www.KnicksDefense.com

Hi,

I’m working with Takkle.com, a social networking site for sports. Members can post photos, videos, share stats and schedules, and a whole lot more with others throughout the community. Takkle is a place where students, athletes, coaches, and fans can share their passion for sports.

I feel that your site is very useful. I would love to know if you could link to our social networking resource.

Thanks,
Tiffany

By Tiffany on Aug 25, 2008 at 1:51 pm

What Up Defender Nation!

I hope and pray all is well with those who frequent KD’S House. It’s been a minute since I last posted. Sharp new look KD! I thought I would re-introduce myself with some words that will nourish the Heart, mind, and Soul.

Enjoy Defenders!

YOU’RE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

It’s easy to be tempted to give up on a goal, prayer or desire when it seems as if the answer isn’t coming as quickly as you would like. Yet, at these times, dare to learn how to hope even more in God. Usually, our battles seem the darkest just before the dawn. Just like a woman experiences birth pains right before the birth of her child, we too experience intense moments before breakthrough. Yet, we must not give up prematurely during these heated times.

In Hebrews 10:35 it says, “Do not cast away your confidence for it will be richly rewarded.”

As faith-filled believers, we must keep hoping, keep believing and staying faithful. Many times, we are closer than we think to victory. God is faithful to His promises. When God says we will be richly rewarded for keeping our confidence in Him, that should give us a second wind, giving us fuel to keep up the faith. Don’t give up today on your dreams and your hope in God. By developing the attitude, “I’ve come too far to stop now” and learning how to be full of hope, expecting God’s favor daily, you’ll see God begin to do amazing things, even in the midst of trying times! You are closer than you think to victory. Dare to hope in God and His promises. You will not be disappointed!

ONE LOVE!

Keep it POPPIN!

By Cooleyhigh on Aug 25, 2008 at 4:37 pm

From SI,

“The 1992 team — with icons such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird — introduced NBA basketball to the world stage. Sixteen years later, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have become China’s darlings — and the NBA is hoping capitalize on the basketball’s popularity by investing millions in the sport’s development in this sprawling nation.

The league has plans for an NBA-affiliated league in China, and Stern envisions league partnership in as many as “eight or 10 or 12 arenas throughout China.”

“The world is embracing the sport that the Dream Teamers brought to Barcelona,” Stern said. “And I would say the 2008 Olympics really demonstrate that complete embrace.”

Stern said he never imagined the NBA/China relationship that began in 1985 would be as popular as it is at the Beijing Games.

“You know, I didn’t even dare to think about that,” Stern said. “The question was one step at a time. If you’ve been along on the journey, sometimes you don’t realize how far you’ve come.”

Stern said the league does not see China as an entry point to Asia.

India could be next on the NBA’s radar. Stern said NBA officials have met in Beijing with Indian authorities, and the league staged its first Basketball Without Borders events in India this summer.

“We think that that’s a very promising market,” said Stern, who arrived in Beijing on Monday and attended the U.S. team’s 106-57 victory over Germany.

“The sport is very much on the move,” he said.

Stern said NBA China is in an “ongoing dialogue” with Chinese authorities about installing 800,000 baskets in villages across this sprawling country. The NBA also hopes to be involved with a Chinese professional league. But Stern balked at comparisons with the NBA’s Development League.

“That would be a separate league that would be NBA-affiliated or NBA-sponsored, but it would be independent,” Stern said. “And it would just sign players. For a very long time to come it would be at a lower scale than the NBA. But as the sport develops in China, and as more players around the world recognize the opportunities of playing in China, we see that league growing and strengthening.”

For now, the NBA will maintain its on-court presence in China with exhibition games, with games planned for Guangzhou and Beijing this fall. The teams have not been announced.

“I think that that is likely to become a regular thing,” Stern said.”

There it is folks, straight from the horse’s ass!Whoops, slip! I meant mouth.NBA India, who would have thunk it?What has G-d wroth?Let’s see now, NBA China, NBA Europe, now NBA India and one of the largest markets in terms of popularity is believe it or not, North Africa.Can NBA South and Central America be far behind?Stern’s slam-bam dunkin statue, hundred dolla bill y’all! will probably be erected on top of the Raging Bull in front of the stock market.The pick of D’Antoni & Danillo over Jackson and b-ball purity just illustrates it’s not about the game but the marketing of another American commodity to a media starved world.We’ll sell anything,even our souls.Poor Knicks, poor us.Which brings to mind a memorable statement made by a fellow incarcerated individual during a run behind the walls while I foolishly tried to invoke a new rule.

“Don’t f**k with the game!”

LGK, hopefully?

By Tman on Aug 25, 2008 at 5:15 pm

Good evening Gents,

I’m warming up and I hope you are too. Right now, I am winding down from a wonderful summer and doing a little pre-season traveling around the blogosphere. I’m visiting sports sites and political sites, just soaking in the knowledge and thinking about how we are going to move this fellowship forward even despite the virtual wall between web sites.

I am considering my posting strategy and how I intend to maximize my blogging relationships as we see ourselves through what could be an exciting season even if we suck — the storylines are bursting with possibility.

But one thing I see now, and this relates to Tman’s point, is that there is this mythology developing around D’Antoni and his “system” which is going to be nauseating for it’s inaccuracy. I’ll discuss this in greater detail later, as I have just completed two books which discuss D’Antoni — .07 Seconds or Less and Paul Shirley’s book in which he talks about his playing days on the Suns bench. They both give very lucid depictions of D’Antoni.

In brief, I think most of you guys are going to like D’Antoni. He’s just a good guy, funny and very serious about his craft. He brings a very positive attitude about life with him to his coaching. However, Jack McCallum gives a very realistic assessment of this “D’Antoni system.” I will suggest to you, and D’Antoni would probably agree, after Iavoroni, the defensive brains of the operation, left for Memphis, and after Brian Colangelo was disrespected by the owner Sarver (seemed like an asshole to me), the so-called “D’Antoni system” was in flux and did not have the support of Kerr and Sarver. Hence, the arrival of the Big Philosopher. And the exit of D’Antoni who saw his support erode as senior Colangelo also faded from his on-hands management of the team.

This is a new start for D’Antoni, but I suggest that you not buy into the “D’Antoni system” hype. D’Antoni learned his game in America. And with the help of others was one of the many to bring the game to Europe.

____________________________________

Tman,

I guess I wouldn’t call Stern brilliant, but he is a very astute businessman. You are on point to point out that 1992 was pivotal in the NBA’s focus on developing international markets. It seems that they missed out on cashing in on the Euroleagues, except as a sort of farm league. But the Euroleagues are no longer a farm league.

We can be assured now that Stern’s NBA will be on the ground floor in renting the brand on other continents. He will not miss out on that international legal tender. I bet, he also will not spend much more than services and the league logo for serious equity to enter into international partnerships.

Clearly the players have already bought into exploiting these new markets beyond merchandising sales and sponsorships which will make basketball superstars the richest group of athletes in the world (and their agents rich beyond they deserve). I wonder what the CBA will have to say about the domestic NBA players share of revenues in the international side of the business. That is where the real competition will be.

The other critical questions concern the quality and “integrity” of the game. What wil fans get from this international expansion. Better basketball? Or a more controlled game that will lead to an underground X-League type of basketball? Another ABA-type league?

This development is worth watching and is extremely important to the New York Knick fans, as New York is still one of the leagues flagships.

___________________________

It’s time to listen to Michele Obama, so I’m outtie, but I will return from stealth mode after my trip around the blogosphere.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Aug 25, 2008 at 9:59 pm

I am so proud of Michele Obama.

Southside!!!!!

You know what’s good.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Aug 26, 2008 at 6:39 am

Morning Gents

The weeks tick away till training camp returns and a new season emerges.

Look forward to the fellowship on all sides of the indyblog divides.

@ Lives

Hit me up with the titles of those books your referenced about D’antoni.

I’d like to give them a read.

If you could post them on Literati,… with a link to online bookstore. Hey we never know.

Ok I’m out gents.

By Orange and Blue on Aug 26, 2008 at 9:49 am

O & B, the titles are 07 Seconds or Less; My Season on the Bench with the Runnin’ and Gunnin’ Phoenix Suns by Jack MacCullum and Can I Keep My Jersey: 11 Teams, 5 Countries, and 4 Years In My Life As A Basketball Vagabond by Paul Shirley. The first book is an engaging portrait of the 2005-2006 Suns as the author followed the team from training camp to playoff loss to the Dallas Mavericks. The second book is an informative, supposedly humorous but irritating account of Mr. Shirley’s travels and travails as a professional baller including his stint with the Suns in the 2004-2005 season.

I will soon write a brief post on what they tell us about Mike D’Antoni.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Aug 26, 2008 at 10:12 pm

D’Antoni has quite a task on his hands regardless of the intellect or so-called basketball IQ of his players. What he wants them to learn offensively takes practice and repetition, not anymore bball IQ than any other style. Practice and repetition (and darn good conditioning which is probably why the Knicks brought in Atkinson as a second conditioning coach). Decision-making on the run must be intuitive, not intellectualized. It must be second nature which only comes from repetition. The advantage that the Knicks have in this regard is that at least many of them have played together for a good part of the last two years, so they know a lot about each other. But that is a small advantage in a new “system/style/philosophy” which is going to require them to learn more about themselves.

D’Antoni’s practices are notoriously short because he is focused on a few of very specific things: conditioning, spacing, passing and shooting. We focus our comments on ball movement, but ball movement happens through running, spacing, positioning and passing.

The beauty of what he does is it’s simplicity. Generally, there is the fast break and there is the secondary break. The secondary break is what happens when the team does not get a lay-up immediately. His basic plays are simple. For example, in one offensive set, the point guard will make an entry pass to a post player and cut off the ball before going to screen a player in the corner. The player in the corner uses the pick to cut to the basket and the screener (point guard) turns to receive the pass for a shot.

In another, the point guard passes and screens away. Once the wing pops to the top, they run a screen and roll and the other wing slides to the top for a jumper.

But this is the kicker, almost every offensive drill is about team shooting and everybody, I mean everybody, shoots. In one drill (as Suns coach) at the end of every offensive set, the players are tossed a ball from where ever they are and are told to shoot. The idea is that everybody should be in a position to shoot at the end of the play or know where they can be available for a shot at the end of the play.

Another drill, that sounds delicious is the full-court weave which requires players to run and score 100 points in two minutes with everybody shooting.

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

The key for D’Antoni will be the point guard. And, you won’t like hearing it (I bet neither does Walsh), but the best point guard you have right now for D’Antoni’s style is Nate Robinson. Not a true point? Flawed? O.K. But D’Antoni is interested in ball movement, not just through the pass and cuts and kick backs, but off the dribble. Nate is the guard we know has been studying Nash even before the arrival of D’Antoni. Nate spent much of last summer watching Nash films and it showed in the summer league. But Nate’s entry passes into the post suck. Crawford will be forced to understand spacing on the break. He did not exhibit that understanding last year. His passing off the break is atrocious. I will guess that he will be Weber’s pet project.

Duhon is an unknown, but he better be shooting and running his tail off this summer. This is a great chance for Mardy Collins to shine. If he has the will, this staff will make him an excellent player. He can handle the ball, pass off the dribble, maintain his dribble, and score inside and get fouled. I like his skill set. I am uncertain about his mindset and how damaged he is from the past two years.

For now, Nate is your man.

******************
Who is the defensive guru? I can’t figure it out yet. Expect Alan to ask who is responsible for developing the defensive game plans for each team. I think it might be Weber. It won’t be Herb Williams or Dan D’Antoni, I hope. Greg Brittenham is a strength and conditioning guru and Kenny Atkinson comes to the Knicks after spending last season with the Houston Rockets where he was Director of Player Development. He was responsible for improving player performance through on-court, one-on-one skill development and the use of video analysis.

So what does this tell you? Perhaps Walsh and D’Antoni believe their players’ biggest problems involve conditioning and skill development. I take that as a bad and good sign. At least they recognize the problem (good sign). But that is a big problem for this offense (bad sign).

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Aug 27, 2008 at 2:32 am

Again Lives excellent read. I have to look into the books you laid out.

“The beauty of what he does is it’s simplicity. Generally, there is the fast break and there is the secondary break. The secondary break is what happens when the team does not get a lay-up immediately. His basic plays are simple. For example, in one offensive set, the point guard will make an entry pass to a post player and cut off the ball before going to screen a player in the corner. The player in the corner uses the pick to cut to the basket and the screener (point guard) turns to receive the pass for a shot.

In another, the point guard passes and screens away. Once the wing pops to the top, they run a screen and roll and the other wing slides to the top for a jumper.

But this is the kicker, almost every offensive drill is about team shooting and everybody, I mean everybody, shoots. In one drill (as Suns coach) at the end of every offensive set, the players are tossed a ball from where ever they are and are told to shoot. The idea is that everybody should be in a position to shoot at the end of the play or know where they can be available for a shot at the end of the play.

Another drill, that sounds delicious is the full-court weave which requires players to run and score 100 points in two minutes with everybody shooting.”

I get the impression that Isiah traded and drafted alot of athletic players, whose game from about 15 feet and out- save Crawford, Nate, and Marbury- was very limited. That situation was compounded by the chaos of the last several years, and in particular last year as conditioning became a bigger issue, the team hardly practiced.

This year the coach has an approach to the game, and is accompanied by a staff that will work these players to develop the missing aspects of their games that were ignored or went unharnessed in the prior regime.

Like I said on the Fanatics, it’s good that the team will be looking at themselves in the Mirror through the prism of D’antoni’s approach to the game.

Improvement will come from within and the squad has a braintrust in place who can execute that plan.

Hoops Michelango reborn in our boy D’antoni! Let’s see what masterpiece he can put together.

LGK!

By Orange and Blue on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:40 am

Morning Gents

I am shocked to hear about Kevin Duckwoth’s passing and that Wayman Tisdale lost part of one of his legs(amputation) due to bone cancer

Hope and pray that all is well with you men and yours that are near and dear

Lives in…

I believe I read more than once that Dan D’Antoni is supposed to be the defensive guy on the staff.

It’s a good day to be alive and to have all my fingers and toes!!!

By saipanknickster on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:45 am

Saipan

Every day is a good opporunity to count one’s blessings.

RIP KDuck those were some good lakers teams.

By Orange and Blue on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:56 am

My bad I meant good (not great) Trailblazers team.

No Freudian slip too much on my mind today.

By Orange and Blue on Aug 27, 2008 at 11:56 am

O&B

You are very right about being grateful and recognizing where one could be as opposed to where you actually are

as far the pre jailblazers yes that was a talented team just a little short on ferocity and meaness

By saipanknickster on Aug 27, 2008 at 12:58 pm

Yeah Saipan

I recall those Blazers teams as being a bit soft inside, and I recall Duckworth getting alot of bad press for that. But those teams reached to NBA Championship Finals so they couldn’t be that terrible.

Do you think the “run and gun” style of D’antoni’s will do much to reverse the terrible outings the Knicks had last year on back to back outings and other such scenarious requiring better conditioning.

By Orange and Blue on Aug 27, 2008 at 2:53 pm

Saipan,

Are you sure? There is no good answer on staff to the defensive guru question, but Dan has no NBA defensive planning experience. Although, a college hall of fame baller and a successful high school coach, he is really known for being a sounding board who prefers that players just play instead of living by Xs and Os. Say it ain’t so.

But, who does that leave. Herb? Does that sound right? He’s a nice guy and all, but his previous coaching record and his experience last year don’t speak well of his coaching abilities.

_____________________________

Thanks O&B, I’ll have some more material for you to digest within the two or three days.

By Lives In New Jersey, Loves New York on Aug 27, 2008 at 4:22 pm

Insight from you is always welcome Lives.

Can’t wait untill this upcoming season gets going.

I’m gonna need to get me an amazon.com account to get up to speed on some of those reads you suggested.

My local libraries don’t carry them titles but who knows maybe an interlibrary loan.

KnicksD

what do you think of the Z-bo the hero to Memphis rumors. Would Walker, and Milicic be sufficient in return in your opinion?

By Orange and Blue on Aug 27, 2008 at 7:12 pm

O&B

I think the run and gun will help the knicks, this year however i think it will take time b/c the players will have to adapt and the coach will have to figure what he has and how best to deploy them.

Of course D will not be the main priority but the most important thing is for these guys to learn how to get crucial stops at key points in the game. Duhon as a ball hound of the other team’s 1 will hopefully set a tone.

I am not saying they will be ganbusters but with the defined roles , coach’s positivity and player development from the rest of the staff they should improve.

as for the Blazers of the early 90’s they had a solid squad timing was their like the 90’s Knicks… bad timing in terms of who their foes were.

A friend once told me a great story about Clyde(Drexler) her classmate met clyde after graduation and calls my friend and says” I met this guy he said he’s in the NBA his name is Clyde Drexler.. and he wants to go out” this sister was not a sports fan but my friend was and is an avid Knicks and B ball fan . she responded “girl he’s one of the best and he’s well known.. say yes”.. Chick accpeted the date and they hit off and became .. the Mrs. (do not know if they are still together though)

Lives… I am sure I read that it was the ams intention that Dan D fill the defensive guy role… I do not recall reading that D was his area of expertise though.

By saipanknickster on Aug 27, 2008 at 7:53 pm

i meant teams intention

By saipanknickster on Aug 27, 2008 at 7:55 pm

Defenders,

These Zach to Memphis rumors are still holding water.

BUT,WHO ON THE GRIZZ IS WORTH TRADING FOR?

They do not have any big expiring contracts this year.They won’t put Mayo,Conley or Gay in the trade.Maybe we could get Warrick,maybe.They only want to unload Milicic and Jaric.If Warrick or Arthur is not coming in return,why do this trade.

Here is the latest article.

“While the Griz were courting Josh Smith they also had trade discussions regarding New York Knicks power forward Zach Randolph. Those discussions — mostly internal – are still ongoing as Randolph has been made available.

The Griz are willing to part with Darko Milicic (last year’s big free agent signing) in a package that wouldn’t require a core player (OJ Mayo, Rudy Gay, Mike Conley, etc). What the brain trust seems to be debating is whether Randolph fits the Grizzlies’ style on and off the court.

Randolph is a bonafide low-post scorer who can shoot along the perimeter and rebound. But he doesn’t offer much on defense, something the Griz desperately want to upgrade and Randolph’s character issues may present a problem.

That said, the Griz need talent. Randolph would beef up a thin power forward corps of Hakim Warrick and rookie Darrell Arthur. They’ve got a group of “nice guys” so adding one knucklehead in Randolph shouldn’t be a big deal. Although second-year head coach Marc Iavaroni struggled at times effectively communicating with players, he is credited with helping Phoenix big man Amare Stoudemire take his game to the next level”-Memphis Commerical Appeal

By D L T Knicks on Aug 27, 2008 at 8:46 pm

I mentioned that there was some Z-Bo the Hero to Memphis trade rumors floating around. If the trade is to get to the coveted 2010 mark w/o Zach’s onerous contract then it would seem to be an organizational “no brainer.”

However, if the Knicks are trying to get more out of Memphis i.e., a core player, a trade with those steaks don’t really favor the knicks. Article indicates that Memphis could help itself by strengthening its 4 spot and beefing up down low. The character issues and knowledge that the Knicks would like to have shorter term contracts in return gives Memphis a slight advantage in bargaining position.

Here’s my suggestion try either A or B and if neither sit well with you float me a plan C that is feasible. Both involve Dorko Milicic and unfortunately Antoine Walker but then again both of those contracts expire at 2010.

A

Z-BO for Milicic and Walker and a 2nd rounder from Memphis- remember their position is that their not parting with their young core players.

B

Z-Bo for Milicic and Walker and a swap of Denver’s 2nd rounder for Memphis 2nd rounder- this is assuming the braintrust presumes that Memphis will have higher draft picks b/c they will likely finish nearer the lottery than Denver.

I have a plan C let me get back to you guys.

———————————————

Ok DLT

Plan C

Z-Bo & Rose for Milicic, Walker and Jarric + offer our 2nd rounder from Denver and conditionally our own 2nd rounder for Memphis rights to the Lakers 1st round pick.

Reasoning. Z-bo’s game and Rose’s scholarliness and professionalism offset each other to positively strengthen Memphis front line. Milicic make James more expendable, provides Curry with a breather, and maybe just maybe under D’antoni finds that he has some game. Same goes for Walker who at one point in his career coupled a strong inside game with outsideshooting- I know he is streaky but he is an offensive threat and can spread the floor so there might just be use for him in D’anoni’s offense assuming he gets in shape. And best of all he is gone in 2years. Jarric well the best thing I can say is that Adriana Lima, Brazilian Super Model Katchinha gustoza muito bella eu seu muito apasionado, and then of course he is off our salary scale in 2years.

With two possibly early 2n round picks from us and Denver if they slip due to losing Camby, that would be close to equal value for Memphis rights to the Lakers late 1st rounder, and Rose comes off their cap in a year.

Win win.

Then again critique me and tell me I’m smoking something

feedback here.

OBTW check out RealGM tradechecker # Trade ID #4761202

———————————————–

Meant to say that Adrianna Lima is supposedly going out with Marko Jarric. Terrible tast in scraggly scruffy hairy Euro dudes.

Oh well what can you say about a malnourished babe from the 3rd world. Haha!

By Orange and Blue on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:28 pm

Check hoopsworld or RealGM I believe they have some updated News on Memphis’s possible continued interest in “Z-Bo the Hero!”

Also any feedback on my wacky trade ideas?

By Orange and Blue on Aug 28, 2008 at 10:37 am

from “The World According to Stern” Nov6,06,SI

“Believe me, the China situation bothers me,” Stern says one day, traveling between Paris and Cologne . “And a voice at home [he means Dianne, who is more outspoken about politics than he is] reminds me about it all the time.” He sighs heavily. “But at the end of the day I have a responsibility to my owners to make money,” he says. “I can never forget that, no matter what my personal feelings might be.” Stern doesn’t expand on that thought, which is atypical; his mind is nothing if not lawyerly, able to slither around and through the most vexing questions. But the road to China is littered with philosophical land mines, and as the NBA snuggles up to Beijing , it will be interesting to see if Stern speaks out when he’s troubled.”

Was that the sound of silence,or the rustle of contracts being signed.Was it just me or did these Olympics remind you of 1936?

By Tman on Aug 28, 2008 at 12:40 pm

Tman

Edumacate this poor soul on 1036 so I can better undersand and comment on the anology.

Blogg on!

By Orange and Blue on Aug 28, 2008 at 12:43 pm

I meant to say edumacate me about 1936

By Orange and Blue on Aug 28, 2008 at 1:33 pm

And the beat goes on…………..from Hoopsworld.

This morning’s top NBA story, in case you missed it, was a trade rumor that the New York Knicks and Memphis Grizzlies could be close to a deal that would send Antoine Walker and Darko Milicic to the Knicks for the often-rumored Zach Randolph. No doubt Knicks fans are scratching their heads . . .and maybe Grizzlies fans, too.

“First of all, Randolph isn’t as bad as I’ve heard people saying. He’s an incredibly charismatic guy, even crazy funny at times, but he’s really a big kid. He goes with the flow and is very easily influenced. It all comes down to who you want influencing him. In New York he doesn’t have much to choose from, but in Memphis he would have some outstanding guidance from the likes of Mike Conley, Rudy Gay, and now OJ Mayo - all of them outstanding citizens as well as being gifted basketball players. Marc Iavaroni, too, is a strong personality who could guide Zach in the right direction. The Grizzlies’ run-and-gun style of play would most certainly benefit Randolph, who is a great rebounder and scorer but struggles to commit to the defensive end. In this case a great offense could turn out to be his best defense.

On the Knicks side of the ledger, this would be all about taking $17 million off of their payroll in time for the 2010 NBA free agency period. Milicic’s deal ends that summer and Walker’s contract has a player option that could take him off the books even a year earlier should he choose to exercise it. Ultimately, the move would be made in order to set up a courtship of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James.

When you consider that the Grizzlies need another legit seven-footer to play alongside Marc Gasol and the Knicks are all about cap space in 2010, all of a sudden this move makes a lot of sense. As Steve Kyler reported this morning, a source close to the Grizzlies situation is admitting they’re considering it, so stay tuned for more on this possible trade.”

Can we get ONE good player out of the deal,Arthur?Warrick?

How do we get Walker(players option)to opt-out after 2 years?

This is basically telling us 2 years of losing for a HOPE of LBJ?

By D L T Knicks on Aug 28, 2008 at 2:10 pm

I see your point DLT.

But I thought the Walker portion of the deal was a team option not a player option.

Please clarify.

By Orange and Blue on Aug 28, 2008 at 2:45 pm

O&B

On the Knicks side of the ledger, this would be all about taking $17 million off of their payroll in time for the 2010 NBA free agency period. Milicic’s deal ends that summer and Walker’s contract has a player option that could take him off the books even a year earlier should he choose to exercise it.

By D L T Knicks on Aug 28, 2008 at 8:25 pm

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/ny-alanhahn,0,7554110,bio.columnist

By Jackie J. on Aug 28, 2008 at 9:55 pm

O&B

1936 was the year the Olympics were held in Germany. Hitler planned to use the Olympics as an example to show that superiority of Germans “Arian race”. Jesse Owens’ victories largely served to dispute that theory.

Many felt that the China Olympics were designed to show China’s physical domination.

By Kevin Harewood on Aug 29, 2008 at 8:30 am

Kevin thanks for filling in that question

While China my have global economic ambitions, be a rigid state at home and not acknowledge it’s record of endorsement or compliance with human rights abusers there and abroad, I don’t see that nation as a supremacist nation. But yes they did appear to act unethically, assuming kids were used in certain events, to rally up their nations medal and gold medal tally.

By Orange and Blue on Aug 29, 2008 at 2:52 pm

Knicks just traded Weis for Ewing. Seriously.

The New York Knicks have acquired Patrick Ewing, Jr. in a trade with Houston in exchange for the draft rights to center Frederic Weis.

“Patrick Ewing will have an opportunity here to compete for a spot on our roster,” said Donnie Walsh. “He is a solid defensive player and a very good athlete.”

Ewing, Jr. was originally drafted by Sacramento in the 2008 NBA Draft as the 43rd overall selection. He was traded to the Rockets on Aug. 14 as part of a multi-player deal that included Ron Artest.

“Coming to the Knicks, and hopefully being able to contribute, means a lot to me. It has always been my dream to play for this team,” Ewing, Jr. said. “My goal is to show the coaches that I can play and do all that I can to help the team win some games.”

Weis was New York’s first-round draft choice (15th overall) in 1999 and became controversial because they passed on Artest, who was known locally from playing at St. John’s and growing up in Queensbridge.

By PaulNoize on Aug 29, 2008 at 3:56 pm

Is that a good publicity move to promote goodwill or is it a move to secure a possibly undersized 4 with athleticsm to do some of the dirty work underneath the glass in the event Z-Bo is traded.

What’s your opinion?

By Orange and Blue on Aug 29, 2008 at 4:15 pm

Isn’t it more strange that Houston would do that deal? Weis is not coming over here to play. Sounds like Ewing Jr. has zero skill and the Rockets asked the Knicks if they want him before the Rockets cut him. Walsh probably figured that this is a little good press and a feel good story.

He cannot contribute in anyway to a professional basketball team. The best you can say about him is that he is long. Welcome to the NBA son. Everyone is long.

PC

By PC on Aug 29, 2008 at 4:31 pm

EWing Jr is athletic. He had one of the highest if not the highest verticle leap in POrtmouth camp. Also was one of the fastest if not the fastest in sprints. PLayed three and four in college. When at Indiana was disenchanted because they wanted him to play inside. Because of athleticism may develop into a defensive specialist type over time. Seems like a D leaguer or overseas player for seasoning at this point to me. Will work hard though

By kevin Harewood on Aug 29, 2008 at 6:31 pm