KNICK NOTES
Nothing’s changed since 1996-97. Jeff Van Gundy is still making negative remarks about Knick forward John Wallace’s defense.
Wallace, drafted by the Knicks with the 18th overall pick in 1996, spent two seasons in Toronto, where apparently he still didn’t pick up the defensive mindset that Van Gundy cherishes.
It’s been a lousy training camp for Wallace, whom Van Gundy recommended the Knicks sign as a free agent in the summer, eager for another low-post offensive presence.
Wallace, who had 13 points on 5-8 shooting with five turnovers last night against Sixers, was shooting just 37.2 percent going into the game but that’s not what has Van Gundy irked. Wallace is not showing enough passion on the defensive end. It’s been so severe Van Gundy has threatened to take him out of the rotation come the season opener if things don’t improve.
Fact is, Van Gundy truly believes Wallace is a much better defender now than during his first Knick stint. It’s just he hasn’t cared to show it every night during preseason.
“I just said he’s got to guard to play,” Van Gundy said. “That’s not being critical. I’m just being factual. It depends on the night. He’s got to do it every night. He could do it. He’s capable.
“It’s not totally ingrained in his mindset to do it every night,” Van Gundy added. “But he’s capable. When I know a guy’s capable and not doing it, that’s when I get upset.”
Center Andrew Lang (strained hamstring) missed his second straight game with a strained hamstring. Marcus Camby started at center in the ever-revolving door at the pivot.
Committing 11 turnovers in the fourth quarter, the Knicks dropped a 94-86 preseason decision to the Sixers at the Garden. The Knicks fell to 2-5 with one exhibition remaining tonight in Hartford vs. the Nets.
(Different version in the metro edition.)