Mike Woodson believes staying healthy a priority for New York Knicks next season – NBA Update
Newly appointed head coach of the New York Knicks, Mike Woodson, has opined that one of the most important factors for next season would be the health of his team. The Knicks head coach said that New York will have to look after their fitness and stay clear
of injuries if they are to be a force in the NBA .
Woodson took over the reins as interim coach at the Knicks after Mike D’Antoni resigned. Under Woodson’s leadership the Knicks came together and finished the season 18 – 6, reaching the playoffs in the process. Since then Mike has been made the permanent
head coach and given a multiyear deal.
He has already started working on plans for next season but says the most elemental thing would be health for the Knicks. Although staying free of injuries would be a priority for all teams, it is especially true for the Knicks who had numerous setbacks
to their star players last season.
“Well we gotta stay healthy. That’s the name of the game.” Woodson said, reflecting on a season where the Knicks suffered with injuries to stars like Amar’e Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony and Jeremy Lin.
Lin is still recuperating from surgery and Mike believed the offseason to be very important for the breakout star, as well as for youngster Landry Fields.
“This summer is very pivotal for guys like Jeremy Lin and Landry Fields and all of our young players to improve in terms of getting better.” He said, according to Sports Radio Interviews.
He also wanted the Knicks to hold onto some of the pieces that might be up for grabs in the free agency this summer, singling out Steve Novak and J.R. Smith, while he was open to adding a few players if need be.
“We have to talk amongst ownership with Glen Grunwald about Steve Novak’s future and trying to get him back in a uniform as well as J.R. Smith. All of those things come into play in order for us to get where we are going next year and who knows we may add
a piece or two. You never know down the road.”
All in all, Mike Woodson wouldn’t mind playing with the season team next season if they remained injury free.
“I liked the team we ended with, but it’s gotta be a healthy team.”
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