New York Knicks’ Mike Woodson Confident He Can Coach Any Player; Including Metta World Peace
By Josh Sanchez
After Metta World Peace cleared waivers, a report immediately surfaced that the eccentric wing player and the New York Knicks had “strong mutual interest“. Knicks head coach Mike Woodson is in Las Vegas for Summer League and he was asked about coaching unique players like World Peace. Considering how he has handled J.R. Smith, I’d say Woodson would be successful.
As for Woodson, he believes he could get any player to know their place on the roster and fall in line.
“I know his name has been circling out there,” Woodson said, via Pro Basketball Talk. “I can coach anybody. I’ve coached guys from 18, 19, 20 year old young men and built the team in Atlanta, and that’s tough for a first-time coach. So I experienced that. I don’t think there’s a player I can’t coach if he’s going to be willing to be coached. I think it’s just a matter of pushing the right buttons and getting guys to understand their roles.”
But would Woodson welcome World Peace? When you look at his comments, he certainly doesn’t appear to be against the idea.
“I like his skill set a lot,” Woodson said. “I think a lot of teams have liked his skill set over the years. He does a little bit of everything, but again, it’s a moot point until he’s available if that may be the case.”
For World Peace, New York is beginning to seem like the ideal situation.
He would be close to his hometown and he would have a chance at winning an NBA title before his career comes to an end. If he’s willing to grasp the team mentality, then he would be a welcomed addition to the team.
“If anybody comes to this team, they’ve got to understand it’s all about team, man,” Woodson said. “It’s not about individuals here. It’s not about me as a coach, it’s about the New York franchise trying to win an NBA title. If you understand that, we’ve got a chance.”
What do you think, FanSiders? Would World Peace be a good fit in New York? Share your thoughts in the comments section.