I understand some of the criticism that has come out since the Knicks signed Anthony Roberson. It is true that the Knicks already have a glut of guards and most people only saw him as an extra body to allow the team to cut Stephon Marbury. However, I actually think it could be a move that helps the Knicks this year. Roberson is a very good shooter and those a the type of players that can excel in Mike D’Antoni’s system. The Knicks view Roberson as basically what Eddie House was for D’Antoni in Phoenix except with a better handle. Plus when you have a team that cannot play good defense, you need as many shooters as you can get to be able to put up points to keep your team in the game. It sounds to me like he could a good fit as a role player this year.
Anyway, he recently sat down for an interview with NYKnicks.com. Here is an excerpt of some of the interesting things that he had to say:
NYKnicks.com: You bounced around the NBA trying to establish yourself. Was that a difficult period for you?
Roberson: It’s been a good experience, actually. My rookie year, I was in Memphis and learned a lot. I was a young player on a veteran team and didn’t play that much, but I learned a lot on the bench from those guys like Eddie Jones, Damon Stoudemire, Bobby Jackson and some others. It was a good experience for me and I’m just happy that Jerry West gave me that opportunity to play and experience the NBA that first year. Then I played in Golden State my second year with Don Nelson, and that gave me an opportunity to play a lot more. I learned a lot more, because I think the more you play at the NBA level the more you learn and the more confidence you get. And I was real confident my second year. It was very successful for me. Now this year I am coming in with a new attitude and am just trying to be a part of this new attitude and new era that D’Antoni is trying to bring to New York. So I’m trying to stay positive, play hard when I get my opportunities and do what I do best.
NYKnicks.com: Has coach D’Antoni told you about what he expects out of you?
Roberson: Just to be ready when my number is called. And that’s all I can ask. At the same time, I’m just happy for the opportunity and when my number gets called I’m going to be sure to be ready to play.
NYKnicks.com: How do you fit in with the new style of basketball the Knicks want to play here under coach D’Antoni.
Roberson: I think I fit in well. You know, D’Antoni plays some exciting ball. He loves to get up the court and shoot fast. This team has a lot of good shooters and playmakers, and I look at myself as one of them.
NYKnicks.com: Along with Wilson Chandler, you are one of the few people to play with Danilo Gallinari. How would you characterize what you saw from him in Vegas?
Roberson: He’s very talented. He can do a lot of things on the floor. He’s also a good teammate — someone who listens and also plays hard every day. I think he’s going to be very, very good. I’m excited to get back out there with him.
NYKnicks.com: And with Chandler, how was it playing with him?
Roberson: Me and Wilson had a good connection. Real good. We’re both from Michigan and knew each other from high school, so our bond has always been real good. He is getting better and better. The fans got a surprise on their hands when they got him, and when they see him this year, he’s a lot better than he was last year. He looks real good. He improved a lot. I think his confidence is way above where it was last year, and I think he’s going to be a big part of this team.
You can read the entire interview here.
