J.R. Giddens Finds His Opportunity With the Knicks

by

Mar 20, 2010

J.R. Giddens spent the majority of his Celtics career playing with the Maine Red Claws in the D-League, but the swingman has already made an impact with the Knicks.

Giddens scored four points in 13 minutes in his Knicks debut on Wednesday against his former team, and according to the New York Post, this could be just the beginning.

The Knicks acquired Giddens, Eddie House and Bill Walker from the Celtics in a deal that sent Nate Robinson to Boston. Giddens has been recovering from Feb. 2 surgery on his left knee, and has not had the opportunities to showcase his skills.

Giddens admits he needs to get into basketball shape to show the Knicks his full capabilities.

"I'm definitely not in game shape," Giddens told the Post. "Or in J.R. shape."

Giddens faced the Celtics despite having no practice time with New York. However, once he does get regular practice, the second-year guard expects to contribute on both ends of the floor.

"I've always been an offensive player, but I like to play both ends of the floor," Giddens said. "With the Celtics, I didn't get too much of an offensive opportunity, so I had become a defensive player to get off the bench. Now I feel like I can get back to playing both sides of the floor and playing aggressive offensively as well and having an offensive mentality."

Coach Mike D'Antoni likes what he sees out of the Giddens.

"He will bring energy, and he's got a reputation of being a defender, so that would be good," D'Antoni said. "We just have to see if he can fit into what we do."

Giddens never found playing time with the Celtics, but the former first-round pick may get a shot in New York.

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