Coach D’Antoni’s first camp as Knicks head man is going according to plan. Players are practicing & training harder than they ever did under Isiah Thomas. D’Antoni’s emphasis on conditioning & tempo is just what this group needs to gear up for the new season. A few tidbits from camp include:

Stephon Marbury playing shooting guard for the “B” team in scrimmages while Chris Duhon runs the point for the “A” unit. Duhon is getting the starter’s treatment and is working on building a rapport with Jamal Crawford in the backcourt. Marbury continues to show that when focused, he’s still one of the top guards in the league. He’s kept the looney tune behavior to a minimum and is playing well. Almost too well to release….

D’Antoni seems to be intrigued by Jared Jeffries and is pairing him with David Lee up front. He sees Jeffries as a Boris Diaw-type. The option of Lee replacing Eddy Curry at center is under serious consideration. Curry did himself a major disservice by reporting in poor shape then suddenly coming down with a stomach virus just before the start of camp. Initially it was thought he would sit out, but Curry is looking to get on the floor to make a better impression on the new coaching staff. Without Thomas & Mark Aguirre around, Curry is no longer “The Centerpiece”. If Donnie Walsh signs Lee long-term, Curry is likely to be shipped out. He has $31M left on his contract which runs through 2010-11.

Allan Houston has been lights out in practice and running well for a 37-year-old. The former All-Star has been a positive influence for the team and is committed the sharing the lessons he learned from Patrick Ewing & John Starks in 1996. Jamal Crawford & Nate Robinson have been paying close attention.

Patrick Ewing Jr. is struggling to get into the flow on offense, but finishes well in transition. He’s done a solid job defending Wilson Chandler.

Anthony Roberson is showing why he’s been a journeyman since leaving the University of Florida. Roberson was nicked up before camp and has been outplayed by Mardy Collins. Donnie Walsh may be lamenting the decision to give him a guaranteed contract after a brief summer league stint. It’s inconceivable to think 7 guards will make the final 15, so it’s possible one of them could be cut. If Walsh decides to option a player to the NBDL (possibly Ewing Jr.) that player still counts against the team’s roster.

- Greg Hutchins