Tonight: does the winner lose, and does the loser win?
March 12, 2008 – 5:45 pmThe battle for ultimate futility between the New York Knicks (18-46) and the Miami Heat (11-51) starts at 7:30pm down in Miami.
Just going from the comments in the last post during the Dallas game, some of you Knicks die-hards shut off your TV by the time first quarter had ended. I don’t blame you, nothing good came out of that game, nothing at all. Okay, maybe the prospect of another ping pong ball or two in the 2008 NBA draft lottery, so that’s something if they sink lower than the 5th worst. Hardly a reason to watch the remaining three quarters though.
I’m not going to sugar-coat any summary of this Knicks basketball team with a month and some change remaining in this disappointing season. The Knicks haven’t shown me anything this year. Last season, they showed me something I could believe in, and I paid money on a regular to watch this team play at the Garden.
This season, I have been to just one regular season game.
This season, Marbury, after he ran away in phoenix, was chased out of New York by Isiah.
David Lee has lost some of his hops and production.
Quentin absolutely would not be starting on any other team in the NBA.
Balkman has not been a factor for a good majority of the season.
Randolph has only further proven his career as a good statistical player on a bad team.
Eddy Curry is following in the footsteps of Mike Sweetney’s work ethic post-Knicks draft.
Crawford, well I won’t go there, because some defenders think Crawford is doing well this year; I am not one of them.
The idea of Isiah Thomas as a come mierda of a GM/coach was further supported by his talk of a championship in New York with a 26% winning percentage at the time.
…
Jason Kidd had this and that to say about the Knicks after Dallas demolished the Knicks the other night. Some of it is surprising, some of it is to be expected.
…
Isiah Thomas humbles himself in New York, for once. Well, sort of…
…
Mr. Spitzer just resigned. During the last post, there was a lot of discussion about New York Governor Eliot Spitzer taking the heat for exposed prostitution purchases. I just think the timing is very typical for the media. Any time some real issues arise, something like this gets exposed to change the subject and sedate the masses on something that pales in significance to three or so ongoing wars. Where is the database of dirt the republicans obviously keep on the democrats?
Now that the real controversy of the disqualified primaries in Michigan and Florida (the significance of which being millions of voters voices silenced again and that’s not to mention the weight of the missing delegates) are being exposed as Republican sabotage, a democrat from New York gets exposed for having expensive taste in prostitutes. It was my understanding that a lot of the politicians had such taste, but perhaps that is just a stereotype, right? A democratic stereotype? Yet what happened to the republican senator in the men’s bathroom stall looking for sex?
…
For any book lovers near NYC, the 6th Ave Barnes & Noble location is closing for good. All books marked with a white dot are now on clearance. Last year, I cleaned up when Tower Records on Broadway in the village, and later Hollywood Video, both shut down. This year, it’s Barnes. Kind of sad.
Scores:
Barack’s second book, The Audacity of Hope.
The Miracle of St. Anthony written by Adrian Wojnarowski of The Record. Chronicles a year in the life of Coach Bob Hurley and Jersey City’s famed Saint Anthony’s high school basketball team. They took state again this year.
(Hurley in the background)
57 Responses to “Tonight: does the winner lose, and does the loser win?”
First!
Who will get intot he fetal position or bytch position first the Miami Cheat, or our Beloved Knicks?
By Orange and Blue on Mar 12, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Yo KnicksD
“Come Mierda!”
I associate that word with right wing conservative Cuban expatriates.
That’s the word other hispanics use for that kind of Cuban.
By Orange and Blue on Mar 12, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Well as game time draws near here is some music for the soul.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZO_X6vxAfU&feature=related
Hit that maraca up with some corn give it more kick!
Don’t let Monty, Dolan, or Stern and his script writers break your spirits!
Lets Go Knicks!
To the long and bitter end!
By Orange and Blue on Mar 12, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Knicks quickly working their way into the fetal position.
Which Thomas is no stranger to at all.
By Orange and Blue on Mar 12, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Blogzilla,
Very broad strokes on this post. There’s enough room to get to a G or a K or whatever means 1,000 these days. Let ‘er ride.
KFLL
By Steady on Mar 12, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Knicks have gotten out of the fetal position to knot up the score at 24 all.
By Orange and Blue on Mar 12, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Let’s Go Knicks!!
Thanks Peaceman for the video.
By D L T Knicks on Mar 12, 2008 at 8:55 pm
We can do this!
KFLL
By Steady on Mar 12, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Matrix gets “fouled” and will get to Stern’s charity stripe to try to cut the deficit down to two points.
By Orange and Blue on Mar 12, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Miami CHEAT!
By Orange and Blue on Mar 12, 2008 at 9:33 pm
One good thing we got out of this game is we really do suck.
If Miami gave us a good game like this then I know we really
deserve that high pick. If Miami has the #1 pick..they will
pick Beasley. If we get Rose…perfect.
Damn why did we win tonight?
LMAO
By DaVonn Obama Jefferson on Mar 12, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Hey DVOJ
I read an article about Obama in Rolling Stone Magazine.
He’s got my vote.
Certainly would prefer him over that other “democratic” nominee dressed in womans clothing and quasi liberal but more notable virtual conservative garb!
Obama in 08!
By Orange and Blue on Mar 12, 2008 at 9:47 pm
The Cheat will likely take Beasely
and draft a PG in the early 2nd round.
Knicks look to win the game.
CHEAT look to win the lottery
N.B.A.!
LMAO!
By Orange and Blue on Mar 12, 2008 at 9:48 pm
As a NYKFLL, I’m tankful for this win 2nite.
KFLL
By Steady on Mar 12, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Tru da Steady
I like winning too.
The draft is the draft, not for sure you will get the #1 pick if you finish last.
By D L T Knicks on Mar 12, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Well I concurr steady and DLT
Any win is good for the sole this time of year.
I feel like a dog that’s been beat down but this win helps sooth the pain.
Cheat lose the game…
Here’s to CHEAT losing the lottery!
By Orange and Blue on Mar 12, 2008 at 10:01 pm
O & B
Yea, We don’t want to be the WORST team in the NBA!
Give that to Miami.
By D L T Knicks on Mar 12, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Did we win?
By Jay Bee on Mar 12, 2008 at 10:24 pm
JB
91-88
By D L T Knicks on Mar 12, 2008 at 10:26 pm
We Got the W JayBee though both teams did their NBA best for da script.
KFLL
By Steady on Mar 12, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Yes!! The playoff express is still on track! NY gets in with the worst record in history!
Whaaaat?
It could happen.
By Jay Bee on Mar 12, 2008 at 10:28 pm
@ 21..
Let’s hope not.
By Bronxboy in Md on Mar 12, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Jibber-Jabbering,
PLAYOFFS!! Are we Talkin PLAYOFFS!!!
The team is conflicted. The goal is to beat the HOF coach’s 23 Wins, but to also collect PING-PONGS.
It will be interesting to see how the last 5-weeks play out.
Something that is very obvious is that Isiah is not going to SHOWCASE Randolph Morris to the league
and allow him to sign w/ another team. Remember he is an unrestricted free-agent at the end of the year.
Although not a great athlete, the youngin has some talent. He’s a better Rebounder than Curry(who isn’t),
a better shot-blocker, has better B-ball instincts due to his college experience, and does not
require the emotional maintenance Eddy needs. Is he the 2nd coming of Kareem? No, but in Stern’s NBA
of today you need a guy who can face-up and play out on the floor, ala Euro-style.
Flexing w/ Ping-Pongs. The high draft position may also allow the Knicks to dump some contracts, and
open slots on the knicks. A team may be willing to take JJeff, JJames(wishful thinking) if we
enhance their position w/ a trade or some manuever around draft-picks. Positioning is everything!!!
It is apparent that Steph will not be back, so that’s 1-slot, but the Knicks also need a backup.
Someone mentioned Duhon, who I believe would be an excellent back-up, but wood out of Chi- is that he
Enjoys the night-life. I would prefer Mardy, but Isiah does not have the confidence in Mardy.
O & B, Attempting to take the middle ground on Ping-Pongs or Winning is confusing. You can’t please both sides.
I know the pressure from those who can’t see the forest for the trees is great, but stick w/ your guns.
If you are unsure about which approach, that’s ok, but you can’t take both sides depending on the
conversation. Have conviction. As MLK once stated, “Sometimes being Right, and being Popular are different”.
Do not attempt to be Follyish.
Peace & Blessings
By Statesman on Mar 13, 2008 at 4:58 am
NBA
“Nothing But Actors”
I am disappointed, but that game was a hoot. I must be honest. I could barely watch the game because it played like a “Three Stooges” episode. There was more bumbling and fumbling than a Miami Dolphin game. I was dying laughing when RIcky fell on the inbounds pass and Jason crashed the air with a unheroic three point shot. The Knicks, the same Knicks that were playing good teams close, were just as bad as far as I was concerned. At least they hit the rim. I refuse to put up the Just Bliggin’ sign because my speculation feels like evaluation — what you see, is what you get. Last night they all played like shyte.
If the Knicks and Atlanta play like this on Sunday, I am going to have to watch some hockey until my daughters softball season starts, becuase I can’t take it.
Anyway, I believe the Magic number is now 9 set against the Nets. The Nets won last night against Cleveland of all teams. As I said before, Cleveland looks weak. I think this off-season I change my policy on rooting and discussing trades. If we have a chance to get LeBron, I will hold up the necessary signs outside the Garden ot encourage that development. I will also hold up signs outside the Gund Arena to encourage their folly.
Jay Bee and Steady, you gentlemen have lost your minds. That was some funny shyte. As Gil Scott Heron would say: A.C. Green? Do you believe that? Wilt Chamberlain? DO you believe that? Eliot Spiter as of March 1st? Did you believe that?
But Steady from the research that dropped on my doorstep I learned that a “jump off” is a one levels below a “side piece” and two levels below a “baby girl” which is a sub for “wifey.” I will just say that Ms. Cole has a “main frame” of side piece stature, D or DD notwithstanding or standing perk and packed. But I do understand that you should never let a “jump off” get your real address (batcave) because she will change it for you in a minute and I see “jump off” status in Keyshia’s steeley eyes. So I go back to A.C.’s motto of restraint and abstainance. Might as well just leave that booty alone.
States, I could not come up with a witty retort on the OCS issue. You sunk my battleship. Excellent Jibber-Jabber Jabberwocky style in the Jordan and LeBron Box (POst #23). I agree with much of it. The remainder is very useful and provocative.
Peace and Blessings All.
By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Mar 13, 2008 at 7:18 am
Mission completed for the Clintons.
http://www.usnews.com/blogs/washington-whispers/2008/03/06/white-house-moving-day-tab-89-million.html
While Bush will be the newest member of the former presidents club, he won’t be the most expensive when he arrives in Texas. Bill Clinton should keep that title, even if he goes through with a rumored move of his offices from Harlem to Georgetown.
By HarleminMD on Mar 13, 2008 at 10:21 am
s’funny statesman that jaybee an LIVES (f’rinstance) pretty much manage to do exactly that, month in, month out. Of course bein “right” ain’t always a strickly objective thing, depends on the eye (pink or clear).
anywayz, i’m juust human enough not to purposefully seek rejection, but let’s not get it twisted, alls i ever wanted was to be able to boost dnice w/o being labelled msm/troll. afaik, that wuz cleared up a long while ago so i’m good to go; anything more’n that is gravy.
tank, schmank, as long as it’s not stupefyingly obvious (like RMo being pinned to the bench when Curry is out), it’s prolly a smart thing for this franchise to tilt toward. it’s all a matter of degree.
By Charles Follymacher on Mar 13, 2008 at 10:39 am
This stretch is what I was bloggin about..we can finally have a 9-10 game win streak!
There is no reason we shouldn’t, and that would put us up with ATL and jersey as they have
tougher schedules. We have to beat ATL the next three games so we can own them like we own the Nets
if there is a tie breaker! Imagine the Knicks getting in because we tie the Nets and ATL for 8th
and we get in because we won the season series???? That would make up for the whole sorry ass year!
TILL THE END!
By Peaceman on Mar 13, 2008 at 12:26 pm
I love how this place reads like fantasy land after one win over a pathetic Heat team. If you really love this team (and I believe 99% of us here do) you have to root for more lottery chances instead of playoffs (which would just keep us mired in mediocrity next year too)IMO.
By JohnQ on Mar 13, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Harlem,
You’re takin’ this discourse to a whole nother level with that useful post. The Clinton effect on NY has already been done. In fact, we should coin a new word here to describe being “Clintoned” or “Clintonized”. The former (Clintoned-adj. or verb) is to: waffle, agree to rules and change the rules or targets midway through all the while bamboozling the observers and adversaries with threats, reproach, jibber-jabber, and hoodwinks. The latter (Clintonized-verb or adj.) is a victim of the former or a state where things change for better or for worse with a whole lot of carnage behind to prove it. Here are some examples of usage (basketball context included):
IT “Clintoned” the NYK fans by insisting the team would go the playoffs and be an improvement over last year and superior to the sabotage effort by the HOF ABS coach.
After the 2008 season the showing by the NYK, the fans at KnicksDefense (Peaceman, DVJ, and JohnQ) can rest assured that the team will be “Clintonized”.
More usage you say? It makes sense for President Clinton to announce a move to Georgetown, DC. The announcement works on two levels: America has been Clintoned into believing that a runner-up will pick the front-runner to be a sidekick; and Harlem has already been Clintonized so moving out while you’re ahead in real estate equity is normal.
Back in the day we used words like gentrification and ghettoization, etc. We provide this thought here for entertainment purposes only as Steady applies for a FTE with the MSM or Writers’ Guild. Lives and Cooleyhigh gots da connects–make it good
Meanwhile, the MSMs can bite on this with the salty nuts sans attribution.
Cooleyhigh–GWS, ya boy holla atcha!
KFLL
By Steady on Mar 13, 2008 at 1:20 pm
i think we should tank some more and get a higher draft pick
By Jazz on Mar 13, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Steady,
I wouldn’t say Harlem is Clintonized. Thanks to the empowerment zone funding, the recent zoning change of 125th street, and the development of hotels, restaurants and other businesses on 125 in the near future, Harlem is showing signs of “Obamaitis”, that is, constructive and inclusive change of a community.
By HarleminMD on Mar 13, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Hey, we were pimped by the Clintons, but they introduced us to higher standards. we moved from 8th avenue hos to the emperors club.
Stay tuned for the fall.
By HarleminMD on Mar 13, 2008 at 5:10 pm
A game show competing with the “Blame Game” at Knicks Fix? LOL. Family Feud: Dolan’s versus the Sterns.
By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Mar 13, 2008 at 5:11 pm
and to all those who think Harlem is another example of gentrification, I say “put yo’ money up!” Become owners and investors of your community.
I’m out like Isiah on April 29.
By HarleminMD on Mar 13, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Re: #23
“I know the pressure from those who can’t see the forest for the trees is great, but stick w/ your guns.”
“Pressure?”
If this were just about getting along then I would say, “Woo hoo!! You’re all correct! Bring on the ping pongs, fire Isiah, Curry’s fat, this team sucks” and other platititudes that seem to appease the “forward” thinking. We don’t need to agree but watch the insults, you hurt my feelings. lol. Your opinions I value or I wouldn’t be here, but I stand by and defend my opinions. I don’t have surrogates speaking for me. If I am let down by this team, so be it. It wouldn’t be the first time and won’t be the last. I’m a fan(atic) and that’s just how I roll.
I truthfully and with a straight face can say that this team has more talent, more pieces than almost any they’ve had in my lifetime and is just a few pieces away (and maybe a few wins) from being great. The record speaks to the errant coaching of Isiah and the unwillingness of a few of those talented pieces to bend for the greater good. But when you look at the true core of the team: N8, David, Balkman, Chandler, Jamal, Jeffries, Zach. I see that each of those guys night in and out play hard, has worked on improving their game and some have even changed some aspects (Zach’s passing, David’s improved shooting, N8’s work on his game between the ears) for the betterment of the team.
In management, and specifically in motivation, you are constantly tasked with long range planning and the operations detail. You have to be able to see the forest and the trees, not either/or. What works in the short term may not be good long term. Teaching them to lose on purpose only fosters a losing culture and selfish behavior in order to maximize personal value. Teaching them to be hungry, to be aggressive, that your opportunities are not entitlements, teaching them to give up their own goals for the needs of the team those are lessons that are hard to teach and don’t necessarily pay off in the short term, but are valuable in term of creating a winning atmosphere and culture. You want to create a culture that is internal on a personal level where you are willing to do what it takes to win and on a team level where teammates police each other to enforce the team standards of doing what it takes to win. For all his faults, I believe Isiah has tried to instill these things in this team and to try to build a culture that will be here long after he’s gone. I remain confident in the face of a maelstrom of opposition that this team can win, even now.
However, I’m not bleeding and as the saying goes, “No blood, no foul.” so we’re good. Not even attacking your point, which I understand wasn’t directly addressed to me, but I’m just defending the tree-huggers.
Blog-on!
By Jay Bee on Mar 13, 2008 at 5:59 pm
HarlemMD,
No greater truth has ever been typed. I maintain that Harlem, NY was Clintonized because it really picked up after he moved to the area. What he may leave behind if he indeed moves those coins to Georgetown will be an interesting story. I support fully your formulation that those of us who don’t want to see gentrification happen should just shut up and buck-up with the benjamins. Self-hatred and reverse classism are part causes of the ills affecting so many communities.
I like Obamaitis and I endorse that f’n message but the body of work is just being developed. The concept is a gleam in the salty nuts pouch. Obamaitis is the antidote to Clintonitis. Still, and don’t get it twisted, I know the color of my gums, the size of my talents, and from whence I came. I need and plan to stay forever Steady and forever AWAKE.
Good readin’ ya bruh!
KFLL
By Steady on Mar 13, 2008 at 6:05 pm
JayBee,
I’m Steady and I endorse your f’n message in #35.
Insert the NBA script. Slick Riley is a better Actor as our culprit (Monty) sat last night.
KFLL
By Steady on Mar 13, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Fantasy land John Q?
Fantasy land is the lottery…where top 5 picks become Kawame Brown or Ed Obanion’s, or Chris Washburns…
You never play a game to lose if you have any pride, and you sure as hell don’t give up until the math
eliminates you! I really love the Knicks, so for you to say anyone thats against tanking don’t love these Knicks
..is pure bullshit! TILL THE END!
By Peaceman on Mar 13, 2008 at 6:16 pm
@ Harlem MD & Steady,
Sharing the knowledge and talking about something substative. I’ve been tellin ya’ll that my Dawg Harlem MD has juice beyond his years and insights that are rare for one that’s Climbing Jacobs Ladder. The interesting storyline about the recent Harlem Renaissance was actually a by-product of Alma & Bro. Rangel, and a very ambitious Professor at Columbia University (which by the way to this day, refuses to say it is in Harlem, how laughable)and the development of a CDC they established to take advantage of the enterprise and empowerment zones that open the door VIA Clinton influenced connects to come in, along with Cushman & Wake, and a myriad of Developers and REITS that came and invested low, sold high to comsumers , and even through a few crumbs and significant tax bearks to the brothers like Magic, Bob Johnson, Keyshawn Johnson, and a couple of Ferrer’s hispanic boys swho by the way if you haven’t notice are ALL HILLARY CLINTON SUPPORTERS and hatchet men. Quid Pro Quo is the name of the game, and some papers even have my signature on a few…What you know is important because timing is everything in the Money Game, but Who you know produces the Proper Execution of a well thought out strategic plan by the efficient removal of mundane barriers that slow down flow, especially when it is about getting in early, and getting out Wealthy…The basic PUMP and DUMP…
It’s the America Way…You have to learn to become a Chartered Member without LOSING YOUR SOUL…Instead of the Emperors Club, Martha’s Kitchen, Ronald McDonald’s House, UNCF, your Alma Mater, your Local Church (with solid and viable ecumenical and community programs for the disadvantage)…ect….
WE ARE BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS! Intelligence is key, but up to date DATA is the TRUE CURRENCY…But WTF do I know…I’m a religious Fanatic…Zealot…LOL LOL LOL
Speak Truth To Wisdom
Keep it POPPIN!
By Cooleyhigh on Mar 13, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Forgive JohnQ Peaceman, he and few others want to play lose for Ping-Pong balls, not for trophies. They are realists with a clear vision about the future. Fans who want the team to play for wins are called DB-Nice–delusional but nice.
To the tankers on this here blog, stop Clintoning me! Hope you catch Obamaitis. Si se puede.
KFLL
By Steady on Mar 13, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Statesman @ 23
You said the following:
“O & B, Attempting to take the middle ground on Ping-Pongs or Winning is confusing. You can’t please both sides.
I know the pressure from those who can’t see the forest for the trees is great, but stick w/ your guns.
If you are unsure about which approach, that’s ok, but you can’t take both sides depending on the
conversation. Have conviction. As MLK once stated, “Sometimes being Right, and being Popular are different”.
Do not attempt to be Follyish.”
I am sure about my position, I simply don’t want the team to go into the fetal position. I merely want them to play competitve basketball. If playing with integrity leads to the playoff and what many believe will be an early exit oh well, if it leads to the lottery, and a player who may fill a need that’s good to.
What I meant by a post I made on a prior thread is that there is a distinction between intentionally tanking, which I believ would result from an organizational directive to instruct the coach and team to approach the game in a manner that gravitates towards the sole goal of a top prize in the lottery, and transitioning the team as the situation evovles to address multiple objectives at the particular juncture and fact set of the season.
An example of intentionally tanking IMHO is the Miami CHEAT. Their cheatus tankarendi is very much spelled out with the actions taken by the members of the organization (from head coach to star player). For example, Dwayne Wade waxes poetic about rehabbing his knee at a certain juncture in the season but that same concern for his “gimpy” knee is a ruse b/c that Cheat Star gaurd intends to play this summer with the U.S. Olympic Team. Another Example, is the Master Motivator, and Ego Maniac Tank Smilely, getting into advance scout mode while the season is still underway. Nothing says throwin in the towel more than an egomaniac coach who couldn’t wait to get out of his GM seat to oust Ron Jeremy Clone, Stan Van Gundy, when the Heat were on the verge of a championship run with a younger and revitalized Shaq, and an emerging superstar in Wade but who now counts the moments untill he can start assessing the talent in the NCAA tournament that his teams conspicously bad play has afforded him.
Meanwhile the Knicks with a star player in Marbury, if memory serves me correctly, sought to have Marbury postpone the invasive procedure to remove the bone spurs, which revealed the condition that has sidelined the Coney Island product for the rest of the season. And in addition, the teams head coach, Monty, continued to put out the starting lineup he, erroneously, believed could produce a playoff berth. Whatsmore he continued on that track untill it was clear that certain of the players he relied upon, notable Q-Rich, weren’t as productive as he gave them credit for being, and other players came down with injuries (Z_BO and most recently Curry). When that happened Monty began a partial switch towards a youth movement of players who when played don’t result in a notable dropp off in production or at the very least address deficiencies the injured players dont provide.
Say what you will, perhaps the Knick Organization is stupid and the Cheat Organization has its house in order for TANKING… but in a season when the Knicks as a team have faced constant glutinous and gratuitous attacks by the MSM, what little valor remains in the organization is that the coach and the players approach the sport of basketball with integrity by not taking in the rear b/c the MSM, David Stern’s script writers, and fans “in the know” would prefer that they throw in the towel and intentionally play to lose.
Because as blurry as the line is between adapting to changed circumstances– injuries, placement in the conferene and playoff chase, and unforseen sideshows– by playing the teams youth, an even blurrier line is created when you intentionally foster an invite the team and the organization to embrace losing. That is never the correct approach.
Peace and Blessings
By Orange and Blue on Mar 13, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Damn. Worth repeating.
Say what you will, perhaps the Knick Organization is stupid and the Cheat Organization has its house in order for TANKING… but in a season when the Knicks as a team have faced constant glutinous and gratuitous attacks by the MSM, what little valor remains in the organization is that the coach and the players approach the sport of basketball with integrity by not taking in the rear b/c the MSM, David Stern’s script writers, and fans “in the know” would prefer that they throw in the towel and intentionally play to lose.
Because as blurry as the line is between adapting to changed circumstances– injuries, placement in the conferene and playoff chase, and unforseen sideshows– by playing the teams youth, an even blurrier line is created when you intentionally foster an invite the team and the organization to embrace losing. That is never the correct approach.
By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Mar 13, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Wow. BAMMMMM.
In management, and specifically in motivation, you are constantly tasked with long range planning and the operations detail. You have to be able to see the forest and the trees, not either/or. What works in the short term may not be good long term. Teaching them to lose on purpose only fosters a losing culture and selfish behavior in order to maximize personal value. Teaching them to be hungry, to be aggressive, that your opportunities are not entitlements, teaching them to give up their own goals for the needs of the team those are lessons that are hard to teach and don’t necessarily pay off in the short term, but are valuable in term of creating a winning atmosphere and culture. You want to create a culture that is internal on a personal level where you are willing to do what it takes to win and on a team level where teammates police each other to enforce the team standards of doing what it takes to win. For all his faults, I believe Isiah has tried to instill these things in this team and to try to build a culture that will be here long after he’s gone. I remain confident in the face of a maelstrom of opposition that this team can win, even now.
I love this blog. Just when I’m ready to assume fetal position. . . .
By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Mar 13, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Professor Lives,
I see you too pulled out the salient points from our brother-bloggers today. JayBe pulled that segment right out of his dissertation. Gige him his cap and gown. Brother O&B has decided to leave color commentary and rise to the level of the discourse. Gentlepeople, we have a community here.
BTW, you can only get in the fetal position AFTER learning the techniques of the Blow Me Club. Brother Cooleyhigh is not only the founding member, he is the President. GWS bruh!
KFLL
By Steady on Mar 13, 2008 at 9:14 pm
After watching this video
from the MSM, I feel compelled to suggest that all Defenders reject and denounce Tanking!
KFLL
By Steady on Mar 13, 2008 at 9:58 pm
After watching this video from the MSM, I feel compelled to suggest that all Defenders reject and denounce Tanking!
KFLL
By Steady on Mar 13, 2008 at 10:11 pm
@LIVES,
#43 is the proper prescription for those who have a desire to succeed in Life, in Sports, in the Board Room, in the Hallow Halls of Justice, in the ebb and flow of the elevator when you (the salesman or pitchman) seek to go up to visit your client and your competitor is on his way down, or on the concourses and graasy knolls of college campuses. Certianly we must be ‘In it, To Win It, but not at any cost. TANKING is too high a price to pay, especially if the cost is your integrity and dignity, and mutes your ability to Self Actualize in the most profound way…
Now where you and I have a different take is: “I believe Isiah has tried to instill these things in this team and to try to build a culture that will be here long after he’s gone.”
LIVES, I believe that was true at the the conclusion of last year’s season, but OUR favorite son Isiah Thomas, due to his own actions and the actions of others, placed ALL that he held sacred (BBALL INTEGRITY)on the Golden Hardwood in jeopardy when he permitted himself to indulge in the culture of the Privileged, forgetting his humble roots, and the Zeke we ccame to know fell Like Leaves of Grass (Walt Whitman was the TRUTH) after the Verdict, and MONTY was born via righteous indignation and OUR Faovrite SON lost his Center and his God Given ability to Teach, Lead, Guide, and Direct a group of Young Men yearning to get out of the shallow end of the pool, and learn to swim in the deep water of the Purest Form of BBALL Competition in the NBA…That one moment, when the Isiah we ALL knew walked out of that courtroom, stood outside and gave that CLINTONEST RETORT to the MSM, our season began to dirft a away like A Ship Without A Sail…Now we are LOST (My Wife is ALL ENGROSSED AND SHYTE in fornt the TV)on foregin shores, sending out SOS’S, longing to return to the NBA Civilization we once knew…
@STEADY
On the road to recovery! I thank you for reaching out and for your best wishes…I told you HARLEM MD was Young Lion in training for GREATNESS…Peace MY BRUH!
Keep it POPPIN!
By Cooleyhigh on Mar 13, 2008 at 10:15 pm
After watching this video from the MSM, I feel compelled to suggest that all Defenders reject and denounce Tanking!
KFLL
By Steady on Mar 13, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Steady
Was ready to discuss your “video”,but it did not open.
By D L T Knicks on Mar 13, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Regrets about #45 and #46 folks! I reject and denounce those failed efforts.
KFLL
By Steady on Mar 13, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Blogzilla, kindly delete #45 and #46 entries. The hot link is in #48.
KFLL
By Steady on Mar 13, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Steady
That is why you are my mentor.Keep it REAL!
By D L T Knicks on Mar 13, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Jibber-Jabbering,
Jay Bee,
I admire a man that lends his brother a hand. Not only are you your Brother’s Keeper, but you
also have the Spirit of Compassion. It appears that the “Herd” shares your Passion and
agrees w/ your Theme & Theory. My experiences have taught me that an Honest Evaluation
is the Beginning Step in a Successful Growth Program.
You wrote, “I can truthfully & w/ straight face can say this team has more talent, more pieces than almost
any they have had in my lifetime & just a few pieces away from being great”. After a good laugh, I thought
Bro, the Record Reads 19-46!!! What about the Ewing teams w/ LJ, Mark Jackson, John Starks? Or how
about Camby, Houston Sprewell? Jay Bee, I accept that I do not know your age or how long you have been watching the Knicks, and it is not my place to invalidate your opinion.
Regarding the Culture. Changing the current culture requires adding/deleting players. To improve the culture the knicks need a clear vision,a commitment to a style of play, and singular focus. Is this current group capable of
doing this for the next 17 games, when they could not for 65. This current group of players quit in December. Losing by 20 points or more to mediocre squads was due to TANKING.
I am sure there is something to be said about staying the course even when success eludes you. However, I also
believe that being flexible, and willing to adapt as situations change, is what keeps an organization successful.
Ask AOL which dominated service providers 10 years ago, what happen as they stayed the course. They are now struggling to remain relevant w/ the high-speeders kicking their azz. I am sure there were AOL-DEE-FENDERS saying we can’t
afford to take a step back now and develop a high-speed service.
Peace & Blessings
By Statesman on Mar 13, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Steady and Real always D L T. Check me if you must as you fish from the shore. On tera ferma, with heads up high, and eyes on the prize, we don’t get led astray, get misguided, bamboozled, or Clintoned.
KFLL
By Steady on Mar 13, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Dolan should apply same standards to Thomas as he did Brown.
If you disagree tell me why, or tell Frank Isola, he’s the one who came up with the headline.
By ed drossman on Mar 13, 2008 at 11:43 pm
There seems to be a good amount of linkage between the needs and ambitions of a business franchise (Knicks) and personal ambitions/character. “Culture of losing,” and all that stuff. To thems I say with a record such as theirs, the Knicks already embedded a culture of losing. Freak streaks aside (Portland? Houston?), far more often than not, you are who yer record sez you are.
It’s good to believe in your dreams, but there needs to be a balance with reality too, yes?
I suspect a lot of this has to do with ideas of still making the playoffs. I’m having a hard time believing that if the Knicks had a record like the T-Wolves or Grizzlies (hm, seems a bad season for four-legged, fanged mascots this year), with the vets proving ineffectual, that y’all would really consider it “tanking” to let the kids and other end-of-benchers play more.
At this point in the season, several games and teams behind the last playoff spot, with no reason to believe you have a bright new spark/system that could turn fortunes around, why not consider other options? Let the others get a chance to develop, to show and prove. Give them burn, give them a chance to develop their game, some confidence. Give them some real, game-time COACHING. Is that so wrong?
If you believe this is not really life or death, that these are (or supposed to be) professionals who understand business needs; if you believe you will have another season to try again, with more seasoned/developed players, a better understanding of your entire roster, while giving yourself a better opportunity at drafting from the best of the next crop, THERE IS NO GREAT EVIL in putting forth less than your supposed best. Context is king. Not everything is so black and white.
That said, there is good tanking and bad tanking. We know the difference when we see it.
By Charles Follymacher on Mar 14, 2008 at 9:35 am
p.s. i think too that there’s just a lot of us who just aren’t broken up by a loss anymore, that a lot of us are looking at the “bright” side of losing and finding some solace there. i think only DOJ is openly rooting for losses. This community has all kinds.
By Charles Follymacher on Mar 14, 2008 at 9:37 am