www.KnicksDefense.com

Interesting how in the Isiah Era too many players of one type became known as roster redundancy.

Are 6 gaurds on a team peaches and creams with Walsh?

Why keep Steph around with this many other gaurds. He’s not a leader, wasn’t the most team oriented, wasn’t their best shooter, and only played D on occassion.

Cummutively Collins, N8, Crawford, Duhon and Roberson would provide what his Stephness couldn’t.

A see a multi headed full court pressing pestering three ball shooting hydra.

Gosh that’s scary!

KnicksD

A guy like tractor traylor is a tragedy waiting to happen against another teams players. Man that big jumping in the air with his weight and gravity smashing into unsuspecting 3s-4s-5s scares me something awful.

I’m glad Nilo is resting today he needs R&R after having that anvil fall on him.

By Orange and Blue on Jul 16, 2008

6 guards isn’t a crazy amount. You can have 3 players at every position. The roster size is 15. The problem is that the shooting guards are small.
There are too many small forwards: Jeffries, Balkman, Richardson, Gallinari, Chandler.

By KnicksRealist on Jul 16, 2008

KR

I should have expressed that I presumed D’antoni might use Q as a 2 to cut down on the over abundance of 3s. Same for Jefferies being used as a 4/5 on a small quick lineup.

Hit us back.

By Orange and Blue on Jul 16, 2008

He(Roberson)impressed me very much in the first game.I gave him an “A” along with Chandler.Good signing,fresh young talent.

Ready to release Steph,JJames and trade/waive Collins and Q.Collins just got pushed back 2 spots(Duhon & Roberson)in the rotation.

I’m really disappointed that the Nuggets,NOT THE KNICKS,got that cap space deal from LAC.Walsh was trying to play his cards,but they had other options(Camby & Denver).

Now how will he unload that contract?

Who has the cap space AND is in need of a black hole?

By D L T Knicks on Jul 16, 2008

I’m for dumping James and Marbury.

But I am also for waiting out the crest and see how Collins responds to thsi second summer league session, now that he appears trim and fully healthy.

If Duhon doesn’t pan out or he opts not to resign with the team, developing Collins as Duhon’s understudy with the competent mentorship of D’antoni would be preferrable to just junking an inexpensive 1 with size, who appears to be working on his J and does get his share of assists and rebounds.

Roberson’s got a great J but gotta see more work on the assist side before I dub him Duhon’s understudy. If he is not a pure point he might be the situational spread the floor jump shooter that the Bulls and Spurs have enjoyed.

DLT, I know you think otherwise but this is my two cents bruh!

By Orange and Blue on Jul 16, 2008

O&B

I hear you on Mardy…he looked better the other day with it appears to be all about confidence
last years yo-yoing and infighting plus the injury hurt Mardy’s confidence
and getting rid of Steph may help the morale and focus of the young ones

Roberson seems more like a Dell Curry(zone buster) type with a somewhat better handle
his shooting ability is a skill that will suit the quick motion passing game of M9ike D and a playoff slowdown style if you place him on the same side of the court as your low post threat(needs practiceon how and when to throw the entry pass)

By saipanknickster on Jul 16, 2008

I know many are disappointed that the Clips said “bump you” to the Knicks and went for Cambyman.

There is always gonna be differing opinions but I have a bit of faith in Walsh’s savvy and experience. As our ancestors knew we should remember “there is more than one way to skin a cat”.

I feel Walsh has other options likdeals with other teams(it’s still summer) if zach is still on the roster @ the start of the season he will put up his numbers and will be happier that Steph is gone(hopefully) and that Mike D(consistency and a players coach) is calling the shots instead of Zeke.

If we have to go that route Zach will have been rehabilitated even more(no off court issues this past season) thus his value would be more!!

The MSM and other GM’s are trying to play the zach scenario as a weakness for the Knicks… however i feel that Donnie W is dealing from a postition of strength

By saipanknickster on Jul 16, 2008

DLT if you drive JJ( larcenious one) to the airport
I’ll pay triple your gas plus tolls and a meal

By saipanknickster on Jul 16, 2008

Gallo AKA the Rooster may sit out the rest of the Vegas Summer run

By saipanknickster on Jul 16, 2008

That sucks.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Jul 16, 2008

@Saipanknickster,

I got enough rope,hopefully won’t need the gun.Will need your help getting him in the van.

After we can split a Happy Meal!

By D L T Knicks on Jul 16, 2008

Look at this Box Score,nobody shot good.

Roberson 4-13
Chandler 4-11
Collins 1-8
Robinson 2-10

Hope Roberson does lose his fire.

By D L T Knicks on Jul 16, 2008

Saipan

getting a lil conspiracy to happy meal steal Snaxx out of Empire State.

I’ll joint in the it’ll take a couple of people to hold that behemoth down.

DLT and Saipan

The fact that no one shot well is something that will happen several times during the season. That is why defense is needed.

Lives pointed it out well.

Ball hogs get the highlight reels but ball hounds get the bounds, hustle plays, and necessary steals that keep teams in games when the guns aren’t firing like they should.

Holla back!

By Orange and Blue on Jul 16, 2008

O&B,

On second thought,if you would just show Big Snaxx the Happy meal,he will follow you into the van and Saipan won’t have to use the gun.:-)

By D L T Knicks on Jul 16, 2008

LMAO!

So your saying that Snaxx team loyalty is only as strong as his latest dig on a happy meal.

Super Size em I say!

By Orange and Blue on Jul 16, 2008

O&B, KnicksD,

What should we do with Malik Rose?He’s in the last year of a 7 million dollar contract,great trade asset?He really doesn’t fit in this new system? Shouldn’t we trade him or release him. I know he is a good hearted person,but this is business.

also,He is too smart and won’t fall for that Happy Meal trick.

By D L T Knicks on Jul 16, 2008

Does anyone have any news on Balkman’s ankle injury ?

By JohnQ on Jul 16, 2008

O&B, DLT this is the plan we need two vans

One with a hottie in the back holding a liquor bottle(remember JJ’s New Years fine form LB?)
the 2nd with load of White Castles , with a trail of the meat drippings and onions leading up to the truck

He will definitely go for one of them while he’s distracted and decides which thrill he wants we slip the gun and rope in his pocket with a note(may be neede d later)

once he gets in either car have a recorder shout Jerome “it’s time for practice”

and he will lock himself in..

Hit the gas and head to the County of Queens
. .. if he presents problems at the airport yell the big dude’s got a gun

then the guys and gals in blue and white will nab him at the airport
find the weapons and the note that reads something anti establishment then in a wink
homie will be in GITMO till
Galinari’s garndchildren are born!!!!

By saipanknickster on Jul 16, 2008

Malik’s trade bait, I say!

Iam also cooking up another multi team hypo blockbuster.

You’ll see it out soon.

By Orange and Blue on Jul 16, 2008

Yo Defenders,wazzuuuuuuuuuup!!! Hoopshype rumors has it that there are possible trades on the way. Read this:http://www.nypost.com/seven/07162008/sports/knicks/roberson_deal_could_be_end_for_marbury_120090.htm

By George M. on Jul 16, 2008

George M. Long time, no read. Hope all is well in your parts.

Gentle Defenders, LMAO about the Big Snaxx kidnap plot. I bet Walsh would pay a ransom for us to keep him at Gitmo. He needs that spot and it would be cheaper than paying our all-time favorite freeloader. (Compare to Bernard King. No comparison).

I was about half an hour from getting my flight to Las Vegas and then I heard Kid G called it quits, so I changed my mind, but I’m making plans in advance to be there next year.

DLT, Malik is a tradeable asset, but his soon-to-be-on-the-shelf life is probably 52 weeks after the end of his contract. I’m only slightly surprised that his name is not being mentioned in trade rumor support groups, but where does he fit in the D’Antoni way. At this point, he is little more than a one trick pony.

I hope the remaining summer league games are better.

Later.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Jul 17, 2008

Camby insulted by trade to Clippers.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/53629/20080717/camby_insulted_by_trade/

Suns looking to trade Barbosa.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/53626/20080717/suns_still_looking_to_trade_to_make_room_for_dragic/

By Orange and Blue on Jul 17, 2008

Just Blogging but can anyone else see that uncanny resemblance?

http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/blog/37504454.jpg

http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2008/0402/nba_g_walsh_300.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v480/punkboi/Parno2/emperor_sidious05.jpg

By Orange and Blue on Jul 17, 2008

LMAOOOOOOOOOOO.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Jul 18, 2008

I’m pretty funny with those uncanny resemblances heh?

This is some news for anyone who thinks that the Knicks and Clippers might revisit the Zach Randolph trade.

Today I read on RealGM that the Clippers have made a qualifying offer to SG Azubike.

Of course the Warriors could match the offer. But just to fan the flames, say Mullin does a skip pass on the matching offer as a wink wink to Walsh to facilitate a separate trade between the Knicks and Warriors apart from a redux of the Knicks Clipss Z-Bo trade. Say we obtain Harrington, Camby and Azubike and turn in Z-Bo a gaurd or two and work down our glut at tht 3 in the process.

Just Blogging really!

By Orange and Blue on Jul 18, 2008

WHY THE KNICKS TURNED DOWN THE CLIPPERS OFFER,according to SI.Com

“I have learned that the Clippers’ offer to the Knicks for Zach Randolph last week was much more audacious than first suspected. In addition to Randolph, they wanted the Knicks to send them a first-round pick and $3 million in exchange for Brevin Knight. The Knicks said no”-SI.COM

<A HREF=”SI.Com Article

By D L T Knicks on Jul 18, 2008

Here it is

By D L T Knicks on Jul 18, 2008

2 Professional opinions
I asked two experts to tell me who they liked in the opening week of summer league here.

2. Anthony Randolph, Warriors. “This is a long, multiskilled guy with freaky athleticism,” a Western Conference GM said. “He can put it down on the floor and he can pass it. He has a good feel for the game. Because of his size [6-10], athleticism and versatility, he can hurt you in a lot of different ways. He plays with a lot of energy too. People were saying that he might be too skinny [at 205 pounds] to have an impact, but in his one full game here he went right at everybody. Look, he isn’t going to move Yao Ming off the blocks, but with his speed, quickness and smarts, he’ll find ways to hurt you.”

si.com

By HarleminMD on Jul 18, 2008

why did we not make that trade for Brevin Knight?

If Isiah was still in charge the mob would have went nuts.

We shall overcome. Yeah right.

By HarleminMD on Jul 18, 2008

Why did we sign this kid for two years? Why not let a hungry All-star play for his next contract? who is Nate going to guard?

WTF is a Duhon? Give me a break.

Walsh ain’t shit. L-O-T-T-E-R-Y.

By HarleminMD on Jul 18, 2008

Knick guards:

3 PGs listed at 6′2″ (Marbury, Roberson, Duhon)
1 big guard that plays Point, not shooting (Collins)
1 shooter that is too small to defend (Robinson)
1 shooter that is too light to defend (Crawford)
____
L-O-T-T-E-R-Y

By HarleminMD on Jul 18, 2008

Randolph for a 1st rounder/$3 mil? Why the hell not? We don’t know how to draft, so we might as well give them away and get rid of salary.

Walsh is an ass.

By HarleminMD on Jul 18, 2008

We’re on the hook for $48 MILLION!! $3mil plus a 1st rounder? please!!

This guy is selling woof tickets. If the idea is to reduce salary for the big Free Agent class in 2010, why the hell didn’t we make that trade???? Shit, he can’t guard anybody and he is too slow to play in the new NBA.

We lost out on our get-out-of-jail card.

Bring back Isiah.

And for all you guys talking smack last year, thinking Mardy was a bum, I’ll be waiting for you this year when you have to eat those words. He isn’t Chris Paul, but he sure is a better passer than a lot of the guards in the NBA. A little confidence and maturity and that talent will surface.

By HarleminMD on Jul 18, 2008

@ Harlem

Concur with you on post 35 and 37.

Still to early for me to opine on who the Knicks drafted. Time will tell. I agree that Donny is being given great PR from many in the MSM.

If you’ve read my prior post I’ve been defending Mardy, and he had a solid game yesterday. I think he got 6 assist which should have been more had his teamates knocked down the open jumpers. If he develops a solid jump shot he may be our most versatile gaurd.

Good to read you back on the thread.

By Orange and Blue on Jul 19, 2008

@HarleminMD,

You must read my post @ #30 again.

The Clippers wanted Randolph AND a 1st round pick AND 3 million for cap relief and B.Knight.

It was a bad deal for the Knicks.

By D L T Knicks on Jul 19, 2008

@ DLT

I’ve been reading that SI story and if true then Walsh did well not to let the Knicks get punked again.

BUT

I wonder what’s the source on this story. Is it a Knick official, insider, exec?

Who Knows maybe the story was put out there as a form of damage control?

What are the ops here?

By Orange and Blue on Jul 19, 2008

…And even if the trade were better, I would not want Brevin Knight.We already ready have a Brevin Knight his name is Nate Robinson.We don’t need another 5′5 point guard.But to give up Randolph,a 1st round pick AND 3 million was a bit too much.

The Nuggets took the trade but ONLY gave up Camby.
If it were just Randolph it would have been a great trade.
Teams are still trying to jack us with money.
TELL ALL THE NBA TEAMS………NO MORE JACKING THE KNICKS FOR MONEY!!!!

By D L T Knicks on Jul 19, 2008

O&B

Good point!!

Don’t know who the source is.

BUT

I think if it were just Randolh,Walsh would have made the deal.

I really think he wants to dump that contract.Why not to it.

By D L T Knicks on Jul 19, 2008

HarlemMD. Yeah Baby. I hope you have had a wonderful summer. Today is the Harlem book fair and I am miffed that it is far too hot for me and the family to hang out pushing a stroller in the city. So this is as close as I get to Harlem today.

There is no doubt that Walsh’s moves are very, very questionable but I get the sense that the priorities on their agenda aren’t the same ones held by people who want to see a Championship sometime soon. The priorities are about product and market expansion. Steady has the script. The league put the Knicks into managerial receivership, brings in a little International flavor — mostly Italiano, and Walsh tries to accomodate Dolan’s shooting-starbury (out the MSG cannon) mandate.

So we get another name coach (D’Antoni), a very handsome and marketable young stud of a project(Gallinari), a four-year back-up point guard as our major acquisition (Duhon), and a nomadic sharpshooter (Roberson). The newness of it all is exciting, but no one can say we have gotten anything more than potential thus far. We still haven’t cleaned the rim of the toilet bowl yet with those shitty contracts still floating around. Well, our acquisitions give us the potential to get rid of Marbury.

I can’t fault anyone for cheering for potential. But I can’t fault anyone for complaining about us bring on nothing but potential so far. No one and nothing with a record that would lead you to believe that a Championship is on the horizon.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Jul 19, 2008

The Summer League competition has the juices flowing and the Defenders and Fanatics poppin’. On the Roll Call the past few days: Knicks Defense, DLT Knicks, O&B, Bokonon, LIVES, Saipanknicksters, PC, John Q, Cooleyhigh, Jackie J, George M., Post-Up Prince, Vic Corbit, HarlemMD and Kevin Harewood.

Also big ups to our cousins ( we may be separated but we’re not apart) sighted at the Fanatics (including those of us doing double deficit duty). Summer sightings on the red carpet included:Jay Bee, Orange and Blue, Vic Corbit, DLT Knicks, LIVES, Statesman, Peaceman, Dross, Decataur, Kandiman, African and Cooley

But Kudos to Knicks Fix where Alan Hahn (Alan Con according to Statesman) is rebuilding his following with superb customer service. BARF is right, that Cover It Live is live and Hahn does a very nice job. We’ve been doing live blogging for a while, but that Cover It Live format is nice and easy to do. However, I love the fact that at least one of the Beats loves his job and appreciates his readership. You guys should be proud that you helped shape this new standard and that someone had enough sense to be responsive.

LONG LIVE THE INDIES.

BRING BACK ISIAH. (HAHAHAHAHAHA).

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Jul 19, 2008

Ola! Que Pasa Defenders! I have to Co-Sign my Brother from Another Mother last two post. The Chatter on the threads by the Usual Suspects has been impressive and insightful. And, I’m hopeful My Dear Brother Steady will re-engage soon and bring his special brand of Knickism back to threads…

Lastly, it is clear that WCHANDLER is working hard to take the step in his professional career. A few of my Partners out at Summer League in Vegas have called me and proclaimed he is best player out there, and most are more impressed with his defensive play and leadership. Also, I got a text from JTjr. about MARDYC and his words were He’s Back! Hopefully STEADY and I will have Breakfast tomorrow, and I’m hopeful he’ll confirm right here on this thread…LOL LOL LOL
I know, I ain’t shyte…LOL LOL

@HARLEM, welcome back Young Steed, but you got to get with program and be a little more optimistic, and BY ALL MEANS TELL US WHAT YOU REALLY FEEL AND THINK…LOL LOL LOL

Here’s some Stats for you number crunchers and wannabe CPA’S…LOL JUST BLOGGING!

2008 knicks Summer League Averages
Name G GS MPG FG% 3p% FT% OFF DEF RPG APG SPG BPG TO PF PPG?
Wilson Chandler, F 3 3 31.3 .510 .500 .867 2.3 6.7 9.0 1.3 1.0 1.0 2.33 3.00 22.3
Anthony Roberson, G 3 2 28.0 .378 .313 .667 0.3 1.7 2.0 0.7 0.3 0.0 2.00 2.00 15.7
Danilo Gallinari, F 1 1 30.0 .455 .000 1.000 4.0 2.0 6.0 2.0 0.0 1.0 4.00 5.00 14.0
Mardy Collins, G 3 3 26.0 .409 .333 .833 0.7 3.7 4.3 5.3 0.3 0.0 1.00 3.00 11.7
Nate Robinson, G 1 1 26.0 .200 .167 .750 0.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 0.0 0.0 2.00 4.00 8.0
Von Wafer, G 3 1 22.0 .353 .375 .556 0.0 2.3 2.3 0.0 0.0 0.3 1.00 1.00 6.7
Renaldo Balkman, F 2 2 22.5 .571 .000 .500 1.0 4.5 5.5 0.0 0.0 1.5 0.00 2.00 6.0
Paul Miller, F/C 2 2 24.0 .625 .000 .000 2.0 3.0 5.0 0.5 1.0 0.0 1.00 5.00 5.0
Delonte Holland, F 3 0 9.7 .400 .000 .000 0.0 1.7 1.7 0.0 0.0 0.3 1.00 1.00 4.0
Brandon Hunter, F 3 0 14.3 .375 .000 .500 1.0 3.3 4.3 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.67 2.00 3.0
Antonio Graves, G 2 0 6.5 1.000 1.000 .000 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.50 1.00 2.5
Marcus Hall, G 2 0 9.5 .500 .000 .000 0.0 0.5 0.5 1.5 0.0 0.5 0.00 1.00 2.0
Zhang Songtao, C 3 0 8.0 .500 .000 .000 1.3 0.0 1.3 0.3 0.0 0.7 0.67 3.00 2.0
Dan Grunfeld, G/F 0 0 0.0 .000 .000 .000 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.00 0.00 0.0
Antione Johnson, G 0 0 0.0 .000 .000 .000 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.00 0.00 0.0
Team Averages 200.0 .437 .286 .696 9.0 26.7 35.7 11.3 2.7 4.0 11.67 27.00 83.0
Opponent Averages 200.0 .456 .250 .671 12.0 30.3 42.3 12.7 3.0 1.7 14.00 21.00 85.3

Like KD said, Coolie High Got you WIDE…Camp Lo Baby! LOL LOL

ONE LOVE DEFENDERS!

Keep it POPPIN

By Cooleyhigh on Jul 19, 2008

FYI Defenders! The Knicks vs. Phoenix replay is on NBA TV right now and running for real at 4PM verses DJ Augustin and LB’S Bobcats…Enjoy!

ONE LOVE!

Keep it POPPIN!

By Cooleyhigh on Jul 19, 2008

Hey Cooleyman, I’m co-signing on the reappearance of Steady. It just ain’t the same without ‘em. Plus, you Gents are cloggin’ up my busy bizness e-mail with that b-ball insight. I mean it’s enough that Peace writes a freakin’ thesis. (LOL). Just kiddin’ sorta. Hey Steady, what I gotta do to bring back your innovative-self back to the blogosphere? You got the only copy of the damn script and we wanna, need to know. And I need some more of those acronyms and govbament chedda.

Just Bloggin Cuzin’

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Jul 19, 2008

Cooley, O&B,

We really do have problems this upcoming season. We have no idea what we’re going to get out of the Knicks. Their play was not horrible the past two years combined, it was schizophrenic. If we get the post-Denver fight team, we may be competitive. But who knows what D’Antoni is going to do with this team on the floor and how the chemistry will eventually work. D’Antoni intends to play Curry which means that Zach is in the plans almost as much as Marbury.

But I am more concerned, as others have pointed out, how we match up against the rest of the Eastern Conference. Boston, Cleveland, Detroit, Toronto, Philly, Miami, Washington, Orlando and Atlanta are stronger than us. New Jersey and Chicago have reasons to like their huge improvements. That puts us pretty low on the totem pole.

Duhon will have to be something mighty special to keep us from being a lottery team again. We won’t be able to rest our entire interior defense on Wilson Chandler. I’m seeing the units but not the victories

Starting

Duhon
Crawford
Curry
Wilson
Richardson (if Lee is traded)

Other units

(1)
Robinson
Crawford
Gallinari
Lee
Chandler

(2)
Collins
Crawford
Gallinari
Chandler
Jeffries

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Jul 19, 2008

@LIVES,

I do understand your quandry and concern about our abilty to compete with some of the new additions and upgrades other Eastern teams have made during this active off-season. Not to mention how SUPER competitive the Western Conference will remain.

Here’s the thing LIVES, IMHO the biggest change needed in our lockerroom is their approach to the mental aspects of the game, which is directly correlated to coaching and their vision for success. The thing that is most obvious so far is the current roster of players have re-dedicated themselves to conditioning and a collective work ethic (Curry’s and Randolph’s conditioning is key). That’s the physical aspect and every NBA team has talent. The area we must improve in his the Mental aspect and approach to the game, and it is here where I think D’Antoni and Staff will make the the biggest difference. This new scheme requires team work and a commitment to sharing the ball and playing hard at all times. I believe a greater emphasis will be placed on the Defensive end due to the players being in the best shape and the style of play will inspire players to bring that DESIRE and EFFORT that will help them showcase some of the unique talents that this group of players possess. IMHO, outside of a BIG with great defensive skills, these players have tremendous talent. Buying into the Philosphy and Scheme is the real key. And, I believe D’Antoni will hold these players accountable and demand their very best effort day in and day out.

IT and his coaching staff did not get buy in from these players last season due to all of the turmoil swirling around and in the franchise. You know the deal LIVES, successful people normally have the best ATTITUDES WHICH DETERMINES THEIR ALTITUDE.

The Celtics are the greatest example of that fact. KG’S Professional and DETERMINED ATTITUDE made the difference in their incredible turnaround. Knick announcer Gus Johnson’s words from a couple of broadcasts continue to ring in my head, “These players have not played hard or up their capabilities for the guy (IT)that made them ALL rich men and that’s not cool”…

That will not be acceptable this season!

ONE LOVE!

Keep it POPPIN!

By Cooleyhigh on Jul 19, 2008

Well Cooley,

You know that I hope you are right in that all that is required will all be achieved. It is very difficult to visualize that now, especially when the makeup of the team remains unsettled. The chemistry is critical to the attitude which is why the Knicks are working so hard to pare teh team down to a manageable essence of success. As individuals most of the players have a very professional work ethic, but one bad apple can mess up a barrel, especially when it is the biggest apple in the barrel. There was no leadership last year, first from Isiah mired in his own personal woes and then from Marbury, who has always been asked to be something that he is not. Hopefully, the maturation of the rooks and 2Yrs as well as the growth and dreams of the Seattle boys help turn this teams ATTITUDE into a higher ALTITUDE. But still, these boys have got to play the game and the talent on the aforementioned teams is very high and their players have also been together for awhile. I won’t write the Knicks off, but I wouldn’t move my chair too far from the lottery podium either.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Jul 19, 2008

@LIVES,

One more things, AFRICAN was right when he said Chemistry was an issue. In my expereinces, Leadership is responsible for creating the envrions for Chemistry. In this instance, the coach and the players that assume that role must build that chemistry and demand accountability from within…(NEW YORK GIANTS ARE AN EXAMPLE)

When you review IT’S history, he was a LEADER on those Piston Championship teams, but he did not always lead them the right way. The Bulls incident is a classic example and the Dantley scenario is another. Now, JDUMARS was also a very quiet Leader on those same teams, and his Leadership ability is reflected in the success of the team he represents.

Great Leaders build and create more Leaders! You know the deal my Brudder!

ONE LOVE!

Keep it POPPIN!

By Cooleyhigh on Jul 19, 2008

Good back and forth on both sides of the Knickindyblogosphere with major contributions by Lives, Cooley, Peaceman et al.

I’ve found myself pinched for time this weekend but hope to read a thread or two sometime soon.

Latez!

OBTW

Does anyone think we can get live game time blogging at a neutral website for the upcoming Knickseason? We might not be a playoff team and we are as some say “a work in progress” but there are some exciting players showing their game in Summer League who I hope have a chance to shine also in the regular season.

Latez!

Did anyone notice how Alan at Knicksfix put up a thread speculating on the questionable source leaking the information on why the Knick Clippers trade didn’t go down.

Seems like Alan read DLT and my convo on that topic.

The MSM reads us, to me that means a lil respect goes our way.

By Orange and Blue on Jul 19, 2008

Love: Not Leaving Las Vegas Just Yet
By Jerry Zgoda

Kevin Love’s relentless summer-league play has impressed more than the scouts sitting courtside: USA Basketball on Saturday selected him as one of two final players picked for a young select team that will practice and scrimmage against the U.S. Olympic team in Las Vegas this coming week.

Love and Robin Lopez join O.J. Mayo, Derrick Rose, Rodney Stuckey, LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Luther Head, Al Horford, Andre Iguodala and Kevin Martin on a 12-man team that begins four days of training against the Olympians on Monday. Oklahoma City’s P.J. Carlesimo will coach that team.

Love leads the Vegas summer league in rebounding with a 15 a game and is seventh in scoring (20.7 PPG, 45.1 percent) shooting entering tonight’s game against Milwaukee. The Wolves conclude summer league on Sunday afternoon against New York.

I have no problem with D.G. except he is not Kobe, he will not be ready for years, yes YEARS, if ever.And that is only on the offensive side.Check out Dirk’s and Kukoc’s defense.Don’t know why D’Antoni’s talking about D.He has none.What bothers me is his ignoring Mr.Love, who is NBA ready and has a huge upside.Trading Lee with Love in the pocket would have made sense.Potential may make sense for a team that has a core to add to.If Eddie doesn’t come around we’re looking at a death march.Remember this is a team that doesn’t rebound, turns the ball over, doesn’t rebound or block shots.And I like these guys.That’s a lot to blame on chemistry.I like D’Antoni’s and Walsh’s attitude so far, but don’t pee on my leg and then tell me it’s raining.I hope they are a lot smarter than me.Roberson can play a little, but he’s been in the league for 3 years.He’s bench help, that’s it.When D’Antoni sets his rotation he rarely goes eight deep.James Jones could shoot and never got off the Sun’s bench.Watching these summer games hurts my eyes, and makes my heart heavy.These guys are rookies and scrubs.The play here doesn’t translate in any way to regular season play.I hope you know who is a Knick fan!We need Him.Enjoy your summer!LGK

By Tman on Jul 19, 2008

TMAN, so right, I’ll co-sign it twice.

My brother I hope you and the family are doing very well. It is very good to read you. I am trying to get through “Seven Seconds or Less” to get a better understanding of D’Antoni and you hit it right on the head. I look forward to hearing more from you as we _______________ (pick a word, I couldn’t think of one) our way through this upcoming season.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Jul 20, 2008

Good AM Defenders!

I pray all have a Blessed Sunday and spend quality time with the People you Love the Most.

I had a great time at breakfast with our AWOL Defender STEADY AS IT GOES…He is well, the Family is well, and he is still one of the Sharpest Knives in this Threads drawer. He is STEADY and Remains so, and he looks forward to the new season, despite all of the BS and the hyperactive seeds many are posting around the sphere. We were crackin up!

As I told him earlier, I have been amazed at the hysteria surrounding our TEAM and extremely disappointed in the negativity from so many so called Fans that may possibly be phantoms. This penchant for Summer League thinking is quite amusing. Can anybody tell me what Rookie in the 2008 season outside of Durant turned their stellar play in Summer League into something substative during the season other than Durant. Can anyone name five players that performed at a high level at last year’s Summer League, and subsequently made major impacts on their respective teams this season; and please back up your contentions with facts and not conjecture. I’ll be waiting!

@TMAN, you know I’ve got nothing but Love and Respect for you Bro, but we were talking about KLOVE and RWESTBROOK bakcin December when most of you on this thread didi’t even know who they were. It surely would have been nice to have drafted one of them if not both, but that was never going to happen. I have always statedi think both youngins will have decent careers, but it will take awhile. All this Bayless, Greene, Speights, Randolph chatter cracks me up. Holla at me at the end of the upcoming season and If I’m wrong I’m MAN emough to admit it, but I’m confident the muzzle affect will apply. You always take proven NBA talent over Potential if you plan on winning. This Supersized SUMMER lEAGUE CHATTER has been very enlightening.

Lastly, can anybody name players on D”Antoni’s former Phoenix roster that joined his team during their run whose games expanded under his tutelage and why…I’m just a former BBALLER that has a mind of a three year old and somethimgs have to be explained in more detailed to me…Can any Defender help this Ole Sorry Brudder out? I’m soliciting assistance…Please come to my aid…

Lastly, I pose this question. Are the MOVES and TRANSACTIONS we are witnessing by our Knicks, are they Walsh’s moves or are they Isiah’s Moves…Is Walsh all PR? ANd,is IT still the Braintrust on Talent and Team Direction… I am very interested in the reviewing Defender’s responses…

As always I have nothing but ONE LOVE for my DEFENDER BRETHREN AND SISTERS…

Keep it POPPIN!

By Cooleyhigh on Jul 20, 2008

I’ll give you a hint on those High Flying Rooks: Rodney Stuckey, Al Horford, and ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

ONE LOVE!

Keep it POPPIN!

By Cooleyhigh on Jul 20, 2008

Greetings and salutations to all the Lovers of life, the game and what it represents to you.Special greetings to our brothers Lives and Cooleyhigh!Always a decided pleasure to be uplifted by your prose.My last word on Mr. Love.Then I’m done, unless, of course, he becomes a monster!We picked at 7.He went at 6.We made no effort that I could see to get him.That pissed me off!But that’s over and I’ll stand behind our version of young Rambo, the Italian Scallion, oops! Stallion.Being a Knick lover will make you patient, if nothing else.As for Westbrook, nice player on the defensive side, didn’t impress me that much offensively.I didn’t covet him.As for who jumped on bandwagons for whom, there is a record if it matters to you, but who really cares?

As to the question of who has D’Antoni developed, that’s an interesting one.What came first the chicken or Steve Nash?Certainly whoever made that trade and those who had major input deserve much kudos.Below are some of the awards beyond improving scoring and playoff runs, etc.under D’Antoni’s & staff’s tutalege.

Steve Nash - two times NBA MVP.It don’t get any better individually!
Amare Stoudemire-2003 Rookie of the Year-3XAll Star
Sean Marion-4XAll Star
Boris Diaw-2005-6 NBA most improved player award
Leandro Barbosa- 2006-7 NBA 6th man award
Raja Bell- went through Phil.-Dallas-Utah before becoming a force in Phoenix

Who has D’Antoni and staff developed?Did Phil Jackson develop MJ?Who gets credit for Kobe?Nash was a great player getting older in Dallas.Certainly Mike was smart enough to at least get out of his way in Phoenix,if not more.I will be more than happy if this team in transition comes out with the right competitive attitude.We can agree to disagree about some personnel moves.What I’m holding Mike and Mr. Walsh to is that it’s not business as usual.If Mr.s Walsh and D’Antoni are 100% in charge it will be pretty evident early in the season.Inshallah, & LGK

By Tman on Jul 20, 2008

@TMAN, Greetings and Salutations My Good Brother. Just curious, how did your nephew enjoy Hampton Univ. this year? We Pirates stick together, and the NETWORK is huge, so if I can ever be of service, don’t hesitate to ring my bell…Also, TMAN, I wasn’t calling you out, during the college season me and Bronx went back and forth a bit about KLOVE and his skills. He was LIVE during the HS All-Star games, and he surpassed the buzz that was swirling around him in HS because of his pedigree. I’m familiar only because the Kid is Wes Unseld’s Godson, and Wes’s son Mike who coahes with the Wiz was alw2ays chatting him up. I’m with you on this, if I was the GM I would have drafted him, because I said awhile back he reminded me of DaveDEBUSH…That say is ALL to me anyway…

Lastly I was hoping you or any other Defender would answer the series of questions to really start a narrative on who is actually pulling the strings…I maintain that Zeke is still pulling the lever behind the scenes and has played his role due to my findings on my Scriptology Crystal Ball…As STEADY would say, the LiL General aided the Big General, and the Corp. Players in reducing the dfallout fromthe Gambling Scandal.

Your answers are D’Antoni were ROCK ON, and we’re both sensible enough to know that D’Antoni was not totally responsible for their total success, but his style of play and his coaching and his TEAM (TOGETHER EVERYONE ACHIEVES MORE) management have been quite impressive debunk a NBA Championship. For that reason, I would like to see what will occur with the pieces we’ve added ot will add, and the pieces left on the current roster. All of my connects (Michael Wilbon being the primary) tell me that this Kat has this uncanny ability of making the pieces fit, work harder, and build the kind of cohesion that breeds success. So I’m in an acute Holding Pattern until the season beigins…

Finally the ROOK SNOOK is basically Top Shelf Reality, cause proven talent usually understands the rigors of the PRO game and what it takes to prosper in it. Of course, like anything else there are exceptions…LOL LOL You know TMAN, I don’t take to much of this stuff or myself too seriously, cause in the end as I always say, I cannot and will not contribute to the final outcome…I’m A Lounge Chair Sports Prophet/Prognositicator from way back…I got some bulshyte trophys…LOL LOL LOL LOL Fruitful Engagement and the Avoidance of Negative Persuasion is always my motto…As always TMAN, it is great reading your posts…Mucho Repsect & Adniration….

ONE LOVE!

Keep it POPPIN!

By Cooleyhigh on Jul 20, 2008

O&B,
Why doesn’t anyone mention Collins?They skipped over him right to Roberson

“In addition, there is a case to be made for keeping Steph around for one more season. Duhon has been a steady player thus far in his young career, but hasn’t shown he is ready to play heavy minutes as a starting point guard. And while Anthony Roberson had a few nice summer league practices, he has had little more than a cup of coffee in the NBA. Jamal Crawford and Nate Robinson can play PG if need be, but they are both better suited playing off the ball, a role they both should excel at under new coach Mike D’Antoni.”-Tommy Beer,Hoopsworld

Article

By D L T Knicks on Jul 21, 2008

Sorry O&B

They do mention him in article.

“And with the signing of Anthony Roberson, the Knicks now have 16 guaranteed contracts on the books. This means that they will be forced to cut at least one play prior to the start of the season. While Jerome James and Mardy Collins are two possible candidates to get canned, Marbury remains the odds-on favorite.”

By D L T Knicks on Jul 21, 2008

hey fellas,

don’t take the shouting to heart. just a frustrated knick fan letting off steam.

no true ill will against walsh either. just wanted to allocate the “hate” that’s been happening to knick management for the past 3 years.

i don’t care if the clips wanted 2 first-rounders: to get away from Randolph’s $48 mil, MAKE THE DEAL. I would have given them 2 first rounders and Randolph. our plan is to get under the cap. it’s not going to happen easily.

who cares about 1st rounders in NY anyway? when is the last time we had a great pick in the 1st round (excluding the Patrick Ewing layup)? We might as well give them away, and do what we do best: signing stars in the prime of their career at a maximum rate.

If there was even a conversation with the clips about Randolph, Walsh should have not let elgin baylor hang up the telephone.

By HarleminMD on Jul 21, 2008

WOw,

Looking at history Harlem brings up a very good point. When was the last great Knick first round draft pick?

Even Going way back in history Knicks have had very limited success via draft. Willis Reed was a second round pick to Jim Bad News Barnes. Bill Bradley,Cazzie Russell and Walt Frazier were great first round picks. To Me Ray Williams and Sugar Ray Richardson were good ones though Sugar’s issues diminished his output. CArtwright wasn’t bad until he got hurt.

Ewing was a no brainer. Mark Jackson and Rod Strickland were good ones also.

I can’t remember anyone of consequence since Jackson and Strickland. Many of our key players came via trade or free agency. Bellamy, BArnett, Debusschere, Monroe, King, Houston, Sprewell,Camby, This is looking back 30 or 40 years and if these are the only first round picks we got right then what does that say?

By kevin Harewood on Jul 22, 2008

Damn knee’s injured too many knicks
http://www.memoram.com/kenny_sky_walker_slam_dunks.htm

By Pete on Jul 22, 2008

What’s up Kevin and all other cuzins!Nice to see the blood pumpin’for the love of the game.I like your last point.There’s a lot more luck than brains that goes into drafting.Proof is you have guys like Dick McGuire who has been around the Knicks forever, along with Holzman, who headed up the scouting, coaching and drafting for the Knicks over so many years, and struck out so many more times than got a hit.Reed, arguably the best Knick ever was a 2nd round pick to Barnes who was out of the league in 6,7 years.Another interesting question would be to make a list of guys picked #1 by their teams and were predicted to be SUPERSTARS, who then became SUPERSTARS!You might be very surprised at how few there are.Some guys surprised their management as much as themselves and their fans.Case in point,Bill Russell,MJ, Dr. J, Earl,Kobe and practically everyone else we call a superstar.Let’s see now, who was projected SUPERSTAR and lived up to it from day one!Got to start with Wilt, probably the most underrated big man ever.There’s Oscar, the one and only.Shaq certainly did his thing!Jabbar, without a doubt, 2nd most underrated center ever.Duncan, nah, something seems to be missing.I guess that about does it for me.Help me out here?Remember, he had to be the Man, from Day One, and drafted as such.That let’s out Kobe,traded,West, warmed the bench for half a season,and Russell traded by draft rights to a genius(?)Auerbach who admitted he had no idea how good Russell could be.The point is aside from a few obvious SUPERSTARS drafting is an educated crapshoot.You need a certain amount of luck.Case in point.I like Ode(i)n, the Portland center a whole lot.He could be the next ONE.Would I bet my first born?Puhleeze!GM’s can put together good teams.Only Destiny can give you the piece you need to be great!IE.The C”s weren’t a great team, but Ainge did put together a very good team.Is Garnett a SUPRSTAR of the first order?Love the guy, but he needed to much help,Minny is case in point.It’s been great shooting hoopshyte with y’all.One luv, LGK
PS.
Mr. Cooley, you know it is always all good.Love your stuff!My nephew is graduating Hampton this spring.Thanks for the support!His mom and dad need it more than me!

Mr Lives,I ate at PJ’s the other day, pretty good.Dropped a niece at P.Enjoy your summer and come back with your plume invigorated.

Mr.H.It’s all better than good.W is touring in Cali.God is Good!All the time!

Cousins, it’s hot up in here.Write on, write on.Every little bit helps us chill.LGK once again.

By Tman on Jul 22, 2008

Now Tman, you know I am very disappointed that your were in the hood and didn’t scream at me across 27. Next time you are around let me know, please. It would be my honor to treat you to Carousel which is better than the overhyped PJ, although it is minus PJ’s sense of history. I hope your neice enjoys the joint and I use that term with fond prison-like memories. Just kiddin’. Usually when the kids come into town they don’t need anything from us old foggies, except the knowledge that we are here, but if your neice is in need of some quick assistance, the family is right around the corner and if we can’t help, there is a 99% chance that we can find it. I know unc is proud of his families’ broods.

But, Mr. Philosopher, the next time you turn into our gateways and haven’t given me a ring, I will tell the boys (or gals) in Silver and Black (we don’t do blue) to pick you up and call me. LOL.

Peace, Love and Blessings.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Jul 22, 2008

Good PM Defenders!

I see all of the Master Blasters are peeking their heads in the door to drop a Lil Knowledge and to Fellowship… Now that’s what I’m talking about! I’m gearing up for the next GMAN RUN… Big first step today, getting rid of the Cancer…Shockey is a heck of a Tight-End, but his head is all over the place and it out weighs his gifts; and if life has taught US anything, it is that we are ALL REPLACEABLE….FORGETTABLE NAH!

Marucs WMS was traded to Golden State today… Now so long ago the MSM was blasted Zeke for not drafting this kat…Funny how the Tide or (for you soap opera loving brudders)the World Turns…

ONE LOVE GENTS!

Keep it POPPIN!

P. S. Our Beloved Knciks will probably have to do the same thing….

By Cooleyhigh on Jul 22, 2008

Wow. Money makes you, changes you, relaxes you, allows you to focus.

Arenas said the city of Washington embraced him. He said he was a “young hothead” when coming to town but now’s the time to focus more on doing his job and helping the Wizards get a shot at winning a championship.

“I do all the little things I do out there [and that] is going come to a halt,” Arenas said. “I just need to cut out some of the foolishness I do. I create hype but some of the other stuff, I know I’ve got to calm down.”

–AP

By HarleminMD on Jul 22, 2008

I was reading a lot of the earlier posts…Someone said Mardy is going to make us eat our words…I think that’s funny - Mardy is a certified BUM.

Unless you like super slow point guards who can’t shoot. Everyone calls him a “good defender” just because they feel bad for him. I haven’t seen him guard anybody. He doesn’t even dominate summer league - at least Nate and Chandler do that…I mean, they didn’t retire Mardy’s jersey like they did Nate’s. And Nate’s one step below a certified BUM and he got his jersey retired. But don’t worry, Nate is enrolled in BUM school and well on his way to gaining his certificate (i think he’s only a few credits shy)

By PC on Jul 22, 2008

Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeefenders,

I agree with PC.Why else are we signing point guards(Duhon and Roberson)if Mardy can do the job?It’s not just us thinking this way.It looks like Walsh and D’Antoni think the same of Mardy.I haven’t seen this “great defensive player” everyone is talking about.I saw many quicker PG blow right pass him.As I said earlier,he has had 3 years to show us something,what are we waiting for…dump him,let’s move on.There is a thought on this blog,that we are NOT DEVELOPING our younger player.That’s not true!!N8 seems find,so does Lee and now Chandler.He may need to get released to wake up,cause he is not helping the Knicks.

Other players that need to go before the start of the season:

1)Marbury-The Knicks need a new attitude and Steph was the begining of the bad years.Plus,it seems that other Knicks and the management don’t want to work with him.He was Thomas’ first choice,and he needs to go to change the attitude.Buy him out,no team will trade 21 million dollars of their assets to get his expiring contract.

2)J.James-Hasn’t done anything since he has been in New York.Didn’t do that much in Seattle either.Talk him into a medical retirement.1 year 6 million expirng contract.

3)Malik Rose-He is a good person,great attitude.BUT,we need players the can run the floor.Malik is getting up in years and doesn’t seem to fit into the Knicks new plans.TRADE HIM,there has to be a few team that would like a 7 million expiring contract.OR,buy him out and let the contract expirer.We could use that spot for young talent.

4)Mardy Collins-3 years is long enough to see if he’s got game.Buy him out!He has 1 year left on his contract 1.034 million.Open a spot for some young talent.

5)Q-He’s not making 3’s any more and we have many players who can play the 3 spot.
Trade him.Make some team a good deal and get him out.2 years 8.6 million.

Don’t need to resign Jones(who I liked) or Morris(who I didn’t like).We may have to live with Zach and EC for now.

By D L T Knicks on Jul 23, 2008

Roberson NOW a Knick

By D L T Knicks on Jul 24, 2008