The future of the New York Knicks hinges on reversing this trend of getting one dimensional players and instead starting a new trend of getting solid all-around basketball players, so that a sense of team identity and trust can finally be developed between the players.
Often times during the past four years, the Knicks have stock piled prolific scorers who are downright lousy defenders and/or passers, or work-in-project athletes who are devoid of fundamental team basketball skills, or good defenders who everyone knows can’t hit the broad side of a barn no matter how open a shot they are given. We don’t have to name names here.
This phenomenon needs to change now. It all starts with the #6 pick next month, but that’s only the beginning. The Eddy Currys, the Randolphs the Crawfords, the Nate Robinsons, those guys are pretty good at certain things and utterly atrocious at others, so instead of being pluses for the Knicks on both ends of the floor, they’re giving it away on the other end, and it is just that much more difficult to win basketball games for the Knicks, because they never can close out the game by the time 48 minutes have rolled around.
Any time you’re trying to come up with a starting five while trying to compensate for certain players inabilities in said starting five, it makes it too difficult to go out there and do what a competitive team should do: be in a position to win.
Some of it has to do with where you’re picking in the draft the past four years. When you’re picking at #23 every other year, there is a chance your talent is going to have some weaknesses and you only hope they can overcome them on the fly.
Yet there are going to be some guys that aren’t going to improve and it’s on them. Considering “it is not your aptitude that determines your altitude but your attitude,” if, for example, Eddy Curry doesn’t want to play defense, there is a very real chance he never will, at least until his current contract nears its expiration date.
You might think having a well-rounded team like I’ve described above is too ideal and impossible in reality, but how many Knicks currently fit the bill? Jamal Crawford, you say? Not close. Wilson Chandler? Chandler was nice at the very end, but so was Mardy Collins two years ago, and what has happened to him since his injury? We waited all season long to see Chandler get burn, and for what, to see a hobbled Quentin Richardson fail four four months of the season?
We need to start to get guys who can do all the fundamentals of basketball, not just one of them. Quentin could have been one of those guys but his back problems have prevented him from contributing at 100%.
Off topic: It will be really interesting to watch Lakers vs Celtics, if it comes to that. Imagine, the two teams that were involved in two infamously lopsided trades, and they make it all the way to the finals. Shame on you David Stern, for not doing something for the Knicks, but looking the other way when those two Enron deals went down, and then hooking up Chicago with the #1 pick this summer to top it off.
Off topic: You telling me Derek Fisher didn’t foul Brent Barry behind the three point line at the end of the game tonight? Shame on you David Stern, for corrupting the league with your Joey Crawfords and your Tim Donagheys puppets. Obviously you’re very desperate for Lakers-Celtics so you can reminiscence about the glory days of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, but to what shady ends are you willing to go to get it? They said after the game, “he didn’t sell the foul.” A foul is a foul. Especially when you call sissy flop fouls all season long, for the past five years. So now you gotta have a certain look on your face for a foul to be called? Get these shitty refs out of here. Magic and Bird aside, some basketball fans merely reminiscence to a time when NBA referees didn’t effect the outcome of the game with such blatant bias. You might as well have Nike signing their paychecks instead of the NBA treasury.
Kobe vs KG, here we come! Thank you Mr. Stern!
{ 63 comments… read them below or add one }
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
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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 ?”
here’s a fresh one out of miami
Heat worried Wade will bolt for New York
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.
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
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.
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
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.
John Q, the rumor, to the best of my knowledge, originated from speculation and presumptions on Hahn’s blog.
Dave Hanners has joined Larry Brown in Charlotte.
Hanners Joins Coach Brown
Lives,
I was hoping you KNEW somebody in the know. I’d love to see speculation become fact though.
Interview w/ Nate and Crawford from Seattle newspaper……….
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/364986_hoops29.html
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!
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.
@16 … JohnQ thanks for the link…. very nice read …lets’ hope their optimism translate to the basketball floor.
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.
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!
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
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.
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
RE: Post 24
meant “those” players in the last sentence
Sorry
Be well all
guys, right now on nbatv, via espn university channel, they’re showing the nba pre-draft camp scrimmage. second half.
they have the italian stallion listed as the #1 rated small forward in the draft.
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.
KnicksD
Can you update us if there is a redux aka rewind of tonights predraft camp showing later in the day.
Thanks!
O&B: the little bit I did see of the game, none of the guys we’ve been talking about were getting minutes. the two leading scorers were guys i never heard of before, perhaps the force MD’s know them since they seem to be more in the know with college ball.
knowing how they do things over at the nbatv channel, i would be surprised if they didn’t loop it back later in the day, however.
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.
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
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.
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).
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.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/8184674/Jordan-says-Knicks-are-on-winning-track
Hanners overjoyed to leave Isiah’s creation
Herb is the only coach expected to be kept on
D’Antoni looking to bring his boys over from phoenix
Grunwald told he will stay on (unfortunately) even if they bring in another GM
Did anyone see the beginning of sportscenter last night, right after the celtics took the cake? more on that in a few…
donnie walsh is backing Mike D from the get go, sending a clear signal to coachkiller Marbury that no BS will be tolertated this season.
http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/ny-spknix315708669may31,0,1390185.story
http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/knicks/archives/2008/05/this_randolph_c.html
little blurb on anthony randolph that implies he will help the knicks more defensively than the italian stallion.
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.
Lives @34
In part 3 does Isiah and ABS walk in?
DLT, you make me feel too predictable. (LOL)
Or did you get the pirated copy that my wife filmed as I was typing?
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.
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.”"
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!
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.
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
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.
whats up defenders? hope everyone had a great weekend. thanks for keeping this thread alive despite the relatively quiet off-season status of our knicks.
When was the last time we read an article on the player formerly known as “E-City”?. Courtesy of Alan Hahn.
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
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……
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.