Knicks Pickup Options on David Lee, Nate Robinson, Renaldo Balkman and Mardy Collins
October 27, 2007 – 12:12 pmSo these four guys will be playing another year on their rookie contracts. I can’t say I disagree with keeping any of these guys here, they’re some of the best players on the team.
57 Responses to “Knicks Pickup Options on David Lee, Nate Robinson, Renaldo Balkman and Mardy Collins”
Good move! Steady as IT goes. The moves are not over. IT has always said that he’s constantly looking to improve the talent
level on this team. He’s not committed to anyone, he’s not loyal to anyone–he’s committed to and loya to WINNING. For me,
that’s King of da F’n Hill material.
KFLL
By Steady on Oct 27, 2007
Good job by Zeke to lock those guys up for more years.
They are valuable to our team and great assets if we want to trade them.
By D L T Knicks on Oct 27, 2007
Folly:
JRich in Milwaukee? Who is that?
Jason Richardson?! Check that!
Toronto and Cleveland are no lock for the playoffs in my opinion, so i guess i work part-time at Hogwartsg
I was at the game last night, and I’ve noticed so much.
Gotta make some time to drop the info.
By African on Oct 27, 2007
I’m sick and tired of looking at Jeffries and Q-Rich—looking sick and tired.
Can’t be a repeat of that my bad back and bad risk I can’t play garbageness—we need our full squad out there if we to compete
sucessfully with the best of them and make the playoffs.
By Anti-NYSN on Oct 27, 2007
Anti:
Injuries are part of the game. Let’s just hope that we get ours early and not late as last year.
Everyone will get their share, that’s why we’re stacked at every position.
I remember the same thing being said about the current defensive player of the year. The one Mr. Camby.
Relax, Balkman is back soon. I was suprised that he was in unis last night!
By African on Oct 27, 2007
the thing about Jeffries and Q being out is this: when healthy, the knicks now have five small forwards. But balk is out right now too (not for long), so you have two:
Chandler and DLee
Isiah thinks Fred Jones can guard threes, but IMO he will be killed by the lebrons and the bigger threes out there. And of course D Lee is great but some of the quicker threes will be able to get past him because of foot speed.
So that basically leaves a wet-behind-the-ears Chandler, a rookie with talent but zero experience.
By Starburyfan on Oct 27, 2007
Star:
I don’t consider Q a three. Lee is not a three. Our threes are Balkman, Jeffries, and Chandler.
Isiah needs to get out of that three guard offense. It creates too many mismatches against us. Craw is lost. He putting zero pressure on his man. Too passive, he needs to come off the bench.
That was my reason for starting jeffries when everyone considered him one of Zeke’s worst signings.
Jefferies is the glue of this team. He was on Jefferson like a cheap suit last night. Jefferson had zero looks when he was in the game.
Jefferies also need to get the ball in the post against these threes. They’re not used to guarding the post, he’s 6′11”,and he played the post all through out college. Mismatch down low.
Rose need a towel to wave a-la ML Carr. Period!
By African on Oct 27, 2007
The player who “gets it” the most and who most “understands” the team’s goal and philosophy
will get to be on IR and/or waive the towel. Taz made the team coming out of Vegas and his
contribution to the 10-man rotation is already known. The toss-up has him or Lee starting in the 3-slot. IT’s comment already suggests that he wants more firepower at the 2 so he sits JChuck and in goes Q with Steph at the point. When JJeff gets back, the next candidate to sit may be Steph (if he remains obstinate about playing inside out) due to turf toe or JChuck (for you know what–chuckin’ of course) to get lean and slim again. All these are my bloggin’ if a trade is not made.
NBA so many scripts in 82 games.
KFLL
By Steady on Oct 27, 2007
Defenders,
The player who “gets it” the most and who most “understands” the team’s goal and philosophy
will get to be on IR and/or waive the towel. Taz made the team coming out of Vegas and his
contribution to the 10-man rotation is already known. The toss-up has him or Lee starting in the 3-slot. IT’s comment already suggests that he wants more firepower at the 2 so he sits JChuck and in goes Q with Steph at the point. When JJeff gets back, the next candidate to sit may be Steph (if he remains obstinate about playing inside out) due to turf toe or JChuck (for you know what–chuckin’ of course) to get lean and slim again. All these are my bloggin’ if a trade is not made.
NBA so many scripts in 82 games.
KFLL
By Steady on Oct 27, 2007
What about the hypocrisy displayed by the Lil’ General (5*) in allowing gambling by the referees. They must really take many if not all the fans for fools. Thank goodness Steady is not the betting type.
KFLL
By Steady on Oct 27, 2007
Lives:
Welcome back. Your perspective in prior days blogging was issed–maybe you’ll have time to catch up. You posted some good analysis on lineups in this morning’s blog. I agree that Isiah needs to put the best team out there regardless of whose ego is bruised. You need to touch base with Modi who wants to do a piece on the Defender blog site. Steady and I strongly suggested that Modi contact you and Starburyfan for background material.
As for opening game next Friday against Cleveland, Cavs will likely be up for this game in front of home town fans. We will miss JJ on Lebron at the beginning of the game; Q and Balkman may be ready to return (though Balkman was not predicted to return until Sunday’s opener at the Garden. Chandler and Lee may be able to help some. Chandler is quick enough, but totally inexprienced by NBA standards. Lee may be able to fill in but not on Lebron. Lee would give Knicks an awsome front line with E-City and Curry, especially in rebound energy. Nevertheless, anyone guarding Lebron, including JJ when healthy, will need help.
I also agree with African that Q is a 2 not a 3; Lee is a 4 not a
3; our “natural” 3’s are JJ, Taz and Chandler–all with some deficiencies on either offense or experience. Once again, I expect Peaceman to remind us how we are trying put a square peg into a round hole, and how or why Artest is the best answer to the 3 enigma. Isiah will have a week to explore some trade options before the opener. He is not afraid to pull the trigger on a trade if it will improve the team.
By Post-up Prince on Oct 27, 2007
Whoah, thanks for the catch, African. One helluva crazy brain fart there. I meant Mike Redd and a gaggle o’ whodats. Anyway, doesn’t change a thing re my rankings. *shrugs* I put it out there, we’ll see how it turns out. No biggie.
Blogzilla might wanna consider changing to a full-fledged forum format so’s we can keep better track of certain comments an wot not? Or mebbe a community forum offering individual bloggers an wot not??
I’m hoping Chandler will be aggressively worked into the rotation so that by playoff time, he’s comfortably productive with 15-20 mins (or more?).
By Charles Follymacher on Oct 27, 2007
I agree that q is not a three, but that’s basically all he has ever played as a knick since the Kurt Thomas trade. even Jamal was saying on the first day of training camp that the 2 is his and that Q plays the three. so isiah sees Q as a three for now. Would he bench jamal and go with Q? I wouldn’t mind seeing how that works.
D Lee is in between a 3 or 4, depending on the match-up. Some say he is too small for a four, some say he’s too slow for a three, all I know is he is probably the most efficient player on the knicks for the minutes he gets. If Zbo is the starting four that will be on the floor for most of the game, and Eddy is the centerpiece, then I want D Lee out there playing 3 so that his minutes don’t ever dip below 30mpg. Anyone that thinks D Lee should only get 25mpg or less should have their head examined.
By Starburyfan on Oct 27, 2007
DLee is a precious commodity for the Knicks. Being an undersized 4 isn’t a death sentence, ask Chuck Barkley (or, more recently Paul Millsap and Craig Smith). He should be the primary backup at 4 and split time with someone(s) else at the 3, depending on matchup/need.
By Charles Follymacher on Oct 27, 2007
Defenders,
I hope and prayer this post finds you and yours in the best of health and in the best of spirits. Back at the compound and thankful the clan is well and divinely favored.
I’m in the Ali Center in Louisville hanging with a partner after closing hours loast evening and we see JJ being helped of the court. Hilariously, my clients were a bit taken back by our interest in the NYK’S Dilemma, but that’s there problema, because as a fan I am always in it to win it…His injury is truly unfortunate but the prognosis isn’t too bad if it is 2 to 4 weeks. Off the bat we will probably see more three guard rotations and spurts of DLee at the three. Maybe Chandler will get a little burn early depending on the oponent and matchups, while working TAZ back into the fray.
LIVES, DVJ, welcome back playas. You two were truly missed and DVJ I’m confident you enjoyed the R & R. While on the road I peeked in a few times and it was good to read posts from TMan and KH. Fellas this house is truly OUR HOME and Blogzilla is doing a fabulous job. Hang up your hats, take your shoes off, but you can’t leave your clothes lying around wherever…LOL I saw my Boy Peaceman was on the War Path after the DNICE cut and was battling with African and Steady, but those guys are true soldiers, scholars, and gentlemen, so even though there was no kissy Kissy, it’s ALL GOOD, because in the end the RESPECT IS THERE and tight knit FAMILIES have squabbles. All part of the journey!
I must say I was deeply sadden by Vivian Stringers remarks considering her response was predicated on IT’S statement which was taken out of context via sound bites spliced onto a tape. Maybe Mr. Modi and the entire Defender Clan should hip our Dear Sister to the error of her ways before ESPN airs her statements ON OPENING NIGHT Wednesday, which struck me as odd banter on opening night, but the public lynching of IT continues and it is quite transparent. Using the Sister who publicly denounce the horrific comments expressed by IMUS regarding her team, is now that same voice speaking against a Brother without all of the facts. Now she is a pawn of the MEGAPHONE MASTERS…Things that make you go HMMMMMMMMMMM!
Nevertheless, OUR BELOVED KNICKS HAVE A BIG WEEK AHEAD THEM, WE HAVE A BIG WEEK AHEAD OF US, along with a few other NYC franchises (Giants in London, and the Yankees decision on a manager). DEFENDERS, this is the best time of year and I am thoroughly looking forward to spending a great deal of it WITH ALL OF YOU…
Peace, Love, Longevity, and Prosperity to all of you…
MEN OF DISTINCTION
Keep it POPPIN!
By cooleyhigh on Oct 27, 2007
This team is a rubic’s cube of talent.The trick is to match the pieces of a rotation so you have two effective units using 8, in a pinch 9 guys, with a definite slant on defense in the first group.Why, because we cannot afford to shoot ourselves out of games in the 1st quarter.Been there, done that, it don’t work.Aside from particular match-ups and health concerns I’m starting Curry,Zack, Q, upfront and Steph and Mardy.If, and it’s admittedly a big if,Zack, got to love his offensive game, definitely O.G., can make an interior pass or find an outside open man, the offensive game has to flourish.Ya listening Zack? Steph and Mardy, both are O.G. because they play on both side of the court.I got scoring inside and out from 4 out of the 5 guys on the floor, and I have that critical D from 3 and 1/2 of the five.Zach is trying on D and may be a surprise.The one guy who needs to step up and make us a whole lot better is Eddie.His scoring is unquestioned, but he needs to have a gut check about how much he wants to win,how much he cares about this team and IT and how much he honestly truly wants to be an All Star because this piece is all in his own hands.If he closes the middle defensively we can push up harder in the man, where, thank God, everyone at last seems to be on the same page with effort, and we can do a tremendous amount of damage.Good defense generate offense.Our defense didn’t create enough pressure in the second halk vs. NJ.They did it to us!If Eddie won’t play D we’re spinning our wheels and IT is in big, big trouble.That’s a lot of weight for one guy’s shoulders, but it is what it is!He’s got to deal with it.The reason Crawford is on the second team is not because he hasn’t found his shot, it’ll come back when he stops lifting and loosens up a little, it’s because he gives it away faster than he gets it.However defense in a pressing, speed it up game is not as critical ergo 2nd team that plays up-tempo.Lee,Zack, his offense stays on!Balk, Nate and Crawford can press and up-tempo the game.Zack gets tired bring in Chandler.Zack has to stay on because basically, he’s the best hi-lo scorer on our team and if we move the ball patiently in the half court game we can generally get a high percentage shot from him to balance our outside shooting.If he shares the ball, Steph, Nate and Q and will be open.Zach, Nate, Jamal, and Chandler can shoot.Lee. Balkman,Chandler can finish.Everyone else on the bench needs to get a towel and wave it.The rotation needs to be 8 guys,Chandler and Jones only if we need them.This ain’t a democracy.If Jones gets more than 15 minutes a game we’re either not good enough, or someone needs to go.Jeffries won’t be back for two weeks.Maybe we won’t need him if things go well.One door closes, another one opens!Edie,if you’re listening,you don’t have to do it all, but you must close that middle and box out!Everyone has to stop watching and box out.On that subject let’s get to the loose balls.To many people watching, not moving.J Kidd is quick, not fast.If we play D,take care of the ball, share it, box out and make free throws we got this, and I ain’t talking about just Cleveland either.Cover those areas and we win 45-50 games and are in the middle of the playoffs.That’s not asking to much for a few million dollars apiece and a chance to hold your heads up high.Let’s do this thing!
By Tman on Oct 27, 2007
Great analysis Tman! Although I’m not sure Mardy will get the call. We talked about his insertion months on another platform, but his knee is not where it needs to be, so he will have round into shape and get into a productive rhythm, it could happen 10 to 15 games into the season.
I have not had the privilege to watch this team with my own two eyes this preseason, so I’ve lived through the eyes of Defender’s I trust, and by all accounts ZBO is the beast, his offense is pure and 90% complete minus not having the knack for hitting the open man, but in order for this offense to flow the Bigs (ECITY 2)need to learn how to pass proficiently out of the double team, on cuts and spot ups. Keeps EVRYBODY HAPPY!!!!!!!
I could not agree with you more about ECITY taking a larger leadeship role and committing to playing more intense and sound defense on the Pick and rolls, D long on High post Bigs who can pass and shoot, and better puppy movement on help defense; but if he is doing a lot of the latter, that’s not on him, but on the perimeter defenders (ECITY is guarding a man too) and his cakes wiil squat due to foul trouble. Having ZBO sustains us until help comes a running (N8, DLEE, JCRAW, Balkman off the bench).
There are two critical areas this TEAM must improve upon. Limiting turnovers (review the stats, our bigs are notorious and Steph is susceptible in an up tempo game; on off nights N8 too). The second is rebounding. When this TEAM is out rebounded and lose the turnover battle they generally lose, like most teams (O boards, turnovers, and weak defense means plenty of good shots and more shots, and more shots). We’ve got one week to work on a few things, insert somethings (Game Plan), get a little healthier (QRich and Mardy), and Friday the starting pound will be Steph, JCraw, ECITY, ZBO, and QRich until JJ gets back.
Just bloggin Ya’ll!
Keep it POPPIN
By cooleyhigh on Oct 27, 2007
check it out, knicks are 4-2 and 4-3 according to nba.com
http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Div.html
how is that possible?
By Starburyfan on Oct 27, 2007
Here’s what Shaq has been saying all these years and another player is speaking up to it. Maybe Sheed did not get the script.
I be telling ya’ll and I ain’t bloggin’.
Rasheed says NBA “wanted” Cavs, LeBron in finals
Saturday, Oct 27, 2007 7:09 am EDT
It may have only been the end of the exhibition season, but Detroit Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace was in mid-season form.
“I still don’t think they (Cavaliers) beat us, we beat ourselves,” Wallace said. “And I think we also fell victim to that personal NBA thing where they are trying to make it a world game and get (television) ratings. They wanted to put their darling in there (the NBA Finals) and they did, and look what ended up happening.
“This game ain’t basketball anymore, it’s entertainment,” Wallace said. “It’s starting to get like the WWF. There ain’t no real wrestling anymore either. It’s all fake.”
KFLL
By Steady on Oct 27, 2007
DEE-FENDERS,
Friday’s game was a WAKE-UP CALL for Zeke, the Team & Fans. If the Knicks are to be successful the HARD DECISIONS must be made. Zeke has to decide does he want to keep his job or remain a friend of the PLAYERS. I believe Zeke wants to be here and the following need to be implemented.
1) Make a full committment to running a LOW-POST-OFFENSE. Eddy or Zach must get at least 1 touch EVERYTIME the Knicks are on offense.
If guards & wings beat opponents down the floor, run the break. If break is not available, run the offense. NO 3pt shots takeN w/ more then 5
seconds on the shot clock.
2)Scrap the 2nd Team “Change of Pace Mentality”- The entire team needs to perfect the low-post offense.Having 2nd team play a different style is for
a veteran team accustom to playing together. If starting guard gets into foul trouble, can’t substitute w/ guy who is accustom to up-tempo style.
Everyone should PERFECT THE PRIMARY STYLE OF PLAY, before DEVIATIONS. Change of Pace shows lack of committment to Primary Team.
3)Mardy must start for his defense,ballhandling & ability to feed the post. Crawford refuses to play any form of DEE, and the ILL-TIMED SHOTS
are hurting the team. Mardy & Steph(off the ball). Crawford 3rd guard, but if shot isn’t falling or wild turnovers, he moves behind F-Jones.
N8(Calvin Murphy) goes to the the end of the bench. When your back-up point guard takes 19 shots, the only offense he is running is for himself.
N8’s high risk-high reward game does not fit w/ a power team. He is not a point guard and never will be one. The Hall of Fame coach was right on
this one.
4)Starters-EC,ZACH,Q,STEPH,MARDY,. Rotation-LEE,BALKMAN,CRAW, Match-ups only F.Jone, Jeffreys. Pine-Remaining players. Malik Rose is a scholar,
he’s eloquent and a leader. I recommend that he goes to the House, Senate or Obama’s running mate, but he should never see the court. When a guy
can only offers intangibles, he has to be a nice guy.
Fellows I have enjoyed blogging. I will check in after 15 games (I expect 8/7 or 7/8), before the Knicks hit their stride. Keep defending!!!
Peace & Blessings
By STATESMAN on Oct 27, 2007
Great respect for your points.But got to tell you, if you lace ‘em up, you should be ready to play.If you can’t go, put on some civies.Mardy looked good to me the other day in limited minutes.The guy who needs to give back some money is Rose.He looks to be way overweight and was dripping wet in a few minutes of play.If you’re getting paid big dollars you need to come correct.Jamal has played himself out of the starting line-up.He doesn’t defend and his offense is out of whack.Rule is if your J isn’t working do something else to help the team.With him it should be get to the foul line by taking it to the hole,AND play d.Just what is the 15 lbs of muscle for?Don’t misunderstand, I like the kid a lot.He’s long, strong and quick.If he applied himself defensively he’d probably be great at it.Most people don’t realize what a great defensive player MJ was.He was the original, “glove”, not Payton.Crawford has that kind of athleticism.He needs to focus on that part of his game.Defense is for the tough minded.They usually win in the end when the going gets tough!Honestly,on this team, he would not start for me until he showed me more defensively.Mardy’s knee might not be 100%, but mentally he’s what we need to go to the next level.Clyde knows what’s good too.He’s a Mardy man.When Clyde broke in as a rookie he had his problems scoring too.But Mardy has a lot of tools and ability.He needs a solid chance.LGK
By Tman on Oct 27, 2007
So I’m hearing alot of the same thing here. Crawford on the 2nd line is what I’ve been preaching since the 1st preseason game. Does anyone doubt he’ll be the opening night starter though ? I’m going to stop supporting Zeke if he can’t see that JC is a bench player and that the offense would flow better through ZBo. Hit Zach at the high post and let him roll to the bucket. If the D collapses it should be easy for him to dump it to EC in the deep post or back out to an open wing. This also positions Eddie for the rebounds he should be getting playing w/ another elite big. This hasn’t been hard to see through the TV so it shouldn’t be too hard to access from the best seat in the house. Cmon Zeke make the adjustments, you have to see what we all see.
By JohnQ on Oct 27, 2007
Tman, I feel you and I was one of the first to suggest Mardy should start a few months ago, but when totally healthy! We need his D and other intangibles. We’re on the same page! I’ve never been a big JCraw fan. He has some skills, but he is not acerebral BBALLER and that can be troublesome (Poor shot selection and defensively challenged).
As far as Rose is concerned, he is not going to be in the regular rotation. He is our insurance policy if one of the Bigs goes down for any length of time or if both bigs are in serious foul trouble…
Keep it POPPIN!
By cooleyhigh on Oct 27, 2007
Starburyfan – you may remember I’ve always preferred Q at the 2. The problem is, he did a damn good job last year at the 3 – in many ways our best all-around player until he got hurt. But now it makes me nervous, to see him go up against bigger, stronger 3s. I wonder if his body can hold up over 82 (maybe more) games. He may not be as quick as some of the best 2s in the league. But he also won’t get beat up. And he’ll shut down some hot shooters better than Jamal. I personally think Jamal shows flashes of decent defense. Especially 2 years ago, under LB (sorry, but true). But if he did it then, he can do it again.
I call Lee a “situational 3” – meaning, in the right situation he can fill in, but it’s never going to be his natural position. Just not quick enough. I’m not sure why people think he’s undersized at the 4. The team lists him at 6’9” and 240. Do we have any reason not to believe that? Moreover, I didn’t see a lot of situations last year when he didn’t either hold his own, or out-play most of the “legitimate” 4s in this league. I think he’s one of those special players who can fill in anywhere in the front court, when needed. Let’s face it: he’s taller than Willis Reed gentlemen . . .
A quick aside to Lives: 1) You’re not alone in being confused about how rotations will work. It’s going to be a test of Isiah’s savvy as a coach. In some ways, he’s plagued by an embarrassment of riches. Because the roster is so deep. He’s to be congratulated for that. But the bottom line is this roster is still not finished. I’ve always thought a player like Artest would finish it because he’d start at 3, Q would move to 2 and Marbury, Q and Crawford would make a VERY potent 3-guard rotation. (Like Detroit’s with Isiah, Dumars and Vinnie Johnson.) But even though we’re “deep” at small forward, I don’t think we settled there. Stay tuned. My feeling is that now is the time to use some of those assets that make the bench so deep and finally get a starting 3 to complement Zach and Eddy. 2) I never said you were wrong about that edited deposition – only that it wasn’t the whole story. And I still believe it can only help Isiah to take him at his word. There was nothing disingenuous or sarcastic in my post. He was the one who said people need to see all the facts. By that I have to assume he means the full transcripts. I completely agree that any film can be edited to change the meaning. But, at the same time, just because it was edited, doesn’t prove that the meaning was changed, either. It only proves the tape, as shown in court, will never tell us the whole story . . .
Nice job, SBF . . . I’ve been a lurker (proudly) . . . just wanted to say hello . . .
By Trane on Oct 28, 2007
I agree about Crawford coming off the bench.
We’ve spoke about this before and I think Isiah see’s it also.
Crawford is not a starter on any team in the league….maybe I’m wrong…I don’t know.
I don’t know about starting Mardy though….not until he’s healthy 100 percent.
Wait, wait, wait…now that I think about it….start Mardy opening night.
Jeffries is playing good ball….how many people were trying to criticise (spell check) him before the season?
Only a select few people here were behind Jeffries (no homo)….
He plays excellent defense and knows his role on offense….not like Rose.
Great writing as always guys.
It was really a treat reading everything that I missed for the past week.
You guys are the best sports fans in the world and I’m glad to be apart of the community here.
Starburyfan…keep doing what your doing.
I was watching NBA TV today and Isola and Vescey was on together…it was rather sickening.
However, I can always get a good laugh at my main man Fred Carter….that guy is just made for TV LOL.
Looks like Kobe will end up with the Bulls after all.
I hope he goes there and doesn’t win anything.
Not for nothing…..If LA makes that trade…they will be stacked.
Fisher
Gordon
Deng
Odum
Bynum
Noah
Tyrus Thomas
Luke Walton
Jordan Farmer
Kwame Brown
That’s a rediculous rotation….and when you have somebody like Phil Jax coaching…I’ll just say I like the team.
The Bulls don’t want to give up that much.
They better take Kobe while they can get him.
I’ll let you guys read the article and see what ya’ll have to say.
Where’s my man Peaceman?
TMAN..your comments are great man. You really know how to get accross (spell check) what your thinking.
Man, I’m just excited about the season.
Can somebody please tell me why the Net’s are so much better than us when on paper we should be blowing them out the water?
Does anybody else think that Nash will come to NY if he can’t win in PHX?
Is he to old to come here? How old is he anyway?
He spends all his time here in the offseason anyway…
Just typing…
(not proof read)
By DaVonn J on Oct 28, 2007
oh wait…here’s the article for Kobe…
Sorry about that
Lakers And Bulls Talking Kobe Trade On Daily Basis
October 27, 2007 - 6:16 pm
ESPN -
The Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls have been having daily discussions about Kobe Bryant trade possibilities for at least the past week, with Bryant’s no-trade clause throwing a unique wrench into the situation, according to sources.
The Lakers are asking for a package built around Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah, which is more than Chicago is willing to surrender. Also, Bryant would not want to play in Chicago if the Bulls surrendered all four of those players, believing there would not be enough talent left to compete for a championship, and he would veto that trade even if the Bulls and Lakers were both in favor of it.
Further complicating matters is the division within the upper echelon of the Lakers front office, a house divided between the competing desires of owner Jerry Buss, his son, Jim, daughter Jeanie (and her boyfriend, coach Phil Jackson) and general manager Mitch Kupchak. According to sources, one faction seems more determined than ever to part with Bryant, while others still are hanging onto the belief that Bryant can still be persuaded to stay in Los Angeles.
A source told ESPN.com that the likelihood of a Bryant trade before opening night seemed higher a few days ago than it does now, and a deal going down sometime before the end of November now seemed more likely. [READ]
By DaVonn J on Oct 28, 2007
Son…now that I think about it…
I hope the Bulls do make that trade. That trade would not only gut their team but you have to figure there will be some draft picks included as well…..
Chicago would set themselves back YEARS because they don’t have the depth that we do….I’m just using us as an example.
On the flip side…LA would make drastic improvements in regards to their future.
Yeah they would lose the best player in the game but they would have more young talent than anybody in the league…including us.
Deng, Gordon, Tyrus, Noah and Bynum is retarded. I’m only speaking the facts here guys so hang with me.
If I’m wrong please let me know but I think I might just be right on this one actually.
I don’t see us finishing in the bottom half of the playoff seeds. I see us finishing in the top 5 of the East.
There is too much depth on this team not to be top 5.
This is why I look at these reporters in this city like “huh”…when they talk about our team and how “terrible” we are.
We riding out this year….
Artest makes it that much better.
If we don’t get him…I’m more than happy going to war with what we have. Somebody mentioned Houston coming back in February to help us out down the stretch. It would be great if it happens…we’ll
have to see.
By DaVonn J on Oct 28, 2007
Everybody saw this coming right?
Stringer Apologizes To Isiah For Critical Comments
October 28, 2007 - 1:51 am
ESPN -
C. Vivian Stringer apologized to Isiah Thomas in a prepared statement Saturday, one day after saying the New York Knicks coach’s comments during a trial deposition were “disgusting.”
“The whole situation is most regrettable,” the Rutgers women’s basketball coach said. “It was not my position to insult Mr. Thomas in any way. I responded to a question of which I had partial information and was not aware of the full text of Mr. Thomas’ statement. I am not in a place to make judgment on Isiah Thomas, [former team employee] Anucha Browne [Sanders] or the New York Knicks organization. I spoke to Isiah this morning and have apologized. I am hoping we can now get back to basketball.” [READ]
I wonder if Isiah came out and said “maybe next time the bitch will get her facts straight before she bumps her gums”…do you think Sharpton would protest?
By DaVonn J on Oct 28, 2007
Cuz they’ve had time to gell as a team and they all know their roles. They are comfortable with those roles and excel in them. Their main issue really is durability.
Hope not. The Mavs once bet against his overthehillness and lost bigtime, but I fear he really is about done, now. I mean, how many deals with the devil can a guy make? Anyway, we don’t need or want him.
Man, that Curry-Zbo thing is, for now and the foreseeable future, an utter nightmare. Good luck, Zeke.
By Charles Follymacher on Oct 28, 2007
TMAN your posts are a constant reminder why you’re a King of the F’N Hill.
Statesman I’m sorry that your plan is to peek back in in 15 because that will mean that we are down one star player for the start of the season. While Follymacher has been biting at his nails, ala Lebron, to take your spot (remember Wally Pipp)you are a valued member of the community for you insight, straightforwardness and unique viewpoint. With that said, I expect you back when something you don’t expect happens, something like the Knicks hitting their stride in game three, or Crawford being sent to the middle of the bus by game four.
Good stuff Follymacher. BTW, I love your name. It is ripe for mid-season ribbing. Stay tuned.
Thanks for that Stringer piece DVJ. That was absolutely expected. I am a Vivian Stringer fan. She has done great things for the women and men of Rutgers and the region beyond basketball. She got caught up and off-guard just like Rev. Al. The relationship between the media and society is so much more complex today than even a decade ago, but one thing is certain: the mainstream media is now as much newsmaker as it is reporter.
John@, African, Starburyfan keep it poppin’. Good reads. African, you keep hitting it on the head.
John@, thank you for that description of Z-Bo in the high post. That is a good play, but I saw Z-Bo throw up the shot from the high post and backpedal. That’s no good with E-City’s back to the basket in the low post and without someone crashing the boards. Hopefully, the team will get used to that move and do what they need to to insure some offensive boards.
Steady if I were younger, I would be depressed by Shaq’s and Sheed’s characterization of the current NBA. While, I think Sheed overstates it, I do think he and Shaq have a good point. The game is not the same and it will not be as long as Stern remains the Commissioner. I think someone mentioned Stern’s apparent hypocrisy in how he treated the gambling refs by changing the rule to match the conduct, while on the other hand he refused to adjust the rule for the Suns-Spurs battle. Well, the analysis of this is worthy of an article, but it is not difficult. David Stern is a brilliant man and counsel who has used his skills to uild one of the most lucrative businesses in the world with a universe of opportunity in the possibility of expanding the market to Europe and then the moons of Jupiter. Absolutely brilliant. But his brilliance rests on a single Prime Objective: Create, establish and maintain an image that protects the product brand. That’s the basis of all rules and rulings. In his eyes there can be no hypocrisy and this is an entertainment product just like the WWF and Roller Derby.
In management terms Stern is the Fidel Castro of sports. His time however is coming to an end too and the game will go through a few years of adjustment as it backs away from the prime objective and organizes its management in a less centralized fashion.
Still, based on his style, smarts and Prime Objective, there was no way he was going to punish all of his refs. It is easier on the product to admit a mea culpa and to correct it than to question the integrity of the game. Expect Sheed to get an “Integrity of the Game” or “League Image Breach” fine or chastisement. Stern does not fine or discipline based on conduct like the NFL — he penalizes based on the leagues relationship to the media. That’s why he seems to do away with the First Amendment when he regulates the speech of coaches, players and owners.
His PRIME OBJECTIVE is why there is no way that he would fine Isiah Thomas for being found liable for sexual harassment. That would open a can of worms that he does not need to or want to deal with. The league has employer-employee problems of its own. He does not want civil proceedings and corporate employment matters to be constant fodder for the press. Neither do the owners who employ him and depend on him to make them richer by the basket. Stern is more likely to get in a closed room and to admit that New York is a unique situation given the role of the NY media, but now that the can of worms is open, we, at the NBA, need to make better judgments about settling such matters.
Here is where Sheed is 100% correct. This game is now about image and how to sell an image to people who will buy tickets, jerseys, cups, banners, NBA TV, etc. Much less hardnosed basketball.
Anyway, it is a matter waiting for a well written and researched article ala the likes of a Halberstam or a MODI. HINT. HINT.
Yes, I see the calls for me to help out our resident scholar an intellectual MODI on the KN-KF-KD evolution. While I don’t think he needs much assistance, just a lot of reading time, I am more than willing to contribute what I can to the article. As far as profiles go, I am torn. I kinda like my online persona without ALL of the details, but the truth is that I am what I write except that I don’t curse like I do when I talk. I would almost never refer to anybody as a “bitch” verbally. Almost. I can think of a couple of men who the verbalized version of the term was quite fitting. Anyway, I digress as usual. MODI tell me what you need, but also tap the resources here. As you know by now, they are vey talented and impressive.
FINAL WORD. I think many of us are identifying Zeke’s use of Crawford as the current weak link. I am unhappy about that because I really like Crawford and I think he has improved his game significantly, but without his offensive fire power he is a liability. TMAN is absolutely correct about his abiity ot defend. If he was a little better, he could be a monster. But some of you baller-posters know that playing defense and remaining a prolific scorer is a feat accomplished by a select few. That task takes an overabundance of energy which is why the scouting reports of most scorers calls them defensively defective. If Craw is not going to drive and draw fouls before he heaves up jumpers, he is going to be bench material. It is the choice that will save Zeke’s job. At this point however, I think a Robinson-Marbury starting backcourt would be better than a Collins-Marbury backcourt. Go on and laugh. Watch the upcoming games and look at the difference in Starbury when Robinson is on the floor versus Collins. Then take two aspirins and call me the next morning with your validation of my point of Nate at the point. (Yeah, we probably need to have a discussion about what you really need to be a winning PG in this league. We’ve hinted at it, but I am not sure we have had the knock down, drag out discussion this topic deserves).
Crawford is headed toward the bench unless something changes in his game, like hitting his shots. I’m rooting for him because I like him though.
Later. Peace.
By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Oct 28, 2007
Davonn
Good to see you back! I didn’t feel the need to post because #11, Post-up Prince is on the money!
I was not all warm and fuzzy inside after the Nets toyed with us! Kidd simply Lead an inferior team
to a blowout over us! I see a lot of holes that need plugging! I saw lack of effort from every Knick,
except Lee and Zach! Marbury seems stuck in pergatory. Is Q Rich going to be a ? every other game because of
injury? Chandler looked like a deer caught in bright headlights! He layed nothing but bricks on offense,
and was not impressive at all on the defensive end! Zach looked upset as we bricked too many jumpers
and abandoned our inside out game. Same old shit as last year except a few new faces. The clock is running
on Zeke faster than ever! I know it’s early and preseason, but come on guys…they could of at least
played with some kind of fire, no? I am concerned. We need to make a move NOW! Beating up on Philly and getting
blown out by the Celtics and Nets is unexcuseable! Lee,Nate, Balkman and Zach are the only untouchable ones on
this team in my opinion! Even Gus and Clyde were hard pressed to find anything positive to say about the Nets
game! It’s hard to love the one your with, whe she has herpes!
Welcome Trane,
I see your running from the blog Cancer at Con’s, No?
By Peaceman on Oct 28, 2007
Oh I forgot. Pop-Up Prince there is no need for any deference at all. You are already a King on the F’N Hill. Great reads. Keep it poppin’.
I WANT SOME FU*KIN’ WINS NOW. NOW. NOW. OK, STARTING ON WEDNESDAY THEN. Dag, Jeffries is going to be missed in that game, but QRich can handle LeBrother.
Oh, I also forgot to note that I was very happy that Curry is using those fouls. If we didn’t have Z-Bo I wouldn’t b so happy, but aggression from Curry is good. His offensive rhythm will come. But he needs to do it early in the season, not after the all-star break.
O’k. Now I’m Audi.
By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Oct 28, 2007
Hey Peaceman. I’m feeling you, but I got over it by telling myself (and I speculate it to be true) that they really did not want to play after losing Jeffries. It looked bad and they know how hard he worked and how unimportant that game was in the standings. That injury was demoralizing for everybody, so I would just throw that game away.
How did I miss Trane. I’m sorry Trane because I haven’t gotten back to you yet at KF and I didn’t see you upstairs. KF rsponses will take me a while because these guys move too fast. BTW, I wear day vision glasses at KF and I don’t see the trolls. They write in invisible ink as far as I am concerned.
I hear you on the incomplete roster. You may be right. In fact, I think neither Zeke nor Riley could get the deal they wanted with the Kings. I wonder what the Kings are looking for.
Trane, yes I did detect a little “he’s right, but skirting the issue” in your post. But, I understand your point. I fully understand your point, but I think from his perspective it makes more sense to have private conversations with Stringer and Rev. Al and others than to continue to play it out in the media. It needs to be dropped not fueled. The media would just find something else to pounce on him about. I think Stringer’s apology illustrates what I was trying to say about people relying on the media reports as the gospel on the trial. It was too slanted.
Yes, I hear your point about an edit not proving manipulation, but my point is that the manipulation has already been proven. I know you listened to the Dep like I did. He did not say it the way it was reported, rather interpreted by the media and he addressed it in the trial. Use or interpretation of that five minute segment was manipulation plain and simple. The Plaintiff’s attorneys did their jobs. Pretty darn well in fact. The media is doing the job they have created for themselves. Pretty insidiously, I think.
BTW, while we disagree, I enjoy your posts. They are challenging and provocative. I just think you happen to be wrong a lot. (LOL). Write On.
By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Oct 28, 2007
BTW
I’m not buying Jeffries being out for 4 weeks! That spin is pure hyperbole!
If you look at the replay, his knee seemed to move unnaturaly backward!
Remember Lee was going to only miss a few games last year? I don’t believe you will see
Jeffries until 2008, if not next year! Just blogging!
By Peaceman on Oct 28, 2007
I apologize if this is a repost. See Isiah Has Redeeming Loads of Qualities. This was probably posted by DVJ, BARF or Poppin but I haven’t read all of the over 500 posts I might have missed.
By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Oct 28, 2007
Of course that should have said “Isiah has loads of redemming qualities.”
By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Oct 28, 2007
Ha Ha Ha. Who changed that “e” in redeeming to an “m”. Those little internet gremlins I bet.
By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Oct 28, 2007
Google Alert - new york knicks Sun 10/28/2007 1:19 AM
New York Knicks downsize: Nichols, Jordon and Russell waived
Knicks exercise options on contracts of Lee, Robinson, Balkman …
Knicks exercise option on Lee, three others
Competition discussion: New York
Black College Expo Teams With New York Knicks to Promote Literacy …
Knicks’ Jeffries injured
Knicks Preview: How New York Can Challenge for a Title
Kidd plays 30 minutes as Nets top Knicks
Kidd dazzles in debut as Nets top Knicks again
NBA Preview: Atlantic Division
By Syd on Oct 28, 2007
Willis was 6′10″ and 240.
Lee is listed at 6′9″ but is really 6′8″ and 240.
He is not bigger than Reed.
By JohnQ on Oct 28, 2007
Good AM Defenders!
I’m glad to see Vivian Stringer spoke with ZEKE and issued an apology. I have great respect for both individuals and their contributions to the sport and others, and I am also glad they were able to find Common Ground.
Local media is reporting that IT seems moody, and his excahnge with reporters on yesterday was described as ‘Emotional.’ Bruh is under pressure on the professional side and he is also a family man, so they have been stung by all of the negative chatter. IT is experiencing a rough patch, but if stays focused and searches for the ONE that can prop him up on the leaning side, he will be fine.
Hopefully his players will GO ALL OUT FOR HIM, as he has STUCK HIS NECK OUT FOR THEM, put their egos to side and let thier collective talents come to the forefront.
I got to tell you Defenders, I went back and re-read all of your posts, and some of the exchanges were classics, insightful, passionate, hilarious, definitely no Kissy Kissy, and very illuminating. You kats were mad posting in my absence.
Once again, for all of the Defenders who take time to PRAISE THIER GOD in their own way on this day, please say a prayer for me, and may we all Look unto the Hills from whence cometh our help…We know it cometh from the Great Master of Mysteries which made US ALL.
Keep it POPPIN!
By cooleyhigh on Oct 28, 2007
Modi,
I wanted to commend you on YOUR reasoning why the Knicks are a legitimate playoff bound team.
Well done Resident Scholar, well done…In my opinion cosellout is the best antidote to the MEGAPHONE SYNDRONE…Giving sight to those blinded by the SPOTLIGHT of Division Driven Journalism…You guys are shooting down one Helicopter at a time…LOL
Lastly, Statesman, I was disappointed to hear you were checking out in the short term and returning in mid stream. I enjoy your posts immensely and as I prepare to embark on the hectic portion of my travel schedule, I’ll miss your insight and uplifting posts while peeking in the back door of our Defender home. But Stateman, I respect your right to disengage and spend your valuable time as you see fit. Just wanted you to know that you WILL BE MISSED…
Defender’s
Keep it POPPIN
By cooleyhigh on Oct 28, 2007
Lives:
What’s up? Observations from last game. Not from home, but in the stands.
You said Steph is ready. Sorry, he’s not and he’s the problem. Yes! I said it!
Stay with me. This team is built for the inside game.
This team has two genuine monsters. The balance is a point that can get the ball to them.
Steph got caught up with a personal duel with Kidd. You can’t do that with kidd, because he’s the ultiamte team player.
Steph abandoned the game plan, and what made it worse, is that he made a few early shots.
That threw everything out of synch. Zbo was noticibly upset.
Look for Zeke to bench him early and often this year. He’s not the point for this team.
Please don’t blame Curry. A potent big man is only as good as his point guards. Curry brings fear to every opposing coach, we need to capitalize on that advantage.
Isiah is doing a good job as coach, but we need a great job done with the talent we have. We need a coach! Yes! I said it!
This GM/coach thing is running Zeke ragged. Too much for a place like N.Y. Go back to the tunnels as the GM.
At this point Craw is useless. he’s not attacking, he’just standing in a corner hoping to get an open shot. When he gets the ball he’s not putting pressure on the opponents. And we all now his defensive shortcomings.
Nate is going to take over this city. You can’t help but love this guy. He has such a way with peolple. He was high fiving everyone in the first row. All eyes were on Nate since he got on the court. Look for him to take major minutes from Steph.
Whoever said Nate should be at the end of the bench? Think again.Nate is playing at least 15 mins per. He can get to the rim with the best of them.
Mardy is the palyer to start, but next to Q. Would never happen, but that would be our best team with Zbo, Jefferies and Curry.
Trane. It’s about time. Welcome.
By African on Oct 28, 2007
LINY said:
By Charles Follymacher on Oct 28, 2007
(whoop. made a couple mistakes tryina get fancy with the comment. you’ll figure it out.)
By Charles Follymacher on Oct 28, 2007
Da Vonne J.:
Important post re: C.V. Stringer on apology to Isiah–==hopethat some mainstream media pick it
up.
Trane:
Welcome. You often post informative stuff. Good to see you on this blog. Hope you stay awhile.
I have to believe that Marbury was simply coasting in the last two
preseason games; from all that he has said, we will see a more intense
Stephon in next week’s games, one committed to Isiah’s feed the low post first offense. Crawford should be given the chance to show what
he can do as a starter in the regular season. If he performs he
starts, if not he comes off the bench or sits. I want him to succeed;
when his offense is on, he can match up with Arenas or Wade, and
even get them in foul trouble. If he starts tp deliver from beyond
the arc, he frees up space inside for E-City or Zach to work down
low. His performance is critical to the overall success of the team.
When J Craw went down last season, there could be no post-season.
By Post-up Prince on Oct 28, 2007
African, you know I have much respect for your observation, especially since you were close up. I hope you are wrong as I know you do too, but I’m with Post-up in hoping that Steph is ready but was playing like a vet in pre-season. Still, the fact that he was not feeding the post which is a bit easier on the body than shucking and driving to the hole makes me even more skeptical of my hope that he was cruisin’. It sounds like Zeke agrees with your assessment and you have identified the reason I can’t get the rotation down to a hard ten players. We’ll know for sure on Wednesday. I really hope you’re wrong.
Follymacher, I’m just funnin’ with you. My LeBron comment was meant as a compliment. You don’t need State’s spot, you’re carving out one of your own. Since you’re a little new to this mix, you’ll find that I often type a lot o shyte designed to make sure we’re not taking ourselves too, too seriously. Myself included. You’re giving us good stuff, but I love that Follymacher. It’s way too cool and too sweet an opp to pass up for a full season. Write On.
Man Steph better not f-up because that ruins all my pre-season previews and predictions.
By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Oct 28, 2007
Lives, I pray that I’m wrong, but when you look at it, this was supposed to be a statement game. No doubt.
Kidd didn’t play until it was the Knicks. Frank rested all his stars for some time or the other in the preseason. Not against the Knicks.
The attitudes were vastly different. Kidd was trying to make his mark running the team and getting everyone involved, while Steph was trying to take it personal vs Kidd.
You can’t beat Kidd that way.
There was no spacing on our team to free up the inside. Curry was noticibly frustrated, same as Zach.
We’ve got to figure this out before Friday, because I don’t think Cleveland is better than us.
By African on Oct 28, 2007
Hello, Gentlemen ? good to see you all. No, Peace - I suppose I?m still fundamentally a Fixer . . . but, like I said, I?d been lurking around long enough. Thought it was time to say hello. Also, Mark found Hahn?s blog with a vengeance in the last few days . . . and I just needed a break. I know he?s just trying to be annoying . . . but he?s so good at it.
Lives ? would that more of the world read your post. Too much of life today is public. I completely agree that many of these conflicts are better handled in private. The problem is, once they hit the media, they?re hard to ignore . . .
And I hope you know that when I respond to you, it?s always with respect . . . and, yes, challenge ? one that I, too, enjoy.
Willis was no 6? 10? ? ? ? Don?t know where you read that. I don?t even believe 6? 9? — which is what you usually see him listed at. Willis was 6? 10? the same way Barkley was 6? 61/2?. Willis wasn?t 6? 10? in go-go- boots.
By Trane on Oct 28, 2007
Hello, Gentlemen – good to see you all. No, Peace - I suppose I’m still fundamentally a Fixer . . . but, like I said, I’d been lurking around long enough. Thought it was time to say hello. Also, Mark found Hahn’s blog with a vengeance in the last few days . . . and I just needed a break. I know he’s just trying to be annoying . . . but he’s so good at it.
Lives – would that more of the world read your post. Too much of life today is public. I completely agree that many of these conflicts are better handled in private. The problem is, once they hit the media, they’re hard to ignore . . .
And I hope you know that when I respond to you, it’s always with respect . . . and, yes, challenge – one that I, too, enjoy.
Willis was no 6’ 10” ? ? ? Don’t know where you read that. I don’t even believe 6’ 9” — which is what you usually see him listed at. Willis was 6’ 10” the same way Barkley was 6’ 61/2”. Willis wasn’t 6’ 10” in go-go- boots.
By Trane on Oct 28, 2007
Sorry about the double-post. I keep getting error messages, then the post shows up later.
By Trane on Oct 28, 2007
African,
That was the definitive post of the pre-season. I know you know because YOU WERE THERE.
I believe the Wally Pipp story was intended for the likes of Stephon and Jamal who are feeling entitled based on their past performances. Still, as you know I’m wont to view an NBA script being played out, I don’t believe the team will play the same way starting next week. I really believe the team did all the things that it WILL NOT do in the regular season. The NYK will not be able to sneak up on teams the way IT wants it to play out. The NBA knows that there are two beasts at the post in NY.
While you criticize Steph for not being able to feed the post, I see the inside game as being more predicated by the ability of the bigs to establish position early and correctly. That mano a mano breakdown you reported about Steph and Kidd, recall that we saw it during the the losing days of the HOF coach–he threw the team under the MSM bus about it.
Another point about the Jamal enigma is his defense. I disagree that JC can’t play defense. As we (Defenders) all know here, defense calls for commitment. For some reason, JCraw played effective D for the HOF “right way” coach: cutting off passing lanes, staying in front of his man, running through screens, rotating off his man, cutting off the baseline, putting his hands up on D (for cryin’-out-loud), just the basics. Someone can’t have me believe he can do it one year with one coach and then forgets it the following year.
Lives,
Very well expressed about the Shaq and Sheed revelations. I suppose I would not be steady if the “frozen envelope” was not mentioned at least in passing. Let the Lil’ General run his scripts but let them favor our side from time to time. Like when Kobe was held out of NY for that flagrant blow to the head after his “follow-through”–thanks Lil General (5*). We beat LA in da NYC. Now we need a steer to NYC a la McFhale to the C’s. There’s so much not bein g told about the “Lone Rogue Ref” that the complicity of the MSM should be questioned by the “watchers” (hint, hint, hint.) If you can send Modi your past posts on the “wacky” episode, including the timeline to Modi, that would be a great start. Blogzilla has the key since much was done here so he can “search”, copy, paste, post.
Trane, LGM–the coach needs to start the season with a bang. One of the regulars is startin’ the season on the LR (lurkin reserve). You know what’s good.
Cooleyhigh,
In the powerful words of Statesman, Peace and Blessings.
KFLL
By Steady on Oct 28, 2007
Just a repeat post on Crawford!
He did himself a Major injustice lifting for the extra muscle!
He needs to go back to his Allen Iverson frame and keep his tone!
Crawford didn’t need the extra weight for offense, and it’s making him two steps slower on the D! Crawford’s not a Power Forward, so someone mis-advised him, and you can see how hard he worked! The first thing to go on a bulked up Ectomorph is quickness and coordination!
Micheal Cooper, the “Iceman”…Jamal(silk) Wilkes…and too many to list, were never allowed to work on their upper body….just their legs. Hopefully he will slowly lose that bulk!
By Peaceman on Oct 28, 2007
Gentlemen,The Daily News? today reported that Cablevision will be raising their TV package rate only, not internet or digital phone service, rate by 4.7% starting in December.Nice to have a golden goose whenever you need a little spare change.Sheed may find a horse’s head in his bed one of these days.The history of the NBA is no different than any other hustle that became legit.The liquor barons, Seagrams, were smugglers and bootleggers during prohibition, watch me now?Ned Irish who started the Knicks was a,gasp,NYC sportswriter who saw an opportunity to sell college b-ball games to the Garden.It was always about a dollar with him.There is no “sanctity of the game”.That’s just a fiction to get in your pocket.What there is,is a fabulous game that fulfills the human spirit with physicality, individuality, teamwork and grace.The game and the people “are the thing”,to paraphrase Willy S.Those who love this game know there is nothing like it.That’s why we’re all here, trying to stay close to it.As to the fleas,the flesh peddlers of every variety, that live off the body of the game,I say, “a plague on all your houses”.Sheed, Shaq and every one of us that’s ever busted their asses on a court and walked off,head high and heart fulfilled knows “what’s good”.Love the game,respect it.LGK,Guys,keep bringing it write!
By Tman on Oct 28, 2007
Modi,
Before I say this, I am going to say that I loved your article on how getting Curry offsets not getting Noah or Thomas. Under those same principles, if the Bulls use those 2 assets as the means to get Kobe, how does that trade look now ?
If that trade goes through the Bulls could start
Hinrich
Kobe
Nocioni
Smith
Wallace
w/ an anemic bench.
Kobe said he wouldn’t accept that trade so lets replace Thomas w/ Duhon.
Hinrich
Kobe
Nocioni
Thomas
Wallace
Thats a decent starting 5 ! albeit it still leaves them bare on the bench.
If this happens, and I predict it will, the Bulls still won’t make the finals. I’m sure there will be some picks thrown in as well because of the Thomas substitution. This should set the Bulls back years. If Thomas doesn’t blossom into a star Kobe will be stuck in a much similar situation to the one he’s in now. Wallace is just about done. Hinrich is overated. If Kobe isn’t coming here, I hope he goes there. Having him in Chicago will once again nuetralize the games best player.
By JohnQ on Oct 28, 2007
http://www.nypost.com/seven/10282007/sports/knicks/take_to_court.htm?page=1
By Starburyfan on Oct 28, 2007
http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/ny-spknix1028,0,4691089.story
By Starburyfan on Oct 28, 2007
http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/ny-spberger285436093oct28,0,2989516.column
By Starburyfan on Oct 28, 2007