLeague too.
The Westchester Knicks’ inaugural season is coming to a close with five games left, ending April 4 and Phil Jackson’s DLeague affiliate owns the secondworst record of the 18 teams at 1035.
At least Westchester’s . 222 winning percentage is better than Derek Fisher’s big club — which is 1458 with a . 194 percent entering Friday’s Garden match against the Celtics. The organization was thrilled to have a DLeague team in its backyard to develop players while running Jackson’s triangle, which has come under fire this season as being antiquated.
Firstyear coach Kevin Whitted, according to an NBA source, hasn’t been on the same page as assistant Craig Hodges. Whitted was an Allan Houston hire as they were former Tennessee teammates. Houston is Westchester’s general manager.
Hodges, meanwhile, is a Jackson disciple. Hodges, a 3point specialist, played for Jackson with the Bulls, winning two titles. Hodges also was a Lakers assistant under Jackson, winning two more titles. There’s speculation Hodges could be Westchester’s head coach next season. According to a source, Hodges left the team for at least a game early in the season.
It hasn’t been all negative. Attendance has been fantastic — averaging 1,971 in 22 home games, which is 93 percent capacity. Attendance rankings aren’t kept in the DLeague because some franchises only have 300seat capacities.
In addition, undrafted guard Langston Galloway was signed out of Westchester in January and is expected to be with the Knicks next season after an impressive rookie campaign. Rookie Cleanthony Early also tasted DLeague play to get in better condition, playing three games.
However, when the Knicks were looking recently to fill an open roster spot, Jackson passed over Westchester and signed baggageladen Ricky Ledo of the Texas Legends to a 10day pact. Ledo committed seven turnovers Wednesday.
The Knicks’ secondround pick, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, was not deemed ready after a season in Westchester. One D-League source said Westchester recently filled out its roster not so much with young developmental players, but too many veterans. In addition, prospect Orlando Sanchez, who was at Knicks training camp, left the squad recently because of financial reasons when told he wasn’t going to be signed.
Former longtime Knicks assistant Herb Williams is back in the Garden fold, hired as a Liberty assistant coach to Bill Laimbeer. Williams was last on Mike Woodson’s staff that got fired last April. Fisher was given a chance to add Williams to his staff, but passed. Williams had been on the Knicks coaching staff since Don Chaney hired him in 2001.
Early doesn’t think Kentucky, which boasts five potential firstrounders, would have a chance to beat the depleted Knicks or any NBA team. Early dropped 31 on Kentucky in last season’s NCAAs.
SMU coach Larry Brown went as far as saying Kentucky could make the Eastern Conference playoffs. Wichita State lost a chance at Kentucky by losing to Notre Dame Thursday in the Sweet 16.
“I doubt it, I doubt it,’’ Early said. “I completely doubt it. It’s a different game — in the paint — it’s 10 times more physical. I doubt it. Everybody makes statements they believe in. Some people believe that. I’m one of the people who don’t. I don’t have the same opinion [as Brown].’’ ... ESPN’s “Forecast Panel’’ voted Fisher deadlast among coaches at No. 30.