Landry Fields: "My three is feeling great"

Landry Fields tweeted today, "My three is feeling great..."

The second year man out of Stanford was a key player in the first half of the Knicks' season last year, and his 3 point shot will be a huge factor determining his value and productivity in the 2011-12 season.

Read on to find out how...

With Stoudemire and Chandler working inside, and Carmelo doing his thing all over the court, the Knicks' ability to spread the floor with jumpshooters is key.  Fields, in his rookie season, exhibited a higher than expected proficiency shooting from the outside considering that during his time in college he wasn't a real 3-point threat.  If he can be a reliable three-point spot-up shooter, the Knicks will benefit greatly.  We already know that Fields has the ability to put the ball on the floor.  We're also well aware of his uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time, with a great nose for the ball off of missed shots, and hustle that is undeniable.  But, what the Knicks really need (in addition to the priority of filling the glaring lack of quality play at the point), is great outside shooting from a 2 guard.

We know Fields isn't going to be Ray Allen, but if he truly has improved his jumper from distance, it could open up the floor for Melo and the gang to operate, reducing clutter in the lane and making doubling off of Fields a more dangerous proposition.  Shooters spread the defense and provide that scoring from the outside that Mike D'antoni loves.  Even without scoring, If the Knicks can kick it out to shooters and swing the ball around the perimeter, the threat of consistent 3-point shooting forces the D to rotate and run out to the arc to contest.  If only to get the ball back inside to Melo, Amare or Chandler for better looks at the basket, then the guards have done their job.

As with most exciting news, however, Fields' statement was tempered with a caveat of sorts, saying that he's, "Working on a quicker release right now that is still under construction, but will be beneficial for the long run."  For Knick fans, we'd like the "long run" to begin on Christmas day 2011.  Either way, It's safe to assume that he's been working hard on his shot over the summer.  Playing the role of the optimist, perhaps the construction process of his shot is near completion.  Regardless of what stage his shooting's evolution is in, let's just hope Fields' 3-ball this season looks as good as he said it felt this afternoon.