Former Knicks forward Larry Johnson will always be remembered for his four-point play to help the team win Game 3 of the 1999 Eastern Conference finals against the Pacers. He played five of his 10 seasons with the Knicks, and now serves as the team’s basketball and business operations representative.
amNewYork recently spoke with Johnson about the triangle offense, the loss of Tyson Chandler and his expectations for the new season.
What’s your take on the triangle offense?I don’t know a whole lot about the triangle … but when they were in Chicago and we were playing against it, it was a heck of an offense. That’s about all I can remember about the triangle, Michael [Jordan] and those guys running it to perfection.
Will the Knicks have a problem with interior defense and rim protection without Tyson Chandler this season?Tyson is a hell of a talent to lose. Former defensive player of the year, a championship [winner] over in Dallas — when you lose a talent like Tyson, you’re gonna always miss it.
At their best, will the Knicks play like last year’s Spurs, with ball movement and equality across the roster?Everyone in the NBA would love to have something of that caliber, with the passing and that type of commitment on the whole team. If we could do something like the San Antonio Spurs did and play an offense like that, I think we’ll be OK.
Many are predicting the Knicks likely won’t contend for a championship and are waiting for some cap space. What’s your take on that?Well last year we didn’t make the playoffs, so this year everyone in the organization’s goal is to make the playoffs and see how far we can go then … once you get there, anything can happen.
What are your expectations for the Knicks this season?I just want those guys to play hard and hold their heads up high here in New York and say that they went out and did their best.
