Knicks starting point guard Raymond Felton praised the additions of Metta World Peace and Andrea Bargnani and feels the Knicks haven’t lost ground in the Eastern Conference where they finished as the second seed.
Felton, speaking from the Las Vegas Summer League last night while the Knicks faced the Heat at UNLV, admitted he’ll also have to become a better “leader’’ next season with Jason Kidd’s retirement.
But Felton also feels World Peace adds another dimension.
“I love it,’’ Felton told MSG Network. “ Metta is going to bring some toughness to our team. A guy who can guard multiple positions – 1 through 5. He has that type of strength and ability. He also can score. When he comes to play, he can be a force. I look forward to it.’’
Asked if the Knicks have kept pace with the Nets and Pacers, Felton said, “We lost some guys but we added some guys. Bargnani is going to space the floor from a bigs standpoint. When we play against Miami, Indiana, those guys can’t really help as much When you have a big guy who can shoot. And we got Metta who has won a championship. We lost some key guys. We’re still where we’re at.’’
Bargnani, out of Italy, was known as something of a loner in Toronto and a source said he didn’t fit in the locker room. In fact, another source said once Spaniard Jose Calderon left the franchise, Bargnani was lost.
“Thebiggest thing is embracing him, making him feel comfortable and wanted with this team,’’ Felton said. “The bigger thing I’m going to do is give him a great deal of confidence even if he’s struggllng. We need you to take the shot and we need him to make it. You give a guy like that confidence, he’s a great player.’ ‘
In fact, Felton wants to be more vocal next season. “My bigger thing is to be a better leader,’’ Felton said. “When you lose a guy like Jason Kidd, you need somebody that’s going to be there. I want to be that guy.’’
Felton disappeared in the Game 6 loss to Indiana that ended the season in the second round, going scoreless – 0 for 5.
“It’s a bitter taste in my mouth,’’ Felton said. “I couldn’t hit a shot and we lost. I’m still not over it right now. I won’t get over it until we get on the court and start practicing as a team.’’
Does he still have a big chip on his shoulder as he said last training camp? “it was a big chip and it’s still there,’’ Felton said. “The chip’s even bigger now the way the season ended for us.’’
Felton said he hopes the Knicks add a third point guard in case he or Pablo Prigioni get hurt. He made no mention of the two starting together as they did down the stretch.
“We need another point guard in case something happens,’’ Felton said.