Check out the results from our most recent poll:
For the math heads out there, looks almost like a normal curve. All votes being equal, we can interpolate from the results that the average Knicks Defender predicts about 46 wins this upcoming season. Very interesting because, as you know, most NBA preview articles are writing off the knicks as 4th in the atlantic and out of the playoffs. That’s some contrast.
A few of the local newspapers are doing preview videos streamable online. Check out Vescey’s here.
Newsday also has one, but I couldn’t get it to load, and Berman from the post has one here, but it is not as positive. These videos were brought to my attention by the excellent The Big Push, which was in turn brought to my attention by our BARF–thanks homie.
Finally, this is the program I’m going to blame for holding some of your comments from being posted immediately. It isn’t me, this program is built in to the blog so I’ve done all I can to minimize its effects. It is only a problem for a few of you, but still, if you don’t see your post at first, just be patient, chances are it will go through.
Glad to see DVJ is back, and now we’ve got Tman here, Kevin Harewood stopped by and also mr. Trane joined in on the discussion, so it seems we all know the spot! Keep it poppin’ indeed!
{ 184 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
BARF, maybe everything gets held up by WordPress when Blogzilla is on da keys?
Kurt Thomas is Seattle’s Malik Rose(minus the scholarly eloquence, of course
):
“It’s a new role to me,” said Thomas. “But I’ve been fortunate enough that I have had a tremendous number of veterans over my career who took me under their wing. Patrick Ewing, Larry Johnson, Alonzo Mourning – those guys really molded me to what it takes to be a leader. I’m just trying to share my experiences with the young guys on the team.”
Kurt Thomas is Seattle’s Malik Rose (minus the scholarly eloquence, of course
):
“It’s a new role to me,” said Thomas. “But I’ve been fortunate enough that I have had a tremendous number of veterans over my career who took me under their wing. Patrick Ewing, Larry Johnson, Alonzo Mourning – those guys really molded me to what it takes to be a leader. I’m just trying to share my experiences with the young guys on the team.”
Yo, this thing is tripping today. Who messed up the blog’s matrix?
McFale is doing a fine job in Minny. Besides KG, name one player he’s managed to develop or do right by?
The clock’s ticking on his job. He’s the Jerry Sloan of GM’s.
Folly:
I’m not ready to revive that Nichols argument unless you need some Term Life Insurance. I hear he’s doing a good job with the exams trying to get his license.
Steady:
If you’ve played some ball on any level, you’d know that the key to big men production is to feed them on the offensive end.
Once a big man gets touches, he gets in the flow of the game. That means on the defensive end also. The worst thing for a big man is to work in the low post(and believe me,that’s some work trying to get position)and not touch the ball. Once you have guards coming down and jacking, the big man loses interest. He starts working less to get position and the game breaks down.
Watching the game live is a bit different from the TV. I saw the frustrations on Zach’s face. On TV you’re limited to what they decide to show.
Curry and Zach will be fine together. They need the commitment form the guards to get with the program. It’s not like they have a single option down low.
The culprit is the guards.
With Adelman at the helm, Yao is feeling confident about the upcoming season:
Yao, who averaged 25 points and nine rebounds last season, noticed during the preseason that defenses seemed off-balance trying to guard him in the new scheme.
“It’s very simple and very easy for me,” Yao said. “Now, they cannot just focus on me because I can shoot the ball, I can pass to the open man, I can set a screen and roll to the basket, or flare to the corner and take a jumper or something.
“I have too many choices right now.”
African,
Veiled dis’–acknowledged and noted from the coach and Dean of FIT. Buck Showalter ain’t got nothing on you.
The “culprit” will sit as this is a “MUST-WIN YEAR” for the Lil General (4*).
Just bloggin’
KFLL
Wow????!!!!
Bill Russell in the same sentence in the same sentence as Antoine Walker????
I’m stumped yet again. This dude needs his press pass revoked.
The Celtics’ illustrious history has included several big men who could pass. Larry Bird was probably the best. Bill Russell, Dave Cowens, and Antoine Walker weren’t bad, either. And, eventually, don’t be surprised if Kevin Garnett is mentioned in that group
BARF,
Scrolling back, it looks like Blogzilla wuz right. All your post, links and all have appeared. There must be some time delays at times. Go figure.
Wow????!!!!
Bill Russell in the same sentence in the same sentence as Antoine Walker????
I’m stumped yet again. This dude needs his press pass revoked.
The Celtics’ illustrious history has included several big men who could pass. Larry Bird was probably the best. Bill Russell, Dave Cowens, and Antoine Walker weren’t bad, either. And, eventually, don’t be surprised if Kevin Garnett is mentioned in that group
Oh Steady, you dont know the trouble I had to go through to make them go through. I had to snip, snap, back button, cut, paste, chop, fold…you get my drift.
Greg Oden shares video of him doing his knee rehab thing here
I know BARF, I know. I WAS THERE!
LOL
Barf,
I wasn’t saying they would always go w/ Walker in the line up. I was saying it would be an option for them if hey decided to “go small” ala Golden state or Phoenix.
Didn’t KG play SF, PF, and C ????
Dawn of a New Day
The Knicks are about to embark upon another season under head coach and President Isiah Thomas. This has to be the season where results follow or we will be seeing the end of a great basketball mind in the likes of Isiah Thomas. Over the past 4 years he has been able too turn a 6-8 and under team into a taller, more athletic and youthier(thank marubury for the new lingo) team. So far we haven’t gotten the result we were after. First we had Larry Brown come in and set us back a year with his blasphemy of a good coaching job and then we had the conspiracy with the refs who may or may not have a plan to not let the Knicks succeed. Rasheed Wallace recently stated that the league used Lebron and his Cavs as a tool to get more marketing dollars and that’s the only reason that they beat the Pistons. Rasheed subsequently exploded in game 6 of the series while getting ejected, let us all remember that Rasheed was the same player who saw through Tim Dougnahy’s fake façade by challenging him to a fight on the bay docks of Portland. And I for one believe him. If they can influence a game to make one team advance in the playoffs while everyone is watching then they can surely agree to call as many offensive fouls on Eddy Curry as humanly possible to eliminate a scoring beast in the paint. Imagine if Curry was able to utilize the same calls that allowed Coquille to bowl over player after player his first few years in the league. Now players are being penalized more and more for being bigger then the ballet dancers Stern has used to replace real basketball players. The NBA is becoming more of an orchestrated dance then the physical in your face style we all grew up watching with the New York Knicks.
Enough with the excuses though, despite Isiah’s somber attitude lately and the three blow out losses suffered in the pre-season the overall feeling is Playoffs or Die. I’ve got a feeling my Defender brothers that it’s going to be Playoffs. Our team is as hungry as it’s ever been and the feeling of getting revenge runs deep in the minds of the players who want to restore Isiah’s good name and get their collective names out of the muddy water. We have two players who must step up in order for our success to be complete and that is Steph and Jamal. Both players have been here the longest out of any of the other players and they were the first two pieces to this puzzle Isiah created. They need to prove their worth and keep their stability by coming out strong in the first part of the season. Both guys shot the ball as if they hadn’t practiced all summer during pre-season but let’s all hope that this was a decoy used to trick other teams into thinking that their poor shooting will carry over into the regular season. The thought of the Knick players meeting up all summer has crossed my mind during their recent drought because they should be in excellent shape and have better accuracy then they have displayed. I’m thinking the fix is in. I fully expect them to start the season like gang busters because they are two talented guards.
African
If steady and Barf can repeat
then you guys can’t say I repeat.
Barf and steady repeat themselfs
as steady and barf repeat.
Don’t say they don’t repeat
as Steady and barf repeat. I repeat
cause not only do steady and barf repeat
but barf and steady repeats themselfs!
ed drossman..lol
Crawford and Marbury do not belong on this team. They are not pass first guards and with 2 dominant big men down low….what we need is a pass first pg that can play defense.
Hopefully Nate can grow into this role but Collins is fine for now.
Crawford has made no progress since LB left. He has actually gone backwards as far as defense and shot selection.
Get those 2 out of the starting 5 or better yet the team and we should be better moving forward.
I’m sick of this shit !!
I’m glad A Rod opted out….the Yanks don’t deserve that type of player.
He will be the best ever when it’s all said and done. Sheeeet…he may be that now.
Go Knicks!!!!
Rod Thorn is able to erase Ilic, a mistake, from his roster.
The Nets found a team to take one guy who would have been on the end of the bench and another who would have been in the NBDL and gladly sent money with them to New Orleans for David Wesley today.
Nice to see Peaceman and DVj, wash up off the shores of Costa Rica and return to us after having jumped off the bridge of Knicks fanhood. With plenty of bball to play and the regular season set to tip off this Friday night against the Cleveland Cavs, there will be more even more opportunities for our Drastically Dramatic Duo to leap to their fanatical doom.
BlogZilla
Throw a poll up there so we can vote which bridge those two can jump off next.
The Hudson has a nice current this time of year. If you guys jump off that one together, maybe you can see the entire East Coast and wind up in Jamaica, my fav carib spot. Or maybe you can visit St. George and join him for a drink.
Davonn
I’m in agreement with your Marbury take, but Crawford will fall in line
without a towel and scowel! Maybe we should send Marbury to Europe for a year?
He would preview his future and maybe come back truly Born again!
This team has enough talent to win without Marbury’s play of late!
Nets have a roster spot open…
does this mean ALAN HOUSTON has a shot?
Barf
I prefer the 59th street bridge! lol
Peace
Thats a bumpier ride but I hear you. Nothing comes easy for a Knick fan.
For a Knickfan, nothing comes easy.
By the way, considering that he is both eloquent and a scholar, would you move Malik Rose in front of DLee in the depth chart? Right now, I think he should start alongside ECurry. Move Zach to the second team with DLee. Imagine all the energy off the bench then.
So after the starting five amasses a deficit of 30 points, the bench could come back every game trying to make up those points.
Barf,
please put down the pipe bro. Your delusional. ZBO off the bench ? hahahahahahahaha.
MODI’s up to his usual in his latest installment:
STUDY: NCAA Football Needs “Rooney Rule” to stop “Coaches Friends Network”
The fact that there has not been one single stitch of progress during the last 10 years shows why the “wait and see” approach just doesn’t work. A lawsuit or major serious threat is the only way to break up the disgraceful good ole boy network that continues to discriminate against black candidates in college football. The data has come and has been ignored. Another study is not needed, effective NCAA leadership and MEDIA ATTENTION is needed.
Yes Barf!
I would even move Rose farther up!
All the way to Sacramento, along with 2 first rounders and Jones!
JQ,
*putting the pipe down*
My bad. I got so “into the pipe” that DVJ and Peace’s gripes on JCraw and Marbury started making sense to me.
Marbury had these problems last year. He expects one thing, and Isiah expects another. Steph has to realize that until he wins an MVP, a chip or retires and becomes a coach, he’s just another player out there. He has his flaws as a player and the best thing he can do is bring his strengths to the court and be willing to be benched when his strengths are not what the team needs.
JCraw has to realize that if his shot isn’t falling, he needs to continue being a facilitator. He’s been able to put up some assist numbers during the preseason (which everyone likes to ignore) but his turnovers are still too high for someone not scoring more than 15 points per.
I’ve said it before (drossed it before, maybe even peacemanned it before too, lol,
) Marbury and JCraw are not untradeable. But moving either of them until their last year is almost hopeless…so why even bring it up. As for Nate starting in front of Marbury…maaaaannn, listen. That’s not happening. Doesn’t need to happen.
There’s no need to embarrass or even threaten to embarrass a vet like Steph. Steph “stephed it up” last year when the criticism came fast and furious from the press. The press will get on him this year too if he falls out of line. For me, I haven’t seen what African claims to have seen so I will wait ’til I do to make a comment on it. It would be a shame if, in terms of leadership, he takes a step back from what his words have been this offseason and what his example ended up being late last season. A real shame if he takes a step back.
As for JCraw, I agree with whoever said that he needs to lose that extra bulk or hurry up and get used to it. If by “extra bulk” he meant that he would spend more time just standing around and waiting for the ball to come to him, then I say hurry up and get back to your more comfortable physique. It’s a little late in his career to become a different kind of guard. And this year is not the year to try out new things. If the only way for him to crack the starting lineup is to bulk up, and bulking up slows him down, then maybe he should be happy coming off the bench. Stop listening to whoever tells you that coming off the bench is not a top-flight role in the NBA. As long as you can be at your best off the bench and contribute then its a good role.
Peaceman
You know I’d go for that trade in a second. Unfortunately, Sac would just as soon throw your ass off a bridge.
Peace:
You made my day with that 117 post.
I visited the old KK site and my name is in almost every post from the Dross and Mark.
I told them to visit me here at their own risk, if they miss me that much.
I think Mark is having a meltdown. You should try reading one of his posts. If you read one, you’ve read them all.
Nash and Stern, at it again:
“I’m not into worrying about what Stern is doing. I figure I’m not going to win that battle anyway. I’ve lost it in the past so why bother getting involved.”
“If I let it, it’ll distract me. I’ll be (ticked) off all the time. And that’s like every other week, a decision comes down that you don’t understand. So just stay out of it. Bowen stepped on Amaré’s ankle and kneed me in the balls. No suspension, whereas other guys (with) maybe less infractions get suspended on the first one. I’m not in the office. I don’t know why they decide what they decide. Therefore, I’m not going to even bother to start judging their decisions because I don’t get it.”
Kneed me in the balls?
I love that guy!!!
FROM ISIAH UNCUT
Here is what Isiah Thomas had to say following 10/24 Practice:
What do you make of Renaldo Balkman’s situation…
Thomas: He was able to do some light jogging today. As the preseason continues, he will slowly start up and we will see where he is at.
What kind of shape is Zach Randolph in…
Thomas: I don’t think you can do what he does out on the floor without working hard. This is a league where talent just doesn’t get you by. He’s been at every practice other than when he’s had to go visit his grandmother. He has a great motor, and over the summer, again this is our first go around the block with him, but he didn’t show up to training camp out of shape. We’ve been very happy with his work ethic. You can’t do what he does out on the floor and sustain what he does for that long a period without being in great shape. Thomas_102407df
What is it like to coach Zach …
Thomas: I think he’s very receptive to coaching. You can get on him and he doesn’t take it personally. You can really challenge and push him.
What did you think of Stephon Marbury during Monday night’s game…
Thomas: I thought Marbury was great. I thought the job he did on Ray Allen defensively was great. He and Quentin Richardson are two of our better defenders in that group, and I thought Steph did a great job defensively. He also did a great job setting the tone and tempo of the game.
Who else asides Nate Robinson has caught your eye during practice …
Thomas: They all have had good practices, but just Nate’s approach throughout the whole training camp, he’s been really good in practice and I’m glad to see it’s moving from the practice floor to the playing floor.
Wilson Chandler got the crowd going when he had the block during the Celtics game. Is that what you envisioned when you drafted him…
Thomas: Not that kind of play. I thought physically and athletically he was gifted enough to play in this league and fit in with our young core of players like David Lee, Renaldo, Jared Jeffries and Q at the three. I think in time he can move up to the two position. His athleticism gives him the ability to defend the two or the three.
[] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] []
Here is what Isiah Thomas had to say following 10/24 Postgame:
How did tonight’s game go…
Thomas: “We played well as a team. I liked the way our guys defended. I liked the way we rebounded. I think our team is coming together very nicely.”
Nyk_isiah_102507
How do you feel about the play of Nate Robinson and David Lee…
Thomas: “When Nate (Robinson) is shooting the ball the way he’s shooting it and David (Lee) is pretty consistent, those two guys enter the basketball game with their energy and their effort and they make a great impact on the game.”
How has Zach Randolph been performing so far this preseason…
Thomas: “Zach (Randolph) can score the basketball in a variety ways, inside, out. He’s a good foul shooter. But, most importantly, he’s a good rebounder. He got 10 rebounds tonight in 26 minutes.”
Thomas: I don’t think you can do what he does out on the floor without working hard. This is a league where talent just doesn’t get you by. He’s been at every practice other than when he’s had to go visit his grandmother. He has a great motor, and over the summer, again this is our first go around the block with him, but he didn’t show up to training camp out of shape. We’ve been very happy with his work ethic. You can’t do what he does out on the floor and sustain what he does for that long a period without being in great shape.
I repost it for those who keep calling Zach “out of shape”
“I think in time he can move up to the two position. His athleticism gives him the ability to defend the two or the three.”
A certain handsome gentlemen who frequents these parts has been known to think that as well. Chandler at the 2 guard, Nate at the 1, Balkman, Lee and Zach/Morris will take the second team to another level this year.
You can bet $1 on that, Steady.
African
Mark will never post here. He’s Mitch Lawrence. Notice that he never posted at Berman’s?
Hahn is one of Isola’s boys, that’s why Lawrence gets a pass on his blog!
If you read Lawrence’s Knick preview 2007-08, his prediction for the Knicks was
Zeke would not be charged with Sexual harrassment again! That is pure Mark!
A very lonely subhuman! Hope Cooley prays for that poor soul
Handsome gentleman…..kinda kissy kissy aren’t we? (homo?)
Once again you’re right, Peaceman!
Starburyfan
I’ve got 2 free tickets coming in the front of section 123, for either Denver, Suns, or Dallas! I wish I could offer
everyone on this blog the other, but you deserve it for providing this home for us! I’ll let you know as Soon as
I know! Just got off the phone with info, so I’ll give you a heads up as soon as I confirm the game I landed!
I hope it’s Denver, but Dallas and the Suns aren’t too shabby either!
By the way, whoever Marquette is, is f**king hilarious.
SBFan, you had better get us pics from 123 section.
A spirited practice run
We never get to see the good stuff.
David Lee had blood on the front of his practice jersey. Malik Rose got poked in the eye and was struggling to keep it open. Wilson Chandler limped off with what appeared to be a minor thigh issue. Zach Randolph was sporting an elastic sleeve on his knee for extra support.
We only got to sample the standard free throws at the end of practice, which is standard fare.
Nobody seemed to be nursing any bad feelings, though.
“We got a game Friday,” Isiah Thomas said. “I just think guys are working extremely hard right now.”
Apparently the level of competition remains high because a number of players are convinced they still might be able to pick up a couple of extra minutes here or a couple of extra shots there.
“I see a work in progress,” Malik Rose said. “Everybody is willing to do what it takes to win. I don’t think everybody is 100 percent clear on their roles. That’s what training camp is for, and the early part of the regular season. Isiah will deliniate jobs and roles, and guys will learn to execute to the best of their ability. Then you’ll see cohesiveness and camaraderie and wins start to pile up.”
Keep posting your season predicitions, final record, place in the standings, short explanation. We’re getting a strong response, and everybody seems to have at least one foot in reality. Nice work.
See what I mean about Malik being eloquent and a scholar.
A pro writer who’s paid to KNOW, doesn’t even know how to spell delineate.
I betcha Malik not only knows how to use it properly in a concise thought and express himself clearly while using it, but I betcha he knows how to spell it too.
HAHAHAHAHA
Dawn of a New Day
Next on my list are the four youngsters with the recent extensions. David Lee, Nate the Great, Tazmania and Steady Mardy are the future of Knick basketball. David Lee looks like he has fully recovered from the mysterious injury that kept him out the latter part of the season last year. He continues to rebound the ball at an insane pace grabbing 14 in the last preseason game. Lee will lead the league in rebounding sometime in the near future and I bet my left pinky toe on that one. Nate the Great is starting to live up to his name, well at least in summer league and pre-season now he has to make sure it carries over to the regular season. Watching the progression of Nate is like watching a flower bloom. It’s a beautiful sight. If he can go from “novelty” to “star in the making” I will be happy with his progression. Next we have our defensive terrors of the future in Renaldo and Mardy. Both players have had it rough this off-season with nagging injuries but their uncanny ability to play the passing lanes and rob other players is a breath of fresh air on a team whose players are mainly offensive. Renaldo and Mardy have a lot to work on for them to improve their offense but as of now their defense is head and shoulders above the rest of the team.
The Rookie is a future beast. The boy’s arms are built like tree trunks. He has shown the ability to play the passing lanes, block shots, finish the play and hit the midrange jumper. He needs to work on his dribbling and his decision making but hell the boy is only 20 years old. If he can continue to excel at the mental game of the NBA something our last lottery pick Channing Frye couldn’t pull off because he was too soft then he’ll shock some people with his play. I actually believe out of all the young guys on the squad he has the most potential. As Clyde would say I think this Knick might have the Knack.
Only time will tell.
Now to the two straws the stir my Kool-aid to the sweetest possible taste we have Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph. These two guys are the reason I think we will be the Beast of The East sometime in the near future. Zach looks to be unstoppable from every angle I’ve witnessed him play on the court while Eddy can not be stopped after he gets his position inside. Zach replaces a soft and fragile minded Channing Frye who wouldn’t bust a grape in a food fight. Zach is a beast compared to the person who held the position last year and can do everything Channing could do but like 5 times better. If he can stay out the eye of the hateful media here in NY I expect him to have a long a prosperous career with the Knicks. Eddy Curry is the man of the hour for this unloved and despised Knick team. He is the man we all hope can carry us to the next stage of our development at that is the playoffs. Eddy will have to step his game up a notch if he hopes to beat Zach out as leader of these Knicks. Last year it was all about Curry and getting him comfortable playing big minutes and making quality plays near the basket. This year we’ll need him to step up his rebounding, defense and playmaking skills. Most people complain he isn’t a complete player which he might not be but he is a constant threat on the floor on offense. All’s he needs to do is take some of his passion he has for scoring and apply it to defense and rebounding. If he could do those things he could start becoming one of the best centers in the league. In terms of scoring in the paint he already is the premier thereat to embarrass you if you get in the way of his wide agile body.
The soon-to-be All-Star and Isiah-mistake-for-letting-him-go, Jackie Butler’s been cut again, this time by Houston. So although IT never received credit for signing and playing him via LB, maybe now he’ll get less blame for cutting him.
Yeah, I know.
I doubt it too.
Barf:
I just read that Marquette at KK. You’re right! I was crying with laughter.
Peaceman is also right. Mark is the Grill.
Mark has contracted the Dross virus. He repeats the same thing over and over in every post.
I think he just misses us.
NBA feel good story of the year, so far
His name is…Mario West of the Atlanta Hawks.
His name’s already in the same sentence as Ron Artest, in terms of hustle and grit.
“I was sold immediately,” Woodson said. “A guy like that, his greatest value is that he’s going to make other guys better. He’s a player that will push.
“His greatest value is that he makes other guys better. He’ll be a player that will push practice every day to the point that the guy he’s guarding becomes a better player simply because of the pressure Mario puts on them. If he guards [Hawks captain and All-Star] Joe Johnson the whole year, Joe will be a better offensive player because this guy doesn’t take any plays off. The only way Joe will get a rest is if he takes a water break.
“And for as long as I’ve been around this league, you’ve always needed players like that. Trust me, he went out and snatched his spot on this team.”
African
Hell yeah he misses us. Misses those ass whuppin’s we put on him too.
He truly is a cancer though. That attitude of his comes off in print and corrupts your thinking. Day in and day out? Nah, man. Thats not kosher. That’s not objectivity. Its damaging and destructive thinking. You’d think dude was perfect.
And since I can’t slug him over the head with a brick when I see him, I’d rather keep it civil and keep it moving.
Peaceman’s been saying that since forever. Geico’s been at that garbage for how long now?
Damn!!!
You’d think he’d give it a rest. Hahn puts up a lengthy, “positive” and “objective” article related to the IT vs ABS trial and Mark responds with a dissertation?? Hmm, peculiar.
ARTEST and BIBBY,NOT a marriage made in heaven!!!
You can say that Artest just needs to play for the right coach, but I wonder if that coach has been born yet. There’s going to be talk of him opting out [after this season], but he shouldn’t unless he has a terrific year and stays out of trouble. Another question is whether his agent will give him the right information and provide a realistic appraisal of his options if he does become a free agent …
We’ve had this idea here but were not as productive in our description of said event…
For the last three years I have contributed my thoughts on upcoming games on the Grizzlies Message Board. With the help of SixthMan and Zack we managed to present a convenient way to get a grasp of what to expect and look for at the upcoming games.
However, it has been slightly one-sided. I am a Grizzlies fan and see the world of basketball through Beale Street Blue tinted glasses I have been told. In the interest of objectivity and fair disclosure I want to invite bloggers from different teams to join me in an exchange of ideas. I will be offering my pre-game commentary for every game this season the Grizzlies play. In exchange I would appreciate the opponents for each game to respond in kind with their views of the game. I hope to initiate this process for Opening Nights against the San Antonio Spurs and continue all season.
← Previous Comments