www.KnicksDefense.com

I came across this early this an from Espn,
TRADE 7A: New Jersey gets Jason Williams and Ricky Davis; Miami gets Eddy Curry, Jamaal Magloire and Fred Jones; New York gets Vince Carter and Smush Parker.

Why New Jersey does it: Cap room, baby! The Nets are turning Vince into $16 million of expiring deals. Combined with the Kidd deal, Richard Jefferson’s contract would be their only big deal after this season. Better yet, adding Ricky “The Ebola Virus” Davis makes them worse this season and improves their draft pick. A win-win all around.

Why Miami does it: The Heat are rolling the dice with Curry, and why not? He’s one of the few proven low-post scorers in the league. Sure, he can’t do anything else. But stick him with Dwyane Wade, Shawn Marion, Udonis Haslem, 2008 Lottery Pick X and Free Agent Signing X and that’s an interesting foundation. Also, I think Eddy Curry can be the guy who will give Pat Riley his first on-court heart attack.

Why New York does it: That’s easy — if Vince can’t get motivated to play hard in the most famous basketball city in the country, then he’s worthless as a basketball player and a human being. Seriously. If this guy cares AT ALL about basketball, then he’d give a crap about proving himself in New York. He would. It’s a smart gamble for the Knicks and they have more than enough money to roll the dice. As for Curry, it’s safe to say that Zach Randolph made him expendable in the “low-post scoring,” “no defense whatsoever” and “moody head case” departments.

TRADE 7B: Indiana trades Jermaine O’Neal, Jamaal Tinsley and David Harrison to New York for Stephon Marbury, David Lee and Malik Rose.

Why Indiana does it: Personally, I don’t think Jermaine O’Neal is the same guy anymore. He’s been banged up for four years and has a ton of miles on him. If I could turn him into an up-and-comer like Lee and dump a cancer like Tinsley in the same trade, I’d do that in a heartbeat. Financially, Lee and Marbury make the same money as O’Neal this year and next; Rose expires two years earlier than Tinsley; and Marbury still gives them a gigantic expiring contract for trading purposes next season. And if that’s not enough, the Pacers could trot out a legitimate whitewash with Jeff Foster, Troy Murphy, Lee, Mike Dunleavy and Travis Diener … quite possibly, the most talented whitewash we’ve seen since Larry Legend was still playing. Hell, the Jumbotron could even show a video of a bunch of paint rollers painting walls white every time they did it.

Why New York does it: Combined with Trade 4A, the Knicks would suddenly have a foundation of Vince Carter, Zach Randolph and Jermaine O’Neal. For a franchise that thinks like a fantasy team instead of a real team … lemme tell you something, that’s a nice-looking fantasy team! Also, you can’t tell me that the poor Knicks fans (proven suckers after the way they talked themselves into Marbury four years ago) wouldn’t be intrigued at the chance to turn Curry, Marbury, Lee and Rose into Vince (their first elite perimeter scorer since Bernard), O’Neal (their first elite big man since Ewing) and Tinsley (their first true point guard since Mark Jackson). Hmmmm.

(Right now the Knicks fans are thinking, “Wait, so we’d start J.O., Zach, Q, Vince and Tinsley, with Crawford as the sixth man and Balkman and Nate rounding out the rotation? I’m in! Count me in!” You guys are easy.)

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By Peaceman on Feb 21, 2008 at 6:07 am

I believe the Knicks didn’t show up last night because many of them suspect
that last night was their final game in a Knick uniform! I noticed that Look on Thomas’s face last
night…and so did Steady!¡Los Ojos Chico, ellos no mienten!

Anyway this blog should be jumping tonight as we see what our future holds!
3:00PM……Kinda feels like it did waiting for the OJ verdict!

By Peaceman on Feb 21, 2008 at 6:31 am

Somebody’s gotta go. Sorry Peace, I want to keep DLEE. He’s got a jumper man.

(Long Post To Follow)

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Feb 21, 2008 at 6:58 am

THIS POST IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. IT IS NOT A BASKETBALL POST. IT IS A DENSE, PERHAPS INTENSE, BLOG FAMILY POST FOR THOSE WHO DON’T MIND A HEADACHE. SO YOUR AZZ CAN AVOID COMPLAINING ABOUT NON B-BALL POSTS, JUST SKIP IT, BECAUSE I’M IGNORING THE COMPLAINTS ANYWAY.

STATE OF THE BLOG ADDRESS
Part I. Prefatory Remarks

“Starbury, With great respect, you don’t need to fix it if it ain’t broke. Yours is a private site and you are certainly entitled to edit it any way you choose to. But there are a lot of words that offend people, even more important than the word is the venom behind them. When I visit this arena I don’t feel the viciousness that destroyed Knick Knation. Since this is a private venue there is always the option of tossing someone who is disrespectful in your house out the door. People who come into your home should respect it as a private forum that is open to all Knick fans with good intentions. How those intentions should be judged is twofold. One, if a community is offended they need to say so, then ignore that individual. Shunning trolls does work. Secondly, as owner/operator you can toss anyone you care to out the door when you find them offensive. Banning this word or that word is your choice, but opens the proverbial can of worms. Common sense, good manners and a good kick in the ass out of the door should solve any problems. This is a Knick venue, not a court room in the Hague. If someone can’t behave there is the time-out room(shunning) or the door. Your house, your rules. In closing, Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart once said, in a case dealing with pornography, “I know it when I see it.”The same rule is easily transferable to pornography of the mind. As to our Knick situation, I refuse to throw in the towel. Where we end up is not the ultimate question. Only one team is left standing at the season’s end. Who are the stand up guys you can depend on? It’s over when you give up, not when the score board says so. LGK”

TMAN #11 Posted on February 18, 2008 under “Disrespectful Words.”
Affirmed by Bronxboy at #17
Affirmed by DLT Knicks at #20

BAMMMMMMM!!!!!!

There are many great posters in this community but I have always felt that the poster that packs the most powerful punch in a small brick-block is TMAN, the “Purposeful Philosopher”. His words are straight to the point, naked and powerful, not cloaked in the veil of Hypocrates or the fur coat of hyperbole. Just straight to the point. His rantings and writings, like Steady’s and CooleyHigh’s, are among the best for setting and directing the philosophical tone of the community. (BTW, where are BARF and Post-Up Prince?). They also serve as my most reliable guides for the feel and content of my own posts. No, I do not always agree with them (although I may agree with TMAN more than I agree with myself from time to time), they consistently provide both inspiration AND provocation.

TMAN’s initial words (more diplomatic than my ally with the sharp-blade, African who often says the same thing with a sword in his hands) most accurately describes the state of the house built by Starburyfan with the help of a bunch of architects, designers and itinerant knuckleheads. “It Ain’t Broke.” Still, our latest episode of “As The Blog Turns” informs us that while the blog doesn’t require fixing; maintenance is always in order and cosmetic work, properly done, can enhance the blogging experience and the blogging community.

It is time for some maintenance and a continuation of a civil discussion on some cosmetic work. The responses to my “FAREWELL POST” provide an excellent jumping off point, I think.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Feb 21, 2008 at 6:58 am

THIS POST IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. IT IS NOT A BASKETBALL POST. IT IS A DENSE, PERHAPS INTENSE, BLOG FAMILY POST FOR THOSE WHO DON’T MIND A HEADACHE. SO YOUR AZZ CAN AVOID COMPLAINING ABOUT NON B-BALL POSTS, JUST SKIP IT, BECAUSE I’M IGNORING THE COMPLAINTS ANYWAY.

STATE OF THE BLOG ADDRESS
Part I. Prefatory Remarks, cont.

LIVES’ FAREWELL?

I truly appreciate the virtual relationships I have established with most of the voices here, especially the seasoned voices who understand where I usually come from. They know the deal. Some don’t know the deal; they haven’t been around long enough. Others are just lurking around the fringes waiting for some type of dissension, perhaps so they can toss a grenade or two into the fray just to see what type of virtual relationship they can blow up, or perhaps just to raise their own community profile. Unless advised, they do not quite understand how transparent and entertaining they are.

Since my discussion with KD was a community discussion, I will make my intent and motives as clear as possible, although Steady and Peaceman have already successfully done so.

I have absolutely no intent or desire to harm, dismantle, destroy or replace KnicksDefense as a blogging spot or a virtual identity. Not only am I not idiotic enough to believe I have the power to do so, that would never serve my purpose in life. And while I may vary the style and tone of how I debate, argue and rant, I would never allow a philosophical disagreement to dictate the ending of a relationship. If so, I would have disowned all of my family members, hired some new replacement kids, been married twenty-five times and switched to fifty different blogs, instead of three. (At some point in my marriage I did wonder what sex would be like with 25 other women but they refuse to come out of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue)

No, I would not leave KnicksDefense because I could not use the “N-Word.” I can’t think of a positive thing to say about anyone who would say or believe that is why I would leave. However, I absolutely would leave KnicksDefense or any other private blog, if the blog host of a private blog site did not want me present; upon invitation, I would leave without hesitation with or without fanfare; with or without drama falling out of my suitcases. I would be Audi. I don’t hang long in places where I am clearly not wanted – I consider doing so a waste of everybody’s time, especially mine and life is too short, and to full of joyous things, for me to intentionally “waste” time on negative situations.

I interpreted KD’s posted invitation to leave, directed to and at me, as an invitation to leave. It’s that simple. I would say no need to linger, no need to argue, no need for theatrics, but I can’t write without a little theatrics; although I could guess that he fired at me while under the duress of making some difficult decisions, either I could have fired back, begged for understanding or just accommodated his invitation. So I decided (in a “snit” I guess – yeah I caught that dismissive spit ball (lol)) not to argue and let the chips fall where they may.

I am not here to disrespect KD. I am not going to play, eat and shyte in somebody’s house and then insult their manhood and intelligence in front of family and guests. I may goad and tease, but I would not do so with the intent to disrespect or disregard a host in a real house or a virtual home. But on a blog, a virtual house, I will exercise my right and privilege to voice an opinion, to disagree. I believe the prime objective of posting is to voice an opinion about comments made on the blog. (I will note that I did learn to have a great deal of disrespect for the work and mentality of Frank Isola which is the main reason I left his site. I have no desire to constantly write negatively about anyone. Bad karma. I never felt disrespect towards Alan Hahn. Hahn’s is a commercial site and my issue with Mr. Hahn was simply how he handled his customer base, including me. I like Knicks Fix and would post there if I had the time).

I know KD and I understood that it was possible that he was emotionally caught up in the difficulty of the decision he was contemplating and his efforts to satisfy the most people possible. As almost all of us have done before, if he was misinterpreted or felt differently than his invitation expressed, I knew he would man-up and let me know. I also knew if he truly believed what he wrote then the issue was easily resolved by my acquiescence and departure. Sad choice, but simple and much healthier for me than firing back disrespectfully in public.

I understand that KD’s heart and intent are not malicious. I believe his desire is to serve the common good and to make decisions that make the most posters comfortable. I understand that KD actually pays attention to what the posters in his house think and feel (he is a more sensitive and caring man than me – that is a compliment). KD, and rightfully so, is concerned about the impact of generally disregarded language on his site. He feels acutely the criticism of his decisions. The basis for this is not malice, but a genuine concern for the opinion of others. It is consistent with his effort to shape a site generally acceptable to the most people .

I happen to disagree with how he plans to address it. I don’t disagree with his right to address it. My disagreement is not meant as disrespect. I simply believe there is a better approach and that as a member of this community I have a right to share it. If I do not have that right, then I did not understand the community I joined. My opinion is the exact same as TMAN’s. I had the same discussion with Alan Hahn offline about the host’s inability to control by directive what others type on their keyboards. Such efforts will consistently lead to strong rebuke, because the great lure of internet discussions is the freedom to voice an opinion. The best controls regarding the tone of an “open” blog is to build a community that will not tolerate, encourage or feed certain behavior (as opposed to language). This can be supported by banning posters who destroy the intent and purpose of the blog. It is impossible, I repeat impossible, for one person to define and control the contents of all of the posts on an open blog. There are too many personalities, opinions, ideas and language barriers to manage.

KnicksDefense is currently a top of the line site. Blogs are becoming big business and monitoring what fans say and think is becoming critical to media and sports organizations. KnicksDefense is top of the line and fueling a lot of what you are reading and hearing outside these webpages. It is top of the line because of the host and its posters including Statesman and African. It is top of the line because it is cutting edge. The posters, writers, ranters here are well-versed in basketball and its relationship to other aspects of life. Yes, it is about Knicks basketball, but this is not just a Knicks basketball site. Sorry, guys. It is a community. I think the only person who can dismantle that community is the host; I am sure that is not what the host desires to do. I believe it is the responsibility for those of us who benefit from the community to help the host maintain this community. Realizing the final decision on what the rules are for participating in this family, we still need to be supportive of the rights of everyone to express their opinion in a way that promotes the community and not tear it down.

This is my opinion. Take it or leave it. I am not suggesting that a person is an idiot or evil for not agreeing with me (although evil people are more likely to disagree with me than smart people). I believe I am a member of a community that is open to discussing and debating ideas. That is the community I want to belong to; a community where I am welcome and able to express myself within the rules of the community.

So my “farewell” was what it turned out to be. I will only go where I am welcome (I’m sensitive like that) and I appreciate KD making it clear that I am welcome here.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Feb 21, 2008 at 7:18 am

KnicksDefense Provides Another Educable Moment

At this point, to some of you the above rant may have sounded unnecessary and petty. And you may be right. However, as I contemplated my choices of response to KnickD, I thought about the Knicks season and the possible choices that Isiah and Marbury could have made when addressing their disagreement. How should men with a common goal and responsibilities to others address and resolve disagreements? What choices should a “man” make? Should he run and leave the team, hold a grudge, make himself inaccessible? Should he remain open to resolution? Should he apologize if he is wrong? What should a “man” do if he is a leader or a team player? Isiah’s house, Isiah’s rules? Did either Isiah or Stephon fulfill their responsibilities in that disagreement, a disagreement which led to the debacle we will soon stamp as the 2007-2008 season?

I know some want to absolve Marbury of any responsibility, but in what relationship is the responsibility to maintain that relationship the duty of only one person? Did Marbury act like a “man” in his situation should?

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Feb 21, 2008 at 7:24 am

MORE FOLLY CHRONICLED

Good morning Charlie Folly,

It is good to read you again. I truly appreciate your virtual presence and I am happy that you have been accepted as a community member by one and all. In fact, your presence just emphasizes the need for some new blood at KD. Nothing wrong with the old blood, but we need a pick me up and since the Knicks aren’t compliant, we could use some new voices (or the return of some old ones) I think.

I digress.

I like your presence, in part because you present a conundrum of a psychological profile alternately analyzed by you, African and Steady to entertaining effect. Still, you have come into your own with an identifiable and interesting writing style and provocative ideas. But I think understand Steady when he essentially says, “Don’t let the good taste fool ya.”

You wrote two things during my two hour hiatus (was it longer?) that caused my eyebrow to do a Zeke-like push up. You wrote:
“Lives, no need to leave in a snit. KD’s was a fair interpretation. You know you’d be missed here but if you think this situation is the perfect segue to your own joint, so be it. Good luck with that.”

and

Personally, I don’t see why this has to be rocket-science or nail-biting time for free speech. We are all (or pretend to be) reasonable adults here. If you’re afraid that banning n-i-g-g-e-r, kike, jungle-bunny, hook-nose, etc., etc. and all permutations of race-based insults, then perhaps this is not the space for you if you cannot express yourself without that bit of weaponry.

Funny, I almost need African to interpret what you are really saying here so that I can get a handle on whether my interpretation makes sense. But this is why I say your presentation is a bit of a conundrum. I get the sense that you are often saying one thing and meaning another. As a result after someone interprets what you actually right, you often come back and refer the person to the intent or something you meant to emphasize that you actually didn’t. You do it a lot. I think I will get at least thirty “uh-huhs” and “amens” to that observation.

For example, I don’t see anything in the above comments that I would consider an effort to mediate, correct, end or help resolve the tension. It is a little different from most of the other posts I read. In your latter statement, you offer a proclamation like you are the one to set the rules regarding appropriate language for the blog and then you conclude it with an invitation for others to leave. It almost sounds like “CharleyFolly’s house, CharleyFolleys Rules.” A little odd given that not even KD had defined what disrespectful words were to be banned. But also curious is that you even dared to use the “N-word” in any context when you suggested an absolute ban. I need some help here. I am really confusit.

And your first statement to me, which is a little different than your more generous comments at #56, are a bit baffling. Not even KD, upon reflection, thought that his “response” reflected a “fair interpretation” of my comments. And Charley, I think you are faking the funk if you want to pretend that you are not a wordsmith – I know you understand the meaning of your words. “Snit?” Sounds a bit dismissive, without any specifics, of my comments. Perhaps, I did leave in a snit!, but whether I did or not, I don’t think you can claim that you were trying to help the situation.

My major point is that you have what appears to be an underlying nastiness that you wrongly think is covered by your intellect. I recognize it, because I admittedly do it every once in a while. The difference may be that I know that my reader knows what I am doing and if I am called on it, I don’t try to hide the fact that I’m being a prick.

Does anyone care enough to explain this better than I have? If not, I understand. Talk about the Knicks and that trade that won’t happen, instead. (LOL)

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Feb 21, 2008 at 8:06 am

Lives, are you done yet?

I don’t know. I do know I better do some work.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Feb 21, 2008 at 8:06 am

Dude, you’re talking to yourself.

I know. I have been all morning.

You’re acting like DVJ again.

Nothing wrong with that. I like DVJ’s style. I bet he can attrract as many woman as African at a ball game?

Do you think the ForceMDS could attract a bunch of women? Is that really why you’re going to check them out.

Good question. Cooleyhigh sounds very suave. Modi? The ladies probably consider him the sexy cool intellect. I know Steady is a player. If he’s got that Barry White baritone goin, I’m hanging with that Dude. Harlem and Bronx sound married.

Shyte, Am I on speaker phone again. Turn that thing off Lives.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Feb 21, 2008 at 8:11 am

Later KD. Be good. Hope for the best.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Feb 21, 2008 at 8:12 am

New York Knicks - Daily Webs

NBA report

National
Basketball Association Game Capsules

NBA: Big names could move by deadline

Hornets sting Mavs to spoil Kidd’s return to Dallas

Spurs trade for power forward Thomas

+Carter could be dealt as trade deadline approaches+

Crawford Badly Miscast As Knicks’ Point Guard

Knicks Offer Little Resistance

VIP Tickets Top 100 - Concerts Tickets, Event Tickets and Sports …

Curry sits, Randolph douses

By Syd on Feb 21, 2008 at 8:13 am

Lives…

How the hell do you “sound” married????…LOL

Shyt, maybe I need to change my delivery.

Keep talkin’ to yaself bruh……I’m diggin’ the convo!!!…LMAOOOOOOOO

You are indeed a gentleman and a scholar, bruh.

By Bronxboy in Md on Feb 21, 2008 at 8:41 am

Noize,

What positive should I pull out of my ass to explain last nights debacle ?

By JohnQ on Feb 21, 2008 at 8:43 am

Did anyone watch the Suns-Lakers game last night ? I almost forgot what it was like to sit and actually enjoy a bball game. Great game from beginning to end. Broken pinky or not Kobe is an animal.

By JohnQ on Feb 21, 2008 at 8:46 am

***LONGISH RESPONSE TO MY MAN FIDDY GRAND, LIVES IN NEW JERSEY, LOVES NEW YORK.***

Lives, as is common for you, brilliant stuff. I’d use a line-item veto on a couple bits but, y’know what, pass the pen, i’ll co-sign it all.

As for #7, well, that is enlightening to me. Honestly. I know I’m a pretty “unique” individual. I don’t say that as a point of pride. Plain fact o’ the matter is I am an odd duck. Not quack-odd, just unusual odd. From my perspective, it has it’s blessings and it’s curses. It means that not only do I not understand how a lot of other people think/work, the converse is true that a lot of other people don’t get me. There are a number of advantages to being a lot closer to the norm (you speaka da languidge, you understand and are understood).

All that to say, if you try to fit me in a box, to peg me for one kind of duck or another you’ll at some point have a lotta bits that stick out. Now that’s true for most people anyway (esp most democrats/liberals ), but me more’n most. It’ll prolly take a while longer to “get” me, at least that’s been the case for my meatspace friends.

At any rate, Lives I wish I could be as eloquent as you but I’ll try anyway to unwind some of the tangle that is la moi.

Re quote#1, you’re right, I wasn’t exactly trying my level best to defuse tensions. In general, I’m not much of a peacemaker even tho I certainly prefer a civil environment. Is that a paradox? I don’t know. I don’t think so, but I’ll give it more thought later. I can say I’m naturally a counterpuncher, and not an instigator. I’m more naturally one of them guys who gets caught reacting to a shot to the ribs and gets pissed the ref missed the initial jab I’ve learned to better pick my spots, but that is my instinct at least.

So it is to say I’m fully capable of getting hot under the collar and I’m as wont to release the steam as any. I am not a fan of capital punishment, but I will maim a brah. In that particular situation, I too felt KD was under duress and I picked up my raggedy slingshot to defend his action (which i in no way “worked behind the scenes” to encourage). You caught some of it and I tried to measure my words to effect a sting (?) in relationship to the perceived threat of your leaving (which, let’s not kid ourselves, would be a major blow to the site). Concilliatory it was not, it was more to “stick up for” KD as your words carry more weight than most (sometimes I’m not sure that you’re aware of this. yours can never be a casual “yes” or “no” vote). You’re right that I could’ve worked toward ratcheting things down, or, as many have suggested, just shut the hell up and hope that the guys work it out.

I dunno. Just felt to me like KD was getting way more grief than out an out support and my instinct is to roll with the (perceived) underdog-in-the-right than to play peacemaker. “Underlying nastiness,” is a tough phrase for me to accept. I’ll admit I have a sharp tongue at times but they’re more often brush-back swipes and I don’t think my tool (heh) is any sharper’n many of yern. I’m just keepin up, yo.

As for the second quote, well, I’m not sure why this is a big thing. Some have obviously viewed it as my sticking my tongue out at the community, that I’m flouting the rules that I say I support. Ok, that’s one way to view it and, ok, I’ll admit that, at a quick glance, it’s not wholly unreasonable for it to at least cross your mind.

But if you look again, I’m thinking surely you get the POINT of that comment, right? I wasn’t trying to make it about one specific word, it was the whole theme of race-based insults. There are lots of ways to circumvent the one word (and a few have already been cheeky enough to try em) so I wanted to make the larger point. You do see that, right? Wouldn’t that be more consistent with what I was saying in the previous threads? Plus, I wasn’t screaming it as an insult to someone else. I think people forget that I did at least TRY once to get pman to back off that ledge before I went into my own “snit.”

I think some of you still don’t quite trust me, and that’s fine, it’ll come in time, I’ve only been here a couple, few months. If you think of me as some kind of trickster, then it’s pretty easy to latch on to the first interpretation. If you think of me as just another “cautious-minded” fan who has firm and sharp opinions but is more than anything else FAIR-minded, then I think the latter interpretation is the one that sticks.

p.s. the 2nd sentence of quote #2 was badly constructed I now realize (writing in a huff does that). mite make a bit more sense this way:

“If you’re afraid that banning n-i-g-g-e-r, kike, jungle-bunny, hook-nose, etc., etc. and all permutations of race-based insults is going lead to site implosion, then perhaps this is not the space for you if you cannot express yourself without that bit of weaponry.”

By Charles Follymacher on Feb 21, 2008 at 9:37 am

Well, it ain’t easy John. i thought Lee splashed a couple of long contested jumpers when he was the recipient of the third or fourth swing pass on the perimeter, and if he can start making that shot consistently then he’s gonna be a real tough cover.

Umm…Nate shows flashes of ball pressure, i just think it saps too much energy for him to crouch and explode to reach out too much. With the right coaching and direction, i think he could be an excellent reserve guard with shooting range out to 3 and the ability to harass the opposing ball-handler. A bit of work to get to there from here, but doable i think.

Chandler & Taz looked a bit lost out there, Philly has long, lean, young, active bigs who are trying to show & prove. But if Denver bites on giving up Kleiza, we don’t have anything to match that offer for Artest, so we just gotta coach ‘em up.

By PaulNoize on Feb 21, 2008 at 9:42 am

Paul,

Lee seems to be sticking that jumper more and more lately. I love to see that he is developing his game every year. He is commited to becoming a starter in this league.

I’m not a huge Nate fan. I love his effort and enthusiasm but I’ve always thought he is just too short to be effective on D.

You are right. Taz and Chandler did look lost at times but I’m trying to be patient w/ those guys. It can’t be easy when you don’t see alot of time on a regular basis. Both guys have real potential.

By JohnQ on Feb 21, 2008 at 10:08 am

Follymacher,

Your response is classic and appreciated. It is the kind of DNA revelation that makes this site unique. I think complex is good, although it can still be funked up. You know what’s good. I think we should not allow the Knicks to ruin a good season. I need a trade.

It’s 10:32. Do you know where your new point guard is?

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Feb 21, 2008 at 10:23 am

I really need to shut it down. Later. Bronx, I am thinking up a story starring the ForceMDs just for you. I’ll have it next week.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Feb 21, 2008 at 10:25 am

*head nod @ Lives*

four and a half hours left. got them shorts in the oven, Af? man, i still think i’m gonna be on the right side of the 50-50 here, but just to be safe i shoulda ordered the crow.

By Charles Follymacher on Feb 21, 2008 at 10:40 am

Knicks Trying To Unload Randolph
Zach Randolph | Knicks
Isiah Thomas is committed to exiling Zach Randolph and is in serious trade negotiations with the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks, the Daily News has learned.

By HarleminMD on Feb 21, 2008 at 10:56 am

Harlem,

read the rest of that article. Nene ? no thanks, who need an oft injured forward ? The Milwaukee package? Are we trying to never get under the cap ? Smush Parker ? we have enough headaches on this team. These proposals are proof that the other teams are still trying to fleece us.

By JohnQ on Feb 21, 2008 at 11:06 am

I read it and I agree John. We are the joke of the league when it comes to trades. None of them make any sense.

It would make sense that IT is trying to move Zach because of his trade value and because the experiment hasn’t worked. If so, probably means Lee moves to starting rotation and some time for JJames off the bench.

By HarleminMD on Feb 21, 2008 at 11:13 am

I would rather see him move Curry ( Ironically if he actually moved on the court he’d be alot easier to move ) but if he is resigned to move Zach, I’d like to see us get back expiring contracts or an impact player. Expiring contracts preferably.

By JohnQ on Feb 21, 2008 at 11:22 am

I must admit, I tend to add a dab of Brandy to my Holy Water, it has a way of accentuating my Natural High! PN, you were suppose to keep that on the hush, hush, but now that my secret is out, I’ll remain STEADY As It Goes….

Rock Steady, you never cease to amaze and your personal invite to LIVES was not only gracious, but important, because his environment was was influenced in many ways by his Familia’s affiliation…You know me and mine we will be there if our schedule permits…HI (Hampton Institute) will always be my Home By the Sea; its ESSENCE still percolates within me and I BLEED Pirate Blue…Lastly, I know your jaw was hanging when you finally realized the score of last night’s game…A Tale of Two Teams…New Edition…

LIVES, your Morning Conversation was delightful, and the Food for Thought your dropped on my Buffet Plate was ummm, ummm, Good. I even brown bagged it, placed it in the Upper Room, and will take my Sweet Time digesting what you shared with US this morning…

Lastly, I’ve been blessed to spend quite a bit time Up North from skiing regularly at Whistler or riding the ferry to Victoria Island to visit some sure NYC bangin homie’s, or fishing in Kelowna, to witnessing a few Calgary Stampedes, from hiking in Fort Edmonton Park, from reggae concerts at Molson’s in Toronto, from gambling in Windsor and Montreal, and enjoyable Lobster Suppers in New Glasgow. I’ve got a good noise for Swanky Island girls and French Canadian women who reside Up North, along with Canadian Bacon, Canadian Ham, and CANADIAN BULLSHYTE…One might be able to pull the Kilt over some eyes, but not all…

LIVES, can’t wait to read your story on the FORCE MD’S, because Harlem is a budding Super Star (Great Pop & Husband) and BRONX and MODI epitomize Class, Style, and the rewards achieved by being True to your GRIND…STEADY and I are the crazy ones, but crazy like foxes…LOL LOL Comne down and hang taste Bruh, it’ll be a TOTAL BLAST…

As always BLOGZILLA you do yeomen’s work keeping the THREAD BANGING….

Keep It POPPIN Defenders…Despite last night’s results…and it is hard too….LOL LOL

L

By Cooleyhigh on Feb 21, 2008 at 11:30 am

CooleyHigh, it would appear you still have a hangover. You are one cryptic Christian. If it pleases you to remain shifty and indirect, well, that’s no crime in God’s eyes. May the ghost bless you with inner peace.

By Charles Follymacher on Feb 21, 2008 at 11:53 am

Lives, and Folly—-great reads from the two of you!!!!

JohnQ and PaulN, i like the two of you guys convo your got going on!!!

Really, that’s what I like to see when I step up in here in Knicksdefense after watching the major bummy/semi-good Knicks team this season. A welcomed relief from the stress that watching the Knicks can bring.

By ANTI- NYSN on Feb 21, 2008 at 11:55 am

Lee’s development this offseason will be interesting to evaluate, since he seems to have worked hard this past offseason and was rewarded by the Knicks acquiring a 20 & 10 guy who plays his position and got his starting job.

David has done a nice job keeping his head up and mouth shut, things which bode well for him ignoring the BS politics and just grinding out some new skills this summer.

i think it has to be made clear this offseason that David Lee is our new starting power forward, and let Z-Bo kvetch about battling Curry for playing time in the middle. i think Lee has paid his dues at this point and deserves the nod. Let someone else handle the short change for a minute.

By PaulNoize on Feb 21, 2008 at 12:10 pm

Lives:
Great morning read.
Great mix of humor and mind tingling stuff.
I’m with you on the idea of taking an exit if not wanted by the host.
KnickDee asked me to leave, and don’t let the door hit me in the ass.
But you know what! The truth is a m’fucker!
It hits you in the gut, and most can’t handle the truth. That’s the reason he wants me gone.
I was dead serious with everything I said yesterday. Prophetic too, to those that are in the know.
You can’t cry foul, and blatantly foul in the process.
I don’t care who it is, I’ll call you on it.
You can’t criticize the host? Fuck you on that one.
I wasn’t taking sides with Statesman, I was calling an injustice.
States never said the stuff attributed to him, then the foul of all fouls was to put his personal info out there.

Folly:
You’re the one that led the charge with the now banned word, where was your voice at this point?
Is your moral compass only meant for one diection of the wind?
Hypocrites and parasites! Kiss ass is the new olympc sport.

Statesman:
Some of the stuff highlighted by KnickDee are pale in comparison to some of the smack said to me by you and others on this blog. Do I take it personally? Not at all, because it’s easy to agree with everyone, but hard to hold a stance individually. I believe in the stuff I blog, I don’t just throw shit out there, even at times it may seem that way to some.
I remember you apologized for some of the stuff said. This is only a blog.
I would continue to go against stuff I deem to be wrongs. No matter who the individual is. Nothing personal.
What I said yesterday are facts. Not taking your side or against KnickDee. Wrong is wrong no matter from who it comes.

Cooley:
There are many words you can use to describe me, but hypocrite is not one of them.
So I really didn’t think you were talking about me.
I hit straight to the point with no sugar.
I don’t disguise my feelings. That can be good or bad depending on the situation, but I’m no diplomat.
Who have eyes to see, let them see.

By African on Feb 21, 2008 at 12:15 pm

I second your last statement. If we don’t give Lee a starting job soon, I’m afraid he’ll look elsewhere for one. There are 2 many teams to list who could use his services. I really hope they lock him up when his contratc is due. He has only one more year or 2 ?

By JohnQ on Feb 21, 2008 at 12:27 pm

“You’re the one that led the charge with the now banned word, where was your voice at this point?
Is your moral compass only meant for one diection of the wind?”

Af, you’ve lost me here. Your point is not penetrating me thick skull. Could you try to explain again?

I suspect there’s a few unstated assumptions about me in there. In the fullness of time, a pattern will eventually appear from any chaos, but just because you see me hugging a tree doesn’t mean I’m a conscionable tree-hugger who cries over every squashed spider. Just means I like that particular tree.

p.s. yes, i’m thinkin a moral compass — wrt a specific subject — should pretty much point in the one direction.

By Charles Follymacher on Feb 21, 2008 at 12:33 pm

Harlem,
Re: #20 Check your bruh Steady here–this is a Henny convo mano a mano. I would welcome a Zach move. Zach is a warrior a la the Big Fella. He has the mental make-up to compete in the NYC. He is more valuable than Curry in terms of production. Two things caused me to jump off his bandwagon–his past and his present. The “black hole” label does not worry me. A good coach fixes that wrinkle. It’s his past and present interaction in the TEAM concept (or the sabotaging of such) that repulsed me.
As a throwback and student of the game you and I have chimed in unisom on the baseline watching the team. Zach gave up on Portland in the past, and gave up on the Knicks in the present. The water to the mug splash is prima facie. I’m not calling Zach a cancer as been done here and other blog sites. He’s on my favorite team until the suits (Monty et al.) move him. We all know that Monty does not like to be crossed/challenged–ask Kurt, Shannon, Mo, Jalen, Penny, Steph. If Zach was stuck here due to the salaries coming back, etc., then the splash from the “How To Disgust Your Boss” manual made all those considerations moot.
I’m not covetous and still Steady. Check me if I bend. I foresaw the move but I hope that Monty remembers the first card–(We’re going to be nice and nasty) because power teams win playoffs. Then again, the first may have been the King of Lies.

KFLL

By Steady on Feb 21, 2008 at 12:35 pm

Steady,

I love the way the Knicks players try to say that throwing water was “no big deal.” I don’t know anybody that would want to take that offense lightly. Nate scored points with me on handling that one.

I also see Zach fighting his teammates for rebounds, but playing lackluster defense.

Zach’s a baller, but if someone wants to take him, yeah, see ya playa.

By HarleminMD on Feb 21, 2008 at 1:03 pm

Steady, you crack me up…LOL Can I have bit more of your Henny for my Holy Water, cause it will help me get rid of my Hangover…LOL LOL LOL

“Cryptic Christian” It probably never dawned on Folly that I could be a Uncomnplicated (antonym/s to cryptic by the way Folly) Black Hebrew or Simple Buddhist or a Direct (flipping of the antonym to an adjective Folly) Spiritualist. Folly like I said before, you remain true to your creed FOLLY-FOOLISHNESS. You are truly the THREADS Premier Parody…

@African,

I can dig it Warrior…

Harlem, after Tuesday’s display, moving Zach will set MONTY up for the NEXT BIG LIE…He’s a crafty Kat!

Keep it POPPIN

By Cooleyhigh on Feb 21, 2008 at 1:20 pm

Without knowing the details of what actually happened, I think we can say this much fa sho’: 1) Nate’s an incorrigible yapper. That’s no secret, all his teammates say so. 2) Zach’s a prideful dude.

If it’s the case that N8 said a lil too much to Zach in front of urrybody… well, not to say if I were a coach I’d condone it, but a pitched cup o’ water isn’t the worst scenario. A good team can easily recover from that. I think it’s a safe bet Zach’s tired of the atmosphere tho (while Curry merely shrugs his chubby shoulders at it). He’s certainly more marketable than all cept Lee. And Lee is an untouchable.

By Charles Follymacher on Feb 21, 2008 at 1:20 pm

1:30 and alls quiet. I keep checkin’ ESPN like African checks his mailbox for that welfare check !!!!

By JohnQ on Feb 21, 2008 at 1:28 pm

Nate talks a lot, but would you want someone to throw water on you? I don’t know where Zach is from, but that’s some foul s*. Totally unncecessary. Plus you’re on a stage. I could understand if Nate is not getting Zach the ball, but throw water, in front of all those fine ladies at the Phone Booth? Nah, that means we would have a big problem.

Even if he throw the Gatorade bucket in the locker room, that’s cool. That would be a private team matter.

This team has major chemistry issues and that was a major example. No chemistry at all. No defensive intensity.

By HarleminMD on Feb 21, 2008 at 1:31 pm

CooleyHigh, if you can look at that spew of a post in the last thread and come away feeling you’re not a source of unintended humour then jokes on you. If your keep-it-vague motto works for you, who am i to judge.

One an a half hours to go. Af’s shorts still in the oven. RealGM gettin the most clicks o the year (must be like xmas for them).

By Charles Follymacher on Feb 21, 2008 at 1:35 pm

Slowly and surely the natives are seeing Zach for what he is.
He is what I thought he was.

By African on Feb 21, 2008 at 1:41 pm

HarleminMD, I hear you. Just sayin actions beget reactions, nahmeen? It’s heat-o-battle stuff. Who knows what was said. Jus’ sayin.

By Charles Follymacher on Feb 21, 2008 at 1:41 pm

Af,

That aint it bro. Zach has the most value on this club of anyone not named Lee. If Curry had an ounce of value, he’d be gone. Nobody wants him.

By JohnQ on Feb 21, 2008 at 1:45 pm

Af, I’m still hoping for an explanation (see #32). For real doe.

By Charles Follymacher on Feb 21, 2008 at 1:49 pm

Folly;
Nuff said.
If you don’t get it now, you never would.
If you don’t know, ask somebody! Just not me.

This game is still about team and team chemistry. Not the best stats.

By African on Feb 21, 2008 at 1:54 pm

well, if anyone would care to try to translate for Affy (and I’d take it strictly as translation, not that you necessarily agree), I’m all ears.

This game is about contributions to the team goal and giving maximum efforts to be a net positive.

By Charles Follymacher on Feb 21, 2008 at 2:05 pm

Lets hope one of them gets traded so we can put African’s argument to rest or applaud him for his vision.

By JohnQ on Feb 21, 2008 at 2:07 pm

JohnQ,

Despite his FG%, several teams would take Crawford. If he comes off the bench and is and placed next to a true PG, he is a player.

By HarleminMD on Feb 21, 2008 at 2:08 pm

Harlem,

you are right man. We could probably ship Crawford out but you know coach #11 aint gettin rid of player #11.

By JohnQ on Feb 21, 2008 at 2:23 pm

Here’s my trade (Zach/James - Wallace/Deng):

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=383~1017~2429~885&teams=4~4~18~18&te=&cash=

By HarleminMD on Feb 21, 2008 at 2:30 pm

Harlem,

We all wish that Deng was available. I haven’t heard that he was being shopped. Are you going on anything in particular or just a wish list trade ?

By JohnQ on Feb 21, 2008 at 2:32 pm

yeah harlem, much as i like zbo, i can’t see an obvious benefit to chicago in that one. chitown fans’d be more than a lil irate.

25 mins left… Affy’s shorts are starting to burn (wshew!)

By Charles Follymacher on Feb 21, 2008 at 2:36 pm

I’m dreaming John.

Not having a real team is making me delusional.

By HarleminMD on Feb 21, 2008 at 2:37 pm

Charles,

We would be taking on Wallace’s contract (larger than Zach). Zach gives Chicago their first post-up player. James would be a servicable backup (he can block shots).

By HarleminMD on Feb 21, 2008 at 2:41 pm

KnicksD,

With that statement, I sense a high profile GM is going to take over for IT. Stern does not participate in idle chatter.

By HarleminMD on Feb 21, 2008 at 2:43 pm

Read the article on the possibility of acquiring Carlos Arroyo. That would be a great move for us!!

I always thought the kid had the moxie and ability to run a team…all he ever needed was a chance.

I’ll even go out on a limb and say I’d take him over Jameer Nelson….IMHO he’s just as tough!

I’ve been saying from the begining that the acquisition of a pg should’ve been priority one. I truly believe if we had a decent one, these “who should we trade, Zach or Curry” discussions would never take place.

What’s the use in having the Clydesdales w/o a handler? An exotic sports car if you can’t drive a stick?

Get my drift???

If we can get him w/o giving up the farm, I’d say go for it!!

By Bronxboy in Md on Feb 21, 2008 at 2:48 pm

I meant to say Wallace’s contract average is higher than Zach’s. I’m trying to sell it.

By HarleminMD on Feb 21, 2008 at 2:49 pm

AN-TI-CIPATION is makin’ me wait.

Harlem I was hoping it wasn’t a dream. I’m with you man. What else is there to do but dream ?

By JohnQ on Feb 21, 2008 at 2:50 pm

Shyt, what about OUR lack of defense, @ 64?

By Bronxboy in Md on Feb 21, 2008 at 2:53 pm

2 minutes left….

By Bronxboy in Md on Feb 21, 2008 at 2:58 pm

One minute to deadline…..Monty got no moves left.

Killshot straight to the dome….Isiah Thomas Era is out like Omar (”gimpy maw-fucka”).

The King is dead - long live the King.

By PaulNoize on Feb 21, 2008 at 3:01 pm

Mike: Boca Raton, FL: Why are the Bulls not going after Zach Randolph? I feel he would help their inside present

Chad Ford: (2:19 PM ET ) Character issues. That’s why a lot of teams are gun shy on Randolph.

By HarleminMD on Feb 21, 2008 at 3:05 pm

poof! Affy’s shorts burn to a crisp and i’m outta that restaurant with a quickness. harlem, well not sayin you can’t wring some good sense out of the deal, just that i don’t think it’s enough to wrest chicago’s face-o-the-organization. they like him a lot over there so it’d take a lot to justify jettisonning him.

By Charles Follymacher on Feb 21, 2008 at 3:06 pm

I just saw that, KnicksD….Good trade for the Rockets.

Seems everybody’s gettin’ fed but us.

By Bronxboy in Md on Feb 21, 2008 at 3:07 pm

So thats it ????? All that speculation and no deal ? Does this mean that Monty has played his last card ?

By JohnQ on Feb 21, 2008 at 3:10 pm

Isiah has officially closed his own casket which has an automatic lock that can only be opened from the outside.

What a loser.

By DaVonn Obama Jefferson on Feb 21, 2008 at 3:16 pm

I’d bet that Zach screwed up our deal when he threw the water on Nate.

By HarleminMD on Feb 21, 2008 at 3:19 pm

Co-sign on #76……was thinkin’ the exact same thing.

By Bronxboy in Md on Feb 21, 2008 at 3:22 pm

I guess they didn’t want to screw things up for the next GM. (fingers crossed)

By JohnQ on Feb 21, 2008 at 3:22 pm

Cavs Get Wallace, Smith, West And Wally
February 21, 2008 - 3:35 pm
ESPN News -
The Cavaliers have acquired Ben Wallace, Joe Smith, Delonte West and Wally Szczerbiak in a three-team trade.

The Bulls receive Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden, while Seattle gets Chris Duhon, Ira Newble and Cedric Simmons.

The deal is awaiting league approval. [READ]

By DaVonn Obama Jefferson on Feb 21, 2008 at 3:38 pm

That’s better then Zach? The bulls take Larry Hughes’s contract?

It’s official: we cannot make deals. Zach makes more sense than Larry Hughes.

By HarleminMD on Feb 21, 2008 at 3:43 pm

i can guarantee that any GM that hasn’t seen worse in a team practice isn’t worth his signing authority. people know what they’re getting in zach. don’t be fooled by all the smoke. it was generated by zeke in an effort to give the impression he still has some pull. it was all posturing. there was no deal on the table for anybody. dolan’s dumping him at season’s end.

By Charles Follymacher on Feb 21, 2008 at 3:45 pm

We are stuck with these losers for another full year. We won’t be able to make any trades or signings until Feb 2009. We are on the hook for $90 mil next season. artest will not opt out for another $6 mil.

Ugh.

By HarleminMD on Feb 21, 2008 at 3:55 pm

Let me get this straight:

We get BEAT-DOWN by lowly Philly by 40 points,Philly who spanked our a$$ twice before.

And we don’t feel the need to make a trade?

By D L T Knicks on Feb 21, 2008 at 3:59 pm

#80 - yes Harlem, that deal was better than Zach. Hughes is expiring next season, Zach has beaucoup money.

Something that is not often recognized is the concept of negative value. Zach has negative value - in other words, if you could legally trade one penny for Zach, most (if not all) the teams in the league wouldn’t take Zach. They’d rather keep the penny, because the penny does not cripple their future cap flexibility.

Very few players on the Knicks roster have a trade value above or equal to zero. Lee does. Nate and Balkman might. Chandler and Crawford are right on the edge - probably most seem them as being not worth it, but a few GM’s might see their roster suiting one or the other.

Jerome, Eddy, Malik, Zach, Jeffries, Q, & Marbury all have negative value, we would have to pay people in the form of young, cheap, productive players or picks or both in order to get people to take them off our hands.

I know it sounds ludicrous to suggest that Zach has negative value, when he is clearly a baller with skills. But everything is viewed via the salary cap prism, and that $84 million contract turns a baller with an attitude into a pair of cement sneakers. Zach ain’t going nowhere, except possibly for a bigger problem like Kenyon Martin, Ben Wallace, etc.

By PaulNoize on Feb 21, 2008 at 4:02 pm

Hughes has 2 more years after this year. Zach has 3.
Zach is a better fit for their team. Chicago now will spend around $20 mil for their starting backcourt (Henrich/Hughes).
They still have no post player.

By HarleminMD on Feb 21, 2008 at 4:09 pm

That’s why you’re the Force MDs–Love is a House, Love is a Home. That fateful cup caused Monty to put that King of Spade in his pocket. Now Defenders, please stand up, twirl those salty nuts, and Be A Real Fan. We never lose, time runs out. I guess I was Just Blogin’ because I was wrong (Lives)

KFLL

By Steady on Feb 21, 2008 at 4:10 pm

@79…… wow big trade.

The Bulls don’t have a C now ? Who mans the middle ? They going promote Thomas to starting C ? The Cavs made out on this trade but I think both Seattle and Chi town got taken. How many of the contracts absorbed by the Bulls and Sonics are expiring ?

Is this like Wally’s 8th team ?

By JohnQ on Feb 21, 2008 at 4:10 pm

@ DLT…

Make no mistake about it…the need is definitely felt to make a trade…

There just aren’t any takers interested in our “pieces”….

By Bronxboy in Md on Feb 21, 2008 at 4:11 pm

For once I agree with Zeke and Dolan………………what?

Yea,DON’T TRADE ANYONE,PUNISH THEM,FORCE THEM TO PLAY TOGETHER.

THE FANS ARE UNHAPPY,SO MAKE THE PLAYERS UNHAPPY TOO!

DON’T GIVE THEM A WAY OUT WITH A TRADE.

PUNISH EM’.

I have offically lost it…..no trades….you gotta be joking.

By D L T Knicks on Feb 21, 2008 at 4:20 pm

DLT,

yeah it is a joke (unfortunately the joke’s on us the fans and the team effort is the punchline)

By JohnQ on Feb 21, 2008 at 4:22 pm

Noize,

Great point, but you can’t include Malik in the negative value argument. He is still a quality guy to put around young players and his contract is expiring next year.

By JohnQ on Feb 21, 2008 at 4:28 pm

Paul,

Larry Hughes is also overvalued and he was traded today.

We are usually the recipients of overvalued contracts.

By HarleminMD on Feb 21, 2008 at 4:29 pm

@Bronxboy & John Q

So what do we have to look forward to the next 2 months?

More losing with this group?

Poor defense?

Poor effort?

More turnovers than sold in a bakery?

“hey Eddy and Zach are throwing a party in THE PAINT,all are welcome”.

By D L T Knicks on Feb 21, 2008 at 4:30 pm

DLT,

We have 3 things to look forward to but they both will occur after the season.

1. high draft pick

2. Artest coming home through a sign and trade

3. Thomas on the unemployment line

By JohnQ on Feb 21, 2008 at 4:33 pm

@John Q

So how can we not watch this team(I’m sorry,group of people)for the rest of the season?

By D L T Knicks on Feb 21, 2008 at 4:43 pm

Also John Q

1.We may not get a top five pick(see Boston 2007 draft)

2.Artest may not want to be part of this drama of team titanic(I meant group of people)

3.What if Thomas is still here,with Curry,Marbury,James,Collins,Zach,Rose,Q…..?

By D L T Knicks on Feb 21, 2008 at 4:48 pm

DLT,

If you can answer that question for me I’m all ears. I have attempted to quit on the season 5x already. To quote one of my favorite movies ” Everytime I think I’m out, they pull me back in ! “

By JohnQ on Feb 21, 2008 at 4:49 pm

@96………..

1. have faith, most of the time the ping pong balls get it right.

2. I choose to believe that he’ll be on board

3. Put a hit out on Dolan ?

By JohnQ on Feb 21, 2008 at 5:00 pm

@John Q

Hope I can fit all 3 on the back of my “I love the Knicks” Tee-shirt.

By D L T Knicks on Feb 21, 2008 at 5:08 pm

Lives,
I was derilect in my fanship, friendship and “humaness” not to comment on that stellar post this AM. Useful. Most and very useful. I most appreciate that your post supports the profile (discerned through comparitive literary analysis or what we call here your blog DNA) that has emerged in my mind. Consistency is a true mark of a professional (I suppose that’s why we ask our heros never to miss a FT or to shoot 40% FG, miss lay-ups or blow breakaway dunks). From the moment I read you, I stated that you are a gentleperson and write like a scholar. Now I get to join your side as we argue for the merits/de-merits of the HBCUs in America. You know what’s good. That’s a topic for DC with the Force MDs and the poets’lounge.

KFLL

By Steady on Feb 21, 2008 at 6:25 pm

i’ll put it out there that mebbe dolan’s advertising for a new top-rank GM. for five years he’s given zeke all the ingredients he could fit in the kitchen, extended his contract when many were screaming for his head and now dolan’s turned up the heat — make it work, zeke! by cutting off funding to zeke, funds that might inflict more long-term damage, he’s cutting his losses; by keeping zeke til end of season he’s effectively saying, “hey GMs, it’s ok to work for me, look how loyal i was to zeke!”

does that make any sense?

By Charles Follymacher on Feb 21, 2008 at 7:06 pm

Nice try, Charles, but nah. Pay them and they will come. Except for Chris Mullin maybe.

By Agramante on Feb 21, 2008 at 7:21 pm

ok, it was worth a shot.

By Charles Follymacher on Feb 21, 2008 at 7:40 pm

@CF

Yes, it does make sense,if true. The team is already a mess.But, the good news is that some contracts are expiring and they is some room to make some changes.

_________________LET”S PLAY GM__________________________

After this year: -Morris =810,000
-Fred Jones =3,300,000 contracts expire.

BUT,After this season you can trade Marbury’s expiring contract(21,000,000),Rose(7,101,250),JJames(5,800,000).The young pups contracts(Lee,Robinson,Balkman,Collins,Chandler)also expire and you may need some of that 21 million to keep Lee,Robinson,Balkman & Chandler. I would let Collins walk.That’s about 37 million off the cap in 2 years(not including the young pups).

There will be many teams willing to take Marbury’s 21 million expiring contract for BIG cap room in 09.

This could give the new GM some cards to play with in trading off some non-productive players(see ECurry,JJames,JJeferies),and adding other players.Thus remaking the team.

By D L T Knicks on Feb 21, 2008 at 7:42 pm

FM,
Here’s a Just Blogin’ for your #102.

NYC is King of the Fn’ Hill, Top of the Heap, A NUMBER ONE. We don’t need any gimmicks to attrack talent. JD has the coins and he uses them willy-nilly-monty. You can just guess who “nilly” was that HOF ABS.

KFLL

By Steady on Feb 21, 2008 at 7:43 pm

DLT, my eyes glazed over after “let’s play gm.” now i have a headache. i guess you’re sayin things aren’t as bleak as harlem painted in #82? good.

thanks for the extra bit there, steady. i always forget to tack that on (i’ll get it one of these days). keep in mind a top-rank GM can command good money pretty much anywhere. and GMs are wary of working with pita owners. i still think jimmy’s subtling making the case that you will have the room/time/resources to get the job done. that’s sexy stuff to GM. jimmy would do well to have HOFABS go hoarse for a few months (just in case).

jus bloggin (? was that proper usage?)

By Charles Follymacher on Feb 21, 2008 at 8:03 pm

@CF

Yes, this year is looking very bad. We can only hope the players man-up and play good ball to make the season interesting for us.

As for next year, a 21 million dollar contract bring on many buyers.Marbury,James and Rose will equal 33 million in expiring contracts that any team will want.

By D L T Knicks on Feb 21, 2008 at 8:38 pm

Also CF,

I disagree with my mentor Steady.

We do have the money to bring in who we want, BUT,New York is a tough town that likes results fast. IF this new high-paid GM sees he has no cards to deal and will be stuck in this mess Zeke made,he will not WANT the job.

By D L T Knicks on Feb 21, 2008 at 8:43 pm

OK,
So….. what we have now is what we started with!
My Knicks …your Knicks…our Knicks!
Brother don’t be fooled by the perception that
we were the team that showed up last night!
We may be that! We may also be the team that beat the WIZ!

Remember John Lennon’s IMAGINE!
This is for the Artistic brothers amongst the Bloggers!
This song says it all with a beautful lady giving us the lead!
You have to be an Artist to understand this ..so I appoligize
to to all that don’t “get it. Reach inside my bruh’s
I hope Someone feels this Vibe! This is how I feel about MY KNICKS!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=QnKRpvsgO0Y

By Peaceman on Feb 21, 2008 at 8:55 pm

Peaceman,

Wish I had your spirit.You always see the light in the Knicks’ dark tunnel.

Just don’t be “sad and lonely” as the song says.

By D L T Knicks on Feb 21, 2008 at 9:09 pm

I feel like a little kid that didn’t get anything for Christmas.

“The Trade Deadline is coming,The Trade Deadline is coming”

The Trade Deadline has came and has gone and didn’t leave us Knick fans anything.

I’m going to stop believing in the Trade Deadline. It only brings high hopes and doesn’t delivery.

By D L T Knicks on Feb 21, 2008 at 11:00 pm

Hey fellas

I just recovered from my drunken stupor after yesterdays game.

Man what a hangover!

Lives

Thanks for looking out but BronxboyininMD meant Opie in a fun way.

OBTW while we are expressing ourselves through music…

Here is the one song that comes to my mind when I think of Isiah “Monty” Thomas

Betrayer!

If the ranting is too uninteligble here are the lyrics.

Fits Isiah to a T (Except for the reference regarding how one treats their mom of course)

This is a song which
I use to describe what I feel
About people like you
No sense for humanity,
No idea about life
This premise has been proved
You used my trust to
Satisfy your brainless lust
Your word isn’t worth more
Than a puke in a dust

[CHORUS]

Betrayer
Betrayer

Misleader, you twisted things
To satisfy
Deceiver, this greedy lust
You can’t deny

How could I be so naive
To believe all the lies
You so easily told
I think I’ve learned my lesson
Too late
The story took time to unfold
Now I see your true face
Behind your mask, a cheat, a fake
Your word isn’t worth more than
puke in the dust

[CHORUS REPEATS]

Ignorant twisted mind, maybe it
Would help
To think before you speak
From time to time
Pretend to be a friend of mine
But you would sell
Your mother if you could
For less than a dime

Intelligence lost, brain deseased,
So you will loose,
Fall to your kness
Guys like you I cannot stand
Maybe I must speak
Another language
Before you understand

[CHORUS REPEATS]

Good night yall

All storms pass even this shall pass!

By Orange and Blue on Feb 22, 2008 at 12:30 am

D L T,

What an honor and blessing that you’ve bestowed upon me here. I firmly believe in the concept and have a few mentors myself. If one went by the name alone, mentors would have only shame and no following. The word mentor is derived from the French “mentir” which means to lie. Mentiroso is menteur which leads us to Monty. You follow me?

Seriously though, while just bloggin’, it’s OK to disagree on this particular point. I see your argument and it is also sensible to me. My angle is based on ceteris paribus–with all else being equal. I think the market rate for GM, coaches, and VPs of Bball operations has been set. The upper echelon types (there are about 5-7) will get the max at about $10 mil per. The lower tier types will come in at around $1.5 mil to $5.5 mil. The wild card (since we’re talking about Monty) is threefold: Dolan does not have to do anything with/about IT; there’s always “somebody” out there who will “ho” down and take the job just be in the NYC–though they may not be qualified (”The Jet” Smith comes to mind); and there will always be someone who comes through the door with a carpet bag in tow talking about how they can make things better despite the existing assets (or lack thereof) (see IT/ZEKE/Monty).

Overall, I say that playing Fantasy GM may be fun but it wears on the fanship experience. We never know enough about the corporate politrix or the economics of the franchise, the back-room deals, the NBA script, etc. to come up with a sensible and logical projection of events. Sometimes their actions defy logic. Take for example the Monty rotation or his refusal to coach the TEAM concept. We don’t know all the details so we can’t be too upset when it does not play out our way. That’s why I choose to simply remain steadfast in support of any who dons the Orange & Blue. Anyone who wants me to do otherwise can join me in some bar snacks of salty nuts and St. Pauli’s Girl. Just bloggin’

KFLL

By Steady on Feb 22, 2008 at 1:06 am

O&B,
Life is clearly imitating art here. Great post and on point through and throug.

KFLL

By Steady on Feb 22, 2008 at 1:14 am

Yo Defenders! Whazuuuuuuup! Cheer up everybody.We wait for the ping pong balls and our slot.As much as Zeke does draft well,he’s probably gone at seasons end.If not,lets see if we can fill a need and then make some SMART trades in the off season.This is what I think will happen.I’m just happy no SILLY trades were made. Peace out Defenders.

By George M. on Feb 22, 2008 at 2:54 am

George M. has a really good point. At least Isiah and Grunwald did not make matters worse. In the Defender fervor for change, the only real change that most believe will right the ship is Isiah’s change of address and Dolan’s change of hobbies. The address change is inevitable, voluntarily, involuntarily or mutually agreed upon. It will happen. although DOlan has surprised us all, all season long.

Isiah and Grunwald did not make matters worse — which contrary to popular belief was very probable. GM’s were looking at us as a fire sale. Many of our virtual GMs talk about our players as though they are untradeable, but as Steady points out, we would be surprised what is really tradeable when we understand the entire mix of economics and corporate politicks. We have tradeable pieces, but we were about to get fleeced. Monty has been holding his cards too far away from the table and face up. The other GMs had his cards and would have taken his players for the right price — they thought it was a buyers market.

Someone will pick up Curry and return him to a serviceable offensive force. He fits the profile for 25 teams that don’t give a damn about defense and need a big man to play about 20 minutes. Stephen is outta here, but his contract becomes a great asset to set us up for a major purchase in 2009. Someone will buy Randolph too. Character issues are just an excuse to get him on the cheap. Someone will take him and they don’t care if he becomes a journeyman — he is one of the better PFs in today’s NBA. In other words, flawed players get traded everyday, including yesterday but yesterday Isiah chose not to get fleeced. Good for him.

I will not say the season is over. I will leave that to the other fans and the actions on the court which will speak louder than my words. It ain’t over until the fat center loses the ball in the paint for the last time. But now the Knickerbockers are stuck with each other. Isiah and his crew can either ride the remainder of this season out with dignity or they can act like the Boston Celtics of last year — just die while increasing the value of some of their other assets like Chandler, Morris and Balkman. They can go from STANK to TANK, but guaranteed that they will do that in a way that will get them penalized ten times worse than any other team would. Your friendly press corp will take great glee in increasing the Dolan misery by extending their effort to have the fans boo and Stern be stern. Losing for the sake of losing would be a mistake. Losing because you suck is always appropriate.

__________________________

O&B, I was just being silly and trying to come up with another excuse to travel to MD. I assumed you guys were just funnin’ and I was buttin’ in by being desperately silly. As you know desperate times call for desperate measures.

__________________________

They are stuck with each other. We will find out what manner of men these guys really are. Watch Randolph very closely. That episode with Nate cuts both ways. It was