Hill needs to join Eddy in the gym

Jordan Hill's summer league debut resulted in the admission from the Knicks lottery pick that he needs to get himself in better shape. “I could definitely be in more shape, I could get on that this summer," he said. "Practice has been pretty tough. I should just eat right and do the things I need to do to get better.” Hill said after the draft he went home for a little bit and worked out at school, but he's aware the NBA game --not to mention Mike D'Antoni's constant-motion system -- has high physical demands. Hill unquestionably goes after the ball and attacks the backboard (eight rebunds in 28:33), but his lack of explosiveness will hamper that ability greatly. And with the ball he showed tendencies to fade-away on jump hooks and turn-arounds. His 6-for-14 performance from he floor is a clear indication that his legs weren't underneath him. None of this is a major concern because it is all correctable. “He’s got to get stronger, he’ll do that; He has to get more comfortable, he’ll do that," D'Antoni said. "I thought he got better as the game went on. I think by the end of the week you’ll see he’ll get better.” If anything, you can certainly say Hill showed greater promise than Hasheem Thabeet, who had an underwhelming six points, six rebounds and one block in 23:36. * * * * - Toney Douglas also struggled with his shot (2-for-13, 1-for-4 from downtown) but did dish 11 assists with zero turnovers and two steals in 28:52. He's definitely showing point-guard ability, but he needs to discover the floor general within and likely will as he gets command of the system. * - Morris Almond really stuck it in my face, didn't he? (Of course you know he reads the Fix...doesn't everybody?). Almond looked like a natural in the system, with 7 of 12 from the field and 3 of 6 from downtown for 17 points. He's trying to earn an invite to training camp this fall and if he can show this kind of shooting consistently in the remaining four games, he'll have a ticket to Saratoga. As we discussed this with D'Antoni, Anthony Roberson was warming up for the Bulls. * - As we said in a previous blog (and as Starberman reported in today's Post), the Carlos Boozer situation will be monitored by the Knicks. Are they legit players? Not quite. Up to the Jazz to see what they'd want off the Knicks' roster (not named Chandler, Gallo, Hill or Douglas, of course). Would they consider Nate Robinson? Obviously to match Boozer's salary, it'll take another contract to go with it (Cuttino Mobley?). The Knicks likely wouldn't agree to deal for Boozer with the idea to immediately sign him to an extension. He would be a one-year "rental." Not a bad rental. * - By the way, I've heard the Olympiakos offer to Robinson is real. Whether he takes it seriously or not is another story. * - Jumping on the red-eye tonight and heading home. We'll keep in touch with things in Vegas from afar. Gotta say I was here four days and the only gambling I did was at an all-you-can-eat sushi buffet. Winner, winner, sashimi dinner. By the way, did y'all hear Jessica Simpson is available again?