Are the children our future?
Mr Jay Bee just beat me to the punch in the last thread with this topic, but I’ll cosign here.
What’s wrong with Mardy, Renaldo, Chandler and Morris?
Are they just rusty from rotting on the bench or are they damaged goods from prior injuries?
When you’re losing every game you might as well see what you have, those are basically Isiah’s exact words when he first came to New York and started playing a then rotting Mike Sweetney to see if he had anything. Those were the days when Isiah stood in the MSG tunnel overlooking the shoulders of Herb and Lenny and next town Brown. Isiah with his arms folded like he was going to get this team somewhere by now.
Renaldo and Mardy looked bad on sunday, but not as bad as Jamal and Stephon in street clothes sitting together on the bench like season ticket holders.
Loot at that cat Farmar in LA. He racked up minutes in the D league in the afternoon then suited up for the pros that same evening just to get some PLAYINGTIME. now he is doing well for the lakers. why not do the same with Randolph Morris? Has he played a single relevant minute this season?
The best thing Isiah does is draft. Destroying these draft picks by letting them rot negates his single greatest contribution to this Knicks team. When you compound that with the fact that these vets are not producing you might as well see who else can contribute from this roster AND the D-league.
At least Nate is playing now and Lee is starting and renaldo finally saw 11 minutes of daylight after two weeks of solitary confinement. Yes, that missed dunk was ugly, but I say let him play his way back into a rhythm since he’s been gone for so long. Like Mardy Collins, maybe Renaldo’s hurt, didn’t look like he had any ups.
When Curry came from Chi they said he had heart problems, I didn’t realize they meant the kid has no HEART. somebody inject that kid with a derivative mixture of Charles Oakley and John Starks’ testosterone. Inject the whole Knicks team now that I think about it.
At least the rotation is being shuffled, but how much of that is because crawford and stephon are out? the true litmus test is if Q is sitting. If Q is sitting, the rotation has truly changed. If he is still getting 30+ minutes per game, its the same old… you know what I’m talking about.
The two weeks are up.
Be Safe.
Ditto BRONX, Ditto! Thanx BRONX, sincerely…
Steady As It Goes you are the Compass; LIVES you are the Resident Poet, Modi you are the Resident Scholar, African you are the Warrior, BARF and O& B/B & B you are our COACHES, and my BOY PEACEMAN, you got game and plenty of HEART homie…DVJ, you are a trip, our YOUNG COLT with SKILLZ, that’s why we’re crazy about YOU…Egg Nog Bruh, egg nog…LOL
Bronx, Harlem, Modi, and Cooleyhigh aka The Force MD’s want to wish ALL of THE DEFENDER FAMILY HAPPY NEW YEARS!
It’s time to PARTY FORCE MD’S STYLE…We’re Poppin Bottles!
chillin peoples. i’m at jimmy’s corner…coolin…henny’d out. bought to run thru some vodka shots with my girls work homies. have a great turn of the year all of you. you’ve really brought me lots joy this year…dvj…layoff the gloom and doom for the night. much love to you all
The Knicks are undefeated so far THIS YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sinatra doing his thing @ Times Square. GOTTA LOVE NY.
KFLL
Home made long island iced teas for me peeps.
HAPPY NEW YEARS TO ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!
Peaceman…you got that right bro!!
Big celebration out here in White Plains.
Fire works are still going off.
I can hear them all crazy!!!
Sounds like the Vatos Locos moved in the neighborhood.
Happy New Year from pew# 37. Thanks KD and the Sunshine Band for the best run and most alive bball blog out there. Yall made me feel at home from the jump.
*Counter Protest*
To protest irresponsible and sensationalist journalism in covering the Knicks and contributing to the current state of the team, I am asking that Knicks fans of good conscience call to cancel their newspaper subscriptions.
Google Alert – new york knicks Tue 1/1/2008 2:56 AM
Thomas says Knicks not making coaching change 2 weeks after he …
New York’s Top Sports Stories of 2007
The Greatest New York Team Ever
Did we thank Syd and wish Syd, the Informer, a happy New Year?
THANKS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR SYD AND THE KNICK DEFENSE FAMILY
AFTER TWO WEEKS LIVES ADMITS KNICKS WILL NOT CHANGE
AP
Two weeks after New York Knick coach and general manager Isiah Thomas said it would be fair to re-evaluate the coach’s progress in improving the second worse team in the league, Knick Defense analyst and resident Poet LIVES said that he believed Isiah when he advised the press corp “We will continue in this direction.” “Apparently Isiah is stuck on the exhilaration of free fall,” said LIVES who noted that the Knicks have been “Jumping off tall buildings, without bungy cords, in a single bound all season long.”
When asked about the state of the team and whether the Knick Defense group was still supporting the Knicks, LIVES was incredulous but cautious in his comments, “What the fuck kind of question is that? Just some more MSM ABS to bring in the New Year. Knick Defenders will always support the Knicks. We may be unhappy about the Knickerslackers dressed in Orange and Blue, but we will be resolute in our commitment to supporting our team. We will also let Isiah know that this commitment to the same direction is a mistake and a slap in our faces. Just ask Peaceman,” he said.
When we called Peaceman, shortly after midnight for a response, we did not get a return call.
________________________________________________________________________
Peaceman, what do your sources say about the mood in the lockerroom?
ALSO, I TOO MUST START THE NEW YEAR BY CLEANSING MY SOUL AND ADMITTING MY MISTAKES.
YES, I ADMIT THAT THE BOSTON CELTICS ARE THE TRUTH. I ALLOWED MY EMOTIONS, MY ABSOLUTE DISDAIN FOR THE CELTICS, TO BEAT DOWN MY COMMON SENSE. IF I HAD IT ALL TO DO OVER AGAIN I SWEAR I WOULD MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE, BUT I MAY HAVE ADMITTED IT A LITTLE EARLIER. IT IS WHAT IT IS AND IT BEs WHAT IT IS GOING TO BE. CONGRATULATIONS DANNY BOY FOR DEVELOPING SUCH A TIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR TEAMMATE KEVIN.
PUKE.
YES KEVIN IS STILL YOUR TEAMMATE. NBA.
Lives,
Believe it or not the OUR insider states the locker room
is “Upbeat!”
“Nate is the MOST vocal about turning this around!” He said!
Hoopshype states Miami is going after Artest as a means to save their season!
Zeke must act quick to block this! Even though Artest has a minor injury,
I believe it’s bogus and part of “Nothing But Actors” on the Kings and Artest’s part!
Artest playing along side Shaq and Wade, would be a tough, tough team!
“The lineup of Steph-Jones-Jeffries-ZBo-Lee startles the league after running off a 8 game winning streak ” -Lives, # 67.
Fire. Great post.
Could Scottie Pippen coach the Bulls?
“With a guy who loved to touch it and shoot all the time, I was able to keep him under control,” Pippen said, referring, of course, to Michael Jordan. “That didn’t come from the bench, it came from making the right decisions. You try to make the game fun for everyone and then we were able to find Mike. The games I felt he was getting off too much, I’d find a way to get other guys off. And then guys weren’t running at him all the time and he could take off in the right place.”
Pippen wonders why he hasn’t been approached about getting into coaching.
“What’s the key to this good ol’ boy system they have?” he asked. “You’ve got to go to Europe and coach two years? Sit next to someone for a year? And then looking at someone like me and trying to figure out how your team did it, how you got there every time? Guys like Skiles have never been there. Can he give a motivation speech like someone who’s been in those games? I’ve played for championships.
I’d love the opportunity to be part of the organization now that Skiles is gone. I’ve won championships with this organization and been in the competition when everything was on the line. I was a coach on the floor. Why isn’t that experience?”
As Pippen likes to say, “How many titles did Jordan win without me?”
Their fierce rivalry and competition fueled those championship Bulls teams. No one could slack off watching the two go at one another in practice the way they did. The games became the easy part.
“I didn’t come there to play for Skiles,” Pippen said. “I didn’t like him, didn’t like him as a player.”
But Pippen says he’s serious about coaching, and if there is an opening in Chicago, be believes he’s perfect. He has been watching the Bulls. And one thing we know about Pippen is he’s not afraid to say what he thinks. And he certainly doesn’t worry about what anyone thinks about him.
Isiah Thomas subscribes to the tactic of pummeling an opponents fist and feet with his head and torso.
Isiah it doesn’t work.
I am at the point that no team is “beatable” unless proven otherwise.
Happy New Years Defenders.
Some one up for a roll call?
Mike and Mike yesterday said that since the Red Sox were down 3 games to 1 last year….
the Patriots, Red Sox and Celtics have a combined record of 46 – 3.
Can you believe that guys?
They are doing exactly what NY is used to doing….spending money…
No let me correct that….they are spending money WISELY!!!
God I hate Boston.
I think Miami is going to end up going for Petrius instead of Artest.
Reason being is because they won’t lose Petrius for nothing. They
can sign him to a deal over many years.
It would literally make me faint if they were able to sign Artest
to a contract extension.
Isn’t Pietrus the Headcoach?
Also what did you think of the various trade scenarious I posted that might land us Artest?
I thought the trades were good for the most part but I didn’t like
the one that had us getting Shareef and Miller along with Ron
for Zach, Balkman and Rose. I don’t want Shareef. Isn’t he injured?
The Zach Big Ben trade is a good trade in my eyes. However, Ben’s age
makes the trade tricky. How longer can Ben play the way he does?
You have to be very hesitant to make that deal. After I would review it
a few times, I probably wouldn’t make that deal.
Here is the article about Pietrus….
Pietrus Says He’d Be Happier With A Team Closer To The Islands
January 1, 2008 – 9:38 am
San Francisco Chronicle –
Mickael Pietrus can’t predict what his new year will hold, but he won’t complain if it is not in Oakland.
“What would be best for me?” Pietrus repeated when asked about potential trade destinations. “Closer to the West Indies.”
The fifth-year forward is again eligible for a new home today, three months after grudgingly re-signing with the Warriors for a one-year, $3.47 million qualifier on Oct. 1.
Pietrus must agree to any trade because he would lose his Bird rights, which allow a team to sign him without regard to its salary-cap situation. Both he and his representatives say they would green-light a move if it meant more playing time and security
It is a New Day Defenders! It is also a New Year Defenders!
DEFENDER’S, It is a New Dawn, remain open to the possibilities…Free Your Mind and the Rest shall Follow…
O & B/B & B, called me out and like A NYC Soldier this Fan is on duty, KNICK down from the rooty to the tooty…
LIVES, #58-#60 posts should be deemed CLASSICS. BLOGZILLA CAN YOU HEAR MEEEE! DVJ, #66 was nailed with Pinpoint Accuracy…The New England Machine is rolling with an NYC Script and BALLING like Big Dawgs…Talk about irony!
Defenders ENJOY the company of a New Beginning, and be kind and considerate to it and through it, and it will return unto YOU a Slice and the Spice from the Sweet Fruit Called Life.
MASTER:
I’m open, let it flow, let it flow, let it flow…Go Knicks Go Knicks Go Knicks Go Knicks
Let’s continue to take FANDOM to a new Level Defenders!
Keep it POPPIN!
Aquiring Pietrus would be a good move because he does what Q can’t seem to do any more.Guard the 2or 3 positions and shoot 3’s. If we could get him AND Artest that would be a major coup!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
see this one yet?
http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/ny-spknix015522056jan01,0,2644535.story
#58 …. Thanks LIVES, and a Happy New Year to my Defender Family. Thanks for being here…. You guys make it a pleasure to be a New York Knicks fan. Go Knicks!!!!
Happy New Years Defenders
(Felix ano nervo…Steady)
It’s a new year,yes.
We have NOT lost a game this year!!!!(and we haven’t won one either).
Bad news about RonRon(may need surgery,according to ESPNnews).That could put a halt to any trades for Artest this year.
We need to get off to a good start this year.
Go New York,Go New York,Go
Knicks v. Kings Preview (NBA.com)
http://www.nba.com/games/20080102/SACNYK/preview.html
Defenders,
Checking in on the roll call to affirm my undying passion for ALL NY and everything NY–the City that made me Steady. In the the Gr8 08, my solemn plan is to remain Steady in all things and to allow the Holy Spirit to guide my strokes, and passion. I know that HE will use you Defenders to keep me Steady and unblinded by the Veil of Hypocrates. For starters, I will return back to the holiday post by Lives–there was a real minute sermon in there. TD Jakes Cooleyhigh just absorbed it, faxed copies to the Force MDs with the instructions: “Say Amen!”
D L T–Still a King of the F’n Hill.
KFLL
The Hypocrisy of the So-called Knicks Protest
After the complete failure of the first “protest”, so-called fan Joe V. starts spamming the web hoping to create a groundswell of folks who are fed up and can’t take it anymore. This time there was to be a “clothing drive” to go along with the “protest”. Since Defenders think for themselves, we were not fooled by this inane attempt at a 15 min. showcasing of Joe’s “fandom”. Oddly enough, I ran across a boycott statement announced Oct. 17th before the season started. http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/knicks/2007/10/sharpton-adds-new-angle-to-msg.html (See the last comment.) Although it was not signed Joe V. the imprint is eerily similar.
How disgusting was it then to not have the protest stand on its own merit or not, but to try to put a clothing drive along with it? What does one have to do with the other? Lunacy. Should one protest the war in Iraq with canned goods for the troops? If an issue does not have legs to stand on its own, then it is not an issue worthy of people’s time.
Manipulation of people for one’s own glory does nothing to really create change. Now the clothing drive has been mentioned. Feel better Trane??
I’m in. Just have to do a quick honeydo.
Reporting for duty with gusto in the 08!
By the way DVJ
What is a feasible trade package to obtain Petrius from GS?
I hear they need a gaurd to spell Davis.
DEFENDERS UNITE!!!!
ROLL CALL AND ROLE CALL
BY CLARION CALL OF BROTHER O&B/B&B WE REQUEST THE HONOR OF THE ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF YOUR FANTASTIC FANATICAL PRESENCE AND FELLOWSHIP.
**************
THESE ARE TOUGH TIMES IN THE CITY
AND THE FUTURE’S NOT LOOKIN’ PRETTY;
THOUGH THE SHIP IS SINKIN’ AND
THE GARDEN IS STINKIN’
WE REMAIN THE CAPTAINS OF OUR FATE
WE ASK NOT FOR ANNUAL RESOLUTIONS
NOR DESIRE CORPORATE DISSOLUTIONS
WE SIMPLY COMMAND GREAT RESOLVE
AS OUR TEAM CONTINUES TO EVOLVE
AND STRIVES TO BE NO LESS THAN GREAT
BEFORE THE END OF 2008
***************
The ship may be sinking but we remain captains of our fate. Let this roll call be a re-commitment not simply to the New York Knicks as a corporate animal or a product of entertainment. Let this roll call be a reaffirmation of our commitment to the meaning of our Fanaticism and our promise to walk with one another, as we have to date, through this abyss.
The following list was developed from the over 3900 posts on Knick Defense in the month of December. I may have missed a few. If so, make your presence known. I may have included a couple who are undeserving of the comfort of our Defender umbrella. It is neither my job nor intention to define what a Defender is!. The community will let you know; but you too can let us know that you are not a member of this community and bid yourself farewell.
++++++++++++++++
Time for the roll/role call.
Sorry for the chauvinism, but ladies first in the house I LIVES in. And we got dem’ powerful ladies in the house:
Robin (The Queen)
Suzy, (The North Idaho Wonderwoman look-a-like with knock-em-out-lock-em up power. “Shut up Tom.” Sometimes a simple slap is the most effective weapon)
Let’s Man Up. Continue to set the example for our beloved Knicks and the imposters known as Knickerslackers until they once again deserve to be called Knickerbockers.
KnickDefense (The King, the host with the most with a body of work under Starburyfan/Anonymous a/k/a w/affection BLOGZILLA)
Bruised Black and Blue (since 12/18 at #33) on the Outside, but still true Orange and Blue on the Inside;
BARF (The Man)
DVJ (Young Gun running point with maximum efficiency)
Syd (The Informer)
Charles Follymacher (now they pronounce it Folly Mocker not Folly Maker)
Peaceman (The Equalizer)
African (The Professor of Prophecy)
Steady (moniker says it all)
Statesman (fire and passion)
JohnQ (aka the riddler)
Jay Bee (ain’t no toy, he’s the real deal)
George M (M stands for Rock ‘M, Sock ‘M)
St, George (Da Brotha From Da Island)
Post-Up Prince (The Prince of the powerful posts)
Callin’ that fantastic four, known collectively as the FORCE MDS:
Cooleyhigh (our own KDJAKES rids the atmosphere of devil-stink by summoning all the positive forces in the Universe)
Modi (he will blast you with the truth rays in his Bop gun, and what the Knicks need Mo’ D)
Dr. Bronxboy (explosive GM brainpower)
Dr. Harlem (that NYC power to destroy and regenerate)
And the rest of the BEST. Are You With Us Still!!!!!!? Can we get through this together?
Ali-G
Kevin Harewood
DLT Knicks;
Bloomfield
Jazz
Mike
TMAN
Marzak
PaulNoize
PC
Boomann
Stevie Knix (12/23 at #144) (is he really Tom?)
Knicksome
Anti-NYSportsNews
StopMikeLupica
Minnesota Knicks Fan
DNM
Rockstar (12/19 @#16)
LIVES IN NEW JERSEY, LOVES NEW YORK
General
Poppin Scoski
SaipanKnickster
Venom
Vic Corbit
Top Shotta
Acknowledging cameos from
Knick Knack’s– Mike Dougherty (12/11 at 93) (an honorary KD)
Trane (our own virtual contrarian friend)
MAK
And dishonorable discharges for the trolls:
Tom
JoeV
Talley: 50 Different Posters In December.
Folly, you got me. I was messin’ with some heads in my comment about D-Nice. But despite your praise I couldn’t help but notice the turnovers and personal fouls that could turn a prospect into an insurance salesman. A forward with four or more turnovers in a game regularly is not that impressive. And the fouls raise suspicions about defense and footspeed against other forwards. Is he reaching on the court like he was reaching for a spot on the Knicks bench in 2007-08. Hmmmmmmmmm.
Jay Bee at #77. Beautiful detective work. Joey V. is a fraud.
I’m out for the night and I might check in for tomorrows drama which better end in victory before that Azz kickin around the corner from the Alamo.
DVJ,
You would agree that my post #76 belongs here AFTER the KD Straw Lives issued the Roll Call. That was a profound statement you made there bruh–prima facia evidence that you ARE of age.
Once gain, for what it’s worth. Steady is here and steady.
JayBee–Good recon on that DNA imprint. A most useful nail in #77.
KFLL
Reporting as ordered, with pen in hand…
There’s no deal I won’t consider.
Gimme the deck, I’ll shuffle it.
Let’s do this in the 08′, fellas!!!
Like somebody said, the Knicks haven’t lost a game all year. Time for a fresh start beginning tomorrow
I think Eddy curry should still stay on the bench. Maybe even play him behind Malik till he wakes up from his slumber
LGK
Is there a way we can legally prevent Artest from leaving NY after tomorrow night’s game?
Artest goes down with injury which “may” need surgery (threat to sit out the season to force a trade?), meanwhile back at the BatCave Bibby is miraculously healed by his faith in Jesus, Buddha, the Dali Lama, Jah, Santa, Khrishna and acupuncture. Me thinks me shmells somethin’ brewin’.
Bibby Impresses In Practice
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/602312.html
BTW – Just Bloggin’ (no intent to slam anyone’s faith)
Q: Why is Stephon Marbury’s face on the Miami Heat website (albeit in his PHX jersey)?
A:
http://www.nba.com/heat/
Google Alert – new york knicks Wed 1/2/2008 2:56 AM
Thomas, Dolan, Chain of Fools
BASN NBA Notebook
Now
is time to resolve never to watch Knicks again
Thomas to stay as knicks coach
Lives
Present and accounted for.
Some Knicks News for the day.
The Sacramento King’s Ron Artest believes he could fix the Knicks decline.
Isiah Thomas does not see any deals in sight for February’s trade deadline.
Zeke continues honing his critical eye toward faltering Center Eddy Curry.
Black and Blue,
Artest can fix the Knicks! The Majority of us agree on that Issue. Now with Ron Ron making
that statement,Thomas better get his Head out of his Ass and make whatever deal he has to
to bring our NYER home! This is not a Major roster overhaul, just a freaken 8 million $$ trade.
This team lacks leadership and Heart, Artest is the epitome of both! I’m tired of hearing he’s
a headcase! This whole team we have now is nothing but a big Headcase! Better to have a “BAD BOY”
leading the Headcases! Do it NOW ZEKE, stop being a Dick! Just DO IT!
We have enough to win with now.No excuses are acceptable.Those guys are pros and they are not rookies, so excuses are bull.You play with what you got!The problem is IT’s confusion between winning and being politically correct.That means justifying player aquisitions instead of coaching to win a basketball game.If you can lead a game for three quarters, you can lead it for four.The substitution patterns are bizarre.It’s pretty clear Lee is your best player, but he is MIA in critical situations.Where’s the perimeter defense?It’s not like you don’t have the personel to defend.Remember, you promised!Sit Curry, if you dare, win a few games and then bring him back slowly after a few wins.The problem is the coaching, it seems invisible,and there’s a lack of a plan beyond “tinkering with the tools from the tool shed”.The game is not that complicated.Put your best defenders out there, play hard, share the ball on offense and don’t bring anyone into the game who doesn’t practice hard.If the pressure is consistent for 48 minutes you will get your share of wins.The really amazing thing about the wicked Celtics is their defense.Everyone knew those new guys could score, but Pierce and Allen playing tough D for 48 every night, c’mon?The test of good teams is consistency offensively, great teams are consistent both ways every night.Kudos to the Celtics, so far…The other test of great teams is how they deal with adversity, so the jury is still out for both our teams.Let’s see what happens if one of their big three goes down for a while.As far as our team, we have only two rookies, and they don’t play.So we have no excuses.We have enough talent to win if we play hard both ways without the confusion of an inconsistent game plan.Fire somebody on that bench, anybody for starters.Blame somebody!Maybe that will get the players’ attention.Hard, but fair.Happens in football all the time.Empty the locker room and the hallways of all the friends, agents and freeloaders.Maybe someone will concentrate on their job.Coaches are supposed to lead off the court.There has to be a plan.Sit down the whole organization and watch “Patton” together for starters.Nothing else seems to have worked.Sacramento has nothing but a few role players left due to injuries.This should be an easy win and a good place to stick with a defensive plan.I love Curry’s potential,but he has to earn his minutes in practice, not prayer.Zach is not a moron,tell him to pass the ball and stay in front of his man defensively,play Jeffries, play Q at guard,but not on little quick people,play Lee a lot, especially with Zach, straighten out the Steph mess or don’t play him at all and take the pressure off the players publicly.Privately, bust their asses when deserved, especially about their D.Coachs become fatherly to their players after they win chips, not before.When guys put their hands in the huddle and say, “Together” or “Hard work”, they are supposed to be echoing their team philosophy.Right now it seems like “Maybe” could be added on.We have enough to win right now and we all know it.
PS Happy New Year to ALL!
PPS Don’t mistake absence for indifference.We all bleed KNICK o&b in different ways.Many people I talk to are suffering and seething quietly.Everyone has their own complaints, but everyone isn’t screaming and writing.Some do, some don’t.It be’s that way.
Forsake not an old friend; for the new is not comparable to him: a new friend is as new wine; when it is old, thou shalt drink it with pleasure.
Ecclesiasticus 9:10
The Daily news has an article by Isola that states that Dave Lee, Rose,Marbury and Curry wouldn’t mind a change of Uniforms!
He also stated that the Knicks are trying to secure Artest and Bibby!
I know, I know, it’s Isola, but the last time you guys said that to me was when I reported his
Marbury Awol story!……..you never know!
Tman,
I’ve also heard that new friends are like fine wine.
You must put it in a chill place until it matures!
Thatnks for the shout Lives. New Year, same goal: Play hard, win games. Get Ron Ron!!!!
Follymacher snapped to attention, tweaking his groin in the process. “Damn, I used to do this so much faster” he thought, fixing his grimmace. “Present, suh!”
Sup y’all, checking in….glad to see most are checked in, healthy, safe & optimistic about 2008.
i’m encouraged by Artest’s continuing support of the O & B, there’s no doubt he’s ready, willing and able to don the uni and play HARD for the Knicks, whether this season or in the future.
Of course, the one guy who has to be DREADING no action on the trade front is Jared Jeffries. Artest’s arrival would pretty much banishing Jeffries to the “JJ” end of the bench. Plus, Artest ALREADY has had for a long time a chip on his shoulder about not getting paid what he is worth, and that won’t change by signing a 5-year MLE here. He’d be knocking heads EVERY DAY with both JJ’s at practice, knocking them to the floor and saying, “What? You get paid as much as i do, you better just walk it off bitch!”
i say this in jest, i would love Artest coming here because i think he could singlehandedly change the playa culture in our lockerroom. i think his presence and hustle would allow Zach to settle in and give a bit (tiny) more defensively. i think Lee, Balkman and the other frontcourt scrubs would most definetely be energized and inspired by his play.
Even Steph might get charged up once he realized that: 1) he wasn’t the only guy on the whole damn roster who can play two-way hoops at a high level anymore, 2) he might not be the craziest dude in the lockerroom anymore, and 3) Artest has more of a chip on his shoulder, more of a me against the world righteousness going for him than Starbury does. The X-Factor is Jamal – does he buy into an Artest Era team defense identity, or does he revert to JChuck and increasing isolation from the rest of the newly “team first” guys?