Knicks@Chicago
December 14, 2007 – 4:20 pm
Ben Wallace’s idol was Charles Oakley
Interesting weekend schedule for the Knicks as they take on the Bulls in Isiah’s hometown tonight, then come home to the garden on Saturday to face Jason Kidd and the Nets. Both the Bulls and Nets are teams I consider perennial rivals; indeed both of them have talked quite a bit of smack while beating the knicks in recent memory. I always want to kick their ass when we play them.
In recent years these two teams would have much better records than the Knicks, but in the bizzaro land that is the eastern conference this season, the Bulls are 7-13, the Nets are 9-13 while the Knicks aren’t much worse at 6-15. I honestly don’t think the shared poor records excuses any of the three teams, but at the very least, the Bulls and Nets were in the playoffs last year, while the knicks weren’t even close to the last playoff spot which ended up being nabbed by the Orlando Magic in a race of futility with a first-round match up against the Pistons. The Magic got swept incidentally that year.
Tonight’s game is a good opportunity to see what we’ve been missing in Ty Thomas and Joakim Noah -ie the two players on their side of the Eddy Curry trade. From what I’ve seen, Noah and Thomas basically do the same thing (kind of like our Eddy and Zach, but defensively instead of offensively), and it hasn’t really worked for Chicago to have clones on their squad thus far in the season.
NYC native and former Uconn champion Ben Gordon will lead the attack against the Knicks as he is Chicago’s leading scorer this year, but the player that seems to really make the Bulls a threat to us is Luol Deng–his length and athleticism makes him the prototype player the Knicks struggle to contain (see Kevin Durant).
No signs of Coach Thomas switching up the lineup from all I’ve seen. Stephon is a question mark for the game still grieving the loss of his father.
Crawford and Randolph had good offensive performances against Seattle, look for their production to continue tonight in Chicago… Perhaps Eddy Curry may even show up on the radar tonight with the hometown motivation factor being one of the only inspiration methods we can hope for–if this don’t work he should try a triple shot of doppio from Starbucks before the Nets game on Saturday night.
Quentin Richardson and Wilson Chandler also have Chicago ties, and we know Jamal also played there with Eddy for a few years. Almost all the Knicks in the rotation can fit into one of three origins now that I think about it:
Chicago: Curry, Richardson
Indiana: Jeffries, Randolph, Fred Jones
Seattle: Crawford, Robinson
Who knows, maybe that’s why Marbury was singled out to sit in Phoenix last month. He’s from New York. It wasn’t because he was standing out as the worst player in the starting five going into that game, that honor goes to Quentin, still does to this day. Sorry Q, hope you recover from the injury soon. A nice surprise, Jeffries was having a great fourth quarter against Seattle with hustle plays and defense, and then he got pulled out of the game for Eddy Curry and never came back. Puzzling.
I’m just bloggin’, don’t kill me. If the lineup doesn’t work early on, they should let some of these high-motor players play like Robinson, Balkman and Lee. Let them come in earlier, stay in longer. Playing the big contracts shouldn’t even matter anymore. Play the kids. The children are our future.
147 Responses to “Knicks@Chicago”
I agree w/ you KD that Zeke should put the kids on the floor. What do they have to lose ? If the youngin’s lose the game, then nothings changed. If they win all the better. Its time to stop coddling the athletes on this poor excuse for a team.
The problem is that I think IT is going to ride and die w/ the starting 5 he’s got. He is stubborn to a fault. I thought he was much more creative than this. I guess I misjudged him.
By John Q on Dec 14, 2007 at 4:37 pm
jason kidd is being sued by some girl who says she got felt up by him in a club on the lower west side. who knows if its true?
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-kidd-lawsuit&prov=ap&type=lgns
nba reps aren’t what they used to be.
By knicksdefense on Dec 14, 2007 at 4:56 pm
johnQ, maybe tonight the rotation will change, especially since Q might not play and Jeffries being a factor when he gets the PT.
By knicksdefense on Dec 14, 2007 at 4:57 pm
Any of you guys been following this Four Factors stuff?
By Charles Follymacher on Dec 14, 2007 at 5:42 pm
Zeke’s been saying to reporters that he won’t be changing the line up. I don’t want to see a line up change due to injury. I am looking for something more permanent. I like the players on this team but Zeke needs to mix the D players w/ the O players on both line ups. The way he does it makes us one sided. Its amazing that everyone and their mother sees that but the guy they are paying to can’t.
By JohnQ on Dec 14, 2007 at 5:46 pm
ok, i’m still trying hard to stick to my no-second-guessin-zeke-til-new-year promise, but if you check out this bill simmons interview of malcolm gladwell, it might prove revealing. the good stuff starts about a third of the page down. malcolm’s guessing as to why zeke is (in his opinion) a bad GM, but the same idea could apply for those who think he’s a bad coach: zeke may simply know too much!
By Charles Follymacher on Dec 14, 2007 at 6:07 pm
John Q: Glad to see you back bloggin and suggesting lineup changes. Keep the faith. I also want to see if Balkman, Lee and N8 can perform as a second team unit. I also want to see Chandler given some floor time, unless Isiah wants to keep him injury free because a trade involving WC can be made as of tomorrow.
O & B: I knew you would check in loyal at ever.
Jay Bee: Pleased to keep you inspired: you are welcome contributor to
this site.
Tonight’s game away from the MSG pressure may be therapeutic. At least another chance to turn things around. LGK
By Post - up Prince on Dec 14, 2007 at 6:11 pm
What time to we look foolish tonite?
By StevieKnix on Dec 14, 2007 at 6:35 pm
Re: #8 - “What time to we look foolish tonite?
For you it starts at 6:35 p.m.
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 7:10 pm
I’m watching a program on MSG about John Starks, and one of the journalists made this statement about Starks and playing in NY….
“Starks wasn’t the most refined person and/or athlete, but he tried hard, and that goes a long way in NY”….
Nothing changed.
By bronxboy in Md on Dec 14, 2007 at 7:16 pm
I’m still checkin’ out the old footage of the Knicks back in the early to mid nineties…..
Those dudes were beasts, warriors. They had no fear.
I ADORED those Knicks.
How did we wind up this cast of mentally-fragile cupcakes?
WTF happened??
By bronxboy in Md on Dec 14, 2007 at 7:21 pm
Folly:
From the last thread.
This is the same team that were in playoff contention at the end of last season.
This is the same team that had fire last season.
At the All Star break last year, the discussion was that Curry should be in the All Star game.
All of a sudden, they’re no longer motivated, Curry forgot how to play, Steph got tired?
C’mon, the blind could see it’s about chemistry.
Check the archives. After the Marbury situation, I was the first blogger to mention, (even before we heard about the vote) that chemistry problems could result.
Randolph does not compliment this team. Period.
This team needs a solid post defender. Our top three bigs cannot guard the block.
I’m not saying the Zach trade was bad. It was a steal, but we’ve got to move Zach.
There are lots of teams that come to mind that needs low post scoring.
Think of what we could get in return. Zach’s stock has not yet fallen.
A defender, and a passing point guard.
To those who think that watching the game on TV, is the same as being there in person….
Nothing’s left to be said.
By African on Dec 14, 2007 at 8:24 pm
8:30 y’all…WHUT TYEEME IS IT!?….
African, I have an idea re end of last season, but I’ll look up a few things first and come back to that. If they were such hot pooh, why would zeke try to change anything, man? When you look at it closely it might not be quite as you remembered.
By Charles Follymacher on Dec 14, 2007 at 8:36 pm
I liked Pete Meyers favorite Knick memorie!
Thats why Barkley hates the Knicks!
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 8:40 pm
nice 3 by Jones..
Did yall see Curry jump and miss the rebound???
Hos is that?
By bronxboy in Md on Dec 14, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Curry just committed two fouls that shows me he really doesn’t want to play basketball…..
Aight..this is gonna be the last thing I say about Curry tonight…probably because he’ll be nailed to the bench for the rest of the night.
By bronxboy in Md on Dec 14, 2007 at 8:48 pm
I want to see Balkman Guard Noah tonight!
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Jones and Crawford should get in the paint all night!
The Bulls can’t stop them, Big Ben is a shadow of himself!
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 8:54 pm
Great pass from Collins to Craw…
Best play he made all season.
By bronxboy in Md on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:01 pm
I’d like to know what Balk did to piss Zeke off…
This is the PERFECT game for him.
By bronxboy in Md on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:02 pm
A Balkman sighting to end the first!
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:06 pm
UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
EDDY CURRY IS PATHETIC!!!!
By bronxboy in Md on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:10 pm
HE DOESN’T EVEN TRY TO PLAY DEFENSE!!!
By bronxboy in Md on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:10 pm
Curry did get hacked on that dunk atempt!
Marty, whats up with that shot?
Lee looks good.
Noah is up for this game!
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:14 pm
Know your opponent:
Free Throw Shooting %
=======================
Ben Gordon 92%
Luol Deng 74%
Andres Nocioni 77%
Kirk Hinrich 95%
Joe Smith 91%
Viktor Khryapa 25%
Tyrus Thomas 61%
Chris Duhon 87%
Ben Wallace 48%
Joakim Noah 81%
Thabo Sefolosha 63%
Aaron Gray 36%
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:19 pm
Go Knicks …get that ‘W’ Boys….
By Syd on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:20 pm
Good foul Balk!
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:20 pm
If Tyrus Thomas or Ben Wallace touch that damn ball hack they azz!
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:20 pm
Crawford is gloveing Hinrich!
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:21 pm
No, get the Scholar out!
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:22 pm
Get Marty out!
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:23 pm
GDamn JChuck showed up.
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:26 pm
Scholar’s gotta go. Where the hell is Randolph Morris? Is he even active?
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:27 pm
Knicks starting to move the ball around…
By Syd on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:30 pm
And it’s suggested that we keep Curry and trade Zach…
Please.
By bronxboy in Md on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:33 pm
JJ trying to earn his check tonight.
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:34 pm
Jeffries may have turned the corner!
Good all aroung half for him. He needs
to make his FT!
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:34 pm
IT should ask the league if we can play all our games on the road for the next 2 months.
By HarleminMD on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:34 pm
If the garden would stop the booing bullshit…
By HarleminMD on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:35 pm
No way we trade ZACH!
I hear you Bronxboy!
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:35 pm
Odd men out tonight (inactive, injured or otherwise out):
Marbury
JJonah
QRich
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:36 pm
We got killed on the Boards!
We have to step it up in the 2nd.
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:37 pm
Zeke knew full well what he was doing when he acquired Jared Jeffries.
The more mins he gets, the better he plays….just like anyone else.
He just looks so god awful in limited minutes, however.
Someone used the word “spastic” to describe his play under those circumstances.
By bronxboy in Md on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:42 pm
We can out run the Bulls,
Zeke may try that option!
No Nate???
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:47 pm
I like Q for his leadership, but you don’t need him and Malik. Nobody seems to listen to Malik anyway so any possible deal should package his azz in there too. Let Q take over Malik’s space on the inactive list (tendonitis). I’m thinking the kids are involved in this speculated deal. At least Chandler. So far that would be Chandler, Malik and Jeffries or Curry. I think Steph was out until his dad died. I don’t think Zeke would cut him up like that, but you never know.
There will be bloodshed come midnight. Mark my words. Catch that 3 a.m. SportsCenter and I betcha something’ll be there.
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:47 pm
That bullshit getting Curry the ball
is Too predictable! Teams are ready for it!
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 9:56 pm
Peace,
Not only are teams ready for it, but Curry can’t handle the responsibility of being the “go to” guy.
By bronxboy in Md on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:01 pm
When was the last time you heard one of the opposing commentators (or anyone for that matter) say..
“good defense, way to get back” about the Knicks??
They may lose tonite, but I like how they’re competing…and if they continue to do so, they will start winning games.
Bet that.
By bronxboy in Md on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:06 pm
Crawford got hacked!!!
The refs are one sided tonight!
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:07 pm
The scouting report is out on Curry. As soon as he touches it the nearest player digs and scratches at the ball. He doesn’t hold on to it tightly nor does he pay attention to what the defense is doing to him as far as making the adjustment to pass it out and repost to get better position. He really needs somebody who’s not worried about his feelings to get in his shi+.
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:07 pm
Get Marty out! Please.
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:09 pm
I hate Stacy King’s voice..
By bronxboy in Md on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:12 pm
Collins is a Clown!
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:13 pm
How many shots would a JChuck chuck if a JChuck could chuck shots.
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:17 pm
zbo leading in assists? wth?!
By Charles Follymacher on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:20 pm
Booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
By StevieKnix on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:21 pm
Zeke is tossin’ Curry’s salad tonight. Curry probably bought tickets for everybody in the county. He’s from Harvey, IL. His whole family is there: cousins, aunties, nieces and nephews…watchin’ him ride the oak. His head is gonna be all fuk’d up after this game. Payback’s a beeyatch. Eddy’s tanked some games and now he wants PT. It doesn’t work that way. Get offa your azz and play some defense big boy.
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:25 pm
lol!! @#56
By Charles Follymacher on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:25 pm
We can’t rebound tonight???
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:26 pm
Man
Down by 16 in the 4th against another “beatable” team!
What’s new?
I’m considering joining the fire Isiah crowd, only b/c the guy sees his team falter and wait till their deep in it to call a time out.
WTF!
By Orange and Blue on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:27 pm
I like this line up in NOW!
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:28 pm
Where was this line up 12 minutes ago?
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:33 pm
Nice to see Chandler finally get some burn.
By Orange and Blue on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:33 pm
Balkman will at least show up and play good hard D.
By Orange and Blue on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:34 pm
14-1 blocked shots in fav of chicago. dag.
By Charles Follymacher on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:34 pm
Peaceman
That’s what I’m thinking. Why does it take so long for Isiah to respond with a lineup that matches his opposing teams lineup?
By Orange and Blue on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:35 pm
I really think Isiah is trying to get fired.
He really wants to quit, but he doesn’t want to forfeit his contract.
Maybe he’ll negotiate a buyout.
By bronxboy in Md on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:37 pm
wow, creepin back in it! LGK!
By Charles Follymacher on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:38 pm
Zach got fucking pushed on that missed lay up!
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:39 pm
Deng hits a much needed J for the Bulls.
Lets see how the Knicks respond.
By Orange and Blue on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:40 pm
would marbury be ok playin the ‘2′ with fred at the ‘1′ or would he balk at that?
By Charles Follymacher on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:41 pm
I notice Breen say the refs are letting them play when the Bulls mug our bigs but when our guys touch foul their players we get the quick whistle.
GO FIGURE!
By Orange and Blue on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:41 pm
This kid Chandler shows some ability.
Where has he been???
By bronxboy in Md on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:44 pm
Foul wallace! Every time down!
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:44 pm
The Kid is going nuts. It’s about damn time. Don’t trade him. Don’t trade him. Don’t trade him.
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:45 pm
Chandler’s been in Zeke’s bench b/c the MSM punked him into going away from playing the rooks.
By Orange and Blue on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:45 pm
Wow….Kirk Hinrich breaking off a triple double - and adding 3 blocks and two steals!
Curry really backed up my thoughts regarding showing & proving tonight against an aging Big Ben…NOT. 0-5 shooting, 0 pts, 3 rebs. In his defense, for all the talk about how opponents have figured Curry out by digging at the ball, he has drastically reduced his TO’s this season and deserves some credit in that regard.
i wish he was half the man Kirk Hinrich was, LOL =)
African, i respect your opinions most of the time, but i am not above teasing you a bit on the timing of it. Way to get E-City’s back…..maybe he’ll back up your arguments against the Nets tomorrow night. Or next week sometime. Or perhaps 2008 is his year! That’s it, that’s the ticket…..2008 is gonna be the first year of the Eddy Curry Era in the NBA!
By PaulNoize on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:47 pm
No matter what happens the Effort was here
tonight with these Knicks!
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:48 pm
Is there any doubt that Curry has to be benched now?
But then again…if we are really in it to tank…he gives us the best chance at doing so.
In that case, here’s to Curry getting 40 minutes against the Nets!
By DNM on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:49 pm
Right on, peaceman.
By Charles Follymacher on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:49 pm
Did u see Chandler shoot the gap on the inbounds by Chicago?
Young legs…
By bronxboy in Md on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:51 pm
Sixers, Pacers, Bucks, Bobcats, Hawks and Cavs all took an “L” tonight.
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:52 pm
I think Zeke has found his line up!
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:52 pm
Zeke’s too smart to get manipulated into doing anything he doesn’t want to do, O & B. Too smart, too tough…..we just haven’t thought it through all the way. Chandler may well be better off in the long run sitting his first year so that he can get stronger, wiser, more experienced….and get a year of coaching under his belt to shore up his weaknesses.
Knicks showing good fight scratching back into it…..that kind of grit will silence the boobirds in a NY minute if we can only bottle it up and bring it home.
By PaulNoize on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:54 pm
Word Peace. The last two minutes has been some of the best ball they’ve played all year.
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:55 pm
Good effort nothing to hang my head down at tonight as a knicks fan.
It may not be the season we hoped for but if we develop our young guys find a steady and productive lineup and position ourselves for a high draft pick, assuming we don’t make a miracle run at the playoffs, we might see a light at the end of the dark Holland Lincoln and all NYC tunnels.
By Orange and Blue on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:55 pm
KD you called it in the pregame on Deng being the guy to hurt us - good going. =)
Steph’s presence could’ve helped tonight as it woulda given Isiah a hedge against JChuck.
Try as i might, i cannot get behind the tank theory. Losing is habit-forming. Let’s not poison the kids….go for the throat, go for wins and let history be the judge of it all….
By PaulNoize on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:56 pm
Curry might have started his last game as a Knick tonite….at least for the foreseeable future.
And that’s fine by me.
By bronxboy in Md on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:57 pm
The Knicks need to watch the tape of how they denied the in bound pass!
They need to play like that all game!
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:57 pm
JChuck 18 points on 22 shots.
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:58 pm
Paulnoize
Good point but when you hear the MSM venom many a lesser being would wilt at their cacaphony of hate!
I agree with bottling up the effort.
All I want for now is a competitve knicks team that can be very competitive. I do think Curry is dropping stock and his inability to pick up his D-assuming he had any to begin with- when his offense isn’t there is very sad.
Also he doesn’t have as many post moves as I once expected. No face up Jumper. No drop step fade away. Only the muscling baby hook. No dream shake. No second effort points of hustle offensive rebounds.
He either needs a change of scenary, in exchange for a player who can help us, or he needs a coach who will command his respect and help diversify his offensive game and wake up some D in him.
By Orange and Blue on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:00 pm
unfortunately jersey, who presently holds the 8th spot, won.
By Charles Follymacher on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Paulnoize
We were kidding about the tanking games!
Curry is hurting this team! He should
not play until he will defend and rebound!
Jeffries hustle was great tonight!
We will turn this around!
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:02 pm
We want wins; but if we can get consistent effort, the wins will come. I like the fight I saw in the end there. Zach was aggressive. Crawford has got to learn to be smarter with the ball. I’m hard on him, but I know he has the intelligence to do what I’m saying. He just flips on that switch and thinks he has to win it by himself. Gameplan be damned. Wilson came in and changed the game. Now if we could just get Morris free.
Free Randolph Morris.
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:04 pm
Peaceman
Would love to see a turnaround.
Hope is thin but it’s there and perhaps it will flower into a competitive and dangerous Knicks team.
By Orange and Blue on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:04 pm
Jay Bee
Get a “Free Randolp Morris” Petition signed.
It will be the reverse of the old 90 style calls for word the Herb Williams, when old man Herb would come in after we had blown out the other team. Now that our team is cellar dwelling no harm in calling for Randolph.
By Orange and Blue on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:06 pm
Balkman was Balkman. Lee was Lee. Chandler was awesome. Why can’t my energy guys get some time? Definitely watching tomorrow to see if the ending of this game has any effect on the lineup.
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:07 pm
Good night gentleman.
Check the commentary out for tommorows game. I second Jay Bee, let’s see how this showing plays off on tommorows game against the Nets.
By Orange and Blue on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:08 pm
I’ma take it further than that. I’m gonna get some t-shirts. LOL Can you imagine?? Thousands of Free Wilson Chandler shirts. Chants raining from the rafters.
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:11 pm
Still laughing…
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:12 pm
i think Randolph Morris is Jackie Butler lite myself. He gets Kelvin Cato minutes this year and no fat contract extension, and will have to earn a guaranteed contract next year with someone else by showing up in shape and having a nice summer league showing.
In fact, i’d dump Morris for Cato right now - Cato was a big who would defend the cup, and i think he caught a raw one from Isiah last year. He’s a journeyman in a league which is de-emphasizing his primary skill set (post defense) but i thought he handled himself well when called upon, and more importantly kept himself prepared to contribute at all times.
By PaulNoize on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:13 pm
…it could happen you know.
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:13 pm
I think we will beat the nets tomorrow!
Yeah we are tied with Miami for the worst record in the East!
But looking at the standings, a few wins by the Knicks can put
a lot of teams in the cellar! It looks like a 30= win team will make the playoffs this year!
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:14 pm
I meant a 30+ team may make the playoffs in the East!
By Peaceman on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:17 pm
I think Isiah is really careful about how he deals with Curry because of his heart (or lack thereof) issues..
Really, I do.
Not trying to be mean spirited, but i can almost see what happened in Chicago.
Skiles was probably strongly urging Eddy to play some defense..
We all know how Skiles is…..the taskmaster.
and Eddy’s heart couldn’t take it.
Thus the reason he’s handled with kid gloves by Isiah. He doesn’t want Curry passing out on his watch.
I’m serious….think about it.
By bronxboy in Md on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:18 pm
Damn BX…that’s possible. Spanning the globe to find some backup info on that comment.
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:23 pm
Just like we went on this streak, this team could win 5 games in a row but lineup changes would have to be made first.
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:24 pm
@ JayBee,
“He really needs somebody who’s not worried about his feelings to get in his shi+”..
That comment provoked the thought that inspired my last post.
By bronxboy in Md on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:27 pm
NOBODY wants to get in Curry’s shit for fear of chest pains……
By bronxboy in Md on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:29 pm
G’nite guys. I’ve gotta get a cat nap in before the late night sportscenter. Peeee pul get redddddy there’s a trade a-comin’. Don’t need no tiicket, ya just get on booooard. If/when it happens I’ll definitely be updating the crew.
By Jay Bee on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:30 pm
Hopefully this the game that penetrates Isiah. I’m tired of yelling at my screen saying “put in Balkman!”. It was Balkman’s play more than anyone else that sparked the too little too late comeback.
I also don’t know why Isiah won’t mix at least one or two defensive guys in the starting lineup. I like the Jeffries start.
By MODI on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:37 pm
Leaving aside the design flaws of this team–there isn’t a single complete player on the roster, unless you include a rarely-motivated Stephon, or a now-hobbled Q (who will never return to his pre-surgery form)–if Isiah were even a decent coach, he wouldn’t've been steamrolled by the Marbury desertion. He was the opposite of decisive, and abdicated all claim to leadership of the team by disrespecting his players’ wishes. Now he’s reduced to serial lies about his dealings with everybody, and he’ll never get the team back. Even he knows he’s failed. He won’t quit, but he knows he’s failed.
The only way to save this team is to remove him. Will Dolan ever hire a real GM? That’s the question. If he did, he’d actually be a pretty good owner–we know he’s willing to spend.
By Mike on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:57 pm
I like a lineup of Zach, Lee, Chandler, Fred Jones and Crawford to start with Morris. Jeffries, Balkman, Nate and Collins off the bench. Marbury and Q along with J. James placed on inactive list for this game.
Question: Was Zeke showcasing Chandler for possible trade tomorrow or
does he want to keep him and gradually bring him into the picture? Unless a trade for a substantial upgrade can be packaged, I would like to keep Chandler, who is the natural small forward the Knick need to
develop in a hurry. Team also needs a shotblocking/rebounding center badly, not necessarily a scorer. If Curry cannot move his body and play some D, then he should be traded or sit for major minutes and Morris given a chance to play.
At least, they played with some energy tonight.
By Post - up Prince on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:58 pm
It’s really sad in Knicksville right now. Everyone is happy about the effort tonight. What a joke. Giving up more than 100 points in a 48 minute game is an atrocity. Was it fun to watch them make a run like they always do? I know this may sound crazy, or I may be a “hater.” I saw no effort from a team that blocked few shots and didn’t force and score off enough turnovers.
Bench everyone until that person plays defense harder than they play offense.
By PC on Dec 15, 2007 at 1:00 am
I like Chandler a lot !!! (no homo)
By DaVonn Jefferson on Dec 15, 2007 at 1:36 am
I don’t know if this has been asked before so please excuse me if it was. Can somebody please explain why Jeffreys is ahead of Balkman in the rotation?
By Kevin Harewood on Dec 15, 2007 at 1:54 am
Can somebody please tell me that Isiah doesn’t plan on trading Chandler.
By DaVonn Jefferson on Dec 15, 2007 at 2:17 am
Anyway, on a lighter note.
A few of you may have read this already but I wanted to know if anybody here can verify if it is true or not.
I got it from that website mediatakeout and they are known for having bullshit stories but majority of their stories are true.
I googled a few things and found out that this may actually be a possibility.
If he can make this happen, it could be the biggest turn around in the history of sports.
I hope so!!!!
“sources close to Mike Vick tell us that he is planning on applying to enter the prison’s Residential Drug Abuse Treatment Program (RDAP) - an intensive substance abuse treatment program which qualifies eligible graduates for a one year sentence reduction. The insider tells MediaTakeOut.com, that Vick plans on requesting to be admitted to the program.
And the story gets even better for Vick. Because he entered prison before his sentencing date, his release date could be pushed up even further. With credit for good behavior and the RDAP sentence reduction, Vick may even be out by the beginning of next year’s NFL season.”
By DaVonn Jefferson on Dec 15, 2007 at 2:26 am
Davonn,
I don’t know about the reductions you speak on but I can tell you one thing. Michael Vick (even if free) will not play in the NFL next year. After he is freed as a convicted felon he will almost certainly have to serve an NFL suspension of at least a season. Also the state charges have not been dealt with as of yet.
By Kevin Harewood on Dec 15, 2007 at 3:19 am
Google Alert - new york knicks Sat 12/15/2007 1:49 AM
Time for Knicks to fire Thomas
Luol Deng’s 27, Kirk Hinrich’s triple-double lead Bulls to 101-96 …
FUNNY NEW YORK KNICKS CARTOON
Isiah can’t bench Curry in Chitown
Should Herb Williams be the Head-Coach?
NBA commissioner won’t sanction Thomas, Knicks
By Syd on Dec 15, 2007 at 6:42 am
The talks here about E Munster aka Eddy Curry and his diminishing play and role on the Knicks is also on the sports section of the MSM.
Seems like Isiah may now be souring on Curry.
However, Curry’s mentor and tutor Mark Aguirre’s take is that Curry needs to refocus his role on the team since according to Aquirre, Curry’s offensive performance may be affected by him deffering to Zach Randolph.
Lastly it’s not only E Munster who is now the item of trade speculation. It is also possible that some of the so called “energy players” may also be on the NBA trading block as Isiah begins to look for solutions for his teams woeful play.
What’s the word here regarding these matters?
By Orange and Blue on Dec 15, 2007 at 7:31 am
Whoops here’s the additional links
Zeke may now be souring on Curry.
Yet, Curry’s tutor, Mark Aguirre’s, take is that Curry needs to refocus his role on the team since according to Aquirre, Curry’s offensive performance may be affected by him deffering to Zach Randolph.
By Orange and Blue on Dec 15, 2007 at 7:33 am
Isiah perhaps is now souring on Curry.
Yet, E-City’s tutor, Mark Aguirre’s, take is that Curry needs to refocus his role on the team since according to Aquirre, Curry’s offensive performance may be affected by him deffering to Zach Randolph.
By Orange and Blue on Dec 15, 2007 at 7:34 am
A win tonight over the Nets with Kidd back is a start
to turn things around. We need a win tonight to get our confidence back!
I saw that full court pressure work last night and I believe the Knicks
realized it too! We have the Horses to play that type game, all game!
Keep the faith, we will turn this around, STARTING TONIGHT!
By Peaceman on Dec 15, 2007 at 8:07 am
Well
Both teams are coming off competitive games from the day before. The back to back factor should effect each team equally.
It’s again a winable game. But when is Isiah finally going to shake up is starting lineup.
If this team has talent, which I believe it does, and we continue to struggle, then perhaps Isiah is not the answer as coach.
Get someone in here to whip the team up even if it is a coach who burns bridges.
IMHO I think the things that might have worked for Isiah in Indiana with the young Pacers teams he coached is not working in New York.
For one the players on the Knicks are either not developing into more complete players or are doing so at a snails pace.
It appears that many of Zeke’s hand picked players are not performing for him even though he’s put his neck on the line for them.
Lastly it appears that the Coach friend-mentor thing isn’t working here. It appears, rather, that most of the team is regressing.
Lastly all this deep bench and team thing may cramp the player development of many of the young guys on this team. It seems to me that b/c the minutes are hard to come by and Isiah is preferring the big contracts over the young and hustle type players the development of those players is getting stunted. Players need to develop confidence and that can only happen with some PT.
All and all it may be time for a task master, who can instill a certain mental toughness and competitive mindset in the team.
I reserve judgment since the Knicks played very compettively last night. But they better come with that intensity and develop toughness or perhaps Zeke will have to retire from the pine.
Lets Go Knicks, of course!
By Orange and Blue on Dec 15, 2007 at 9:34 am
O&B
Key Word….Confidence, the Knicks have lost that!
The only way to get it back is win! The Nets would be
a perfect time/team to do that with!
@ Paulnoize
You are not a Hater, but you do ask things of this team that
they are not able to do! No, we can’t change over night and
become a shot blocking menace! What we can do though is put a hand
in the face of the perimeter offense, force more turnovers and steals
with full court pressure! Take more charges in the lane, Hell, we must learn
to flop like other teams!
It’s this simple, we play with Confidence and we win tonight.
We don’t bring it, and the Nets will blow us out! We bring it and
we blow out the Nets! I predict a blowout either way, No close game tonight!
By Peaceman on Dec 15, 2007 at 10:32 am
Tonight the Chant at the Garden will be “Pussy Grabber” whenever
Kidd touches the ball! A confidential source from the Nets stated ” Jason gets migraines when he don’t
grab unknown Pussy.” David Stern is looking to see if there is indeed a “Pussy Grabbing Rehab.”
By Peaceman on Dec 15, 2007 at 10:46 am
No trade yet. Stayed up all night waiting. I’m going to bed.
Free Wilson Chandler.
Free Randolph Morris.
It’s time to play the kids.
By Jay Bee on Dec 15, 2007 at 10:54 am
Didn’t my twin DaVonn Jefferson say we needed to trade Curry a while ago when he was going off on the Knicks?
I think he also said Marbury should be out of here also.
Crawford is safe for now but his shot selection is a serious problem.
Kobe has said he is happy in LA and now he wants to stay.
Can’t blame him for that.
Anybody still think Curry is better than kid Bynum?
He had 10 rebounds in the first quarter last night LOL.
Wow
I wouldn’t trade Curry for Artest though.
Isiah can’t be that stupid.
Especially when Artest could just sign with us next year for nothing.
I like Chandler.
He may make Balkman expendable.
Tell the truth, I would rather get rid of Q before Balkman and Chandler.
However, if Artest comes here we don’t have enough room for all of them.
Chandler can be relegated to the pine and learn.
Chandler can also play some shooting guard as well.
By DaVonn Jefferson on Dec 15, 2007 at 11:35 am
Re: Artest
L.A. Clippers face inceasing pressure to move Artest before February trading deadline. Assuming that Ron Ron wants out of L.A., and is still interested in coming to Knicks, L.A. will try to move him in order to get something back. Otherwise they risk losing him for nothing as an unrestricted free agent.
Clips will sound out Artest on staying in L.A. for a reasonable contract upgrade; if he is not interested, they will try to peddle him to highest bidder. The buyer, however, must also know that Artest will either want to play for them or realize that they can only have his services (reluctant as that may be?) for the balance of this season. Why give up real value in return for such a limited return. Thus Knicks have advantage, but only if Ron Ron wants to play here. As I see it, the ball is in Ron Ron’s court. Surely Zeke is in contact with A’s agent.
By Post - up Prince on Dec 15, 2007 at 12:07 pm
Post up I’m sorry but did I miss something?
Did Artest get traded to the Clips?
By DaVonn Jefferson on Dec 15, 2007 at 12:22 pm
DaVonn: Sorry: meant Sacramento Kings –too much crying in my beer last night after tough,competitive loss. My bad.
By Post - up Prince on Dec 15, 2007 at 12:39 pm
It’s cool bro….very hard loss last night.
However, I want to see more Chandler, Balkman and Lee on the floor.
Why would Isiah come out and say there are some things Curry will never be good at?
Why would he say that if he is trying to trade him?
By DaVonn Jefferson on Dec 15, 2007 at 12:41 pm
Like I knew all along…Artest was going to be a Knick.
Isiah knows this so he can’t give up Lee.
Chandler, Lee and Zach should really be the only untouchables.
By DaVonn Jefferson on Dec 15, 2007 at 12:43 pm
I have to admit though….
Isiah may package Balkman in a deal for Artest.
I wouldn’t but Isiah just may.
How else can you explain Balkman not playing.
He hardly plays him any minutes!!!!
Balkman is our most energetic player off the bench.
By DaVonn Jefferson on Dec 15, 2007 at 12:45 pm
How do those 1st round picks we gave up for Curry look now?
By DaVonn Jefferson on Dec 15, 2007 at 12:48 pm
However, if I was Isiah….I would certainly try to get rid of Steph before I get rid of Curry.
I wouldn’t be that pressed to trade Curry unless a good deal came along.
So what he’s in a slump. He’s still a 7 footer that can put up 30 on any given night.
Zeke should be active in the Marbury deal first.
If we can get back a good PG for Curry to go along with a rebounding, defending center….pull that motherfucking trigger Zeke.
Would any of you trade Curry for A. Miller and S. Dalembert?
By DaVonn Jefferson on Dec 15, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Knicks are tied for the 2nd worse record in the NBA.
2 other teams share the same record we have with only Minny holding a worse record at 3-18.
By DaVonn Jefferson on Dec 15, 2007 at 12:56 pm
If we have to give up Balkman to make the Artest deal,
It will hurt like hell but pull the trigger!
Steph is untradeable, but his contract coming off the
books next year!!! WOW!
Curry will not be traded, he will either produce
on both ends or get another tatto saying Splinter man!
Rose has to be a factor in an Artest trade to match salaries!
Zeke should be watching Eric Maynor as a draft steal!
There is light at the end of this tunnel!
By Peaceman on Dec 15, 2007 at 1:08 pm
DVJ and Peaceman
I love the enthusiam. You guys are holding the fort.
I agree with regarding to getting Artest even if it means giving up Balkman.
Of course it will hurt b/c Balkman is our energizer guy and one of my favorite players on the Knicks. But I’m a Knick fan primarily and a Balkman fan second.
The argument about Keeping Curry depends on him developing at least some more offensive savy.
Like someone here stated before. Teams are on to him they go for the quick double or triple team and dig to take the ball away from him. Also the people passing to him need to bounce pass it to him more often b/c it gets poked away on a straight pass. But when Curry gets the ball he doesn’t seem as willing to give it back out and repost or even keep his eyes out for teamates open from one of those double or triple teams. Perhaps he has no court vision.
At least I see Z-Bo passing out when he gets doubled and triple teamed and that results in slashers cutting to the basket which the team appears to executing somewhat well.
Lets see what happens tonight.
Lets Go Knicks!
Where is Don by the way?
By Orange and Blue on Dec 15, 2007 at 1:22 pm
Check this out…it’s hilarious!!
http://www.thebigpush.info/vangundy.html
By DaVonn Jefferson on Dec 15, 2007 at 1:41 pm
BronxboyinMd
Our boy Morris Almond has played three games with the D league’s “Flash”
and is averaging 22 points a game! I was under the impression that your
team had no protection on you in the D league????
Anyone know the answer??????
By Peaceman on Dec 15, 2007 at 2:19 pm
Just finished watching NBA Classics, the Raptors vs Bulls March 29, 1996. Awesome game, Raps won 109-108 handing that legendary Bulls team one of the 10 losses they “suffered” that season. Zeke was GM and made the unpopular-at-first choice of taking Stoudamire over Ed O’Bannon (y’all remember him!?). Stoudamire went on to collect rook of the year honours. O’Bannon…?
Zeke established his unique eye for talent that year. He even got into a big fight with his coach, Brendan Malone, over Malone’s non-use of the young guys. It was a well-known spat (I think Malone only lasted the inaugural year). I wonder what’s happened to that use-the-youth Zeke?
I still see uncomfortable similarities between Ollie Miller and Curry.
By Charles Follymacher on Dec 15, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Not so, Peaceman. Even if you send a guy to the d-league, he still counts against your 15-man roster. The main team still owns his rights, tho the team is only allowed to send the player down three times in the season.
By Charles Follymacher on Dec 15, 2007 at 2:23 pm
Thanks Follymach!
BTW, Your Curry/Oliver Miller comparisome is scarry!
I must admit you made me think about that!
Your right it is close!
By Peaceman on Dec 15, 2007 at 2:50 pm
ollie wasn’t as dominant as curry on offense, but he could at least defend the cup. the similarities are in the fact that both had/have so much to gain by putting in a little more effort (consistently), yet neither could/can find the wherewithall. eesh.
By Charles Follymacher on Dec 15, 2007 at 4:01 pm
This is the 2007-08 NBA season - some of y’all are confused and overeager.
Ron Artest will be a free agent AFTER the 2008-09 season, which means we could potentially sign him to play in the Summer of ‘09 to play in 2009-10. Which means he will be 30 years old in his first season with the Knicks, and i imagine we’d have to sign him to a 5 year deal using the MLE - a deal which i doubt will look attractive after the first season or two.
Similarly, Steph does not come off the books until after the 2008-09 season ends in the summer of 2009.
Y’all keep saying next year which is 2008….i wish it was otherwise in both cases, but it’s not.
Philly isn’t that high on Dalembert, but would ask for additional picks/young players in a Curry deal, and CERTAINLY would not “throw in” a nice productive player in Andre Miller. C’mon Defenders, we need to balance passion with a sense of realism - Curry for Dalembert and Miller is a “homer” idea. Just sayin’ - ack like ya know.
By PaulNoize on Dec 15, 2007 at 6:48 pm