www.KnicksDefense.com

And so it begins.

First I wanna thank you guys for keeping me doped all summer on those other blogs. Lots of good reading for a knick fanatic like me. Anyways, a new season is upon almost upon us, but pre-season is here and we can now take a good look at our team which showed us such promise last year. I am so looking forward to tonights game and getting my first taste of the New York Knicks 2007/2008 team. IMHO we are fielding the strongest group of basketball players I have seen in knick uniforms in a long time, an awesome starting five and players off the bench teams will find hard to defend. My only wish is that our players stay healthy this year cause this NYK team is gonna be hard to beat. They can score the basketball, no doubt, and can compete, but to reach the next level they must really step-up defensively especially on the perimeter. I hate wide open 3’s and the knicks were guilty of far to many of those last year.

I have no problem with the return of Houston, his exit was two quick from the game. I thought he and Marbury would have been an excellent superstar combo, but knick fans never really got to see them work their magic together. But, he is back and the supporting cast is oh so much better. I don’t expect Houston to run up and down the court with the likes of Balkman, Lee, Robinson, I see him however, on the court to open up the game, another option for our pointguard, sit on the perimeter and drain those treys when left open, he will absolutely have to be guarded.

So here’s to a great game tonight. The Garden should be loud. I certainly hope that the Gus Johnson/Walt Frazier combo will be broadcasting the game. Should be fun. If this israeli team think they can come to New York and beat the Knicks at MSG maybe they better pass some of koolaid they are drinking my way. They can hope but it ain’t happenin’.

By Syd on Oct 11, 2007 at 2:54 am

Stern should of had an independant party investigate his Refs!
It’s like saying Dolan should have been able to do an internal investigation into
the ABS thing and his outcome would be accepted as final! It was a Civil lynching
not anything this Dictator should even comment on! Time for his Ass to go! Dolan could file
Civil charges against Stern and has Money enough to make Stern look as bad as he is!

By Peaceman on Oct 11, 2007 at 5:22 am

Peaceman

Thanks for the recognition and words of encouragement. Their always appreciated as is the fellowship I share with you and the rest of the Defender’s. I looked into the Cosellout site and Modi agrees with our position to step from the Knicks Fix in its current condition.

Morning Defenders…

Early morning news from around the corners of the NBA globe that might have some bearing on the Knicks.

Today a story from out west in Laker land where Lakers Owner Jerry Buss acknowledges that the BLACK MAMBA Kobe Bryant is still not untouchable and could be moved should the right trade package appear.

What does this story mean for Knick fans, especially DVJ who might be creaming his pants after getting word of Kobe’s possible availability, who at times have contemplated a trade scenario for Kobe? Do the conspiracy theorist, such as myself, who see Thomas loading his cupboard/chamber in anticipation of yet another blockbuster trade think that there is a possibility to land Kobe and yet still preserve the core of the Knick team many loyal Knick fans believe is on the verge of a championship run?

What of BARF proposed trade scenario to trade for Kwame? Is it now irrelevant, or could a trade for Kwame in exchange for Snaxx and Jefferies and perhaps Jordan, who might benefit from the west coast style of play, entice Kobe to stay in LA thereby cutting off the Chicago Bulls and other suitors courtship of La and Kobe?

What do the Knicks fans think?

In other news closer to the Eastern Conference it appears that Antoine Walker, has followed in the GINORMOUS footsteps of Jerome Big SNaxx James and eaten himself into Pat Riley’s dog house. Will Walker be able to heave his stupendous mass out of the dog house?

Lastly the Washington Wizards Etan Thomas prepares to go under the knife in an effort to address a leak in his aortic valve.

The Eastern conference has experienced its share of injuries and set backs to many of the stars and role players in thier clubs–e.g., Wade, Bosh, Krstic, Thomas and the Knicks own Eddie Curry– how will this effect what is revving up to be a very contested race for playoff positioning in that conference?

By Orange and Blue on Oct 11, 2007 at 6:30 am

Stbfn

Hope you like the early morning news hook up!

I’m audi!

By Orange and Blue on Oct 11, 2007 at 6:33 am

Good morning O&B
Guys I’m here to stay, like African said Fuck Alan’s blog. My biggest reason?
Alan lied about his tech! Think about it! How fast did he get that picture of
him looking like a porn star changed? In a NY Minute when we were busting on him!
That supports my belief that him blameing the tech is a staight out LIE!
What do you guys think?

By Peaceman on Oct 11, 2007 at 6:42 am

Whoops before I go I figured I’d dropp the following a preview of the Eastern Conference, where the dumb as writer has us as a mere foot note. The other link is a Knick’s preview by yahoo sports. Note how the jerk describes Thomas as “Shifty and short sighted.” One of those lines smacks of racist overtones the other is contradicted by the rebuilding project Thomas is on the cusp of completing. Still the hack has us as a 43 win team and in the playoffs.

Now I’m really audi.

By Orange and Blue on Oct 11, 2007 at 6:43 am

Alan’s real high on himself and insulted my intelligence with that tech guy excuse which was about as bad as “dog ate my homework.”

Gott get to busnatch

By Orange and Blue on Oct 11, 2007 at 6:44 am

I remember when The Knicks Fix had no bloggers and 2 comments would be the max that blog would receive. Then you guys discover it and the blog exploded, now allan/newsday are all full of themselves, they have totally forgotten who made that place shine, true NYK fans. Now they have the nerve to be calling my team wacky. Screw them. I have manage not go click through to that blog the last 3 days.

By Syd on Oct 11, 2007 at 8:59 am

Thanks guys. I’m in the loop now. I was having trouble finding the word “whacky”. Anyway, O & B posted also gave me the rundown, and I’ll reprint my return comment here:

“A very well written response and I do agree with the stance. Now, relative to the daily rags known as “Post” and “News”, the “wacky” sub-heading is rather tame (as are the movies SAW I, II, and III!). So while the cause falls a tad short of the Montgomery Bus boycott, we are still quite right to nip it in the bud. There is simply no question about it that it is pandering. “The fixers” are the customer base which seemed to make our feelings known. And like you, I am a fan of Alan who IMO is a close- second best NY Knicks beat writer after Howard Beck. But I was a little troubled by Alan’s response:

“Threatening to boycott me like I’m Sal’s Famous Pizza? That’s on you. This blog will be here. It’s my house, all are welcome to come and go as they please. Let the content be your reason, not some inane word in a subhead…”

As someone who has spent a lifetime in teaching youth employment and customer service training, I think Alan really took the wrong approach here and, to some degree, helped make the decision to boycott a lot easier. I would guess that if the word “wacky” was simply “inane”, then there would be absolutely no problem in removing it. Nes pas?…But like you said, it is not personal to Alan. But, at the same time, Alan is also an employee who may very well have it in his power to remove the word with some in-house pressure. If he DOESN’T have that power, i didn’t get the sense from his response that he cared about finding out. And I see nothing wrong with the Fixers providing that accountability. Not only do I find nothing wrong with it, I fully embrace it. In fact, that is EXACTLY what “COSELLOUT” stands for.

Again, nothing personal to Alan, strictly business (the same reason why “wacky” was added in the first place). As customers, we demand a journalistically non-sensationalistic standard and “the Knix Fix” seems to have been that “safe place”. And loyalty comes at the cost of maintaining integrity as you have already nicely pointed out. If and when “wacky” is removed then a discussion about a possible return can take place… until then… “No Roger! No Rerun! No Rent!…”

By MODI on Oct 11, 2007 at 9:49 am

Bronxboy,Coolyhigh and others.
Tonight go to NBA Audio pass and Register for free as it’s free during preseason.
You May get the Audio on tonights games, usally Johnny Hoops is calling the game.
But you can always combine the NBA audio with ESPN Gamecast! It’s not close to watching
MSG, but if your fanatic enough, it’s like your at the gzme! I do that when I go ATL!
I hope Zeke gives Jordan and D-Nice major burn tonight! I have tickets for tonights game
but may just settle at the Crib, down some Petes Wicked Ale and watch and to listen to Gus and Clyde!
I’m still waiting on more comments about why Alan could get his porno star picture removed so quick,
lie and basically tell us to Fuck off and Blame some moe and joe the “TECH”…..Alans Full of Shit!

By Peaceman on Oct 11, 2007 at 9:55 am

Peace:
We already know it’s a lie and an insult. No question. Nuff said. A techie has no power over a reporter. The reporter talks, the techie jumps. That’s pure bullshit. I told you guys before, we’ve got to watch Alan! He does the job like no other, but he has “suits” to answer to and he’s got to tow the company line; Which is to degrade Zeke.
Why would he begin the movement to boo Zeke at the garden? Think about it.
Modi:
I’ve been thinking about this for a while. It may already be done; if not, you should include a piece on Jim Dolan. The guy is equated to Satan. Why? Is he that different to any other owner that need to hire a basketball person to run a franchise and has chosen the wrong ones?
I see a guy who thinks he has found the right person in Zeke and rightfully so. I see a strong individual the refuses to bow to the media. He gives them a big FU, when they try to dictate his moves. These are all outstanding qualities in my book.
Whenever you don’t think twice about the general consenses of the media on an individual, you’ve got to ask yourself; Is this my own opinion, or is it one that I’ve adopted as a result of hearing it over and over again?
This is a guy that has hired blacks in top positions in the organization over and over again. How many franchizes can stake that claim?
This needs further investigation.

By African on Oct 11, 2007 at 10:20 am

Yo guys, this almost crying now with joy. Everyone here who posted is on the money like Trump—–WRITE ON A 100xs

African, I agree with your thoughts on JiM Dolan—the man’s is a leader among men…one who will not be swayed by the perceived racist media. Reading your post made me remember when I first heard Mad Dog on WFAN mention how he hates Isiah Thomas and that Dolan should fire him, after that statement he mention to fire Steve Mills as well. I’m like who’s Steve Mills (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1365/is_3_33/ai_92203235)?

I never heard of this Steve Mills, and the reason Mad Dog Chris (the mutt) Russo suggested the firing of Mills because he recommended to Jim to hire Isiah. Now, a thouht popped up in my mind ‘I bet this Steve Mills guy is Afro-American,’ I thought. Upon a few Google key presses on Steve Mills—I find out indeed he is black, Afro-American, whatever.

Having already made a short story long—this is what started me on the mindset of having thoughts that certain members of the NY media are indeed prejudice, racist, whatever you may call it.

We all here know that the NY media were just ready for the Jury to award A-doodle Brown Sanders her lotto winnings so they can start their crusade to get Isiah ousted out of NY— like they tried in the beginning of the Knicks’ season last year.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Syd, welcome, buddy. WriteOn!

Syd, by the way guys, is one of the first poster to blog on my blog site to give good encouragement to keep up the fight. Thanks, Syd. I’m still fighting! I’m still Anti-NYSportsNews!!!

Now, with that being said: This “wacky” stuff over there on Knicks Fix site—I agree guys wholeheartedly your stance on boycotting it like Woolworth in the 60’s. No more accepting negative remarks, ambiguous belittleing statements or words from NY Sports News, like Alan Hahn, or Berman for that matter. Acting like they’re on our side. But I’m wondering otherwise.

Knicks Championship 2008, BABY!!!! AND IM SERIOUS——IF ALL HEALTHY THAT IS!!!!!! (NY Sports News Fear A Knicks2008 Championship Planet)Anti-NYSportsNews Welcome It!!!!!!

By Anti-NYSportsNews on Oct 11, 2007 at 11:28 am

African I agree fully with you—Write On.

Syd, welcome, buddy!

Everyone here WriteON!

By Anti-NYSportsNews on Oct 11, 2007 at 11:32 am

If Houston is healthy and can still shoot, D-Nice should be sent to the D-league. He might be a star one day but Houston is already a proven star. Plus I trust Isiah to be able to draft another quality guy next year if need be. We have a lot of young prospects. While that is good, you really need some veteran help if you are gaming for a Championship. Clutch situations, last second pressure 3-pointers, free-throws, etc. Houston will be valuable.

The only problem is if Houston goes down the middle of the season. But even if we were to sign D-Nice, he wouldn’t see much playing time to be effective anyway. I just hope they sign Houston to the minimum or some kind of non-for-profit contract. That might violate the Players Union rules. He has a lot to give back to the fans of NY and I hope he comes through.

My 2 Cents

By Jazz on Oct 11, 2007 at 11:37 am

Peaceman, originally i was going to stay away from Dolan, but I will now reconsider. While he has been tarred right along with Isiah, I guess that i stayed away because he also presided over the Layden years which would detract from the isiah point. A critic could argue that the guy is simply randomly loyal whether it be Isiah OR Laydsen. What is most intriguing to me in your statement is that “he has hired Blacks over and over again”. Now I had not known this was part of an institutional pattern which is no small point if this can be documented.

Ultimately, besides being a fan, I was very attracted to writing about isiah, because I always viewed his increase scrutiny by a largely white media contingent is a symbolic double standard for ALL black executives in ANY industry whose performance is judged by those who do not look like them. The isiah treatment transcends basketball and i will more formally articulate this point in the future. So your point about Dolan becomes very relevant to this disussion

By MODI on Oct 11, 2007 at 11:41 am

Hello gentlemen,
I have escaped from Alan’s blog and have come here if you will have me.

By DNM on Oct 11, 2007 at 12:22 pm

DNM,
This is Starburyfan’s house (at least his energy and resources provide this forum). He’s given all welcomes. Some people may view this action as childish or feel that their business will thrive from the publicity–great for them. I for one just don’t have to be a part of it. Life is about principles, being treated with respect, and DEFENDING your passions. It just so happen that at this time, we’re talking about the NYK.

KFL

By Steady on Oct 11, 2007 at 12:36 pm

DNM
Welcome, I enjoy your posts!
Keep it coming!

By Peaceman on Oct 11, 2007 at 12:42 pm

I’m around. Just real busy. Love the energy today guys, I’m jealous I’m not a part of it. Boohoohoo

At least it’ll be great to catch up reading later.

Thanks for giving me something to look forward to. PEACE!

By BARF on Oct 11, 2007 at 12:46 pm

Fellas,

Please help me out. I have nothing against Hahn personally, and relative to the other journalist he has an abundance of energy. However, somewhere along the road I have missed out on the other things that he brings to the table. I never thought he provided insightful info, or inside scoop,(unless stories on bench players excite you). I think what makes a blog interesting is more then just changing the post everyday or every other day. For me, reading the perspective that you guys provide is what I enjoy the most. In addition the links that BARF AND Orange and Blue provide are informative. I have found your post far more insightful then anything that Hahn or Isola posted. I attribute 85% of this to your unique perspectives and the other 15% to the Knicks structure in dealing w/ the media. Because the Knicks keeps the media at arms-length, they have a hard time being able to provide inside information, so these guys have resorted to just giving opinions and little else. Their journalist credentials does not make their opinions more valid then yours or mine. They just have a public platform. I look forward to continuing read your post, and I appreciate your thoughts.

Peace & Blessings

By STATESMAN on Oct 11, 2007 at 12:53 pm

Totally agree with Statesman. You guys made that blog what it was, and if Alan can’t see that, then forget him. I’m here to stay with the rest of the gang!

Apparently the Lakers owner says he is open to trading Kobe.
http://www.pe.com/sports/breakout/stories/PE_Sports_Local_D_buss_11.3ce1da7.html

You guys think we have a shot? Maybe this is why Isiah is building up his roster?

By DNM on Oct 11, 2007 at 12:59 pm

@Jazz
I loved Houston in his prime, but he couldn’t play defense then.
I respect your opinion, but I have a bad feeling if Nichols gets cut, goes to Boston
it will be similar to the pain we felt when Rod Strickland was traded
for Mo Cheeks! This Kid Nichols could be our worst nightmare as
a Celtic! Thats the worst case senario, the best would be to trade and
not cut anyone!

By Peaceman on Oct 11, 2007 at 1:05 pm

Welcome Syd, DNM, and STATESMAN, your words are always welcome here, my brothers.

I don’t know what to think about that other blog right now, so I’m just going to keep adding more to knicks defense to keep it poppin’ like cooleyhigh says.

STATESMAN, agreed my friend. I go to the Knicks blogs to read what you guys write, the loyal knick soldiers. Sometimes I think you guys should be published by these newspapers rather than some of these others. But at least here we can convene, share ideas about the squad, even agree to disagree at times. The internet has made us a team, so to speak.

LGK!

By Starburyfan on Oct 11, 2007 at 1:07 pm

Welcome DNM Jazz and all who have chosen to migrate.

Although I cannot gaurantee that this site will always be minute by minute up to date, I will do my best to add to the topics of conversation by posting Conference and League wide round ups when I can. I love (no homo) the fellowhip and integrity that has been cultivated here and will call this place home regardless if Hah does or doesn’t change his tune. In the meantime between all of us we have the resources, angles perspectives, opinion and takes to make Starbuyrfan’s project hum.

By the way early on in this hit stream I posted the Kobe story also along with other stories around the NBA.

KFL LGN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Orange and Blue on Oct 11, 2007 at 1:07 pm

O&B, respect! I saw that thing about KB24, even did a write up on it which will be up soon.

By Starburyfan on Oct 11, 2007 at 1:20 pm

Listen to me very carefully. I’m only going to say this once. Whatever the Lakers want for MAMBA….we give them. Everybody is available with the exception of Zach and maybe Curry. If we send them Curry, they will probably send us either Bynum or Brown back. The point is we would have “The Lord Of The Rings”

That’s the best news I’ve heard in a loooooong time.

Come to the Apple Kobe!!

Marbury
Kobe
Q
Zach
Curry

The entire bench will probably be in LA but I can still see us with Houston for sure (nobody will trade for Houston) either Lee OR Balkman as well as Nate.

Who knows….just get him to NY then we can sort everything out later.

By DaVonn J on Oct 11, 2007 at 1:25 pm

I would just give them a copy of our roster and let them pick who they want for Kobe.

We have to remember, as much as we love Balkman and Lee…they aren’t once in a lifetime players. I’m sure Isiah can find another Lee or Balkman in the draft. But Kobe? I don’t think so.

By DNM on Oct 11, 2007 at 1:27 pm

It was gr8 to find this link on Alan’s blog. for as long as there is adequate traffic, Newsday will not make any change. Just clicking on the page or refreshing the page will show up in their logs and will still assure them of patronage. They also are able to determine whether bloggers who claimed to leave are really gone. One suggestion is to only go there to post information about this blog.

There are some like me who do not blog that much but enjoy reading from you guys and it will be good for them to know this site exists.

Thanks Guys

GO KNICKS!!!

By Jazz on Oct 11, 2007 at 1:27 pm

Interesting comments from Isiah
http://blogs.msg.com/gameon/2007/10/isiah-uncut-101.html

By Jazz on Oct 11, 2007 at 1:36 pm

Great point Jazz! Good to know this. I was erroneously going back to see if Hahn, for whom I have some hope, had acquiesced and come down from the high (trojan) horse we built for him. I see some guys here who post there while I was posting. Maybe they could indicate if the change to respect NYKF posters has been made. For me, I had given him until Friday since he was supposed to be “on leave” for a couple of days. Then again, during that leave, he posted that “inciteful” article in the print version about the “boobirds” coming to MSG tonight. Irresponsible and only Newsday ran that angle. Moreover, the “IT techie” he framed for “get over it” has made some changes to the time-date-source stamp–some minor “inane” tweaks. Still “wacky” though. I’m steady though. I will stop looking over there by 12:00 noon tomorrow since you correctly educated me about how unsteady and unprincipled that would be. Trust, I will not be with the veil of hypocrates at 12:01 pm. (LOL)

KFL

By Steady on Oct 11, 2007 at 2:33 pm

Starburyfan, you’re a hit! Mitch Lawrence is plugging you on Hahn’s page.

Hay, we need Mak and Drossman—then just like Knicks Knation minus Frank “woof woof” Isola.

I’m going to email George M and let him know this new site Knicks Defense. As well as MODI’s. (That’s some deep stuff there—props to Modi!)

One more thing: Starburyfan, what a insightful and original name to call your site: 1. The Knicks must play “defense” for them to be a championship ready in 2008.

2. And we are “Defenders” of the Knicks. (That said—maybe there’s no room for Drossman and Mak, right? lol

By Anti-NYSportsNews on Oct 11, 2007 at 2:57 pm

Jazz

Thanks for the tip regarding the Alan Hahn Blog. I have checked in from time to time in the hopes that the “Wacky” would be dropped with some haste. But I guesse knowing that even checking in helps Newsday and Hahn, I will not do so from now on. If you do visit that site let us know if there is a name change. If not,… well Ce la vie!

I also liked the hook up to the interview with Isiah and found interesting how he answered the question regarding whether H20 locker room presence will be enough. Thomas suggested he wants players who can contribute so H20 has to be on his game and understand that DNice will be competing against him in all facets. I’m rooting for DNice I don’t want to waste potential just yet, and besides although I believe we can make a significant splash this year when we get into the playoffs, the Finals might take at least another year or two– unless we get an Artest or Kobe to boost us further.

Here’s the part of the interview I found most telling:

“Question: Have you had any communication with Allan Houston today?

Thomas: Not today I haven’t. There’s been talk about him, and I believe he’s possibly coming Friday. I don’t know if the contract has been signed yet, but we’re looking forward to having him.

Question: It’s going to be the same thing. He’s going to have to earn it to make the team.

Thomas: Most definitely. If he’s the Allan Houston that we know, and that we haven’t seen in a while, but if he’s that good a player, we want good players.

Question: So it’s pretty much a done deal?

Thomas: It’s about as done as it can be. Again, contractually I don’t think he’s signed anything yet, but all signals are pointing in that direction.

Question: Do you need his experience in the locker room?

Thomas: We’ve got some guys here who’ve been through some tough times in this league. We don’t necessarily need a locker room monitor. We need a guy who can play.

Question: If he takes the minutes from a young guy, does it signal that you are close and that a veteran like that will put you over?

Thomas: I think we are going to be a good basketball team. I think last year before we were injured we were a good basketball team, and I don’t see why we wont be a good basketball team this year, and if we’re in a position where a player can help us, we’ll definitely look at him and make room for him. He has a desire to play and he wants to play, so we’ll definitely give him the opportunity.”

Defenders I guess according to Jazz’s insight a boycott will mean a full boycott. Jazz will fill us in if anything changes. Like I said before we have the cumulative effort to make this place humm.

Latez

By Orange and Blue on Oct 11, 2007 at 3:02 pm

This is the spot! We don’t need to kiss anyone’s ass. Especially those we’ve built up.
Modi:
That was me on that Dolan issue. Hiring Steve Mills, Anucha, and zZke qualifies as repeatedly hiring blacks in top management areas. There may be more, but I’m not aware.
If you do Isiah, you’ve got to get into Dolan. A lesser being would have wilted in the face of the NY press. He’s still standing strong.
On another issue: If your son is running your franchise, and he’s been villified by the press, why would you embarass him further by removing him from the helm? I personally think that the press was just blowing smoke up their colective asses with that story of Dolan Sr coming in and changing management.
Notice it’s always an anonymous high ranking official that spilled the story. Pure bull. If you’re a father, you want to protect your child from these devils, not call him out in the public eye, in the middle of turmoil.

By African on Oct 11, 2007 at 3:10 pm

So here you guys are…………..Ready to watch our boys tonite?

By D L T Knicks on Oct 11, 2007 at 5:30 pm

David Loves Those Knicks.

We need to have Lives do one of those roll calls again. That was cool the way he did that (at the other place) and you all vowed your admiration for our side and respect for yourselves through your passion. I read it but could not post my own. Glad I didn’t. My deadline is 12:00 noon (since that’s what Steady said). As African and O & B have said I’m not holding my breath and “C’est la vie”.

Harlem MD, Tman, Director, General–what’s good?

KFL

By Steady on Oct 11, 2007 at 5:37 pm

Steady as it goes,

Where is Lives? Did not see a post from him. The Knicks game tonite will also be on NBATV. I’m pumped!!!!

By D L T Knicks on Oct 11, 2007 at 5:45 pm

Testing my link

By D L T Knicks on Oct 11, 2007 at 5:57 pm

Are you DDA? I’ve said favorable things about DDA. Puts this place and discussion to a whole nother level.

Lives will be making an appearance later.

KFL

By Steady on Oct 11, 2007 at 6:10 pm

not that guy!….sorry!

By D L T Knicks on Oct 11, 2007 at 6:52 pm

Thanks african. your points are well take and I should give Dolan more credit for standing up to the machine!

By MODI on Oct 11, 2007 at 7:32 pm

By BARF on Oct 17, 2007 at 8:31 pm