www.KnicksDefense.com

YO YO YO… STARBURYFAN
You be senorized me shit! WTF?

By Ali-G on Oct 20, 2007 at 10:04 pm

Ali-G:
it isn’t me homie, its the blog software, does it automatically. check again, it should be there now.

By Starburyfan on Oct 20, 2007 at 10:13 pm

I’m a knicks fan, BIG TIME! COULD ANY OF YOU, with this CHANDLER second
coming of CHRIST, tell me in STATS, PAST OR PRESENT, WHAT YOUR SPIN IS?
I LOVE THE KNICKS, AND CHANDLER IS PART OF MY TEAM,…….BUT WHERE
IS THE BEEF THAT YOU GUYS ARE TALKING ABOUT? A DUNK IN PRESEASON?
DEPAUL IS SLIGHTLY ABOVE MARIST! SO WHERE OR WHAT ARE YOU GUYS SEEING
THAT I FEEL SO FUCKING BLIND ABOUT! WAS THERE A GAME THAT I MISSED THAT
CHANDLER BECAME MJ OVERNIGHT? WHAT GAME WAS THAT? WHAT ELSE DO YOU KNOW THAT
HAS BEEN KEPT SECRET FROM THE WORLD OF BASKETBALL? LEAD FOLLOW OR GET OUT THE FUCKING
WAY! SAME MESSAGE TO MARBURY!….SLIDE RULER COST 50 CENT @ THE DOLLAR STORE!

By Peaceman on Oct 20, 2007 at 10:22 pm

Starburyfan Great job Give thanks. For what its worth Philly beat Boston tonight by about 20.
Steady, Cooley Lives, African, BARF and all defenders The posts from the previous blogs were off the hook.
Keep it poppin

By St_George on Oct 20, 2007 at 10:24 pm

Blogzilla,
You be da beast of the Blogs in da C-tay! Thanks for all you do. Great flics and videos.

Defenders,
Check out this preview–just in case ther was any doubt that some of these wrtiters be peepin’ here. Some call it lurkin’. we don’t mind, they just gotta show some respect!

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AmAEIx6yCa_72KwOMSHGgOVFT74F?slug=jy-atlanticpreview101507&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Oops on da long link. Need to check my html cheat sheet again.

KFLL

By Steady on Oct 20, 2007 at 10:29 pm

YO YO YO! CHECK ME MESSAGE OUT TO ME PEEPS, NEXT TO DA LAST POST
ON DA LAST BLOG!

By Ali-G on Oct 20, 2007 at 10:33 pm

REPOST ALI-G! We demand a RE-Post!

KFLL

By Steady on Oct 20, 2007 at 10:38 pm

Defenders,
Check out how that kid from Yahoo sports described Steph’s summer! Defenders and Cosellout=the best drama on the net and all ya’ll is part of dat $#IT.

Rispeks, St_George, grab a heiny and a Carib or vice versa. Either way, make sure you do da heiny

KFLL

By Steady on Oct 20, 2007 at 10:42 pm

I’m out Defenders–Gonna do what da General advised to DVJ many months ago!

KFLL

By Steady on Oct 20, 2007 at 10:43 pm

with all the traveling I’ve been doing the past few days I’ve been falling behind on reading all the posts. thanks to all you defenders for holdin’ down the spot. you guys are awesome. I’ve got some catching up to do, I know its good stuff, you guys take it to the basket strong!

i have some more footage of the practice and the boston game, its just hard to sift through it all…

next game on monday homies. Celtics rematch! I’m looking forward to it. Isiah should please start Mardy Collins for a preseason game! he did it for all of April, but I guess there was nobody left at that point.

By starburyfan on Oct 20, 2007 at 11:01 pm

Starbury:
This blog is Da Bomb!
Seriously, we’ve got the content, the current photos and now the video! WOW!
The other guys are competing for second place.
Ali G:
That post was great! You had me crying! You’ve got to do a repost. Alan Cohn the imposter couldn’t recognise a good thing when it hit him in his face. He believed his own press clippings. Fraud.
St George:
What’s up! I know you’re enjoying paradise.
Slow down with the Chandler start. The difference between a rook and a vet is that the vets have seen these palyers before, and they learn tendancies. Everything is new to the Rooks. Chandler has the body and the talent, but he needs some seasoning. We’ve got to bring him on slowly, we can’t stunt his growth, throwing too much at him too soon.
Have a Carib for me. Sad to hear about Dube! I enjoy his lyrics.
Lives:
I’m feeling you(no homo) on many issues in the last post. We’re on the same page as usual.

By African on Oct 21, 2007 at 12:03 am

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/trainingcamp07/columns/story?columnist=sheridan_chris&page=AllanHouston071020

I hope he keeps trying and doesn’t give up.

By starburyfan on Oct 21, 2007 at 12:39 am

Google Alert - new york knicks Sun 10/21/2007 1:56 AM

Allan Houston Ends Comeback with Knicks

Allan Houston’s Comeback Stalled

Houston ends comeback attempt with Knicks

Keeping Score

NBA Frog Preview: New York Knicks

Does Marbury fit Knicks’ game?

By Syd on Oct 21, 2007 at 8:25 am

Steady,

start writing pal, Houston quit.

By JohnQ on Oct 21, 2007 at 10:13 am

Ola Defenders!

Ali G

You are one FUNNY DUDE! Great Post, but you got to chill with the info man, you can’t be outing BX and me like dat…Them Alphabet Boys got eyes everywhere…LOL I know there’s paper out there…so stop dropping Dimes Homie… And, what U know about Intervale Avenue? LOL LOL

Blogzilla,

Your house is truly a Home for the Knick Fans clamoring for the true scoop and a place to let off steam or post some off the hook knowledge on the KNICKS or the game of ROUNDBALL or LIFE in general…

I’m thinking this next week of games will provide us with a much better window into IT’S mind about this team and what direction he wants to take it. Now that AH7′S Comeback is over and helped to squelch some of the case’s stench, it’s time to zero in on the mission at hand…This will be a very interesting week…

Those Defenders head out to their respective churches, mosques, hillsides, or that Secret Closet in your abode, say a prayer and a Good Word for the Defender Community.

Peace, Love, Longevity, and Prosperity Defenders!

Keep it POPPIN

By cooleyhigh on Oct 21, 2007 at 10:19 am

excellent article by Ken Berger tday about how people shouldn’t count the Knicks out in the Kobe race. DVJ its a must read for you.

By JohnQ on Oct 21, 2007 at 10:25 am

@JohnQ,
Where have you been? I addressed you yesterday after Cooleyhigh broke the news here. You may want to go back to the last thread and catch up on your reading. You said it here again, “Houston quit”.

KFLL

By Steady on Oct 21, 2007 at 10:31 am

Cooleyhigh,
Thanks for the Daily Word and inspiration. This community is solid. Insert Don’s and Statesman’s signature lines here.

KFLL

By Steady on Oct 21, 2007 at 10:33 am

Defenders,

I was catching up on my Sports Intel, when I ran across a post by the General reaching out and extending that olive branch for reconcilliation to US on KF. I’ve got MAD RESPECT for the General and I Always dug his vibe, but I mentioned this because I know several of you feel the same way. I’m not necessarily inclined to post at KF and I think I have made my position very clear on that matter and all of you have done the same. And, I have no doubt, The General has peeped and creeped and drove by this HOUSE to see how the other half lives. This is just a suggestion; out of respect for him, maybe we could express to him the real dynamic behind our exodus to our home away from home at KNICKDEFENSE, and I think he should getthe HEATED VERSION from the likes of African, Steady, Peaceman, and get the SPIRITUAL VERSION from the likes of LIVES, Blogzilla, Modi (if he’s not out and about searching for Truth and Intelligent treasures), STATESMAN, BX and Harlem In MD.

If I’m out of line, please let me know Defenders. You guys have posted with him longer than I, and lastly, I don’t want US to be the Steinbrenner’s of the BLOG WORLD where we have the Clout, the Imperical Numbers, The TRUE PASSIONATE KNICK BALLERS, but LACK CLASS with one of OUR OWN…The Torre saga is Prima Fascia evidence Clout does not equate to CLASS…

I’m Just Bloggin Defenders

Keep It POPPIN

By cooleyhigh on Oct 21, 2007 at 10:58 am

Defenders, Check This OUT!

As the NBA continues to progress, perceptions continue to change. Yes, there are still specific positions in the National Basketball Association, regardless of how the transformation of athletes continues to grow. But until five 6-9 guys start on a team with equally diverse talent, there are still power forwards, small forwards, centers, shooting guards and point guards.

Above all else, the importance of the point guard has not changed. Of the final eight teams in the playoffs last season, seven had point guards ranked in the top 10 in this annual subjective ranking. The only team that didn’t have a top-notch point guard was Cleveland, and Cavaliers superstar LeBron James is really a point forward who dominates the ball anyway.

Also…

Kahn: Rating the PGs

Kahn: Rating the SGs

Kahn: Rating the SFs

Kahn: Rating the PFs

In other words, it’s nearly impossible be a contender in today’s NBA without a special player running the team. Even then, there are two categories of point guard. There is the ever-increasing group that shoots first, and the old-school point guard who actually focuses on running the offense and making his teammates better.

And yet assist totals can’t be the end-all, be-all of having the right kind of point guard. There is a big difference between driving and dishing to the perimeter as opposed to making a sweet pass off a pick and roll, hitting a cutter with a no-look bounce pass and unleashing the perfect lob on a backdoor play.

It should come as no surprise then that Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash is first, if for no other reason than he does it all and makes every player on his team better. In many ways, he deserved his third consecutive Most Valuable Player award last season. He has blossomed into a Hall of Fame-caliber player since moving to Phoenix and hitting the age of 30.

Steve Nash averaged 18.6 points and 11.6 assists last season. ( / Getty Images)

But once you get past Nash and perennial All-Star Jason Kidd, the best young point guards are all shoot-first guys — Tony Parker, Gilbert Arenas and Deron Williams. Two other young players in the top 10 — Chris Paul and Kirk Hinrich tend to be more of the playmaker variety. And Toronto Raptors point guard T.J. Ford also fits into that category.

Essentially that’s it. Nash and Kidd are the only guys who truly play the point in the more traditional manner that Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown — a former point guard himself — would refer to as the right way.

That’s not to diminish the play of the aforementioned shoot-first guys, or the likes of Allen Iverson, Chauncey Billups or Baron Davis. Those guys have won big and will continue to do so. And that is precisely why it is difficult to gauge how they should be rated.

Nonetheless, that doesn’t prevent an old-school guy from having an opinion. So let’s get on with it, looking at last year’s statistics and expectations for the coming season.

1. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
Vitals: 33 years old, 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, 18.6 points., 11.6 assists, .532 FG, 0.8 steals, 899 FT.
Nash has proven to be in a class by himself for reasons beyond his non-step energy, court balance and vision. He is ambidextrous passing the ball and the best shooting point guard in the league. The only real question is where this guy was the previous 10 years of his career. Granted, the new rules limiting on the perimeter and blocking the path to the basket have helped all point guards, but either Suns coach Mike D’Antoni is a genius or Nash was just sandbagging until he returned to Phoenix, the team that drafted him in the first place.

2. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
Vitals: 25, 6-2, 180, 18.6 ppg, 5.5 apg, 1.1 spg, .520 FG, .783 FT.
It’s very difficult to gauge Parker considering he has the brilliance of coach Gregg Popovich and the best interior player of this decade, Tim Duncan. Nevertheless, he has continued to improve every year and last year topped it off by being voted to the All-Star Game and selected NBA Finals MVP en route to his third ring before garnering more glory by marrying Desperate Housewives’ Eva Longoria. Parker floats along the court at a speed that makes him as adept at getting into the lane and to the rim as any point guard we’ve ever seen.

Gilbert Arenas is the classic score-first point guard. ( / Getty Images)

3. Gilbert Arenas, Washington Wizards
Vitals: 25, 6-4, 215, 28.4 ppg, 6.0 apg, 1.9 spg, .418 FG, .844 FT.
Arenas is the classic score-first point guard, and he is amazingly good at it. Had he not hurt a knee at the end of the regular season — causing him to miss the playoffs — the Wizards may have made a run in the postseason to upend the Cavaliers for the conference title; the shootout between Arenas and LeBron James in 2006 makes it easy to believe there would have been a rerun in 2007. Arenas’ next step is to more comfortably set up his teammates in the flow as opposed to either/or.

4. Jason Kidd, New Jersey Nets
Vitals: 34, 6-4, 210, 13.2 ppg, 9.2 apg, 1.6 spg, .406 FG, .778 FT.
There is no doubt that Kidd is an “old soul” basketball-wise. He is as good at running a team as anybody who has played the game, and led the Nets to the NBA Finals twice. His erratic shooting has always been the bone of contention from the detractors and always will be, but he is a great scorer in the clutch and always gets the ball into the right hands. It’s somewhat amazing how well he’s come back from microfracture knee surgery at his age … then again, should anybody be surprised by anything Jason Kidd does? His ability to pressure the ball defensively, and grab rebounds and go very likely puts him in a class by himself in NBA history.

5. Deron Williams, Utah Jazz
Vitals: 23, 6-3, 205, 16.2 ppg, 9.3 apg, 1.0 spg, .456 FG, .767 FT.
All the wise guys who mouthed off about the Jazz taking Williams ahead of Chris Paul have shut up. Not to diminish Paul, but Williams made extraordinary gains last season and topped it off by averaging 25.8 points and 7.8 assists in the conference finals loss to the Spurs. He is big, strong, and fast — very much like Kidd. Although he doesn’t have Kidd’s wizardry with the ball, he is a very good passer and has developed into a far superior shooter. He advanced so rapidly last season that he moved past Paul … at least for now. Even more surprising has been his desire to step up as a team leader so quickly in toughness — which coach Jerry Sloan has to love.

6. Chauncey Billups, Detroit Pistons
Vitals: 31, 6-3, 202, 17.0 ppg, 7.2 apg, 1.2 spg, .427 FG, .883 FT.
Mr. Big Shot fizzled in the ‘07 conference finals after a superb regular season — much as he did the year before. The question is whether age or his teammates dragged him down late. He made uncharacteristic mistakes with the ball time and again and didn’t hit many big shots either. He is very strong, tough and so cool in the clutch, so it’s nearly impossible to believe he’s heading downhill quickly. We’re reserving judgment for now as he attempts to lead the Pistons back from consecutive disappointing playoff defaults to see if they’ve still got the goods to challenge in the up-for-grabs Eastern Conference.

Allen Iverson averaged 26.3 points on 44.2 percent shooting last season. ( / Getty Images)

7. Allen Iverson, Denver Nuggets
Vitals: 32, 6-0, 165, 26.3 ppg, 7.2 apg, 1.9 spg, .442 FG, .795 FT.
A.I. came over in the big trade from Philadelphia and immediately put his stamp on the Nuggets. He showed what kind of leader he is and, for the good of the team, deferred to blossoming star Carmelo Anthony. He struggled against the Spurs defense in the postseason, but that’s not news. Everybody does. We’ll know a lot more after Iverson gets a training camp with his new mates and coach George Karl — even if it does require practice. If he’s ever going to win an NBA title, he’s in the right place because of the talent up front. So this is going to be about him taking his immense gifts to lift the games of everyone around him. At 32, he’s wise enough to realize the time is now.

8. Baron Davis, Golden State Warriors
Vitals: 28, 6-3, 215, 20.1 ppg, 8.1 apg, 2.1 spg, .439 FG, .745 FT.
Nobody was more spectacular in the playoffs than B. Diddy. Then again, he’s had streaks throughout his career that have been astonishing. He has been riddled with injuries — back, knee and ankle — that have spoiled potentially superstar seasons, and fits of selfishness that have irritated coaches and teammates alike. But as he limped around during the Warriors’ upset of the Mavericks, it was apparent he’s used to playing hurt, can still put up great numbers and knows how to win. Perhaps the combination of tasting national success and the unorthodox coaching of Don Nelson are the perfect storm for him to move into the superstar level. The talent certainly is there.

9. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
Vitals: 22, 6-0, 175, 17.3 ppg, 8.9 apg, 1.8 spg, .437 FG, 818 FT.
Paul would rate higher had he not suffered a severe ankle injury that cost him 18 games plus time to regain his stride. But the injury greatly diminished his impact last season and the potential playoff run of the Hornets, who struggled to stay healthy as a unit. Nonetheless, Paul makes plays. He’s a natural with the ball, sees the floor and is very bright and unselfish. While there’s an inclination to compare him to Williams because they came out together, they have different styles.

10. Kirk Hinrich, Chicago Bulls
Vitals: 26, 6-3, 190, 16.6 ppg, 6.3 apg, 1.2 spg, .448 FG., .835 FT
After a superb regular season, Hinrich really struggled in the playoffs — consistently in foul trouble, his frustration appeared to cause his shooting to go sideways. Still, he’s a terrific young player who is probably the best defender of all the young point guards and consistently helps make his teammates better. But he’s still young and gets down on himself much too easily without battling through it. That should change with maturity, though, and the Bulls will only get better as Hinrich leads them to the next level. The most encouraging thing in the big picture is what issues Hinrich has are minor and he has a discipline-oriented coach, Scott Skiles, who was a terrific point guard himself. That twosome is a great match now and looks even better for the future.advertisement

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Also given consideration were: T.J. Ford, Toronto Raptors; Andre Miller, Philadelphia 76ers; Mike Bibby, Sacramento Kings; Stephon Marbury, New York Knicks; Devin Harris, Dallas Mavericks; and Raymond Felton, Charlotte Bobcats.

By cooleyhigh on Oct 21, 2007 at 11:04 am

Zeke recently stated that that he is more concerned about finding the 9th or 10th player in the rotation than who is to be retained as the 14th or 15th roster spot.

On face value (assuming no trade) it seems:

(1) Isiah knows at this point who he is keeping at the end of the bench–and who is going elsewhere: Europe, the Development League or waiver wire. With J “Big Snax” James likely destined for surgery, then Zeke is keeping Morris–clearly needed if any of the big guys (E-City, Z-Bo, Lee or Jeffries get hurt).

(2) Walker-Russell Jr. is gone by end of next week outright waived or farmed out to Development League.

(3) If Malik is named Assistant Coach, that leaves D. Nice or J. Jordan as either 15 or 16 –if Isiah wants to play the “hardship/injury” scenario I mentioned in a prior post. I think that both D. Nice and Jordan would sooner enhance their overall skills in Europe rather than sit most of season at the end of the bench. Remember: NBA rules only allow 12 players to be deemed “active” for any one game. That means the 3 designated “inactive” players cannot play–even during “garbage time.”

(4) If Malik is kept on team roster, both D Nice and Jordan are potential cuts– depending on what Isiah believes he needs most–a (a 4th/5th point guard (Marbury, Collins, Nate, Crawford, Jordan) or a long distance shooter. With AH20 gone, my bet is that Zeke keeps D Nice and Jordan goes to Europe.

The issue of who is the 9th/10th man in the rotatation is also intriguing. Right now I believe Chandler is being given
serious consideration in the second unit rotation–thus the extra minutes in the game against the Nets. When Balkman
returns, Isiah will have to decide who plays at the small forward spot: Q, Jeffries, Balkman or Chandler as well
as who starts/plays on 1st & 2nd unit– not an easy decision, and thus Isiah’s primary focus of the moment, and perhaps
for the first half the season, or until the February trade
deadline.

By Post-up Prince on Oct 21, 2007 at 11:34 am

Post-up:
Jeffries seems to be a lock to start at the three. Contrary to what most think, Jefferies isn’t going anywhere unless a big trade shakes down. Isiah realizes that Q cannot guard the big threes in this league. The only other player on the roster that can start at the three is Balkman who is hurt. Chandler is a rook.
Look for more experiments on Monday. Boston isn’t going to play the big three, so look for Zeke to play Nate or Collins for long periods at the point to decide who is the better first point off the bench. The Jersey game told Zeke Craw is not the back-up to Marbury.
I don’t think Marbury would be playing that many minutes this year. Collins or Nate would have to step up big time. That’s the decision for the 9th/10th spot.

By African on Oct 21, 2007 at 11:53 am

Lives,

Great Post and Response to the General. I am certain you respond based on your own ethos and principles and not my suggestion, but by doing so, hopefully the General will come to understand our unique BOND as NYK Fans and our RESPECT for each other and ourselves.

If nothing else, he has some FELLOWSHIP OATMEAL to taste, digest, or brown bag, then he can upper room it from his own base and perspective. Great Job Defender Poet!

Post-up and African,

Insightful Posts, and Defender Warrior I totally agree with you on JJEFFRIES being the starter at the 3 because of his ability to defend and the hustle plays he contributes when his HEAD is into the game. IMHO, Q has to Start at the 2 in order for this team to be successful, because if we start JCRAW will continue that trend of starting games off slow due to his lack of defensive intensity and his propensity to launch ill-advised shots early. I also believe N8 has won the back-up PG position and he will be that BBALLER that has the break-out season this go round.

Keep it POPPIN!

By cooleyhigh on Oct 21, 2007 at 12:36 pm

Lives:
Read your post at the Fix. Accurately put. I thought about posting there, but wised up.
The term “sheep” is very appropriate to me, since I have no problem being the sheep. But in my opinion we had a wolf in sheep’s clothing in Hahn. I could be wrong, but I do believe I’m one of the posters he wish to do without, after he got slapped a few times. He had to be, because he jumped up. But I was the one who initially felt that Isola didn’t deserve our traffic and we should move to Hahn.
I was also one of the earlier posters he reached out to personally via e-mail. I also defended him when folks came on to bash him as a part of the general media bias.
I do believe he flat out lied about the techies with the “get over it” response, because reading him on two seperate occasions after that incident, he had comments like “get over yourself” which in essence, is the same.
You also rightly pointed out that he led the media attack with his story about the boo birds will be out at the Garden. His follow-up story the next day was that Isiah was booed, when isola of all people, was reporting that Isiah was not booed, but it was just the crowd cheering for the israeli team.
Alan deserves to be back to his old days of averaging two and three posts per lead. He would get more because of the momentum he had going, because of the Defenders, but once the blogging public realizes where the juice is, they too will migrate.
Once the season starts, what need do we have for Hahn anyway? He would have as much access to the players as Starbury. Better seats maybe, but not as good an analysis as the posters on this site that would also see the game.
Alan’s time came, and it went as fast as it came. He can have his house by himself and die of lonliness.
Starbury is the flavor, and the Defenders are the engine!
Cooley:
I had to compliment you on the spiritual flava you bring here. Always welcomed.

By African on Oct 21, 2007 at 2:52 pm

Lives,
I wish I didn’t have to visit KF to read the exchange with the poster cloaked as General. Useful post in your reply. Very useful.

I could not help but read through the veiled references to posters here as “intellectuals”, or passive idiots or “sheeps”. Not sure what General is hoping to accomplish but why I must I post there, contribute to the comedic value (as you rightfully called it “infotainment”) of a company with an employee who is now attracting bad company while disrespecting me in the same breath. We have been waiting for the depth of his posts here should he choose to participate in our community of Defenders. I unfortunately saw that the HIV/blog cancer from KK is posting at KF again. I suppose he’s gotten over the slang that drove it away the last time. That wretched soul must know that there are REAL NYers on this blog as opposed to whatever else encountered from the other blogs.

It was a major exercise to make such a comprehensive response today, Lives. It reinforces the strength of this community and the value of our fanatical comaraderie. I’m honored to be in your company.

KFLL

By Steady on Oct 21, 2007 at 3:57 pm

Steady,

I guess I’m letting you off on a “technicality” because Houston “backed out” like Lenny Wilkins “stepped down”.

99 was a great year I agree, but nobody thought they were taking down the Spurs without Ewing. We were robbed of what would have turned out to be a hell of a finals that year because of his injury. Our only win was the worst travesty in officiating I have ever seen just to give the Spurs the title on their home floor. Why does that one stick in your mind ? Because we were the 8th seed ? The Houston rim shot to seal the win over Miami, maybe?

I thought we actually had a legitimate shot at the ring in 94 more than 99. I blame the loss of that series to Riley. His decision not to look Ewing up in the paint at the end of game 6 when the whole world knew the ball was going to Starks is only to be trumped by his lack of vision to remove Starks in a timely manner in game 7.

By JohnQ on Oct 21, 2007 at 5:10 pm

For those Defenders that even considered reading The Generals post at KF and to LIVES eloquent and accurate depiction of our reasoning, I TIP MY HAT TO YOU DEFENDERS.

And, Steady, Mark is clearly delusional and void of common sense, so AH derserves the likes of him, and his Warner Bros. I’m a tough guy/concerned citizen act. He is so conflicted about who he is and what he stands for, he is like the leaning Tower of Piza, just hanging around…people read his posts and go, whew, P-U, oooweeee, stinky. That flatulation he spoke of most have taken place in his head, because it sure seems EMPTY to me…Peeping and creeping on Blogzilla’s site and he still leaves shallow. Like I said, an EMPTY VESSEL(Like the Chinese Proverb,”It is better to be thought a fool, then to open your mouth and remove ALL doubt.”).

The house is pretty quiet today and that’s okay, because the other elements of our daily lives need our time and attention too. Balance is important, so I hope ALL the Defenders are enjoying their Sunday, with the people they love the most, or doing the other things they so thoroughly enjoy, or addressing matters of personal importance. This Journey is a long one and if the Great Master of Mysteries is willing, we will share many more moments together in the days, weeks, and months to come.

I’m Audi!

Keep it POPPIN!

By cooleyhigh on Oct 21, 2007 at 5:20 pm

“The bottom line is, Houston also wisely quit before Isiah could cut him. This whole ordeal didn’t make sense, and I’m not sure this wasn’t all a publicity stunt by Allan and the Knicks, who needed a diversion from sexual harassment trial stories. Allan plugged his foundation and basketball camps a few times today.”

http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/knicks/archives/2007/10/houston_my_body.html#more

By Starburyfan on Oct 21, 2007 at 6:12 pm

Knicks’ Robinson grows up

http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxMjcmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTcyMTEyMzUmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2

By Poppin Scoski on Oct 21, 2007 at 6:24 pm

Starburyan

Great Pics!!

Some say Knicks have assets to get Kobe

By D L T Knicks on Oct 21, 2007 at 7:16 pm

the Kobe link

By D L T Knicks on Oct 21, 2007 at 7:18 pm

A reason why I come to the Knicks because I don’t know if I want to stay with this Knicks team after the season when I become a free agent. So, personally, I don’t think IT will let go any current players of his for me, if I’m not guaranteed to stay for the remaining years.

What do you guys think?

Btw, I did not rape that woman, DaVonnJ is my biggest fan, and my wife loves this site.(I know, that’s strange.)

P.S.: StarburyFan, is it possible you could open a Blogzilla site call LakersDefense.com? That would be cool.

Kobe is audi.

Keep it poppin and vote for me as MVP. Thanks!

By Kobe on Oct 21, 2007 at 7:40 pm

Defenders, I thought I would send ALL of you a little something to feed your minds and your spirits as we embark on another leg of journey. ENJOY!

Today’s Quote
Always aim for achievement, and forget about success.
-Helen Hayes

Today’s Scripture
“For we are God’s handiwork, recreated in his own image, that we may do those good works which God predestined for us, taking paths which He prepared ahead of time, that we should walk in them, living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live” (Ephesians 2:10).

Today’s Word
God has already prepared paths for you to take in your future! When God laid out the plan for your life, He lined up the right people, the right circumstances, and the right breaks. In your future, He’s already released favor, supernatural opportunities, and divine connections. The breaks you need in life have already been preordained to come across your path. If you will stay in faith and go out each day and be a person of excellence, you’ll walk into these appointments of favor. It will be just as if you stumbled into God’s blessings! When you really understand this principal, you’ll begin to get excited about every single day! You’ll have a spring in your step as you think about what blessing is coming next! It could be today. It could be tomorrow. It could be next week. Keep expecting. Keep believing. Stay focused on the fact that God has already released into your future everything you need to fulfill your destiny. Start declaring seasons of increase over your life. Declare that the favor is on you and opportunities are coming. As you do, you’ll move forward into the favor and blessing God has ordered for you!

A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for setting up a good life for me. Thank You for ordering good things for my future. Help me to understand Your goodness more so that I can trust You and follow Your path for me all the days of my life. Amen.

As STATEMANS would relay, Peace & Blessings!

Keep it POPPIN!

By cooleyhigh on Oct 21, 2007 at 8:21 pm

‘Lives’,

Your post at KF was thorough. You said it all and then some. I hope that horse’s life has ended. I was never thrilled w/ AH’s coverage or style. I believed he gave, but then he took, w/o being objective. I attribute his disposition to his mentor Isola. I do not think that it was coincidental that he stuck his chest out to the village after hanging in Charleston w/ Isola. After the name calling I stopped posting and peeping. However I do not take any pleasure in seeing the young man’s blog fail nor beating him over the head. He’s finding that love does conquer hate. I hope that your post today was the village’s last word and any attempts to bait the village into posting by him or others is ignored.

Cooley,

The Kahn article proves that there are pass first guards excelling in todays NBA. Nash,Kidd,Paul,Wms,& Ford can score but look to run their systems. I think want causes people to mislabel some of these guys is that they tend to score more during the playoffs. I attribute this to the coaches cutting their rotations and the guards play more minutes and score more points, but they are still getting their top scores touches. It also proves that either style can, so the Knicks can still win.

@Steady,-What a strategy to divert attention away from losing that bet. Don and Statesman(no homo)-LOL

By STATESMAN on Oct 21, 2007 at 8:30 pm

JohnQ,
You are a gentleperson indeed. I did my best to emulate what journalists do when forced to retract some bunk or make a public apology for some sensationally offensive sh!t. The blog community did not even get that from that dude at the old haunt so for reference I had to resort to the time it happened between me and a punk-ABS-@##, snot-nosed journalist for the school newspaper. I know our pas-de-deux did not arise to that but it was a challenge nonetheless.

You ask why 99? I would say that the 8th seed had nothing to do with it because a new season begins with the playoffs. No more tic-tac fouls, fanthom calls on fly-bys; it’s Rucker-like b-ball with high intensity. True fans can appreciate the games then becaus every posession can mean the end. The team that makes the last run and defensive stop wins. So I would not say the 8th seed, though special, is my reason why 99 is special in my eye. I would say it was more about the moment. You see, I firmly believe that life is about a series of moments. The choices we make and the routes we take within those moments can and often do make the world of a difference. I certainly do recall the moment when Starks missed that open J vs Houston; and the Chuck Smith missed tip-ins with the defender hanging from his right arm. These are the reasons why I like to think about the NBA more like scripts being played out as opposed to anything more serious than what the moment can bring with it. Also look at the history of how many we went to the finals and walked away empty-handed a la Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos. Our days will come and we’re not so far away.

Now some people may stop by here and read our exchanges and say we’re not talking b-ball. So be it. I just happened to have been engaged by an adult who challenged my b-ball position and the outcomes from that challenge. The critics say we have a love-fest here. Well, so be it. If we are in a community where there are decent and diverse exchanges and people agree to disagree or even skip over dribel and run-ones like this one, then I for one will stay in that company (here) all the time.

I mean for how many moons over Sunday can we speculate/post on the rotation to start the season? Before Poppin and Prince gave us their scenario, we had already postulated (here and at KF) that JJ at the 3 made the most sense because of his length, agility, handles, and experience. Blocks, rebounds, and altering shots would be his (JJs) sole roles. J-Craw (if retained) is best for energy off the bench and last minute heroics: he can beat any man off the dribble (but for T-Mac), he’s a threat from long distance, and he can do the oop with ease to E-City. So many scripts to be played out, we just have to wait and see it all through.

KFLL

By Steady on Oct 21, 2007 at 8:59 pm

Statesman,
You’ve got me ROFL. Waddaya mean? You disagree with my admission and make-good gesture? Was I not steady? JohQ clearly got it. I even posted it twice ’cause Blogzilla be having issues with WordPress (ask Ali-G). I was typing as you were posting so read the first para again. You is right! What can I say? I ain’t no journalist nor do I wanna be, feel me?

BTW, I saw that no homo YouTube video BARF or DVJ posted @ KF and after viewing it, I decided to stay away from both “pause” and “no homo” in my posts. That was some funny stuff, maybe they can post it here again. Blogzilla, you know what’s good.

KFLL

By Steady on Oct 21, 2007 at 9:13 pm

Blogzilla,
Marc Berman is wrong on the Houston story–at least I’m not buying what he’s selling. He’s also the messenger for the JJSnaxx outcome (medical retirement or surgery and OFTS). As we all know, some of the hacks allow themselves to be used by the teams, agents, and GMs while others are just happy to be in the MSM to stir up some sh!t the way Lives explained here.

KFLL

By Steady on Oct 21, 2007 at 9:19 pm

African: I agree that for defense alone, Jeffries is likely to
start at the 3 with Q at the 2 and J. Craw off the bench
to replace Q. The problem with Jeffries is that he offers absolutely no offense from the outside. That enables opposing teams to collapse on E-City and Zach with no one at the 3 spot who can hit a shot. Chandler will sub at the
3 until Balkman returns; but as Chandler becomes used to
the NBA game, I think he will be given a a serious shot to take over as the starting 3 or else play behind a starting Balkman.

I also agree that Isiah is searching for a back-up point to Marbury, but I disagree that Marbury will be sitting on the bench that much. If Steph can stay healthy, his minutes will be there. He’s not ready to retire to Italy just yet; he
showed he can subordinate his game for the team’s sake and definitely want’s to contribute to the team’s success this year.

We agree that Zeke will try both N8 and Collins at the point in the next few preseason games. Collins is still recovering from knee surgery and does not have his vertical jump back as yet. N8 showed he could play the point in solid fashion
during the Summer Vegas League, but that stint was hardly
against NBA competition. Isiah speaks highly of N8’s progress in practice, but he clearly needs to do better than the 0 – 8 shooting exhibited in the Nets game,

Q is better at the 2 than at the 3. His defense is much better than Crawford’s. But unlike Q, Crawford can create his own shot and has better chemistry with E-City. He seems to play better in the 2nd half game of games than he does in the 1st half. Hopefully, he can be persuaded to come
off the bench. At the point Craw is not ideal but he can function in that role if needed.

Next week’s remaining preseason games at the Garden will determine alot. I also believe Isiah is exploring one or more trade possibilities. LGK

By Post-up Prince on Oct 21, 2007 at 9:49 pm

@ Defenders
24 hours till MSG is back! Time to see if this team has some bounce back!
You guys are holding it down in here! Cooley, good stuff!
Lives, excellent post @ that other place!
Steady is Steady!
Statesman is a Statesman.

What’s the skinny with the Celtic game?
Can we reverse it on them at the Garden?

By Peaceman on Oct 21, 2007 at 9:50 pm

STARBURYFAN
I can even try to explain how much this site is LOVED!
With, what you have accomplished here, You are KING of da FKN HILL!

By Peaceman on Oct 21, 2007 at 10:06 pm

I wouldn’t cross Houston off just yet, it’s a long season and if he truly wants to wear a Knick uni again, his time just may come yet.It depends on injuries and dire circumstance.Never say never.If he wants to give it a try someplace else there are many losers who are grasping at straws.He should not have put IT in this tough spot.He could have very quietly practiced and been ready for a later chance in the season.That said, our chance to do something is based on how much defense we can play.Crawford is a great kid,but there is very little growth on D.You can’t give it away faster than you get it.His chemistry with Curry is noted, but Curry is not the only player on the floor.Yes,he is fun to watch,but his shot selection is still poor and his 30 something percent career shooting average doesn’t help since about 80% of baskets are made within the foul line.Artest has many problems that we have noted, but he is worth the risk to get better defensively.Sacramento has made noises about wanting to move to Vegas.Crawford and Nate, there is absolutely no point there, are exciting and may have entertainment value there that they don’t have here.We must win, or else changes will be made.When was the last time someone set a pick on this team?It’s one isolation to the weak side after another.Curry and Zack need to look for one another and that hasn’t happened yet.But the jury is still out.Defense generates easy offense.The problem with these preseason games is that the defensive effort is not there and you can’t turn that on and off at will.Losing is no big deal, that is if you learn something from the experience.Forget the points, let’s see the effort against the Celtics at home.If it isn’t there, we have a problem.Chandler definitely looks like the real deal, but he will take time.The question then is can he and Balkman both get the minutes they need?The math will tell you, no.So one could easily be part of a very unpopular trade.Driving this mess is Isiah’s quandry.How much time is Dolan going to give him to turn this thing around?November’s schedule is a tough one, and a very slow start could be the excuse Jimmy needs to get Daddy off his back.The answer is a simple one.Play team defense, win a few games and the dogs, journalistic et al. can be held off for a time.Are these guys who say they are committed to Isiah willing to bend their backs,or is it all about minutes and points?Guys with that attitude need to go no matter what their names are.LGK
Lives, need to check you out on KF and see what all the fuss is about.There you go being the straw that mixes the drink again!

By Tman on Oct 21, 2007 at 10:36 pm

Another TMAN SIGHTING!
Exceptional post a usual! Bokonon is also here, waiting for the post
that he will respond to. I’m Putting out a APB on EWING CURSED THE KNICKS!
Once again, APB FOR EWING CURSED THE KNICKS!

By Peaceman on Oct 21, 2007 at 10:54 pm

Lives in N.J.:

I just read you post on the “Fix”–nicely done, a thoughtful, well composed statement of our concerns and feelings during the “wacky” episode. Your statements, of course, are totally misconstrued and distorted by Mark’s post that immediately follows. I do not believe it would be worth dignifying his statements with a response. No need to encourage his sense of self-importance.

Steady: I guess you, African and I agree on both Jeffries and Craw. I also suppose we are trying to persuade some important others, as well as reinforcing what seems obvious. Of course, Peaceman would say we
are spinning our collective wheels without Artest.

By the way Steady: have you paid off your bet with John Q on the AH20 matter? John Q: have you collected yet? Then again, if we bet with each other too much, Starburyfan may lose this site for promoting illegal gambling. KFL

By Post-up Prince on Oct 21, 2007 at 10:59 pm

Peaceman,
What about that Celtics loss to the Sisters by 20 pts? Who eoulda thunk that? What about Houston wearing the Honest John number 7 of C. Frye? The NYK never lost a good citizen in the public’s eye. Consiering that JJ might be moved before the trade deadline, we may very well see an AH20 redux II. I’m just not gonna bet JohnQ on it.

KFLL

By Steady on Oct 21, 2007 at 11:08 pm

http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/ny-spbarb1022,0,2477987.column

By Starburyfan on Oct 21, 2007 at 11:17 pm

damn steady, the boys really want you to pay up. hahahahahahahaha

By JohnQ on Oct 21, 2007 at 11:38 pm

ok so I know he’s not available at the moment but does anyone think that Balkman would be the better starting 3 ? He’s bigger than Q and more useful than JJ. Q shifts to the 2. That puts Nate JC, Chandler/Rose, Lee and Morris as our bench. Solidly balanced on both squads, no ????

By JohnQ on Oct 21, 2007 at 11:44 pm

Energy John, we need Balk’s energy off the bench JohnQ. I strongly feel that IT wants to have that double identity in terms of playing styles. I’ve said it here b4: Balkman is a poor man’s Artest. Chandler is going to be Artest-like with length in 2-3 years. Your cenario has JJ on deep bench, traded or on the IR. Remember the JJ incidentals that you can’t coach–length and poise under pressure. You can only simulate to get the latter. Not sureIT gives Chandler the baptism by fire. Then again, without major burn on rthe 2nd unit, he gets no ROY (maybe at the All-Star game?). If we keep it steady, we are going to be making some June-teenth music at da MSG for years to come. Still, we know at least one more trade is coming. Hope it’s a good one.

On that other matter, thought we wuz closed on that–off on a technicality with an assist from AH20! You know what’s good.

KFLL

By Steady on Oct 22, 2007 at 12:04 am

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3073563

By Starburyfan on Oct 22, 2007 at 12:23 am

fantasy talk:
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?id=3073386&sport=nba&ft=ss

By Starburyfan on Oct 22, 2007 at 1:59 am

Steady
All things point to Houston being an invisable Knick! It appears to me that him retireing= hang around, keep in
shape and you will be on our playoff roster, maybe even earlier if we have an injury the secong half of the season!
In playoff games that are decided by a half court tempo ( exclude Jersey the Suns and Warriors) Houston would be
more tha welcome! Smart move by the Knicks and Houston.

What’s up with Ron Ron getting another DNP against Portland? Bruised right knee? Yeah, right! I don’t even have to
say it, you guys can finish my sentence!

By Peaceman on Oct 22, 2007 at 4:57 am

First, my apologies to anyone who has conjured up my name that I have not responded to. It is getting increasingly dificult to write, keep up with the readings and to holler back at every post. I know I am missing some responses, definitely don’t take it as a slight unless I advised you before hand that your posts are unworthy of my attention ( I believe those bugs have not settled here yet) because as Statesman said a long time ago, not every post is worthy of a response.

With that said. Gentlefolks, you know how I scroll. And those who don’t, who dare to read my lengthy missives, will soon learn that I love life and I LIVES to LOVES, a connection between my moniker and work first recognized by TMAN. There is no hate in this game in love or war. It is true I am an “ALPHA DOG,” but the only “wanna be” I wanna be is a better me with every breath and keystroke I take. That’s the trip I’m on. Thank you for being part of my voyage.

CooleyHigh at #18 and 23. I simply say “loving hearts” beat alike. No I did not see you suggestion, but I think we have a feel for how we like to present ourselves and treat others. I try to treat everyone as I would want to be treated and I only deviate based on how one treats me. Thank you for putting all that you do into words for us to read.

African, we agree on a helluva lot and I am very jealous that you get to be John Brown or Malcolm X all the time while I get stuck playing the role of Ghandi, Dr. King and Michael Jackson (the unbleached, afro wearing version. lal)LOL. However, I am not sure that you not posting your comments on KF makes you any wiser, because when you are at your constructive best, and not blowing up bridges and shooting down damaged souls, your words are just the provocation one needs to take a path of greater understanding. FOr my money, sharing those words to help others far outweighs any negative feeling one can have about a particular blog host.

African, Cooleyhigh, Steady, Statesman, Peaceman, Post-Pince and TMAN (some of my absolute favorites) and other friends, I wrote what I wrote and I wish I had time to do a better job, but the energy that had built up in me before the “wacky” disappeared was due to be released and no better reason than to enlighten someone who cared enough to ask. As always, your energy is an inspiration. You also know that I will post when and where my heart and priorities lead me. I am glad that you visited KF to see my response and I am glad that you think it was a fair representation of the dispute. It is a done deal. I don’t have any harsh feelings only a need and desire to use that experience to make somebody’s world a little bit better even if it is to put a small, temporary smile on their face.

Oh, African will tell you that you do not need to be concerned about whether I respond to Mark’s comments. I no longer even read Mark’s comments. I know what he is about and with all the great material to read in the bookstores, magazine racks, blogosphere and in my livingroom, his rantings are unworthy of my time and attention. You don’t even need to tell me what he said. IRRELEVANT.

Later. All have a very blessed day.

Oh, Peaceman, was that Chandler rant a post ago directed at anyone in particular. Ali-G. LMAO although you were a little too harsh as you are won’t to be. But since owners of glass houses shouldn’t throw stones we’ll talk more when I replace my walls with bricks.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Oct 22, 2007 at 6:21 am

Staryburyfan, I just lost my second comment and silly me, it was one I did not save. AAAARGHH

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Oct 22, 2007 at 6:25 am

Steady,

I think we can afford to subtract Balkman from the 2nd line. Nate, JC, Chandler and Lee are pure energy. Balkman might inject some energy into our lethargic starting line. I don’t think you can leave RB alone like you can JJ. Having JJ in the starting line allows the opposition to pack in on our bigs. Balance is what we are looking for and Balkman is the guy who will do that for us IMO. If Jeffries brought that poise under pressure every night, I’d have to agree he gets the spot but I don’t see the “fire and desire” (Clydism) to justify starting him at this time.

By JohnQ on Oct 22, 2007 at 8:54 am

Starbury,

Barbara Barker has been covering sports for Newsday for a few years now. She doesn’t write as frequently as the other 2 at Newsday, but you’ll see her all season long.

By JohnQ on Oct 22, 2007 at 9:04 am

Google Alert - new york knicks Mon 10/22/2007 8:41 AM

Houston ends comeback bid with Knicks

On the NBA | Knicks’ on-court play mirrors off-court woes

Allan Houston’s Four Best Options After Quitting New York Knicks

Why Knicks aren’t out of Kobe chase

By Syd on Oct 22, 2007 at 9:10 am

First Good Folks, I apologize if I have failed to respond to any posters who have directed comments to me for a response. Unfortunately, it is getting more difficult to read and respond to all of the wonderful posts and to write my own.

Friends, you know how I scroll. And for those who don’t and find themselves willing to wade through my lengthy posts to uncover whatever gem may be inside, you will soon find the following confirmed: I love life and I LIVES to LOVE, a connection between my posts and screen name pointed out by TMAN ages ago. There may be conflict but I try not to bring any hate into my game. I am what you get and I don’t wanna be a wanna be anything except I wanna be better everyday in every breath or keyboard stroke I take. This is my PRIME OBJECTIVE.

African, we seem to be constantly on the same page but I can’t help but be jealous that you always get to be John Brown or Malcolm X while I play the role of Ghandi, Martin Luther King or Michael Jackson (circa the unbleached, large afro version). I cannot agree with whether your not posting on KF is wise, because when you are at your analytical best, and not trying to blow up bridges and or pick off deadbeat reporters, your words are appropriate, productive and useful wherever there is a willing ear (or eyes in the case of posts).

African, Cooleyhigh, Steady, Statesman, Peaceman, Post-Up Prince and Tman (some of my absolute favorite posters) and other friends, I wrote what I wrote and I said what I meant. That post had be sitting on my head since before “wacky” was “whacked.” Of course, you served as inspiration and therefore I am satisfied if it conveyed some of your observations and feelings regarding the matter. I appreciate the concerns about responding to Mark, but those who know how I scroll understand that as a general rule I do not read his posts. With all of the books and magazines in bookstores, wonderful work on the internet, including great blog posts and all of the reading material in my livingroom, a post by Mark gets absolutely no consideration. Regarding KF, you may find me there from time to time sharing what little knowledge I have and supporting some other friends. I am satisfied that I have done my best with this aspect of the “wacky” episode. I promise it is now in the satire region of my brain, and it will escape after it is processed and before the season is over.

I look forward to a fun season with you guys.

P.S. Peaceman was that Chandler rant on a previous blog directed to anyone in particular. (lal) Ali G, you’re a very funny dude although you may be excessively harsh. However, since people with glass houses should not throw stones, I will talk to you later after I grind out and pack in some more bricks.

Peace.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Oct 22, 2007 at 9:43 am

Starburyfan, my posts are disappearing into the ether. Is there something I should know? Thanks.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Oct 22, 2007 at 9:46 am

JohnQ,

I’m with Steady and African on this one. JJEFF should start because of his intangibles and expereince, plus in terms of doubling the bigs, Q, Steph, and ZBO/ECITY, should be feeding the post with JJEFF on the weakside (cuts to rim also)to clean the glass and be the last offensive option in a set. If he’s bringing the ball up and intiating the offense, up top is where he must stay, so one he can look over the defense and two maintain good floor balance. If used properly in the O sets, his skill sets can be invaluable. You got to have scorers feeding the post.

IMHO, Balkman provides us so much flexibility on the 2 unit because he can play multiple positions and his energy immedaitely impacts the game against other team’s second stringers, plus he tends too pick up early fouls because he is so aggressive, so off the bench he gets to understand the flow of the game and how it is being officiated, verses starting and getting in early foul trouble which mutes his strengths and overall aggression.

MJ, is lucky he signed Richardson or their cubbart would be extremely bare interms of scorers. I wish Morrison the best!
Great links everybody!

GO KNICKS!

By cooleyhigh on Oct 22, 2007 at 10:07 am

Some weekend news to get my feet wet

‘Cats Torn from Contention

Although Charlotte was able to trade their draft pick (PF:Brandan Wright) for J-Rich, they may not see an improvement. Sean May has already been reported out questionable for the season and more recently Adam Morrison may be out for the season.

Charlotte Bobcats forward Adam Morrison suffered a left knee sprain with 5:23 left in the third quarter of Saturday’s preseason contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. X-rays taken immediately following the game came back negative.

Today’s 9 a.m. MRI showed however, a partial to complete tear of the ACL, and Morrison could potentially face season-ending surgery.

Risk/Reward in NJ

The Nets can breathe a little easier now. The first round draft pick, Sean Williams, is . His explosiveness remind them of a former teammate:

The Raptors are taking it slow with their star big man. Chris Bosh has not been able to carry a full workload this preseason:

Bosh hasn’t been through a serious Raptor practice since the first week of October; he hurt his knee about the third day of camp, got through pre-season games in Rome on Oct. 6 and 7, but hasn’t practiced since.

“I can stand here and do spot shooting every day, I can do one-dribble pull-ups but after you run up and down a couple of times, that’s a whole other story,” Bosh said of getting used to game speed.

Hard Times for the Heat

Pat Riley does not have his full complement of players. After losing James Posey in the offseason and losing their star players to injury in the preseason, doubts loom:

Injuries that have shut down rotation regulars Shaquille O’Neal (strained left quadriceps), Dwyane Wade (knee and shoulder surgeries) and Alonzo Mourning (sprained foot) have made it difficult for the Heat to build much momentum heading into the Nov. 1 season opener against Detroit.

As a result, the Heat sputtered through yet another exhibition game having made little if any apparent progress in its search for a cohesive unit or the final two or three players who will fill out the season rotation.

New Coach Good For Stro’

Marc Iavaroni doesn’t have a problem with Swift:

“With me, it’s all about the approach,” said Swift, who appears to be taking to heart the Grizzlies’ slogan New Game. “(Coaches) in the past came in and always said I had a fresh start, but they really went off what they heard from someone else.

“When you’re around a person, you know if they listened to someone else’s opinion of you. I believe that coach Iavaroni came in and judged me off his own opinion instead of listening to what other people had to say.”

One Celtic Question Mark

Doc Rivers needs Tony Allen back to his old self:

Celtics coach Doc Rivers pleaded with Sixers guard Willie Green to give Celtics guard Tony Allen a knee pep talk when the teams crossed paths yesterday morning.

~~~~~~~~~
Last but not least:

“Celtics starters Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Kendrick Perkins took the night off to rest. Leon Powe, Brian Scalabrine, and James Posey started in their place with Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen.

Rivers said Allen will likely take tomorrow’s game off at New York, and Garnett, Pierce, and Allen could sit out Tuesday’s game at the Nets. Allen, however, told Rivers after the game that he would prefer to play to get in a rhythm.”

By BARF on Oct 22, 2007 at 10:18 am

Some weekend news to get my feet wet
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘Cats Torn from Contention

Although Charlotte was able to trade their draft pick (PF:Brandan Wright) for J-Rich, they may not see an improvement. Sean May has already been reported out questionable for the season and more recently Adam Morrison may be out for the season.

Charlotte Bobcats forward Adam Morrison suffered a left knee sprain with 5:23 left in the third quarter of Saturday’s preseason contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. X-rays taken immediately following the game came back negative.

Today’s 9 a.m. MRI showed however, a partial to complete tear of the ACL, and Morrison could potentially face season-ending surgery.

Risk/Reward in NJ

The Nets can breathe a little easier now. The first round draft pick, Sean Williams, is . His explosiveness remind them of a former teammate:

The Raptors are taking it slow with their star big man. Chris Bosh has not been able to carry a full workload this preseason:

Bosh hasn’t been through a serious Raptor practice since the first week of October; he hurt his knee about the third day of camp, got through pre-season games in Rome on Oct. 6 and 7, but hasn’t practiced since.

“I can stand here and do spot shooting every day, I can do one-dribble pull-ups but after you run up and down a couple of times, that’s a whole other story,” Bosh said of getting used to game speed.

Hard Times for the Heat

Pat Riley does not have his full complement of players. After losing James Posey in the offseason and losing their star players to injury in the preseason, doubts loom:

Injuries that have shut down rotation regulars Shaquille O’Neal (strained left quadriceps), Dwyane Wade (knee and shoulder surgeries) and Alonzo Mourning (sprained foot) have made it difficult for the Heat to build much momentum heading into the Nov. 1 season opener against Detroit.

As a result, the Heat sputtered through yet another exhibition game having made little if any apparent progress in its search for a cohesive unit or the final two or three players who will fill out the season rotation.

New Coach Good For Stro’

Marc Iavaroni doesn’t have a problem with Swift:

“With me, it’s all about the approach,” said Swift, who appears to be taking to heart the Grizzlies’ slogan New Game. “(Coaches) in the past came in and always said I had a fresh start, but they really went off what they heard from someone else.

“When you’re around a person, you know if they listened to someone else’s opinion of you. I believe that coach Iavaroni came in and judged me off his own opinion instead of listening to what other people had to say.”

One Celtic Question Mark

Doc Rivers needs Tony Allen back to his old self:

Celtics coach Doc Rivers pleaded with Sixers guard Willie Green to give Celtics guard Tony Allen a knee pep talk when the teams crossed paths yesterday morning.

~~~~~~~~~
Last but not least:

“Celtics starters Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Kendrick Perkins took the night off to rest. Leon Powe, Brian Scalabrine, and James Posey started in their place with Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen.

Rivers said Allen will likely take tomorrow’s game off at New York, and Garnett, Pierce, and Allen could sit out Tuesday’s game at the Nets. Allen, however, told Rivers after the game that he would prefer to play to get in a rhythm.”

By BARF on Oct 22, 2007 at 10:19 am

Some weekend news to get my feet wet
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘Cats Torn from Contention

Although Charlotte was able to trade their draft pick (PF:Brandan Wright) for J-Rich, they may not see an improvement. Sean May has already been reported out questionable for the season and more recently Adam Morrison may be out for the season.

Charlotte Bobcats forward Adam Morrison suffered a left knee sprain with 5:23 left in the third quarter of Saturday’s preseason contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. X-rays taken immediately following the game came back negative.

Today’s 9 a.m. MRI showed however, a partial to complete tear of the ACL, and Morrison could potentially face season-ending surgery.

Risk/Reward in NJ

The Nets can breathe a little easier now. The first round draft pick, Sean Williams, is . His explosiveness remind them of a former teammate:

The Raptors are taking it slow with their star big man. Chris Bosh has not been able to carry a full workload this preseason:

Bosh hasn’t been through a serious Raptor practice since the first week of October; he hurt his knee about the third day of camp, got through pre-season games in Rome on Oct. 6 and 7, but hasn’t practiced since.

“I can stand here and do spot shooting every day, I can do one-dribble pull-ups but after you run up and down a couple of times, that’s a whole other story,” Bosh said of getting used to game speed.

Hard Times for the Heat

Pat Riley does not have his full complement of players. After losing James Posey in the offseason and losing their star players to injury in the preseason, doubts loom:

Injuries that have shut down rotation regulars Shaquille O’Neal (strained left quadriceps), Dwyane Wade (knee and shoulder surgeries) and Alonzo Mourning (sprained foot) have made it difficult for the Heat to build much momentum heading into the Nov. 1 season opener against Detroit.

As a result, the Heat sputtered through yet another exhibition game having made little if any apparent progress in its search for a cohesive unit or the final two or three players who will fill out the season rotation.

New Coach Good For Stro’

Marc Iavaroni doesn’t have a problem with Swift:

“With me, it’s all about the approach,” said Swift, who appears to be taking to heart the Grizzlies’ slogan New Game. “(Coaches) in the past came in and always said I had a fresh start, but they really went off what they heard from someone else.

“When you’re around a person, you know if they listened to someone else’s opinion of you. I believe that coach Iavaroni came in and judged me off his own opinion instead of listening to what other people had to say.”

One Celtic Question Mark

Doc Rivers needs Tony Allen back to his old self:

Celtics coach Doc Rivers pleaded with Sixers guard Willie Green to give Celtics guard Tony Allen a knee pep talk when the teams crossed paths yesterday morning.

~~~~~~~~~
Last but not least:

“Celtics starters Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Kendrick Perkins took the night off to rest. Leon Powe, Brian Scalabrine, and James Posey started in their place with Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen.

Rivers said Allen will likely take tomorrow’s game off at New York, and Garnett, Pierce, and Allen could sit out Tuesday’s game at the Nets. Allen, however, told Rivers after the game that he would prefer to play to get in a rhythm.”

By BARF on Oct 22, 2007 at 10:19 am

Some weekend news to get my feet wet
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘Cats Torn from Contention

Although Charlotte was able to trade their draft pick (PF:Brandan Wright) for J-Rich, they may not see an improvement. Sean May has already been reported out questionable for the season and more recently Adam Morrison may be out for the season.

Charlotte Bobcats forward Adam Morrison suffered a left knee sprain with 5:23 left in the third quarter of Saturday’s preseason contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. X-rays taken immediately following the game came back negative.

Today’s 9 a.m. MRI showed however, a partial to complete tear of the ACL, and Morrison could potentially face season-ending surgery.

Risk/Reward in NJ

The Nets can breathe a little easier now. The first round draft pick, Sean Williams, is . His explosiveness remind them of a former teammate:

The Raptors are taking it slow with their star big man. Chris Bosh has not been able to carry a full workload this preseason:

Bosh hasn’t been through a serious Raptor practice since the first week of October; he hurt his knee about the third day of camp, got through pre-season games in Rome on Oct. 6 and 7, but hasn’t practiced since.

“I can stand here and do spot shooting every day, I can do one-dribble pull-ups but after you run up and down a couple of times, that’s a whole other story,” Bosh said of getting used to game speed.

Hard Times for the Heat

Pat Riley does not have his full complement of players. After losing James Posey in the offseason and losing their star players to injury in the preseason, doubts loom:

Injuries that have shut down rotation regulars Shaquille O’Neal (strained left quadriceps), Dwyane Wade (knee and shoulder surgeries) and Alonzo Mourning (sprained foot) have made it difficult for the Heat to build much momentum heading into the Nov. 1 season opener against Detroit.

As a result, the Heat sputtered through yet another exhibition game having made little if any apparent progress in its search for a cohesive unit or the final two or three players who will fill out the season rotation.

New Coach Good For Stro’

Marc Iavaroni doesn’t have a problem with Swift:

“With me, it’s all about the approach,” said Swift, who appears to be taking to heart the Grizzlies’ slogan New Game. “(Coaches) in the past came in and always said I had a fresh start, but they really went off what they heard from someone else.

“When you’re around a person, you know if they listened to someone else’s opinion of you. I believe that coach Iavaroni came in and judged me off his own opinion instead of listening to what other people had to say.”

One Celtic Question Mark

Doc Rivers needs Tony Allen back to his old self:

Celtics coach Doc Rivers pleaded with Sixers guard Willie Green to give Celtics guard Tony Allen a knee pep talk when the teams crossed paths yesterday morning.

~~~~~~~~~
Last but not least:

“Celtics starters Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Kendrick Perkins took the night off to rest. Leon Powe, Brian Scalabrine, and James Posey started in their place with Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen.

Rivers said Allen will likely take tomorrow’s game off at New York, and Garnett, Pierce, and Allen could sit out Tuesday’s game at the Nets. Allen, however, told Rivers after the game that he would prefer to play to get in a rhythm.”

By BARF on Oct 22, 2007 at 10:20 am

Some weekend news to get my feet wet
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*’Cats Torn from Contention

Although Charlotte was able to trade their draft pick (PF:Brandan Wright) for J-Rich, they may not see an improvement. Sean May has already been reported out questionable for the season and more recently Adam Morrison may be out for the season.

Charlotte Bobcats forward Adam Morrison suffered a left knee sprain with 5:23 left in the third quarter of Saturday’s preseason contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. X-rays taken immediately following the game came back negative.

Today’s 9 a.m. MRI showed however, a partial to complete tear of the ACL, and Morrison could potentially face season-ending surgery.

**Risk/Reward in NJ

The Nets can breathe a little easier now. The first round draft pick, Sean Williams, is . His explosiveness remind them of a former teammate:

The Raptors are taking it slow with their star big man. Chris Bosh has not been able to carry a full workload this preseason:

Bosh hasn’t been through a serious Raptor practice since the first week of October; he hurt his knee about the third day of camp, got through pre-season games in Rome on Oct. 6 and 7, but hasn’t practiced since.

“I can stand here and do spot shooting every day, I can do one-dribble pull-ups but after you run up and down a couple of times, that’s a whole other story,” Bosh said of getting used to game speed.

****Hard Times for the Heat

Pat Riley does not have his full complement of players. After losing James Posey in the offseason and losing their star players to injury in the preseason, doubts loom:

Injuries that have shut down rotation regulars Shaquille O’Neal (strained left quadriceps), Dwyane Wade (knee and shoulder surgeries) and Alonzo Mourning (sprained foot) have made it difficult for the Heat to build much momentum heading into the Nov. 1 season opener against Detroit.

As a result, the Heat sputtered through yet another exhibition game having made little if any apparent progress in its search for a cohesive unit or the final two or three players who will fill out the season rotation.

******New Coach Good For Stro’

Marc Iavaroni doesn’t have a problem with Swift:

“With me, it’s all about the approach,” said Swift, who appears to be taking to heart the Grizzlies’ slogan New Game. “(Coaches) in the past came in and always said I had a fresh start, but they really went off what they heard from someone else.

“When you’re around a person, you know if they listened to someone else’s opinion of you. I believe that coach Iavaroni came in and judged me off his own opinion instead of listening to what other people had to say.”

*******One Celtic Question Mark

Doc Rivers needs Tony Allen back to his old self:

Celtics coach Doc Rivers pleaded with Sixers guard Willie Green to give Celtics guard Tony Allen a knee pep talk when the teams crossed paths yesterday morning.

~~~~~~~~~
Last but not least:

“Celtics starters Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Kendrick Perkins took the night off to rest. Leon Powe, Brian Scalabrine, and James Posey started in their place with Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen.

Rivers said Allen will likely take tomorrow’s game off at New York, and Garnett, Pierce, and Allen could sit out Tuesday’s game at the Nets. Allen, however, told Rivers after the game that he would prefer to play to get in a rhythm.”

By BARF on Oct 22, 2007 at 10:21 am

Some weekend news to get my feet wet
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*’Cats Torn from Contention

Although Charlotte was able to trade their draft pick (PF:Brandan Wright) for J-Rich, they may not see an improvement. Sean May has already been reported out questionable for the season and more recently Adam Morrison may be out for the season.

Charlotte Bobcats forward Adam Morrison suffered a left knee sprain with 5:23 left in the third quarter of Saturday’s preseason contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. X-rays taken immediately following the game came back negative.

Today’s 9 a.m. MRI showed however, a partial to complete tear of the ACL, and Morrison could potentially face season-ending surgery.

**Risk/Reward in NJ

The Nets can breathe a little easier now. The first round draft pick, Sean Williams, is . His explosiveness remind them of a former teammate:

The Raptors are taking it slow with their star big man. Chris Bosh has not been able to carry a full workload this preseason:

Bosh hasn’t been through a serious Raptor practice since the first week of October; he hurt his knee about the third day of camp, got through pre-season games in Rome on Oct. 6 and 7, but hasn’t practiced since.

“I can stand here and do spot shooting every day, I can do one-dribble pull-ups but after you run up and down a couple of times, that’s a whole other story,” Bosh said of getting used to game speed.

****Hard Times for the Heat

Pat Riley does not have his full complement of players. After losing James Posey in the offseason and losing their star players to injury in the preseason, doubts loom:

Injuries that have shut down rotation regulars Shaquille O’Neal (strained left quadriceps), Dwyane Wade (knee and shoulder surgeries) and Alonzo Mourning (sprained foot) have made it difficult for the Heat to build much momentum heading into the Nov. 1 season opener against Detroit.

As a result, the Heat sputtered through yet another exhibition game having made little if any apparent progress in its search for a cohesive unit or the final two or three players who will fill out the season rotation.

******New Coach Good For Stro’

Marc Iavaroni doesn’t have a problem with Swift:

“With me, it’s all about the approach,” said Swift, who appears to be taking to heart the Grizzlies’ slogan New Game. “(Coaches) in the past came in and always said I had a fresh start, but they really went off what they heard from someone else.

“When you’re around a person, you know if they listened to someone else’s opinion of you. I believe that coach Iavaroni came in and judged me off his own opinion instead of listening to what other people had to say.”

*******One Celtic Question Mark

Doc Rivers needs Tony Allen back to his old self:

Celtics coach Doc Rivers pleaded with Sixers guard Willie Green to give Celtics guard Tony Allen a knee pep talk when the teams crossed paths yesterday morning.

~~~~~~~~~
Last but not least:

“Celtics starters Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Kendrick Perkins took the night off to rest. Leon Powe, Brian Scalabrine, and James Posey started in their place with Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen.

Rivers said Allen will likely take tomorrow’s game off at New York, and Garnett, Pierce, and Allen could sit out Tuesday’s game at the Nets. Allen, however, told Rivers after the game that he would prefer to play to get in a rhythm.”

By BARF on Oct 22, 2007 at 10:22 am

Some weekend news to get my feet wet
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*’Cats Torn from Contention

Although Charlotte was able to trade their draft pick (PF:Brandan Wright) for J-Rich, they may not see an improvement. Sean May has already been reported out questionable for the season and more recently Adam Morrison may be out for the season.

Charlotte Bobcats forward Adam Morrison suffered a left knee sprain with 5:23 left in the third quarter of Saturday’s preseason contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. X-rays taken immediately following the game came back negative.

Today’s 9 a.m. MRI showed however, a partial to complete tear of the ACL, and Morrison could potentially face season-ending surgery.

**Risk/Reward in NJ

The Nets can breathe a little easier now. The first round draft pick, Sean Williams, is . His explosiveness remind them of a former teammate:

The Raptors are taking it slow with their star big man. Chris Bosh has not been able to carry a full workload this preseason:

Bosh hasn’t been through a serious Raptor practice since the first week of October; he hurt his knee about the third day of camp, got through pre-season games in Rome on Oct. 6 and 7, but hasn’t practiced since.

“I can stand here and do spot shooting every day, I can do one-dribble pull-ups but after you run up and down a couple of times, that’s a whole other story,” Bosh said of getting used to game speed.

****Hard Times for the Heat

Pat Riley does not have his full complement of players. After losing James Posey in the offseason and losing their star players to injury in the preseason, doubts loom:

Injuries that have shut down rotation regulars Shaquille O’Neal (strained left quadriceps), Dwyane Wade (knee and shoulder surgeries) and Alonzo Mourning (sprained foot) have made it difficult for the Heat to build much momentum heading into the Nov. 1 season opener against Detroit.

As a result, the Heat sputtered through yet another exhibition game having made little if any apparent progress in its search for a cohesive unit or the final two or three players who will fill out the season rotation.

******New Coach Good For Stro’

Marc Iavaroni