www.KnicksDefense.com

Kind of like the Celtics (I must remember to bite my tongue VERY hard) over the Lakers, better defensively.Still think Doc, good guy, good coach,was Coach of the Year for convincing three stars to play defense.Historically, that has never happened.Think about it, when have two guys who were basically scorers, become so committed to defend?We should only be so lucky!Yeah, KG, another of my favorites guys from back in the day at KK when we argued about was he worthy of the orange and blue, ho,ho,ho,ha,ha,ha!is a great defender,but did Sprewell and Cassell raise their defensive game to his level?True Flip was always a defensive flop, that’s pretty much why Detroit has underachieved on his watch, but that underlines what a great job Doc, with Thibideau’s assistance, has done of selling D and sharing the ball.I don’t know what the Hell is wrong with Jesus Shuttleworth, another of my favorite individuals, but he needs to fix it, because that’s all that stands in the way of a title.Love Kevin,Ray,Doc, Sam, another really good guy, and a few others.CAN’T STAND CELTIC GREEN!!On the other hand,Kobe, trade me! trade me!I can’t win with these guys!wah! wah!is kind of unsympathetic.Love his game, dislike his brain.Just venting a little bit here .Still enjoying your site KD.It’s nice to touch base with guys who enjoy the game! LGK, LGK!

“That was an interesting conclusion to the game,” said Phil Jackson, with a smile.
Like David Stern didn’t need more image problems.Watching the last play of that game was like watching someone shoplift on a security camera in Target.

I could live with Mayo, he actually plays defense.That’s a good sign.The kid from Arizona, Bayless, is another me first guy.Look at his team’s record.They should of won more.If you just want to flat out score with a big kid,the kid from West Virginia, Joe — is intriguing, big upside.Still think Mr. Love is the one.The comparison to Van Horn doesn’t work.This kid can shoot,but he likes getting his hands dirty.Van Horn didn’t like contact.Guards usually take 3 years to develop.AC Law will be a good one.But what did he do this year?How long do you want to wait?How long can we wait, or do we trade for more immediate help?Very interesting situation?Write on!gents!LGK

By Tman on May 28, 2008 at 9:14 am

KnicksD,

I concur wholeheartely with your “off topic” analysis. I saw those plays and thought to myself, “damn, must they be so obvious????” And this thing about “selling” a foul…..shouldn’t a foul be a foul?? That’s the problem with the league right now…..it seems that only the “celebs” aka “stars” and best actors aka “the floppers” get the calls.

I remember when the Lakers were the only “Showtime” in the league…..Mr. Stern is trying to turn the whole league into a stage.

By BronxboyinMd on May 28, 2008 at 9:19 am

Someone here said a while ago that the NBA has a script. I didn’t believe it until last night. There will deffinitely be a C’s vs. Lakers final. It will be one of the most watched finals in the last decade. Nobody is interested in watching a Spurs-Pistons final again. Nobody watched it the 1st time. The foul on Barry was so blatant that the ref should be fined for gross negligence.

By JohnQ on May 28, 2008 at 10:19 am

Concur with all the commentary on the missed foul call.

I hate the spurs but that was an obvious foul worthy of two free throws at the charity stripe.

With that said we all know Boston will come out of the East they are no doubt part of Stern’s script, to do a Lakers v. Celtics redux.

By Orange and Blue on May 28, 2008 at 1:03 pm

I hear a rumor that the Knicks are talking to Isiah’s mentor, Pat Riley, about getting that 2d spot. That might be a very, very good move, unless Riley likes O.J. or Bayless. Does that mean that the Knicks team wants Beasley? I know they want Rose, but I will be stunned if Chi-town passes on Rose.

TMAN, Minnesota is making rumblings about picking up Love. The problem is that so many bad messages, faux sounds, diversionary rumblings and the like are thrown out there at this time of year, it is hard to figure out who to believe. (It was hard to believe that Isiah had promised Wilson Chandler he was the Knicks pick when we were told well before the draft. The press got that one right.)

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on May 28, 2008 at 4:33 pm

Lives,

Whats your source for that rumor ? Other bloggers ? Media ? or a real source ? It would be interesting to see what we would have to include to move on up. Curry anyone ?”

By JohnQ on May 28, 2008 at 4:42 pm

KD,

Don’t be surprised if thats the real reason that Mikey was brought here in the 1st place. He’ll have ample time to woo Wade, Lebron and Bosh this year as one of the Olympic coaches. Talk about a leg up.

I’m dying to know what source Lives has. Trading up is a very interesting prospect. Cmon man shout back at me.

By JohnQ on May 28, 2008 at 5:43 pm

We need to trade down, not up.There are two sure things,if those sure things really exist!The trick is to do your homework and find out who you really, really want.Then put out a smoke screen about who you want.Pick three to fifteen is a matter of opinion and experience shows most of these guys won’t even make it, let alone be major contributors.So most of this is just smoke anyway.Whoever does make this pick is putting their neck on the chopping block.The way to win is to get exactly who you want as cheaply as possible,or trade for a known quantity.If you can get the guy you really want at a lower pick, and then get something else in the mix you are a real winner.If we get the guy we want and let someone move up, plus lose a bad contract, we should be ecstatic!See ya Jerome!Loose lips still sink ships.Go get’em Mr. Walsh, do your thing!Amaze us!Moving up to less than one or two is stupid!LGK

By Tman on May 28, 2008 at 6:42 pm

Tman

What do you think of that kid Randolph the 6-11 PF/SF, do you think if we trade down we would be able to acquire him later in the draft.

I think that aside from Mayo, and Bayless, Randolph, and Robin Lopez have the athleticism to fit the D’antoni style, plus Randolph has the potential to be a good scorer in this league who can provide weak side shot blocking.

By Orange and Blue on May 28, 2008 at 8:44 pm

Don’t really know him.Haven’t heard that much about him.He could be great, or not.M.J. says one of the problems with the game today is you’re paying huge bucks for potential, not pro production.I’d rather pay for a sure thing rather than a sucker’s pipe dream.That’s what Vegas is built on.Sure a few of these guys MAY make a difference some day.What’s certain is that most of these guys will be busts.Some others may develop into journeymen in a few years.Only a few will be starters, let alone stars.What are Randolph’s chances?Honestly, I don’t know him well enough.I do know I wouldn’t bet the rent on him.I like a few guys.Mr.Love’s size, strength and court sense impress me as a good prospect in a few years.Sure Rose and Beasley are no brainers, but after that I haven’t seen any of these guys enough.Then there is the biggest factor that everyone ignores because it is impossible to know.These youngsters will be facing men now, not boys.It ain’t the size of the dog in the league!It’s the size of the heart in the dog!Damn,just look at Curry, Steph, etc.Then look at Nash, Rodman,W. Reed, even Isiah, etc.Go down any NBA roster and you’ll find very little rhyme or reason.You can’t measure heart and that is the biggest factor of all.Guaranteed at the end of next season you’ll be surprised at the top 5 rookies.We need to find this season’s Al Horford.No doubt Beasley is next year’s Durant and Rose is great too.But that’s the challenge facing Walsh, and it’s tougher than it looks.LGK

By Tman on May 28, 2008 at 9:28 pm

I hear you about the intangibles which separate the men from the boys, and league journeymen from the game changers.

I also hear you about getting a sure thing or a proven commodity but I’ll add that whatever proven commodity the Knicks obtain be players who can help the Knicks to the chip. Regardless of whether that player is a role player, star, superstar, transcendant player… if that player is chemistry problem disruptive to the team and the organization. To me so long as whichever player coming in is commited to being part of a winning and championship calibur contender then I’ll be ok with them.

By Orange and Blue on May 28, 2008 at 10:06 pm

John Q, the rumor, to the best of my knowledge, originated from speculation and presumptions on Hahn’s blog.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on May 29, 2008 at 6:51 am

Dave Hanners has joined Larry Brown in Charlotte.

Hanners Joins Coach Brown

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on May 29, 2008 at 7:50 am

Lives,

I was hoping you KNEW somebody in the know. I’d love to see speculation become fact though.

By JohnQ on May 29, 2008 at 9:07 am

Interview w/ Nate and Crawford from Seattle newspaper……….

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/364986_hoops29.html

By JohnQ on May 29, 2008 at 1:13 pm

Good PM DEFENDERS!

So good to see the heat rising to the top and the brethren engaging in intelligent basketball speak, brimming with optimism, and wishing on a star, so we can follow OUR KNICKS wherever they are, but also wishing on a Dream to follow what it means…It must be NBA Draft Time…LOL

Good to see posts from some of the regulars, plus read and take in their thoughts and analysis…Good stuff Gents…BLOGZILLA you’re still the Big Dawg and that’s cool with me…

IMHO, unless we trade up to get Rose or Beasley, we have to find a shooter and the Italian Stallion fits that bill, but if the thinking is long term and you’re looking for that exceptional player, game-changer, I would go with Westbrook at PG or Mayo if he is available…Just Blogging…LOL

ONE LOVE GENTS!

Keep it POPPIN!

By Cooleyhigh on May 29, 2008 at 2:41 pm

Good to cya, bruh Cooley!!

Shooters are a dime a dozen…game changers, well, ya gotta strike when the iron is hot.

It’s a no-brainer IMHO…..if Mayo is available, which I’m starting to seriously doubt because his stock is soaring faster than gas prices, he should be our pick!!

This kid has that special “something” about him. If he stays focused, we’ll be talking about him when we speak of the all-time Knick greats.

By BronxboyinMd on May 29, 2008 at 3:15 pm

@16 … JohnQ thanks for the link…. very nice read …lets’ hope their optimism translate to the basketball floor.

By Syd on May 29, 2008 at 9:38 pm

Lakers going to the NBA Final.

Now it’s time for the crooked NBA Refs to enforce the script and help Boston close out the Pistons who have become accustomed to being the perpetual Eastern Conference Bride’s Maids.

By Orange and Blue on May 29, 2008 at 11:42 pm

Whether or not there is an Invisible GM…

There appears to be a clear PR makeover of the team and a sweet sell job that extends beyong merely appeasing the fickle nature of impatient Knick fans.

In the faces of Donny Walsh and Mike D’antoni the Knicks have a combination two salesmen. Walsh an experienced executive who may blunt some of the ill will, whether percieved or not, against the Knicks when it comes to navigating the trade and player personnel grape vine.

In D’antoni, some ingenious machination at play within the Knick organization chose a head coach, who while upon first impressions might not have been the first choice of many a fan, but in hindsight, is coach with a strong NBA, and international pedigree as a coach and player, whose connections will likely open the Knicks horizon to the emerging international game, and whose affable personality and adaptive player friendly coaching approach will be on the big stage of the USA Olympic squad for many an NBA Star to interact with.

The sell job is on, Invisible GM or not.

Lets go Knicks

Go NY Go NY GO!

By Orange and Blue on May 30, 2008 at 12:02 am

well said….when you first saw the announcement about Mike D you’d want to say what? same for Donny only
the response might have been why not talk to Colangelo or Mr.Logo(the other Zeke)

Of course the time for us to see material results still lies ahead of us
but the moves were good.

I feel like the Knicks wanna(and will try their best) part ways w/ Mr. Coney Island, if for no reason than to change the face of the franchise, and freshen the air in the locker room. but they need to find a leader in the worst way

Happy friday

By saipanknickster on May 30, 2008 at 1:05 am

NEW YORK (AP) — Detroit’s Rasheed Wallace was fined $25,000 Thursday by the NBA for using profanity and criticizing the officiating after a playoff game the night before.

After the Pistons’ 106-102 loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals, Wallace went on an expletive-laced rant targeting officials Mike Callahan and Kenny Mauer.

“The cats are flopping all over the floor and they’re calling that,” Wallace said. “That ain’t basketball out there. It’s all entertainment. You all should know that.”

Sheed broke the code of “the silent blue wall”.If Detroit wasn’t done before they surely are now.Now that you took the man’s money, how about addressing the substance of his complaint,Mr. Stern?Isn’t it enough to have the most entertaining sport in the known universe to sell?Why do you want it to become choreographed like professional wrestling?Three refs can’t get things right?Why don’t you have four, or maybe ten, one for each player?Apologies,ie San Antonio/LA last shot fiasco,are nice but they don’t change outcomes.At least give him half his money back or give it all to some organization that helps people who are constantly falling down on their ass,like The Multiple Sclerosis Assoc. or maybe the NBA’s Retired European Players.

By Tman on May 30, 2008 at 12:04 pm

Well it’s a good thing that the league will fine flopping starting next year. Let’s all hope
that they really mean it and that it is enforced fairly and finally that they also fine the offensive players that flop also ala Paul Pierce, and Regryl Miller(when she….i mean he was playing)…. Manu you have been warned!!!!

The college game should follow suit(obviously they would have to come up with another punishment)

I would be really impressed if the L would stop the star treatment when it comes to calls. and put an end to the arm wrstling that big men are allowed to do when getting post position and those trying to keep the offensive player from getting his favored post spot.( this would help EC tremendously!!!!!)

I know people pay to see certain players… but thos players should be held to the same standards

By saipanknickster on May 30, 2008 at 12:27 pm

RE: Post 24
meant “those” players in the last sentence

Sorry

Be well all

By saipanknickster on May 30, 2008 at 12:29 pm

Write on Saipan and Tman

KnicksD

Gallinari, according to what I’ve read can play multiple positions in the front court.

And.. as you and most here know, “D’antonio” has been know for playing Marion at 4, why not Gallinari at 2 or pt 3, the NBA is changing and alot of teams play players out of position when it presents mismatches or benefits the team.

By Orange and Blue on May 30, 2008 at 1:27 pm

KnicksD

Can you update us if there is a redux aka rewind of tonights predraft camp showing later in the day.

Thanks!

By Orange and Blue on May 30, 2008 at 1:40 pm

Whups with regard to post # 27

I meant to say that Gallinari is noted as being capable of playing multiple positions from the SG-SF or PtFwd positions.

By Orange and Blue on May 30, 2008 at 2:16 pm

Hopefully NBATV will re-broadcast this afternoons run.

Based on the way Mike D likes to play I couuld see hime trying (or interchanging) Chandler and Galinari(if he’s selected) @ the 3 and 4 spots and on occasion the 2, because they both have a decent handle

By saipanknickster on May 30, 2008 at 2:25 pm

Yep Saipan,

Let’s see what “D’antonio” will do with the over assortment of 3s the Knicks have on their squad should the organization choose Gallinari as their top draft pick.

By Orange and Blue on May 30, 2008 at 2:37 pm

Preach TMAN at 23. I’ll enjoy a Lakers-Celtics finals but that is not right. Boston is not the better team. No way. But you notice how the finals Ads heavily feature the Celtics (they do show the Reed pick second though). I don’t want to believe in conspiracy and scripts in my finals, but this is too real for comfort. If Rasheed gets suspended for the 7th game because of another tech, I am going to puke all night.

I think fining flopping is a silly cop-out. It is a dangerous slippery slope and is bound to be another discretionary foul called by the refs based on player personality and reputation. Why don’t they just let the players play through the flop, the disadvantage is on the flopper. The flop should probably be a non-call or a foul for unsportsmanlike disruption of play. Even that does not eliminate the ref discretion. But, maybe this will stop flopping once and for all. (Allowing play to continue through the flop would end flopping).

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on May 30, 2008 at 4:57 pm

For the one or two people interested, I finally got a response to my Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request and I just received the edited transcripts of Donnie Walshes exit interviews with the players. I have completed the edit. I already presented one section to you. Following is section II of III.

As usual, I will give my obligatory warning to those who want more serious and worthy fare to read. I’m serious. Just skip it. But for those who want to know what really happened, check this out.

EXIT, THIS WAY OUT PART II

As Jerome stepped into the hall, Rose rubbed his head and glared at his friend as he passed him. Rose stepped into the room and Walsh stood up to shake his hand and said “How is Mr. Philly today?” “Great. What about you Mr. D?” responded Rose.

Walsh: Good. Did I tell you I knew Wilt Chamberlain?

Rose: Yes, Mr. D. A few times.

Walsh: He was quite a legend at your high school, Overbrook.

Rose: I know Mr. D.. He was an icon and an inspiration sir.

Walsh: Yes, he was. Did I tell you the one about the crowded hot tub?

Rose: Yes sir, the one about how you got the gray hairs and all those wrinkles trying to be like Wilt.

Walsh: Oh. Oh I did. Well, how is the restaurant business going?

Rose: I shut Phamous Philly down a while ago. Running a San Antonio business from New York is like you running the Knicks from Indiana – very tough.

Walsh: I enjoyed eating at Phamous Philly. I thought it was great how you named food after your favorite Spurs. I really liked the Lil’ General Burger named for Avery Johnson.

Rose: Yes, the food was great, but the restaurant business is tough.

Walsh: Would you ever start one in New York?

Rose: Definitely not. A totally different market. Very tough.

Walsh: I do wonder what kind of food you would name after your Knicks teammates.

Rose: You’re funny. I have given it a little thought, though.

Walsh: What would you name after Jerome James?

Rose: That’s easy, Jerome’s Pickled Pig Feet

Walsh: Zach Randolph?

Rose: Zach’s Black Hole Special with Blackened Catfish, Black Bean Soup in a bottomless bowl, and for dessert a double dip of licorice ice cream on a double digit deficit cone.

Walsh: Jamal?

Rose: Jamal’s Upchuck Jimbalaya served in a 40% sourdough bread bowl. I’d just throw anything into the pot.

Walsh: Eddie Curry?

Rose: Wow. I’d name an entire Happy Meal after Eddie. Let’s see: for dinner Eddie’s Tofu stuffed Flounder and for lunch Eddie’s Munster Double Dagwood Sandwich Smorgasbord Platter; all you can eat in 15 minutes or less.

Walsh: Jared Jeffries?

Rose: Just a soup and a salad. No, No, Jared’s Mid-level Exception Cheesesteak with way too much chedda.

Walsh: David Lee?

Rose: Lee’s Peanut Butter and Jelly on Wonder Bread without the crust.

Walsh: Nate Robinson?

Rose: Easy. The N8Great Hot Dog on a hard roll with sweet potato fries and a Chocolate Shake or a Chocolate Mousse Bomb with Caramel Sauce and Pistachio Nougatine Crunch.

Walsh: Stephon Marbury?

Rose: Marbury’s Jerk Chicken or Starbury’s Curry Goat with Nutbread for dinner.

Walsh: Wow, you have given it some thought.

Rose: Well, I had a lot of time on the bench to think about it.

Walsh: We’d like to have you back next year. We need your leadership and scholarship.

Rose: I don’t have a problem with that. Zeke had to convince me to come back last year, but he said that I would be able to play more. It didn’t happen. I was very disappointed.

Walsh: Well, I can’t promise that you’ll play because we’re thinking more up-tempo next year. Better music for the cheerleaders, quicker intro for the coach, sending starters to the bench faster. We just want a more up tempo product next year and your leadership and scolarship would be valued in this transition period.

Rose: Well, Mr. D. . . .

Walsh: I’ll take that as Yes. Great. . . . Now, do you have any idea why the team performed so miserably this season? You have excellent business sense and would make a great GM.

Rose: Yes, I’ve thought about that too. The first thing is that I have great respect for Zeke. He’s a great man. Very proud and really a great example for the youngsters. But no matter how great a person he is, what he tried to do was impossible. No matter what, they should have settled the Browne case. Zeke was doing two very difficult jobs and forced to deal with a high profile trial as the high profile defendant in New York. The loss just ripped his spirit and fractured the team. It’s difficult to do one job and they had him do two at the same time under those circumstances. Impossible. But I have to respect him for not being afraid to try and deal with the situation including a bunch of spoiled primadonnas. His other problem was that he became friends with the talent. He’s got thjis notion of loyalty that doesn’t work in this business. He wants to be a nice guy but he really just needs to be a businessman. Ome of these guys don’t appreciate nice.

Walsh: I knew I could count on you for a well-reasoned explanation. You’re a gentleman and a scholar Malik.

Rose: Thank you and I guess I’ll see you at the summer league.

Rose stepped out and he gave David Lee a friendly fist clap as they passed each other just outside the doorway.

Walsh: Tough year.

Lee: Yes, I was really pissed that Yoakim Noah was making more money than me. He’s a scrub.

Walsh: Excuse me.

Lee: Look, I’m about to be the face of this team. The fans love me and I’m going to bring back the glory of yesteryear. With all due respect Mr. Walsh, Isiah promised me that I would be big in the City. I want to come back. I want to get paid. I want to be a Knick for life.

Walsh: All I can say is “Ron Artest.”

Lee: What? What does that mean?

Walsh: It was a little joke. Have you been reading the blogs. They all have you traded for Ron Artest. Just a little joke. Don’t take your youth and good looks so seriously. One day you’re going to be a wrinkled old bastard like me, so calm down. Look we’ll be evaluating everything and looking at our options. You are an important part of that process. Just work hard and have a good summer.

Lee: O.K. Thanks Mr. Walsh. Don’t forget about me now.

Walsh: Oh I won’t forget you. But I will sure trade your ass. (barely audible)

Five minutes after David leaves the room, Quentin Richardson walks in with a tootsie roll pop in his mouth.

Walsh: Hello Q.

Qrich: What’s happenin’ baby?

Walsh: You Qdogg. Whaddshup?!!

Qrich: It’s all good you know.

Walsh: Q, since we’ll see each other quite a bit this summer, I want to try something different in this exit interview if you don’t mind.

Qrich: Sure.

Walsh: I need you to focus. I want you to play a word association game with me. Now think about the Knicks and nothing but the Knicks. I’ll say a word and you give me the first few words that come into your head.

Qrich: Cool.

Walsh: Downfall.

Qrich: Point Guard.

Walsh: Marbury.

Qrich: TJ Ford.

Walsh: Problems.

Qrich: Derrick Rose.

Walsh: Shot clock .

Qrich: Baron Davis.

Walsh: Hockey Puck.

Qrich: Jose Calderon.

Walsh: Soccer Ball.

Qrich: Chris Duhon.

Walsh: Huh? Sex on a beach.

Qrich: Beno Udrih.

Walsh: Q, sex on the beach and you think Udrih? You are not listening to me. You’re just listing every conceivable point guard possibly available. Are you trying to tell me something?

Qrich: O.J. Mayo.

Walsh: No really, if you have something to say about Stephon just say it.

Qrich: Stephon wants to do good and be good, but his perspective on life is all screwed up. Some say it is a me, me, me attitude. I don’t think so. I think he is very focused on taking care of his family and everything revolves around how he is going to accomplish that. So in that way it’s about his priorities and his faith in his strategy on how to handle his business. He’s a fighter and very emotional. Very sensitive, but he will fight you to let you understand that he is no dummy and he knows how to get his and how to take care of his priorities which are his family members. I respect that. He’s a max guy with a maxed-out mindset. The Knicks need some hunger and fire though. He will come back great next year because he needs another contract, but everyone will believe it’s about him and not the team. So, you need to take that under consideration in your plans.

Walsh: Thanks Q. I’ve gotten that feeling already. I appreciate your honesty.

Ten minutes later Curry bends his frame into the office and he takes a seat. Only a fraction of the conversation was worth printing. Here is the most significant thing said:

Walsh: It was a tough year for you.

Curry: Yep.

Walsh: What happened?

Curry: Nothing man.

Walsh: Did Zach Randolph’s presence hurt your game?

Curry: Naw man. Zach didn’t do anything to my game. It’s not Zach’s job to get me the ball.

Walsh: So you blame the guards?

Curry: Naw. It’s the coaching staff’s job to get me the ball in the right places. I do what I’m told to do. They got to put me in a position to succeed.

Walsh: Do you think it would have helped if you played better defense?

Curry: No. It’s the coaching staff’s job to put me in a better position to play defense. Anyway, my defense was pretty good. I blocked shots this year. I got rebounds.

Walsh: So your play is Isiah’s fault?

Curry: I feel for Zeke, I really do. But this is a business. I think they really screwed this year up especially the ticket situation. Whenever I called in they couldn’t get my tickets right.

Walsh: Eddie, Eddie, do you want to play for the Knicks next year?

Curry: Sure

Walsh: You want to play for the Lakers next year?

Curry: Sure.

Walsh: You want to play for the Heat next year?

Curry: Sure

Walsh: You want to play for the Suns next year?

Curry: No, they run too much.

Walsh: Do you want to play for Isiah next year?

Curry: You’re kidding right? I mean, Sure.

Walsh: You want to play with Stephon next year?

Curry: Hell NAW.

Walsh: You want to play for Scott Skiles next year?

Curry: That’s a trick question, right? Well, hell to the NAW. My wife would kick his squeaky little ass up and down the aisles in the Garden every night until he turned from a frog into a Prince.

Walsh: You want to spend some time in the D-League next year?

Curry: Man you must be smokin’ that stuff they sell in plastic baggets on the corner. It’s time for me to leave. My family is waiting. . . .I’m playing in the NBA next year. . .Wherever I play, I’m playing so just give me the courtesy of a call on my cell phone . . . . I’ll be in Chicago watching Tim Grover train some people.

PART III to be published on ESPN II.

Just Kidding.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on May 30, 2008 at 5:12 pm

The best player available will have to fill multiple needs on a team with multiple question marks. To me and IMHO that would be Anthony Randolph, a player who can play the 3 and 4 spot, who can rebound and block shots, and is a high energy player who runs the floor in a way that would be very complementary of the “D’antonio” system- modified or otherwise.

I will also add that in drafting Anthony Randolph, a player who may be able to fill several needs, the Knicks will be in a better position to trade assets in related positions that other teams may be inquiring into.

Namely, Z-Bo and D-Lee.

With Z-Bo, word is out, whether smoke and mirrors or both, that some teams, Denver, Philly are interested in acquiring him. If a trade could be had that provides us with talent that addresses any other need area and reduces the Knicks congestion at the 3 can be done then Z-Bo should be dealt since he will likely not fit within the “D’antonio sytem.”

Lee is an asset, which many teams will inquire into, and in what may be percieved to be a hit or miss draft trading lee to a team with a mid to late round first round draft slot may allow us to address another area of need.

Obviously these items have to be considered.

Lastly an article on Anthony Randolph from Hoopsworld.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=8897

I will confess that I am flip flopping between Gallinari, and Randolph with Gordon a distant third. But right now I would choose Randolph he addresses many needs and would appear to be a good fit in the “D’antonio” style of play.

By Orange and Blue on May 31, 2008 at 1:10 pm

Lives @34

In part 3 does Isiah and ABS walk in?

By D L T Knicks on May 31, 2008 at 2:44 pm

DLT, you make me feel too predictable. (LOL)

Or did you get the pirated copy that my wife filmed as I was typing?

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Jun 1, 2008 at 6:35 am

O&B, check out th e excerpt from this Hoopshype on the draft workouts article. I’m thinking, if you want to be better next year you really need to package this pick and send it out for something useful immediately. Anthony Robinson does not sound like the one.

Anyone who watched the Memphis Tigers play this year knows that Derrick Rose is a freak athlete, but nothing makes that more apparent than watching him participate in offensive drills again token defense. He may be the best athlete in basketball, casually attacking the basket at a speed that most players can’t even achieve in game settings. He didn’t shoot the ball particularly well, but made a few NBA threes and showed off his amazing repertoire of crossovers and change of direction moves. The fact that he not only participated, but went hard on every repetition is probably a good sign.

Anthony Randolph, on the other hand, struggled to hit anything, but it is his potential, not his current skill level, that has him slated as a lottery pick by most scouting services. He has ridiculous length and athleticism, and it shows when he attacks the rim, but he’s got a long way to go.

No player struggled as much as JaVale McGee amongst the lottery-bound participants, and while he’s a tremendous athlete, he needs to work on staying confident after he misses from the perimeter. His calling card is his jumper at this point, but he was struggling to hit anything.

Jerryd Bayless was essentially going through the motions, not trying to simulate game situations and looking generally disinterested. He was still hitting his shots consistently, and his ability as a shooter can’t be questioned.

Donte Greene went out of his way to show off his athleticism every chance he got, throwing down a number of impressive tomahawk dunks. His jumper looked decent, but his ballhandling still needs work.

Russell Westbrook is one of the most impressive athletes in the draft, and while he looked good in transition shooting drills, he went from making 1 of 5 shots in his first rep of shooting coming off of cuts to making all 5 on his second rep. He’s obviously got the raw tools to be great, and just needs the right situation to excel.

Darrell Arthur had a very nice showing, looking crisp in the post, and the mid-range, while managing to bank in a couple of three’s from the top of key on consecutive reps. Brook Lopez was the other big man in Arthur’s group, and isn’t the smoothest post player, but is effective nonetheless.

Kevin Love seems to have trimmed down a bit, and looked bouncier in transition drills. He’ll always excel in this setting, given the polish he has on his game. Joe Alexander is in a similar boat, looking effortless in almost everything he does.

DJ Augustin is a heck of an offensive player, knocking down his shots with consistency and showing a very quick first step. He shot the ball well, but not as well as OJ Mayo, who looked simply incredible from the mid-range. DeAndre Jordan is long and athletic, but he’s really raw, and it shows.

Michael Beasley can shoot the NBA three, which should render every team outside of the top-two worried. He looked scary good in drills. Eric Gordon can hit the three effectively, and has tremendous footwork for a player his age.

Though these drills may not mean much, they are a useful point of departure as we move into private workouts. Measurement results from the combine should be available soon, bringing with them even more insight into these players.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Jun 1, 2008 at 6:39 am

Walsh is not looking for a GM, at this time, according to Marc Berman via Walsh:

“Walsh will do the evaluation without making another front-office hire. He refuted speculation he’s looking to hire a general manager before the draft, going with senior vice president Glen Grunwald. The Knicks have 13 scouts in Orlando and Walsh will conduct meetings with them over the weekend here to discuss the draft.

Nuggets GM Mark Warkentien, who has two years left on his pact, likely would be the leading candidate if Walsh conducts a search this summer, because of their strong relationship. Friends of the two say Warkentien considers Walsh his mentor and has long wanted to work for him.

“I haven’t said I needed a new GM,” Walsh said. “I know there’s a lot of interest because I get phone calls. I got people in place. I’m happy with what Glen is doing.”"

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Jun 1, 2008 at 10:04 am

Good PM Defenders!

@LIVES, post #34 is a classic and had me LMAO! The remaining posts were quite interesting and the analysis on point. IMHO, if Mayo is not available, the Knicks have two options and they both played balled in Westwood.

If we’re truly going to dump ZBO for better chemistry and a possible 2nd tier All-Star, then Kevin Love is the choice because we would need another big man that can rebound, be physical, execute the pick and roll, and get to the line, plus this Kid has the best outlet pass in game today bar none, and his skill set seems to fit D’Antoni’s style perfectly as a big (Lee is our other athletic big, who will hopefully find a shot).

Or, if we’re looking for our point guard of the future, Russell Westbrook is the ideal pick for US. Athleticism off the charts, already committed to the defensive side of the ball, and his offensive skill sets allow him to play either guard position. When it is all said and done this Kid could turn out to be better Derrick Rose offensively if he can learn to dsitribute the Pill effectively…

ONE LOVE!

Keep it POPPIN!

By Cooleyhigh on Jun 1, 2008 at 4:11 pm

Lives

Checked out your article over at KnicksFanatics, our affiliate blog, and in the other forums.

I see that article from Hoopshype and what it says about Randolph. Today I checked out ESPN’s draftpage and saw a predraft article that had a different opinion of Randolph and some of the the other players named.

I’ve been looking for it to cut and paste, or at the least provide the hyperlink for your reference but for some reason I can’t find it.

Your article on need and want has me doing some more thinking.

The part about what the Knicks really need is much more complicated and multifacted when I thought about that question you posed once again.

If I go by what Donnie Walsh’s declared mandate is then it is to be in position to make a bid and secure players from the 2010 free agent class (That of James, Wade, Bash, and the like). A secondary mandate is to become competitive again while still pursuing the first mandate.

Assuming that mandate to be true, (b/c in NY you never really know), then I think that the answer to addressing that need is two fold.

1) Is the matter of clearing cap space to secure the necessary flexibility to make the pitch to secure the coveted free agents that will be out in 2010.

2) Restocking the Knicks cupboard with players, (and with D’antoni a style of play), that will at least translate into competitive and winning basketball within the cusp of championship calibur basketball.

The second aspect is important in that it appears that the organization must be mindful that although the NY Knicks allure may well be monetary, many of these players available in 2010 will also want to be on a team they believe can viably contend for the title.

The question for me then is how can the Knicks best satisfy the primary objective, (obtaining players from the 2010 free agent class), while at the same time satisfying the underlying objective upon which the fate of the primary objective relies?

Can this best be done by acquiring veteran talent whose question regarding upside, development, and the like have already been answered.

Or

Can it be answered by acquiring young talent, whose potential, and full abilities are still unclear.

No doubt the lottery for the teams past the 1-3 picks becomes more of a crapshoot which places many an organizational head at risk of making the “wrong choice” but for some reason, I think approaching the necessary retooling will have to happen primarirly by why of drafting. That being said either approach may be supplemented by a portion of the other.

I would like to go into the reasons for this point of view in further detail but I don’t want to reveal what I believe might be Walsh’s hand.

email me and I’ll provide my reasoning.

By Orange and Blue on Jun 1, 2008 at 9:30 pm

Some more Mock Draft Links and news.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/ny-spknix0601,0,1420246.story

http://www.miamiherald.com/592/story/542123.html

http://dcprosportsreport.com/NBAMocks.htm

By Orange and Blue on Jun 2, 2008 at 7:32 am

Here’s the Link to Chad Ford’s take on how the top 15 players looked in the Orlando pre draft skills workout.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=Orlandostockwatch080531

He has a different take on Anthony Randolph than that put out in the hoopsworld article.

By Orange and Blue on Jun 2, 2008 at 7:33 am

The most updated version of ESPN’s Chad Ford’s mock draft has the Knicks taking DJ Augustin, with Randolph and Westbrook as alternate picks at the 6th spot.

Check out the link

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-080602

By Orange and Blue on Jun 2, 2008 at 2:26 pm

I know many of us had high hopes for E City leading up to last season.and boy were we disappointed
I sincerely hope that he is honoring his contract, team,and mostly himself by getting in shape and being
ready. It’s time for him to grow up and be a man on the court……

By saipanknickster on Jun 2, 2008 at 4:50 pm

Red Aurebach The Patriach of the Boston Celtics Shyt’s on Lakers Coach Phil Jackson

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-philandredrivalry060208&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Auerbach can’t fault Jackson any longer
By Adrian Wojnarowski, Yahoo! Sports
Jun 2, 3:45 am EDT

Buzz Up PrintMore From Adrian WojnarowskiAllen’s belief in himself never wavered May 29, 2008 Odom finds comfort zone with Lakers May 24, 2008
Just as Phil Jackson reached the cusp of catching him with his ninth NBA championship, Red Auerbach was on the telephone, grumbling over the legitimacy of that legacy. The emperor of the Boston Celtics resisted letting Jackson climb onto the coaching Olympus with him, insisting a fatal flaw of the Los Angeles Lakers coach still separated them.

“He’s never tried building a team and teaching the fundamentals,” Auerbach said. “When he’s gone in there, they’ve been ready-made for him. It’s just a matter of putting his system in there. They don’t worry about developing players if they’re not good enough. They just go get someone else.”

This would’ve made the possibility of Jackson’s 10th title so crushing to Auerbach. What could Red say now? Six years later, Jackson dares to do it Auerbach’s way. All those old Celtics kept wishing Auerbach had lived to see this return to Garden glory, but Auerbach would’ve loathed that this season be punctuated by Jackson using Boston to pass him for the most championships in coaching history.

ADVERTISEMENT

These days, everyone is wondering: Has Kobe Bryant surpassed Michael Jordan?

That question is still too premature, but this one isn’t: Does the Los Angeles Lakers’ coach become the greatest coach in NBA history with another Finals victory?

Rest assured, nine titles now is far more impressive than nine back in Red’s day. Ten ends the argument.

Auerbach is the greatest general manager to ever live. He shaped and reshaped the Celtics for three different title eras. There were the Russell-Cousy Celtics and the Havlicek-Cowens Celtics and the Bird-McHale-Parish Celtics.

Whatever Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak did to steal Pau Gasol resembled the chicanery Auerbach routinely used to rouse rival owners and executives. Auerbach stole Bill Russell for ice show dates at the Boston Garden. He secured Larry Bird’s draft rights as an undergraduate. Dennis Johnson for Rick Robey. The rights to Joe Barry Carroll for Robert Parish and the pick that brought Kevin McHale. It goes on and on.

Ultimately, Auerbach has to be considered the greatest basketball mind in the game’s history. No one should ever dispute that. And yes, he was the greatest coach the sport had ever known, until Phil Jackson started driving vans in Albany of the Continental Basketball Association. People pretend like Jackson never paid his dues. He did. He won titles in the CBA. He coached his summers in Puerto Rico for the extra paycheck. Sure, he had been historically fortunate with Jordan and Pippen, with Shaq and Kobe, but let’s get something straight: No one – least of all Auerbach – ever won without great talent.

Of course, Auerbach always groused that coaching was so much easier today. This was flawed and, deep down, he knew it. Talent scouting in Auerbach’s era was as sophisticated as an envelope of newspaper articles an old buddy clipped and mailed. At the time, Auerbach had complete control of his ballplayers. There was no free agency, no arbitration. Auerbach was judge and jury on your job. Want a raise? He gave it. Want to work next season? His call.

For that reason, Auerbach could reach his players at the most base level: Fear. Auerbach claimed control that coaches today could only dream.

After Auerbach retired in 1967, his replacement won the ’68 championship. Remember? Bill Russell. As a player-coach. Imagine that now.

Jackson didn’t pick these Lakers, but he sure did develop them. Andrew Bynum has a chance to be one of basketball’s best centers. When most coaches disdain giving young players minutes, Jackson cultivated a bench of Jordan Farmar, Luke Walton and Sasha Vujacic. Through the years, he’s blended the development of talent with the manipulating of minds. In Chicago, he turned his own GM, Jerry Krause, into a common enemy for whom the Bulls to rally around. He created the model for working officials through the press, and reaching his players through the most untraditional of means. They meditated. They read books. He brought dignity and decorum to sideline coaching behavior that has become embarrassing from others. Jackson was a different coach, for a different time.

As arrogant as Jackson can be, his act still pales against Auerbach. Red’s been remembered as a kindly, grandfatherly man, but he was an arrogant winner and a sore loser. Everyone laughs about his ritual late in victories, but think about that: Lighting a cigar on the bench.

Auerbach hated the idea of Jackson breaking his record. To him, he was still that miserable New York Knick with sharp elbows. Truth be told, Auerbach never believed a coach could catch him in titles. Before he died, Auerbach talked to me about Lenny Wilkens passing him for most career victories and Pat Riley for playoff wins, but the nine coaching championships were different. Those banners were Auerbach’s measure of greatness.

“When Wilkens did it, it took him longer than me as a coach, but he still broke it,” Auerbach said. “And then subsequently other guys did it. It took Riley a little less time than me. Hey, these records are made to be broken. One guy broke Roger Maris’ home run record, and then a second and a third, and now they’ve blown it all to (crap).”

Before Jackson won his ninth in 2002, he sounded like a man who wanted Auerbach’s approval. He never did get it. He said he’d settle for a congratulatory cigar. “Unlit,” Jackson hoped.

Never, Auerbach insisted.

“It’ll stunt his growth,” he growled.

This was the basketball season Red Auerbach would’ve loved to see in Boston, but an ending that might have driven him mad. This is the year that Phil Jackson answers all of Auerbach’s doubts. He never tried building a team? Finally, Jackson did and maybe it’s for the best that Red is gone. For the first time, he’d have to concede: As coach, Phil Jackson had done it all. Mostly, he has nearly done the unthinkable: Pass Red as forever’s coach.

Also Jacky McMullen, is already talking about how no one believes the Celtics can win, and that the Celtics will prove the world wrong.

I don’t understand these snub pale faced Bostonians. They bytch and moan about how their long suffering then they exude an arrogant smugness when their team wins.

IMHO I think the Celtics will win this series in 6-7.

Why?

The Celtics have finally learned how to win on the road!

The Celtics are nearly invincible at home, with all that N.B.A. David Stern Powered magical mojoe aka the Script!

The Celtics have not lost three straight games in this playoffs, and that’s what it will likely take to beat the Celtics!

Also the Celtics swept the Lakers during their season series with Kobe and Co.

The 2-3-2 Format of the finals puts the Lakers in the unenviable position of having to steal one, possibly two, games from the Celtics in Boston while at the same time holding home court, which will require the Lakers to beat the C’s three straight times. Again the Celtics haven’t lost three times consecutively during the playoffs.

Sorry DVJ it aint meant to be, Stern’s script has to hook up his old boy red, not the wayward hippy Jackson.

By Orange and Blue on Jun 2, 2008 at 10:48 pm

It seems as if Joe Dumars has let Flip Saunders go.

By saipanknickster on Jun 3, 2008 at 12:25 pm

Saipan Flip wasn’t the right coach for that job.

The Piston’s have the capacity but not the motivation.

They need a coach who was more take charge but obviously with the ability to reach a veteran squad.

Flip wasn’t that coach.

By Orange and Blue on Jun 3, 2008 at 1:16 pm

O&B, your inquisitiveness is headed in the same direction as mine, which is why I wanted to take a deeper look at the possibilities.

I don’t think your stated objectives are mutually exclusive. In fact, they are the ones the organization has stated so that is really what we have to work with. But that makes this whole thing an interesting puzzle, which probably takes us into the February trading deadline with one of last year’s key players sitting on the bench.

I think the first problem is clearing up the stench from last year while not hurting the teams approach to cap flexibility. This means, as one reporter finally quoted an executive, that the Knicks are the one’s with the problem in terms of trading Marbury, not the other teams. In order to trade Marbury, the Knicks can’t take back additional year’s salary and most matching salaries are not expiring contracts. So how do the Knicks get creative and trade this whopping contract for another expiring.

Well, for the novices like us, we look at every team and see who else has a huge expiring contract (I looked two weeks ago for this article and there are a couple of possibilities) and see if anyone is willing to take a trade with some added incentives like a couple of draft picks (6th in 2008 and 2d rounder in 2019, maybe).

Or you could trade Marbury and a draft pick or two for multiple smaller contracts and a couple of draft picks. There are options out there for this trade.

Or you can trade Marbury, other players and a draft pick for a superstar type player you are coveting in 2010. You would speed up the process because you know that LeBron is really not likely to come to New York for a myriad of reasons, unless Stern mandates it. You also know that Wade would be great in D’Antoni’s system, but Wade is an injury waiting to happen so it might night make sense to make such a large investment two years from now. Bosh is not all that. He is a very poor man’s Kevin Garnett. So you might want to make your move sooner rather than later.

As you are alluding too, you try to figure out how you can address those objectives simultaneously.

I think the value in the sixth pick is sweeetening the pie to get rid of Marbury or Zach while picking up an additional draft pick and an additional player, perhaps aguard, for the team. But clearly, the possibilities are endless, only stunted by what we don’t know.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Jun 3, 2008 at 4:59 pm

Lives

I agree that the two goals aren’t mutually exclusive. Actually I think they are interrelated in a Phil Jackson, Zen Master, symbiotic sort of way.

Knicks need to improve and add players who can get them in contention.

They need that so that they have a legit shot at attracting the players from the free agent class in 2010.

Actually I read Peaceman’s and Stateman’s back and forth regarding the difficulty of actually landing one of the coveted free agents in 2010.

I can’t say that I disagree with their point of view.

I guesse that is why I’m not alltogether for merely trading away the 6th pick in the draft to get rid of a bad contract. That especially applies to Marbury.

Marbury, will be off the books in a year so I don’t understand the desperation to trade him.

Z-Bo on the other hand has a contract that could put a monkey wrench in the Knick “objective” of getting under the cap by 2010.

But even then, I think he is certainly more tradeable a commidity than Marbury, and certainly he has a better motor, or at least player more motivated than E-City, so his value isn’t as inhibited as the other aforementioned players.

From my perspective I think trading Zach for two or three contracts that for the most part be off the books in 2010 is a better idea.

Even if we don’t get the same quality in return and merely get other teams semi over priced role players it’s preferable to me than trading the 6th overall pick.

I am actually starting to wonder if some bloggers and Knick fans semi-eagerness to trade the pick is now more a combination of the Knicks fans ever repressed rebuild right way ethos combined with their reservations about acquiring players based on potential in the aftermath of the Isiah Thomas regime’s acquisitions of players like Marbury, Thomas, Curry bsed on their potential.

I certainly understand those reservations if that might be in part the case but I think there is a certain distinction to be made between trading rehab projects with large contracts based on potential versus drafting untested products based on potential. Namely with a draft pick, should that draft picks potential failt to material as expected, the dollar cost on the organization is minimal, additionally, if that player is still percieved as young enough to “turn the corner” there certainly might be suitors willing to trade for that player.

At this time if players such as Randolph, Gordon, Mayo are available for us to pick, I know highly unlikely, then I say draft them.

If their not available, then trading down makes more sense.

Hey guys did you check out Alan Hahn’s bit on the player measurements, verticle leap, actual height, wingspan.

Nice article.

Also note that him and Steve Adameck of Knicks Knacks point out that the Knicks are setting up a series of players to assess. None of them are the players noted to be among the top 5-10 players projected to go in the 1rst round of the draft.

By Orange and Blue on Jun 3, 2008 at 8:55 pm

O&B

You get rid of Steph now because he has value that can bring you value and still help you achieve your goal of getting under the cap. Certainly, their is a great possibility that he will have an excellent contract year. However, I question how much having him around hurts the development of the team or stifles the development of the players who will be around after Marbury is gone. Clearly, Walsh has bought into whatever Dolan-Mills-Thomas et al have said about Marbury being a problem last year. Walsh sounds like he will give Marbury a short leash if any at all.

If the deal is right, I would not hesitate to use that expiring contract and the sixth pick to sweeten the pot, especially if it is going to get me a late first round pick and a second round pick.

I’m not sure about the theory that bloggers are now gun shy because of the results of the Curry and Marbury trades. I think the best way to obtain Walsh’s stated objectives is to use that sixth pick to create more value even if it means getting to the 2d spot or getting two spots in return.

There are so many options here.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Jun 3, 2008 at 11:19 pm

EXIT, THIS WAY OUT PART III

There is a long pause on the tape and then some weird noise that sounds like a hyena snoring. It stops abruptly about ten minutes later.

Jamal: Hello. Mr. Walsh. Do you mind if we talk to you together?

Walsh: Huh, Huh, what?

Jamal: Sorry to wake you Mr. Walsh, but Nate and I would like to talk to you together?

Nate: Yeah, we basically agree on everything and we both have a plane back to Seattle tonight.

Walsh: Oh sure fellas, please come, come and sit.

Jamal: Thanks.

Walsh: Is there anything that you want to tell me, that you think I should know?

Jamal: Not really. Just that you need to know that we want to win and win badly.

Nate: Yeah, we were really surprised that things fell apart so badly, so fast.

Walsh: Well, what happened?

Jamal: Just bad chemistry and selfishness.

Nate: It really started in the off-season when some of us did not show up for the work-outs during the summer league. A couple of our major players were tending to their own business while the Celtics were bonding during the off-season.

Jamal: It really hit the fan on that infamous plane ride.

Walsh:Walsh: What happened?

Nate: It was all about the in-flight movie.

Jamal: And the snacks. That was all really only the pre-text.

Nate: Yeah, but it started when Zeke decided to punish the team for its horrible play by cutting out the snacks. He said no salty peanuts, popcorn or pretzels. Then he heard the in-flight movie was going to be “Fatal Attraction.” Isiah sent word through Curry that he was having it turned off.

Jamal: Steph was starving and he forgot his ipod. He wanted to eat and he was expecting to see the movie. He really liked “Fatal Attraction” for its realism. Curry told him what Zeke said about the movie and nuts and he blew a gasket.

Nate: The plane started rocking and Steph accidently fell towards Zeke.

Jamal: Zeke jumped back and into a Texas Ranger stance like he was about to slap Steph. Steph started calling him all kinds of motherfuckers. He said some crazy stuff like “I’m going to tell everybody the truth. I know your shit stinks. You’ve got tracks on the outside of you drawers, mother. . . I’m not the one that tried to get down with a horse . . . Not my fault that BIG BROWN took your ass for a ride.”

Nate: Yeah, I don’t even know how he knew about Big Brown back then. Anyway, Qrich and Mr. Suhr broke it up, but the team was broken by then. It was too late.

Walsh: All this over “Fatal Attraction,” an in-flight movie and some pretzels?

Jamal: Ironic isn’t it?

Walsh: Wow. So do you have any suggestions on how we improve things?

Jamal:Give me a contract extension.

Nate: Let me start.

Walsh: Whoa, Whoa.

Nate: No, but for real that’s why they pay you the big bucks. We just need a winning atmosphere. I just want to win. I do want you to also get Mr. Breen off my nutsack. He keeps talking about that fight every time he mentions my name. All season long. Can’t he give it a rest?

Jamal: No, I don’t really have any suggestions. I talked to Isiah and he says you guys have some plans to change this atmosphere around fast, so I trust you will do a great job and put us in a position to win.

Walsh: We sure will try.

******************************************************************************

Late that afternoon, after all the players had left. Stephon walked into the little room to chat with Donnie.

Walsh: Mr. Marbury, you can only come in if you promise not to text Marc Berman about this conversation before Friday.

Marbury: What do you mean? I would never do that.

Walsh: Let me rephrase that Mr. Marbury. You can have your exit interview now, if neither you, your family member, friends, confidantes, unnamed confidantes, representatives, lawyers, cousins, associates, girlfriends, or interns call Marc Berman.

Marbury: I wouldn’t do that to you Mr. Walsh. I have great respect for you and I am happy you’re here now. Now we got a real New Yorker in charge. That’s what we need. In fact, I got a gift for you.

(Marbury hands him a rectanglar box)

Walsh: O.k. A pair of gym shoes.

Marbury: Yeah, they’re Starburys. My Signature Special Edition. Sturdy and dependable, like me.

Walsh: Orange and Blue. Nice.

Marbury: Yeah, I want you to know that I want to be a Knick for the next four seasons.

Walsh: I understand that you planned to play in Italy soon.

Marbury: Oh no, no. Berman got it wrong. I said I wanted to play FOR Italians soon, not in Italy necessarily. I’d like to play with someone who speaks Italian or has
Italian in their blood.

Walsh: Like Kobe.

Marbury: That’ll work just fine, especially if he’s a Knick.

. . . .

Walsh: Now, Mr. Marbury, this is your chance to tell me your side of the story. Explain to me what happened to you and Mr. Thomas and why the Knicks had such a terrible season.

Marbury: I’d rather not go negative sir. The truth shall be revealed. God is the final arbiter of truth. Christ is my savior .

Walsh: So you believe that you are going to heaven?

Marbury: When I leave this earth to join souls, I will be in heaven. As Jean Paul-Satre wrote, “Hell is other people.”

Walsh: Very profound Mr. Marbury. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.

Marbury: Any time Donnie. Any time.

(Marbury shakes Mr. Walsh’s hand and tries to hug him, but Walsh is too old to get up fast enough to return the embrace. Marbury leaves. A panel in the seamless wall behind Walsh opens up. James Dolan walks out followed by Steve Mills, Isiah Thomas and a Black woman with a Blackberry.)

Walsh: What do you think?

Isiah: Sturdy and dependable my ass. Get that bitch outta here.

Dolan: You mean get that Beoootch outta here.

Mills: Let’s go have some lunch fellas.

Walsh: Yeah, that interview with Malik made me hungry for some black bean soup.

Black Woman with Blackberry: Yeah, me too.

They all laughed on their way out the door.

################

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Jun 3, 2008 at 11:31 pm

Orange& B

I agree Flip’s appraoch may actually have a little to flippant
for bad boys ….he’s certainly not a bad coach.. but i did not think he did enough in Minny either

Re the marbury, zach discussion you and Lives were having…

My first inkling is Marbury first b/c he was a poison and he’s has soooooooo many chances.
I would be more concerned that he might get pissed and then become problem, more than i’d be worried that we cannot push Eddy( w/ mike d’s gentle prodding) and re-invent zach (free wheeling system)to get a deal for him closer to the deadline

however having said that the fact that we have heard nothing from zach(from either Knicks or his camp)could speak volumes about his (lack of a)future in NYC

but this all hinges on which anchor the new regime wants to place their bets with
I feel they already know who.. but they have to play coy

By saipanknickster on Jun 4, 2008 at 1:26 am

Lives and SaipanKnickster

Marbury will be off the cap in a year, why give up a pick to accelarate the process. Although I understand that the supposed contract year turnaround some people are discussing has its downside.

I can reasonably foresee how Marbury in this contract year might just play better but will that better play translate into better team play or will it just translate into better individual statistics. Certainly the Knicks don’t need a player who is playing better “selfishly” so.

But in the event that it does happen why not just bar his scowling ass from MSG. He’ll have more to lose that way. Unless what you are thinking is that a trade of Marbury now calls a bluff from a rival GM and the Knicks get something in return, maybe a mid second rounder, b/c that GM thinks that Marbury in his contract year fulfills a need for that particular team.

Honestly, I don’t think any GM will bite on Marbury at this time, he’ll have to show something during the year, and I still think trading the 6th pick to expedite his exit is the wrong idea. If the Knicks are to use the 6th pick to get rid of an albatross contract then use it to get rid of Z-Bo’s contract. That makes more sense to me. And if you can get a late 1st rounder and a second rounder in return, then you do so.

By Orange and Blue on Jun 5, 2008 at 7:56 am

I say play Marbury if his head is right and let him fall off the books at years end w/ Malik. If his head isnt there or he becomes a distraction then send him home ala what Chicago did to Tim Thomas a few years ago. Let him rot at home til the years over. The Knicks can not afford to duplicate the Ewing error. They should stay the course and get ready for 2010.

The only reason to package this pick is to get rid of EC or Zach and get shorter contracts in return w/ a lower or future draft pick.

By JohnQ on Jun 5, 2008 at 11:20 am

The NBA rumor has Randolph possibly going to Philly in exchange for 1st rounders.

http://njmg.typepad.com/knickknacks/2008/06/trade-rumor-sea.html#more

By Orange and Blue on Jun 5, 2008 at 1:33 pm

Let Marbury prove his value.He’s ready.He’s already backtracked on his”I’m going to Italy” stupidity.Maybe he meant the Feast in Little Italy.He’s got a lot to prove and supposedly he’s in top shape in LA.He can only be replaced if you get someone better and that’s a major trade,it’s possible,but improbable right now.To many “ifs” unless D’Antoni hates his guts.It serves everyone’s purpose to win, so Steph stays and tries to have a great year.Eddie is still the key and if he’s on board we can stand pat until we see the trade we want.If he comes in fat it’s because he wants out of NY.But a trade will be made if only to make the team play a more exciting brand of ball.So do what you got to do Eddie.Lose weight and who knows what good things might happen?That’s why Mike was brought in.He’s not here to walk it up the floor.Anyone in the way of that program will be moved soon enough.Walsh keeps his own counsel.That’s a good thing.I’m sure he knows who he wants with the sixth pick, if he has to use it.Trading down and still getting a rook for the future is what any smart GM who doesn’t have the first pick in a Primo year does.Even the first two guys are not difference makers who can carry a team immediately.If you’re telling me Rose is better than Chris Paul who needed two years to become a star, have another drink.Beasley is the more pro ready, but you don’t control the game from the forward slot, so very good player,but so is Durant.What place is his team in?Don’t misunderstand, I like both guys but you need a team in place.Beasley is perfect for Chi unless they want to rebuild on the fly, then it’s Rose.If I’m D’Antoni I want vets that can run and shoot, so I’m for trading if I can get, let’s see Barbossa for #6.If not I like K.Love, who could be Paul Silas(Can’t jump, but DeBusshere couldn’t either) with a jumper.You can’t run without the ball, and everyone concedes Love has a great outlet pass which anyone who has ever played knows creates running mismatches and lay-ups.If LOVE is a true rebounder I can then package D.Lee for upgrades and cap space.The other guy I can take if I trade down is Joe Alexander.This guy is a little raw, but I believe will be a great scorer on a running team.He is all the athlete the Italian Job isn’t.Plus he has an unbelievable work ethic.He has attitude,appears to have heart and can hit the perimeter J(Sorry David, you should have let it go,WHEN YOU HAD THE CHANCE!)He will be big in the NBA, but you may have to wait a year.Then again, maybe not.The rest of the draftees are the usual very talented one dimensional guys who think they are LeBron’s little brothers.Guys look in the mirror, go back to the gym and work on the other parts of your game.As far as Boston/LA, I like Boston’s team.Love KG,Ray,Sam and Doc.I want it for them.Screw Boston.They have vets who know they will never get this close again.That means something in the endgame.Except for Koby and Lamar those bench boys are wet behind the ears.Luke Walton and R. Turief aren’t scary.Boston plays great D and has won the most games.Kobe will put on a show, but I believe his crew will fade in the end.Boston will play them very, very physically.Gasol will have to prove a whole lot to K.Perkins, Big Baby et al. and Kobe will truly have to be “Superman”, not just the Mamba to win this.I wish him luck too.Nothing wrong with forgiveness!Love his game, detest his brain.Let the games begin and the best team win, I’ve got my popcorn ready.But when it’s all said and done, LGK!Go get’em Donny!

By Tman on Jun 5, 2008 at 3:17 pm

Kevin McHale should do jail time as an accomplice in one of the biggest thefts in history.
and whoever the GM was in Memphis last year must have been drinking Jim Jones Kool Aid Lite!!!

sa far as lakers celtics… I have no great love for LA or Big Chief Triangle…however with the knicks planning to be up and comers I do not want Boston to walk around next year with their chests stuck out.

I not even crazy about how Kobe carries himself, but he leaves it all on the floor and seems to have matured.
as to Ray Allen I couldn’t care less for him since he appointed himself as Kobe’s therapist,Paul Pierce though very talented has always played like a rich high society woman on the rag and KG is deserving of being on the big national stage for his hardwood skills

Yet I WANT(not predict) the Lakers in 6

As for the Bockers I do not see Reggie Evans being a D’Antoni kinda baller..although if he could lease Curry some of his toughness we would be on to something…that being said I can see Walsh trying to get multiple picaks in this draft as a way to clean the “air”

Has anyone seen JaVale Mcgee play? if so please share your insights..knowledge…he palys like an unpolished Camby…but appears to have the foundation to be a better offensive player

By saipanknickster on Jun 5, 2008 at 5:39 pm

Saipan

Sadly what we want, the Celtics to lose this series, and what we’ll get Bostonians smugley talking more smack after the Celtics win another title is to sad to stomach.

I can respect Garnett, although I heard he’s a real prick to ballboys b/c he’s so darn intense.

But I hate Pierce, he has treated the Knicks like shyt, he is so disrespectful. I’ll always remember that he made an ass of himself on MLK day. What a way to honor a man of peace than by instigating a possible fist fight.

Sadly, the Lakers will have to pull off at least two road wins in Boston, or win three straight in LA to win the Chip. I don’t see that happening.

Arggggghhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!

By Orange and Blue on Jun 5, 2008 at 7:57 pm